Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

BALDWIN PARK - A Baldwin Park High School student said she was approached and followed by a strange man Thursday morning.

The man ran up to the girl from behind and scared her. He then asked random questions about where she went to school. Fearing for her safety, the student walked away and the man fled the area, according to the Baldwin ParkPolice Department.

The incident occurred around 7:50 a.m. May 16.

The man is described as Latino and in his 20s. He wore a black T-shirt, khaki pants, had hair in a bun and a mustache.

Anyone with information on this incident, or who can identify the suspect is urged to call the Baldwin Park Police Department at 626-960-1955.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

BALDWIN PARK - Students, parents and authorities are on alert after a driver approached students at several schools.

The alert was sent out Wednesday, January 31. Students of Sierra Vista High School, Sierra Vista Middle School and Tracy Elementary report being approached as they walked to school. The vehicle is a gray four-door Honda Accord with license plate 5VXV977, according to the Baldwin Park Unified School District.

A suspect description was not provided. It is unclear if students were able to obtain a description of the driver.

“The District strongly encourages students and their families to take extra caution as they are going to and from school and be on the lookout. As a reminder, if you see something, say something,” according to the Baldwin Park Unified School District in a written statement.

Anyone who has information on the suspect, or who may have been approached by the Honda Accord is urged to call the Baldwin Park Police Department at 626-960-1955, or dial 911.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

BALDWIN PARK - A vehicle was recovered Friday afternoon, but they reported armed suspect and a weapon are still outstanding after a lengthy search.

Baldwin Park police responded to the area of Los Angeles Street and Merced Avenue December 16 around 2:40 p.m. The suspect was seen fleeing a wanted vehicle, forcing officers to conduct a perimeter search to find him, according to Sgt. M. Balzano of the Baldwin Park Police Department.

The suspect search was called off around 5 p.m. Although a suspect vehicle was recovered, the reported armed man was never located, neither was a weapon, Balzano told SGV CityWatch.

Nearby Charles Bursch Elementary School, 4245 Merced Avenue was placed on lockdown during the search.

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.

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.