Police announced in the neighborhood watch report this week that Emma Tapia-Gonzalez, the driver in a hit-and-run that left 12-year-old Berenice De La Torre severely injured, accepted a 180-day jail sentence and three years probation after pleading guilty to all charges. Tapia-Gonzalez is due back in court for official sentencing on Mar. 2.
Also in this week's blotter: a man allegedly brandished a BB gun at a bar and alleged bike thieves were apprehended. Read on for more.
The following information was provided by the :
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 470 service events, resulting in 106 investigations.
Vehicle Burglaries
On January 30, officers responded to several vehicle burglary reports at a condominium complex in the 100 block of West Colorado in the secured tenant parking area. Items taken varied from car parts to in-dash radios. Additionally, a garage door opener was taken in one of the burglaries. The investigation is continuing.
Theft - Suspects Arrested
On January 31 at 11:27 p.m., a witness called police and reported a male and female suspect stealing his neighbor's bicycle from the 100 Block of West Colorado. An officer stopped a couple matching the description near the location. The witness positively identified both suspects and they were still in possession of the bicycle. The victim desires prosecution. They were both arrested for the theft.
Theft From a Vehicle
On February 1 at 3:10 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of East Los Angeles regarding a theft from a vehicle. The victim's front bumper was missing from his 2000 Honda Civic. Investigation continuing.
Brandishing a Replica Firearm - Suspect Arrested
On February 1 at 11:35 p.m., police received a call reporting a man with a gun inside a bar in the 100 block of East Olive. The reporting party said the male suspect had displayed a handgun, causing the customers to become fearful. Officers arrived and the man was detained without incident. The weapon was a BB gun that looked like a pistol. The suspect claimed to be a gang member and said he needed the gun for protection. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Hit & Run Traffic Collision - Suspect pleads to Felony Charge
On January 27, a occurred at Huntington and Canyon, where a 12-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle as she tried to cross the street. The driver fled the scene, but through investigation, . The child was severely injured and was taken by helicopter to a hospital in critical condition. Detectives submitted the felony hit and run case to the District Attorney for filing. The suspect pled to the felony charge and accepted a sentence of 180 days in jail and 3 years probation.
Search Warrant - Additional Victim Identified
A proactive investigation by patrol officers gave Monrovia Police Department's Detective Bureau enough information to secure a search warrant for a residence in the 200 block of West Olive, which was served on January 25. The residents are suspected to be selling stolen property and narcotics from the residence. An additional victim was identified this week from this case. That brings the total to six victims of theft.
