Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - Two suspects were arrested recently in connection with the theft of two fire hydrants that took place on September 11.

The recent theft of fire hydrants in Azusa occurred at Azusa Veterans Way and Sierra Madre Avenue around 10:45 p.m. September 11. The Azusa Police Directed Enforcement Unit and Detective Bureau worked to identify and arrest two suspects, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Multiple search warrants in and outside of Los Angeles County were served, including in Riverside County. Two stolen fire hydrants from the September 11 theft were recovered, along with other hydrants unrelated to this investigation, according to the Azusa Police Department.

It is unclear if these two suspects are tied to the hydrant thefts that occurred at the end of July, or if detectives have made any headway with that investigation.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200. Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - An accused speedster is facing more than just a traffic violation after allegedly leading police on a pursuit and brief standoff.

An officer attempted to stop a high-speed driver in the 200 block of North Cerritos Avenue just after 11 p.m. September 11, but the driver allegedly refused to stop. A pursuit was initiated on surface streets and then to the east 210 freeway, according to the Azusa Police Department.

The pursuit exited onto Grand Avenue in Glendora where the driver stopped and barricaded himself inside the truck. After a few minutes of negotiations, the driver continued the pursuit, according to the Azusa Police Department.

An officer successfully employed the Pursuit Intervention Technique and disabled the truck.

The pursuit ended in Citrus Avenue north of Gladstone Street. A CityWatch reader documented the pursuit aftermath.

“During a search of the vehicle, a loaded handgun with an extended magazine was located inside of the glove compartment,” according to the Azusa Police Department in a written statement.

John West Spradley, 36, was booked on suspicion of felony evading, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of an undetectable firearm, carrying a loaded firearm and obstructing or delaying a police officer.

Spradley is being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles ahead of a scheduled appearance in appearance Friday, September 13.

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The arrest record in this article is being redistributed by SGV CityWatch and is protected by constitutional, publishing and other legal rights. Arrest information is public record and was distributed by government sources. The person named in this article has only been arrested on suspicion of the crime(s) listed and is presumed innocent.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - Four students were arrested Friday, September 6, after a series of fights broke out on the Azusa high school campus.

Law enforcement was called to the high school, 240 N. Cerritos Ave., just before noon. Officers arrived and observed numerous fights occurring simultaneously.

“Officers, with the assistance of campus security and school officials were able to calm the situation and send students back to class,” according to the Azusa Police Department in a written statement.

Charges include resisting/delaying a peace officer, bringing weapons onto school grounds(Brass Knuckles) and battery.

Because the students are minors, their names will not be released.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Azusa Police Department Detective Bureau at 626-812-3200. Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - A man is facing kidnapping and other charges related to the assault of a female Azusa Pacific University September 6.

The suspect, 32 year old Chima Njoku, who also goes by Jake Christopher, found his victim while she was sitting in her vehicle in the Citrus College parking lot, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., around 6 p.m. He reportedly asked her about the weather and while she was distracted by her phone, entered through an unlocked passenger door, according to the Azusa Police Department.

The victim ordered the suspect out, but he allegedly refused and told her to drive to nearby Azusa Pacific University. Out of fear for her life, she complied.

The victim was told to stop on Shire Lane at the university, where she once again told the suspect to exit. He allegedly then attacked her and attempted to sexually assault her, according to the Azusa Police Department.

The suspect fled before officers arrived.

The victim then directed officers to Alosta Avenue and Calera Avenue, where the suspect was found hiding under a vehicle. The suspect fled, but was caught after a brief foot chase, according to the Azusa Police Department.

The suspect allegedly attempted to assault officers before his arrest.

Njoku, a View Park resident, was booked on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment, attempted rape by force or violence knowingly resisting an officer by use of force or violence.

Njoku is being held in lieu of $1 million bail ahead of a scheduled appearance in West Covina Superior Court September 10.