​Alleged Gold Line Vandal Arrested in Irwindale Wednesday

PHOTO/Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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IRWINDALE - A man wanted on suspicion of vandalizing signal equipment along the Gold Line railroad tracks around the Duarte area was arrested after fleeing authorities August 21.

The unidentified suspect was recognized from a wanted poster circulated by deputies. A metal recycling center employee recognized the suspect’s face and called authorities, according to Ramon Montenegro, public information officer for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Transit Services Bureau.

TSB detectives, deputies, Irwindale Police and the Sheriff’s Temple Station worked to establish a containment search when the suspect ran from TSB deputies who tried to detain him, Montenegro told SGV CityWatch.

The suspect was attempting to sell stolen materials at an Irwindale recycling center in the 2400 block of Buena Vista Street around 11 a.m. Wednesday. The suspect fled over walls and ran through neighboring businesses before being caught a short time later in the 2300 block of Bateman Avenue, according to Irwindale Police.

PHOTO/Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The suspect is possibly behind an incident August 21 around 2:30 a.m. when the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority became aware of signal and switch issues in Duarte. Officials located damaged equipment by someone who stole wire and attempted to steal cable, Montenegro said.

The Wednesday vandalism caused minor delays during p.m. rush hour service. Bus bridges were required during emergency repairs.

Similar crimes have occurred over the past several months, including a wire theft incident that resulted in a days-long closure of Gold Line stations in Azusa July 13.

The suspect was booked on suspicion of grand theft, tampering with a railroad system (a federal crime), felony vandalism, and possession of a controlled substance. Detectives may consider adding additional charges, Montenegro said.

Since the investigation continues, the suspect’s name will not be released.