Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

POMONA - A South Gate man was killed at the scene of a crash Sunday and three others were injured, the California Highway Patrol said.

The crash occurred on the westbound I-10  freeway just east of the 71 freeway January 24. The driver of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu crashed into the rear of a 2018 Honda Accord disabled in the No. 4 lane, according to the CHP.

Three people standing outside the Accord were struck by the disabled vehicle. The South Gate man, 41, died at the scene.

The two other people, a 39-year-old woman and 20-year-old man, were taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

The damaged Malibu was then struck by a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, the 32-year-old driver of which was hospitalized with back injuries, the CHP said.

​”The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu fled the scene prior to the CHP arrival,'' according to the CHP in a written statement.

The No. 2, 3 and 4 lanes of traffic were closed until around 4:17 a.m.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to call the CHP Baldwin Park Office at 626-338-1164.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

POMONA – A barricaded stolen vehicle suspect finally surrendered to police after taking refuge inside an apartment unit January 16.

The incident began around 8:41 a.m. Saturday in the 1700 block of Trojan Way when officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a man suffering mental issues. Officers found a man inside a vehicle that they determined was stolen and the man ran from them, according to the Pomona Police Department.

The man, later identified as Leobardo Hernandez, 32, ran to an apartment complex in the 400 block of East Olive Street. Officers set up a perimeter and determined Hernandez fled into an apartment unit.

“The residents were not home, but were able to monitor his activities via surveillance cameras inside the residence,” according to the Pomona Police Department.

Hernandez allegedly destroyed property inside the apartment, changed into clothes belonging to the residents, shaved himself and used hygiene products to try and change his appearance to pass himself off as a resident of the location, Pomona Police said.

Smoke was seen coming from the unit. It was later discovered that the suspect burned tortillas.

Hernandez eventually surrendered without further incident. He was booked on suspicion of burglary, possessing a stolen vehicle, vandalism and attempted burglary.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

POMONA – A suspect in the rape of a woman found dead in town was jailed and identified Thursday.

Jerome Deandre, a 41-year-old Pomona man, was arrested by the Pomona Police Major Crimes Unit. Deandre was booked on suspicion of rape of an unconscious person, kidnapping with the intent to commit rape, oral copulation of an unconscious person and sexual penetration with a foreign object of an unconscious person, according to the Pomona Police Department.

34-year-old Shaday Star Olias was found dead Tuesday, January 12 behind 2001 S. Garey Ave. It is either not clear, or has yet to be revealed if Olias died at the scene.

An exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

“The Pomona Police Department is aware of a rumor circulating on social media stating a serial rapist is operating in Pomona. We would like to assure our community, we have no reason to believe there is a serial rapist in Pomona. Tuesday’s incident was an isolated incident,” according to the Pomona Police Department.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Pomona Police Department at 909-622-1241. 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

POMONA - A white three-axle water truck and its driver are still outstanding after the semi fatally struck a pedestrian January 4.

The collision occurred around 6 a.m. at South Reservoir Street and East Mission Boulevard Monday. Surveillance video caught the water truck as it fled the area, according to the Pomona Police Department.

The water truck, which was seen hauling a flatbed trailer behind it, may have front end damage.

Anyone with information about the suspect and vehicle is urged to call the Pomona Police Department at 909-622-1241. Information can be provided anonymously by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or at lacrimestoppers.org.