Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - A vigilant resident scared off a would-be burglar April 23 as he was being watched through a surveillance camera.

The suspect scoped out a parked vehicle and tried to take a child’s scooter before the resident yelled at him in the 100 block of North Barbara Avenue just before 1:30 a.m.

The suspect scared off in Azusa bears a striking resemblance to the suspect sought by Irwindale Police for at least two vehicle burglaries and attempting multiple other vehicle break-ins in the 16000 block of Calle Breceda April 23 between 12:10 a.m. and 12:15 a.m.

AZUSA - The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report recently indicating the causes that contributed to a crash that injured six of water Los Angeles County sheriffs rescue helicopter.

The Eurocopter AS332L1 that was being flown March 19 to treat and transport a crash victim along Highway 39 north of Azusa became engulfed in dust as it descended to about five feet above a dirt turnout. The main rotors struck a nearby tree. The helicopter crashed and rolled over in the landing zone, according to the NTSB.

Of the six people on board, four suffered serious injuries. Two received minor injuries.

The crash occurred around 5:07 p.m.

As the pilot in command, who was behind the controls, the other pilot and crew chief coordinated a landing, the trio discussed a potential dust hazard known as a “brownout” and tree hazard, according to the NTSB.

As the Sheriff’s Air Rescue 5 helicopter descended on the landing zone, the pilot in command heard the crew chief say “hold.” As the descent slowed, a dust cloud overcame the helicopter, according to the NTSB.

The six on board had to be extricated from the crashed helicopter. Brackets securing the pilot in command’s lap belt also fractured from their position, according to the NTSB.

The main rotor system and fuselage sustained major damage.

The wreckage was taken to a secure location for further investigation, according to the NTSB.

AZUSA – A multi-agency investigation involving Azusa and Glendora detectives into catalytic converter thefts last year led to the discovery of the stolen items being stored and sold in Pomona.

Eight suspects were arrested April 2 after a search warrant was served. Numerous catalytic converters were found, as well as nearly $40,000 in cash, firearms, narcotics, items taken during railroad cargo thefts and other metal theft-related items, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Additional warrants were served with help from the task force comprised of the California Highway Patrol and Union Pacific Railroad Police. The value of the stolen cargo is estimated at $100,000, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Azusa Police property crimes detectives began investigating the catalytic converter theft and learned stolen converters from Azusa, several other local cities and converters from San Bernardino County were being stored and sold in the San Gabriel Valley prior to being transported for recycling, according to the Azusa Police Department.

The eight suspects face charges including possession of stolen property, felony vandalism, vehicle theft, firearms violations, narcotics violations, probation and parole violations, according to the Azusa Police Department.

“This investigation continues to be ongoing. The Azusa Police Department is committed to curbing thefts related to catalytic converters within the City of Azusa, as well as working with other local agencies to combat this issue within the San Gabriel Valley and other parts of Southern California,” according to the Azusa Police Department in a written statement.

Assisting Azusa and Glendora detectives were the Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention, Foothill Special Enforcement Team, San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force, Chino Hills Station Multiple Enforcement Team, Chino Police Department, Los Angeles County Probation and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Metal Theft Investigator.