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Cop's Car Stolen From Monrovia, Set on Fire

The reserve police officer's gun and badge were stolen from the vehicle before it was set on fire, a TV station reported.

A car stolen from a reserve police officer was found on fire today in El Monte, and the officer's badge and firearm were missing from the vehicle, police said.

Firefighters sent to the 11700 block of Hallwood Drive shortly after midnight extinguished the fire, and the investigation led to the owner, who told police the badge and firearm were missing, said El Monte police Lt. Dan Burlingham.

The vehicle was stolen some time Wednesday from the Monrovia residence of a San Fernando Police Department reserve officer, Fox 11 reported.

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Richard Christy November 8, 2012 at 02:58 pm
This must be the start of the revolution that Trump called for! If Obama had lost, there would be 100 comments here right now.
SgtJackWagon November 8, 2012 at 03:22 pm
Who knows if this stolen police patrol car is linked to the presidential election, but it is completely possible. One of my main questions would be centered around, who in their right mind, especially a Police Officer, would, for one second, leave his loaded service revolver, and Police badge in the car. I honestly can't think of any instance that would support this method of thinking, and due to this officers lack of common sense and bad judgement, should be relieved of duty and or terminated immediately.
Treelichen November 8, 2012 at 03:45 pm
The article didn't say it was a police car. It sounds like it was his personal car. Reserve officers are volunteers, and are not issued police cars to take home.
Richard Christy November 8, 2012 at 03:56 pm
Rah Sgt! Yeah, let's fire the guy and make sure he can never work again! Let's make sure his entire life is ruined! Let's make sure this follows him for the rest of his life. Hopefully his wife and kids will live on food stamps and government assistance forever!
lynn November 8, 2012 at 03:59 pm
No, this mean a criminal is running around with a badge and a gun. People need to be concerned and weary. Get over it already.
R. Ray Morford November 8, 2012 at 04:06 pm
(1) First, I'm pleased the Reserve Officer is unharmed. (2) Never leave A weapon and Identification in a vehicle. Some one observed/knew the officer left his equipment in the vehicle. I do not believe this was a random act.
SgtJackWagon November 8, 2012 at 04:46 pm
Well Mr. Christy, where would you put this Police Officers behavior on the common sense meter?
What would be your suggestion as a punishment for his behavior? I am not trying to crucify the man, but I sure wouldn't put him back on the street for a period of time, and that means he has to be relieved of duty. Should I strike the word, "terminated." That depends on the outcome of the investigation. No one, to include me, is suggesting that this Police Officer be forced to accept government help, but there is a clear lack of responsibility in this situation and his behavior.
SgtJackWagon November 8, 2012 at 04:48 pm
I agree with you R.Ray, and the fact that it was found on fire in El Monte, makes the situation even more questionable.
SgtJackWagon November 8, 2012 at 04:52 pm
You're are right Treelichen. I stand corrected. Read it wrong Thanks for pointing that out.
lynn November 8, 2012 at 05:38 pm
Some thug steals a car and you all are making it into a political statement???
Explain all the thefts that happened before! They have been breaking into and stealing cars for quiet awhile. Nothing new. It's possible he find out a has an officers car and he burns it, or he could be afraid of evidence being left behind because OMG he stole the wrong car. Christy is just pissed. The reservist made a huge mistake. This might not be his bread and butter job either. You have the ask the man if he even gets paid. Reservist do not always get a paycheck
Ellen Zunino November 8, 2012 at 06:13 pm
A car thief - never a rare thing in this area - just happened to find and take more than he planned on finding in a car. Would you expect a car thief to leave valuables behind? Whether it's a gun and a badge or an iPad and a checkbook, it's all the same to them: It's theirs once they take possession of the car. Valuables should never be left in cars. Period. No matter what they are.
Gayle M. Montgomery November 8, 2012 at 06:50 pm
So I suspect the officer has already paid if this is his personal vehicle or will pay with higher insurance rates. He's probably also the brunt of his force's jibes and maybe some serious talking to. But I question the judgment of any officer leaving anything of value in a vehicle given the rash of vehicular burglaries that occur in Monrovia. Cops can't be in all places at all times, and the thugs are counting on it. But it's like hosting a backyard barbeque for a bear, leaving food out, and not understanding that it was going to get taken. We all need to wise up under this situation, cops included. I could be wrong, but it seems the burglars have been operating in a core that radiates from Pavillions. Do we have any fact pattern that is different? That seems to me to be the area on which to focus for these creeps.
Beth Chrisinger November 9, 2012 at 02:09 pm
What the posting didn't add is that he was at his own house and it was his own car. The gun part, people have guns; why was it in his car? No clue he could have bought it that day. Had to be driven home some point. Are you telling me that you have never got into your car left it running while in your own drive way to run into your house because you forgot something? He is being reamed as is not only by the volunteer program, but also by the media and probably his family too. Yes it was dumb of him to leave his badge in car but maybe like most volunteer, police and fire dept officials they have them in wallets. Have you ever left a wallet some where in plain sight where you might have forgotten it was there? I'm sure you have. No one is perfect and should be judged that way. shame on you. Your lack of responsibility is seeing it from both sides and thinking of the reasons why that person did what he did whether it is on accident or on purpose. I apologize for being harsh on you but your the only post that only sees it as a "my way or the high way". So please be more positive and open to other options as to why. Remember the media doesn't always tell the truth or not all of the truth. I agree with a probation period but not fired for a mistake that took place off duty.
Lastly EVERYONE stop with the politics and shoulda coulda. Obama won that is that enough said i didn't vote for him but I know there is no point in complaining about it and linking every darn event to it.
Kate K. November 9, 2012 at 07:52 pm
Still, seems like a very bad idea to leave one's badge and firearm in a car when not driving it.
Kate K. November 9, 2012 at 07:54 pm
Election's over. Can we all let go of the political "attitudes" for 3 or 4 years?
lynn November 9, 2012 at 09:51 pm
Worst yet he got uniforms...Great now we find out we have a thug with everything he needs to impersonate an officer. People need to be careful.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_21957350/san-fernando-reserve-police-officers-car-stolen-burned
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
genevieve June 19, 2013 at 07:39 am
Oh Please, Please take a look at all the working class in menial jobs. They aren't coming here withRead More bags of money or people with it. They aren't getting expensive care from us. They go to the county and wait hours on end.
genevieve June 19, 2013 at 07:45 am
I am totally against anything re: amnesty until boarders are secured. It ticks me off to see momsRead More with lots of kids and you know darn well we are paying for them. If we supposedly continue paying for all these kids, rewarding illegals nothing gets solved. The same is to be said for the other visitors??
genevieve June 19, 2013 at 07:47 am
Why does it seem more acceptable for the Chinese. They have more resources to get their newbornsRead More pictures at the arcadia post office.
rubberband June 12, 2013 at 10:17 pm
See other post about this: It needed to happen...(Ancient Burial Ground that was desecrated) but IRead More maintain we should get some sort of "cleansing" or burn some incense/sage or call for an exorcism. I believe the evil mojo needs to be banished before we build again.........
donna mills June 8, 2013 at 04:40 pm
Hi Therese, I am good friends with Star Shields. He is a busy face painter, and often needs back-upRead More either at the Summer festival in Laguna Beach, now underway, or with one of his other commitments. If you're interested, I would be happy to give you his contact details via email.
Therese B. June 8, 2013 at 11:08 pm
Hi Donna! Star is a good friend of mine too!!! He is more an airbrush artist (and a darn goodRead More one!!) then a face painter. But he is truly a legend in his craft. I have been lucky enough to work with him and learn from him too! I just wish he wasn't so far away :( Nice to hear from you!
donna mills June 11, 2013 at 03:52 pm
Oh wow! what a small world! Best, Donna
rubberband June 7, 2013 at 04:22 pm
Old fashioned country vet "patchin' up" was some of the cool stuff I was taught growingRead More up. Splinting a bird's wing or leg, getting a thorn out of a slightly infected cat or dog paw was part of learning. I am NOT saying to eliminate/not see a REAL vet, however some things can be handled at home with a bit of basic medical knowledge and Bactine/hot clean water and towels/tweezers and some loving hands to hold Fido or Snowball when you can do it yourself. I am already bracing myself for the angry openly hostile messages this post might draw, so it's OK if you feel the need to do so. Watching some of my older friends who have limited income spend THOUSANDS of dollars for a beloved pet out of pressure/and what I call "pusher's guilt" sorta made me feel like mentioning that in the old days, some of the animal care was done by a wise farm woman/man...not all vets are crooks, and not all pet needs need put you in the poor house.
lynn June 7, 2013 at 07:24 pm
I love the old farmers remedies, particularly for mange however when dealing with elderly animalsRead More and certain conditions you just get around it. The farmers remedies are often slow working causing more pain then an animal needs to go through. I try holistic meds quite often for some bacterial infections and they are slow too. Cats in particular are difficult treat. They are great in some situations but in others the it is not appropriate. I will attempt the at home first then the vet. My recent situation was a neglected kitty I rescued with a 1.25 lb cyst I had no idea she had the cyst just thought she was matted. I was trying to get her shaved. Kitty's don't cooperate for though things. One thing led to another she ends up on the operating table. No rescue groups would help me and that's where my anger is directed. I have been donating to different groups monthly for more then 20 years. At one point three different groups at the same time. No one helped me when I needed it. I'm done.
rubberband June 8, 2013 at 11:31 pm
@Lynn: Reading your posts I felt some anger FOR you. HUGE animal lover here, and ALL my pets areRead More rescues/fosters except for the Robo dwarf hamster. Love my cats, and know there just some things you can't do to a kitty without risking kitty AND your own safety. What you have experienced was pretty much the exact thing I saw some older friends go thru...Care about their pets, want to get help, and can't seem to get any or get SOME but with hidden costs and "guilt trips" at the end. If no one said it, thanks for helping critters out and giving when you could. Sorry it was not rewarded.
donna mills June 3, 2013 at 01:20 pm
Gasp! Seriously? OMG--Poltergeist get behind me!!
rubberband June 3, 2013 at 01:48 pm
Donna...Poor Donna. My dear, it is too late. Call that weird yet cute little tiny lady toRead More "clean" your home and get your kids out of the television. ......oh and if you have a pool...DO NOT GO SWIMMING.
Dan Crandell June 3, 2013 at 01:58 pm
Love you Donna. Your comment should have been "Poltergeist get ""thee""Read More behind me"!!!!! All in fun.
Don Ryman May 31, 2013 at 10:07 am
ask andy Montgomery on fb
Robert Parry May 31, 2013 at 01:48 pm
I've recently spoken to Gayle. She's fine, just taking a bit of a mental hygiene breather.
Buzlightyear aka marty June 1, 2013 at 12:11 am
I am glad to hear she is good. I don't do facebook so I will simply take it that she will commentRead More again. She was my first "Patch" debate with someone on the other side of issues......You know, sentimental thing for your first time.... LOL. Just tell her Buzzlightyear "Marty" said hi if either of you two talk to her.