Monterey Park Police Announce Arrest of Hit and Run Suspect

On November 18, 2019, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Monterey Park Police officers responded to a call of a traffic collision in the intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Newmark Avenue. Upon arrival, officers learned that a 14 year old male, identified as Joshua Madrid, was struck by a vehicle while riding his skateboard across Atlantic Boulevard. The vehicle then fled southbound on Atlantic Boulevard. Monterey Park Fire Department paramedics transported Madrid to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The Monterey Park Police Detective and Traffic Bureaus responded to investigate the collision. The preliminary investigation indicates Madrid was not in the marked crosswalk and entered the intersection on a red traffic signal when he was struck by a vehicle travelling southbound on Atlantic Boulevard.

On November 22, 2019, detectives located a white minivan involved in the traffic collision and subsequently arrested the driver for hit and run and vehicular manslaughter.

The suspect is identified as: Cristina Navarro, 63, Montebello, Calif.

Navarro is out on bond and set to appear in the Alhambra Superior Court on February 24, 2020 for arraignment.

Investigators continue to ask persons who witnessed the collision, or have information about it, to contact the Monterey Park Police Department at 626-307-1200.

Monterey Park Police Respond to Firearm Found Near Repetto Elementary School

On December 5, 2019, at approximately 1:16 p.m., Monterey Park Police officers responded to a call of a firearm, which was found on the outside perimeter of the Repetto Elementary School campus. In an abundance of caution, Repetto Elementary School and the surrounding area was searched both by police officers and an article detection canine. No additional weapons were located and there have been no known threats made to the school.

The Monterey Park Police Department and Alhambra Unified School District have an excellent working relationship and take the safety and security of students and school staff very seriously. An additional search of the campus will be conducted before school resumes on Friday, December 6, 2019 and the Monterey Park Police Department will provide extra patrol and visibility on and around the campus.

The Monterey Park Police Department Detective Bureau is investigating this incident.

Monterey Park Police Determine Origin of Firearm Found Near Repetto Elementary School

On December 5, 2019, at approximately 1:16 p.m., Monterey Park Police officers responded to a call of a firearm, which was found on the outside perimeter of the Repetto Elementary School campus. In an abundance of caution, Repetto Elementary School and the surrounding area was searched both by police officers and an article detection canine. No additional weapons were located and there have been no known threats made to the school.

It was later discovered the firearm had been stolen in a residential burglary in the 600 block of Garfield Avenue in Monterey Park earlier in the day and appears to have been discarded by the fleeing suspect. The burglary was reported when the residents returned home from work.

The Monterey Park Police Department and Alhambra Unified School District have an excellent working relationship and take the safety and security of students and school staff very seriously. Out of an abundance of caution an additional search of the campus will be conducted before school resumes on Friday, December 6, 2019 and the Monterey Park Police Department will provide extra patrol and visibility on and around the campus.

The Monterey Park Police Department Detective Bureau is investigating this incident.

Monterey Park Police: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This Holiday Season

National enforcement campaign through New Year’s

Monterey Park Police Department encourages everyone attending holiday parties and gatherings where alcohol may be involved to use a designated sober driver.

This holiday season, from December 13 to New Year’s, Monterey Park Police Department will have more officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Unfortunately, this time of year is when we see more people driving impaired,” Monterey Park Police Chief Jim Smith said. “There is no excuse for driving after drinking or using drugs that impair. There are many ways to get home safely without driving.”

Monterey Park Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

So, if you are hosting a holiday party, offer non-alcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor how people are getting home. If someone has been drinking and tries to leave, offer to have them stay the night or take ride-share home.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.