BALDWIN PARK – Three robbery suspects were arrested July 14, accused of committing multiple armed robberies across three cities the night before.

The suspects were mobile in a dark-colored SUV. At least one suspect used a handgun to threaten victims in all the crimes, authorities said.

The as-of-yet unidentified suspects robbed at least three victims in Baldwin Park along Francisquito Avenue around Baldwin Park Boulevard, according to Sgt. Balzano of the Baldwin Park Police Department.

In Baldwin Park, one robbery was reported at 9:14 p.m., a second at 9:43 p.m. and a third at 11:07 p.m. A handgun was used during the robberies. The suspects were able to get away with some stolen property, Balzano told SGV CityWatch, adding that he did not immediately know how many of the Baldwin Park robberies were successful.

Investigators believe the same suspects attempted and failed to take a wallet from one victim at East Badillo Street and South First Avenue around 10:16 p.m., according to Sgt. Keith Sutherland of the Covina Police Department.

At least one robbery attempt occurred in West Covina the same night. Multiple attempts to speak with a West Covina supervisor Thursday morning were unsuccessful.

Baldwin Park officers located the suspects in the 3100 block of Syracuse Avenue and set a containment search with the help of a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s helicopter. After roughly two hours, the suspects were arrested, Balzano told SGV CityWatch.

No victims in the Baldwin Park and Covina robberies were wounded.

LOS ANGELES – Investigators have named the boy killed in a shooting that took the life of his mother.

Angel Velazquez died after being hospitalized June 5. He was just 6 years old, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Angel’s mother, 23-year-old Yesli Velazquez Gonzalez, was identified recently. Investigators believe Gonzalez’s boyfriend, 36-year-old Rigoberto Covarrubias, pulled the trigger during a domestic fight in the 4200 block of Merced Avenue.

Baldwin Park Police officers went to the home after calls of gunfire and found both Angel and Yesli suffering gunshot wounds to their upper torsos. Yesli died at the scene.

Gonzalez was further identified as being a staff member of the Baldwin Park Unified School District. Her still unidentified son was a student, according to district superintendent Froilan Mendoza.

“There is nothing more difficult in life than telling a child that someone that is near to their heart has suddenly passed, and even more so when the death has shaken an entire community,” Mendoza said in a written statement. “We know that no simple explanation can lessen the grief felt by so many. It is in these moments that we must rely on each other for comfort and support, and know that an act of kindness, no matter how brief, can provide solace during the healing process.”

Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor, First District, took to social media June 6 to register her frustration and sorrow over the killings.

“My heart is heavy with the news that last night, a mother and child were tragically murdered in a domestic violence-related shooting in Baldwin Park. This senseless act of violence has devastated our community and it will not go unanswered,” Solis said. “We must make sure that the individual responsible is held accountable for this egregious act, and I am committed to bringing this person to justice.”

Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Provide information anonymously 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

LOS ANGELES - The woman killed in a shooting that took the life of her young boy was identified Tuesday.

Yesli Velasquez Gonzalez, a 23-year-old Baldwin Park resident, was identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. Her child, believed to be as old as 7, will be publicly identified after next of kin have been notified.

According to CBS2 news, homicide investigators have identified the gunman as a 36-year-old Rigoberto Covarrubias, who is apparently Gonzalez’s boyfriend. He remains at-large.

The shooting was likely part of a domestic fight, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.

Gonzalez was further identified as being a staff member of the Baldwin Park Unified School District. Her still unidentified son was a student, according to district superintendent Froilan Mendoza.

“There is nothing more difficult in life than telling a child that someone that is near to their heart has suddenly passed, and even more so when the death has shaken an entire community,” Mendoza said in a written statement. “We know that no simple explanation can lessen the grief felt by so many. It is in these moments that we must rely on each other for comfort and support, and know that an act of kindness, no matter how brief, can provide solace during the healing process.”

Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor, First District, took to social media June 6 to register her frustration and sorrow over the killings.

“My heart is heavy with the news that last night, a mother and child were tragically murdered in a domestic violence-related shooting in Baldwin Park. This senseless act of violence has devastated our community and it will not go unanswered,” Solis said. “We must make sure that the individual responsible is held accountable for this egregious act, and I am committed to bringing this person to justice.”

​Baldwin Park Police responded to the 4200 block of Merced Avenue June 5 to a report of gunfire around 9:22 p.m. Officers located a woman and child in a rear yard, both suffered gunshot wounds to the upper torso.

​Gonzalez died at the scene. Her boy was Hospitalized and later died.

Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Provide information anonymously 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

This story has been updated, correcting the general age of the juvenile victim.

BALDWIN PARK - A suspect is possibly still at-large Monday after killing a woman and child June 5.

Police responded to calls of gunfire in the 4200 block of Merced Avenue around 9:22 p.m. Officers located a woman and child suffering gunshot wounds to their upper torsos, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

The woman died at the scene, the elementary-age child was taken to a hospital where he later died.

“Detectives believe this is a domestic-related incident and the suspect fled the scene,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau in a written statement.

Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Provide tips anonymously 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

BALDWIN PARK - A student of Sierra Vista High School was arrested May 31 after he continually sent threats against his school, threatening that explosive devices were planted on campus.

The FBI assisted Baldwin Park Police detectives and identifying the suspect. He was arrested May 31, the same day he sent more threats to Sierra Vista Staff, and evidence was seized from his home, according to the Baldwin Park Police Department.

13 initially sent an email thread May 25. It was that day he threatened explosive devices were planted on campus. The message was sent after classes ended that day.

“A large police response was initiated including explosives detection canine teams from many local area police agencies. No devices were found or detonated,” according to the Baldwin Park Police Department.

Detectives will seek criminal prosecution for these threats. Anyone with information I can help the investigation is urged to call Alden Park police detective Andres Villalobos at 626-960-1955, extension 418.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

BALDWIN PARK - A hit and run suspect was arrested by police Tuesday afternoon, accused of fatal stabbing a family member of two teens who the suspect struck in a Baldwin Park neighborhood.

A 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were struck by a hit-and-run driver in the 3400 block of Cosbey Avenue. The driver fled the scene and crashed into a nearby parked vehicle. Family members chased after the suspect who fled on foot, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

“Family members attempted to detain the suspect short distance away, at which time the suspect stabbed the victim, a male Hispanic 35 years old,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau in a written statement.

The man who was stabbed was taken to a nearby hospital and later died. The teens struck in the collision suffered injuries considered not life-threatening.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Information can be provided anonymously 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

BALDWIN PARK - A man died at the hospital Tuesday afternoon from apparent knife wounds after he was found in a Baldwin Park neighborhood.

The investigation is taking place in the 3400 block of Cosbey Avenue May 31. Baldwin Park Police officers responded to the scene around 1:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatch records show that firefighters were dispatched at 1:39 p.m. to a traffic collision at the location. Images from the scene show officers seemingly focused on a dark-green-colored SUV.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Information can be provided anonymously by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org.

BALDWIN PARK – No one was injured after a man opened fire on his sister’s ex boyfriend May 2.

Arturo Angel Duran, 23, was charged with one count of attempted murder, one count of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle, one count of negligent discharge of a firearm, three counts of child endangerment, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court information.

The shooting occurred in the 14200 block of Cloverside Street.

“During the investigation, officers learned the suspect, Arturo Duran (23 years), shot at his sister’s ex-boyfriend while his three daughters were seated in the back seat of the vehicle,” according to the Baldwin Park Police Department in a written statement.

May 12, Baldwin Park Police located Duran with the help of the U.S. Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force. Duran was residing in an area motel.

Two women were staying with Duran at the time of the arrest. Stephanie Mendez, 25, was on probation and arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a handgun. Vanessa Funston, 25 years, was arrested for an outstanding warrant, according to the Baldwin Park Police Department.

Duran was arraigned on the charges May 16. He is being held in lieu of nearly $1.1 million bail at the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic ahead of a scheduled appearance at Rio Hondo Municipal Court June 2.

BALDWIN PARK – A 20-year-old athletic coach at Sierra Vista High School was arrested May 6, accused of misconduct.

Jase Puga, a Baldwin Park man, was booked on suspicion of meeting with a minor for lewd purpose, oral copulation with a minor, contacting a minor with intent to commit certain felonies and statutory rape, according to the Baldwin Park Police Department.

It is not quite clear in what capacity Puga served under as a coach.

Staff at Sierra Vista High School, 3600 Frazier St., contacted police after being made aware of misconduct by an athletic coach, later identified as Puga.

“An individual has been arrested, is no longer allowed on or near Baldwin Park Unified campuses and their employment has been terminated,” according to the Baldwin Park Police Department in a written statement.

District protocols were reportedly followed prior to Puga’s hiring as a coach, according to the Baldwin Park Police Department.

Puga was arrested at 9:20 a.m. May 6. He posted $175,000 bail and was released May 6 at 11:06 p.m., according to Los Angeles County booking records.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

BALDWIN PARK - Driver error likely led to an injury crash between two vehicles Friday evening.

One vehicle attempted a left-hand turn from northbound Downing Avenue to westbound Ramona Boulevard when it was struck by a vehicle east on Ramona just after 6 p.m. May 6, according to a preliminary investigation by the Baldwin Park Police Department.

One of the vehicles rolled over and the driver was ejected.

“Additionally, debris from the traffic collision struck an oncoming Foothill Transit bus. No injuries were sustained to the bus driver and passengers,” according to the Baldwin Park Police Department in a written statement.

Video from the scene showed a thoroughly-cracked windshield on the Foothill Transit bus.

Debris from the violent collision was strewn across westbound and eastbound lanes of Ramona Boulevard on both sides of railroad tracks, forcing the delay of several Metrolink trains until the scene could be cleaned enough for train traffic to move through.