Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on a rain-slicked road Thursday evening.

The crash occurred on Arrow Highway near Armel Drive February 13. The pedestrian was taken to Los Angeles General Medical Center for treatment, according to Sgt. Johnson of the Azusa Police Department.

The pedestrian is in critical condition, Johnson told SGV CityWatch.

The driver remained at the scene. Arrow Highway remains closed between Azusa Avenue and Cerritos Avenue.

It is unclear what, if any, factors contributed to the crash. Although, this stretch of road is notorious for these crashes.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - Detectives are determining the motive for a late-night shooting that caused minor damage to a vehicle and a carport structure Saturday.

Callers reported gunfire around 10:53 p.m. in the 800 block of North Pasadena Avenue February 8. No gunshot victims were located, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Officers located evidence of a shooting. A nearby carport wall was hit by gunfire, as well as a vehicle bumper. There was apparently no suspect or vehicle description.

It is not publicly clear if a motive for the shooting was found.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - Two people were hospitalized after a shooting occurred in a residential area Tuesday night.

First responders were sent to East Newburgh Street and North Donna Beth Avenue around 8:19 p.m. January 21 to a report of a shooting with a victim down, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Details are few at the time this story launched. It is unclear if the second transported victim was hit by gunfire, or perhaps suffered some other medical emergency.

Several vehicles were witnessed fleeing the area. It is not publicly clear if investigators have identified a motive or identified any suspects.

No one was in custody at the time this interview was conducted (5:19 a.m.).

This area of town is the scene of frequent gang violence.

A man died in a shooting June of 2023.

A teen survived being shot in May 2023.

A teen was shot and wounded in the leg in February 2023.

Multiple teens were arrested in a December 2022 murder.

A wanted 18-year-old man was shot and killed while driving December 2022.

A victim survived a shooting in November 2021.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation apprehended an inmate who escaped an Azusa conservation camp January 6.

Santiago Duran, 35, walked away from the Julius Klein Conservation Camp, 2367 E. Fork Rd. Staff at the camp were notified around 3 p.m. of the missing inmate. An emergency count was conducted and Duran was confirmed missing.

At 5:15 p.m., January 7 Duran surrendered to the special service unit of the department of corrections in Sacramento.

Duran was received from Tulare County on July 7, 2023, to serve 10 years for criminal threats with enhancements of using a firearm. He is also charged with corporal injury, second striker, possessing a firearm as a felon, second striker, according to the Department of Corrections.

“Duran will be rehoused at a prison and his case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of escape charges,” according to the Department of Corrections in a written statement.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

LOS ANGELES - A man who reportedly confessed to lighting a fire at a park near the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Azusa will have charges officially filed against him Monday.

Jose Carranza-Escobar reportedly admitted to igniting a fire at Pioneer Park, 1360 N. Dalton Ave., January 10. A vigilant resident witnessed the fire and called first responders, according to the Azusa Police Department.

The incident happened around 11:37 p.m. Friday.

“During the investigation, Carranza admitted to starting the fire and was arrested for Arson. He was subsequently booked at the Azusa Police Department Jail and is currently being held in custody,” according to the Azusa Police Department in a written statement.

Newly-elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman will announce charges against Carranza in a Monday press conference. He will also announce charges against those accused of looting homes affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

City of Azusa Public Works along with Azusa Light and Water assessed the damage caused by the fire, but police did not specify what was damaged.

Carranza is being held in the Azusa jail ahead of an appearance in West Covina Superior Court.

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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 - The community is grappling with the shocking and senseless death of an aspiring 17-year-old athlete, artist and cheerleader who was murdered Friday night.

Angelina Gonzales was identified by school officials and family members in the hours after her death.

Gonzales was stabbed in the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue December 20. She died at a hospital. The 18-year-old suspect is in custody, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“Angelina was an exceptional young woman whose talents and energy touched the lives of so many around her,” according to a statement from the Azusa Unified School District. “Angelina was a bright light in the classroom and a dedicated member of the cheer squad and wrestling team, where she demonstrated incredible spirit and determination.”

In June, Gonzales earned first place recognition in the Congressional Art Competition. Her work is currently displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Her artwork also won the Judge’s Choice Award in 2022.

Angelina was headed for college after graduation. Her family and friends have the arduous task of grieving over her death while attempting to pick up the pieces and move forward with celebrating her life.

“Angelina was so much more than her achievements. She was a light in all our lives—a kind, loving, and vibrant soul who brought joy, laughter, and love wherever she went. Her smile lit up every room, and her determination inspired everyone around her. She had big dreams, a big heart, and an even bigger impact on her family, friends, and community,” according to a statement published on the family’s gofundme page.

>>DONATE HERE

The Azusa Unified School District is offering social-emotional support district families through Care Solace.

>>ACCESS RESOURCES HERE

The Suspected murderer, 18-year-old Daniel Rodriguez, was arrested December 21 and remains in custody in the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. He is being held in lieu of $2 million bail ahead of a scheduled appearance in West Covina Superior Court December 24.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - Investigators announced the arrest of a man accused of stabbing to death a 17-year-old girl in Azusa.

The 18-year-old suspect is an Azusa resident and acquaintance of the teen, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The suspect’s name is not readily available.

Azusa Police officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call around 10 p.m. in the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue December 20. The 17-year-old victim was transported to a hospital for treatment where she died.

The circumstances leading to the suspect’s arrest have not been disclosed.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - A woman discovered suffering from stab wounds died after she was taken to a hospital Friday night.

The wounded woman was found in the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue around 10 p.m. December 20. First responders were sent to the location on a reported assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

It is unclear if homicide detectives have identified a suspect, or a motive for the stabbing.

Anyone with information on this stabbing is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. 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 - Two suspects were arrested November 27 after a reported sighting of a man with a gun led to the discovery of loaded weapon.

Officers with the Azusa Police Department Gang Unit responded to the 1000 block of West Fourth Street around 7:18 p.m. to locate a man with a gun. A high-risk traffic stop was performed on a vehicle leaving the neighborhood. The occupants of the vehicle are documented gang members, according to the Azusa Police Department.

In addition to the loaded 9mm handgun, officers found a loaded gun clip, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Paul Medina and Dennis Robert Ayon were arrested. Probation holds were placed on both suspects.

Medina, 40, and Ayon, 44, are being held in the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. Both men are scheduled to appear in West Covina Superior Court: Ayon on December 2, Medina on December 3, according to Los Angeles Superior Court records.

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

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

AZUSA - Police arrested a man November 1 and reportedly discovered a weapon and ammunition tucked into a backpack he allegedly discarded during an attempted escape on foot.

Officers performing gang suppression operations at 1151 W. Arrow Hwy. around 8:18 p.m. attempted to speak with David Daniel Delgado, 36, and three other males. All four fled on foot, according to the Azusa Police Department.

Officers recovered the backpack Delgado allegedly discarded during the foot pursuit.

“Upon recovering the backpack, officers discovered a loaded short-barreled rifle along with three loaded magazines concealed inside,” according to the Azusa Police Department in a written statement.

Delgado, an Azusa man, was arrested and booked on suspicion of multiple gun-related charges, including being a prior felon in possession of a firearm, according to the Azusa Police Department.

He is being held without bail in the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles ahead of a scheduled appearance in West Covina Superior Court Tuesday, November 5.