Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor MOUNTAINS – Crews worked through the night to gain ground on a stubborn brush fire, the third to scorch the hillsides this week.
The most recent Gulch Fire, which ignited just before Noon August 29, has burned 100 acres near Highway 39 near the San Gabriel Dam. Firefighters have not reached containment on the fire as of Monday night. Highway 39 from the San Gabriel River Bridge to Crystal Lake Road remains closed, according to Caltrans. The East Fire, which ignited near East Fork Road and Glendora Mountain Road August 25, has burned 150 acres and is 93 percent contained. The East Fire remains in its footprint as the remaining 148 firefighters on scene continue suppression and mop-up operations, according to the U.S. Forest Service. A small 40-foot by 40-foot spot fire was quickly snuffed out August 29 by Los Angeles County Firefighters in the hillsides of Glendora right behind Church of the Open Door, 701 W. Sierra Madre Ave. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor MOUNTAINS – The fire burning in the steep terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is nearly out, authorities said Sunday.
The East Fire, burning north of the La Verne/Glendora area, is 93 percent contained and has already burned 150 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. No evacuations were needed and no structures were threatened by the fire that ignited near Glendora Mountain Road and East Fork Road August 25. East Fork Road remains closed from Highway 39 to Glendora Mountain Road. Glendora Mountain Road remains closed from the City of Glendora to East Fork Road. Glendora Ridge remains closed from Mt. Baldy Road to Glendora Mountain Road. The fire’s cause is under investigation. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor MOUNTAINS - Firefighters continue their assault from the ground and from the air to halt a brush fire burning deep into the mountains above La Verne Thursday.
The brush fire burning near Glendora Mountain Road and East Fork Road has burned an estimated 96 acres. Firefighters have no containment on the fire more than six hours after they were dispatched, according to the US Forest Service. The East Fire is burning away from structures, residents and continues to creep into the wilderness of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, according to the US Forest Service. Glendora Mountain Road from the city of Glendora to East Fork Road is closed, as well as Glendora Ridge Road from Mount Baldy to Glendora Mountain Road. The Los Angeles County Fire Department is providing mutual aid assistance. The California Highway Patrol has additionally closed eastbound traffic on East Fork Road from Highway 39 above Azusa. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor REGION – A Whittier man was arrested by FBI agents and detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department August 23 after they identified him as going on a bank robbery spree.
Richard Martinez was caught as he was leaving his home in the 10600 block of Reichling Lane around 2 p.m. Martinez is accused of robbing banks in City of Industry, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The three robberies occurred over a three-hour period and featured a demand note and similar suspect and vehicle description: a late-model Chevrolet Camaro convertible. “A search warrant was served at Suspect/Martinez’ residence and numerous items of evidence were recovered, including a loaded pistol gripped shotgun, a loaded 9MM handgun with an extended magazine, and a demand note,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in a written statement. Investigators are trying to determine if Martinez is involved in other bank robberies. Martinez was booked on suspicion of robbery and was additionally booked on suspicion of being an ex-felon in possession of two firearms. He is being held in lieu $50,000 bail and is scheduled to appear at the West Covina Court House August 25. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor CHINO – A man accused of shooting at a fellow motorist on the 60 freeway August 10 was identified and arrested at his Chino residence, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Abel Rodriguez, 20, was booked at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Walnut/Diamond Bar Station on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an inhabited vehicle. CHP officers were called to the 60 freeway near Reservoir Street around 5:08 p.m. to a report of gunfire and later spoke with the victims at their Chino residence. Neither victim was wounded, according to the California Highway Patrol. Investigators were told the suspect fled in a 2021 Toyota Corolla and with help from the Chino Police Department, the suspect was found in his home in the 5200 block of Washington Avenue. Rodriguez was held in lieu of $250,000 bail, but posted bond and was released the day of his arrest, according to Los Angeles County booking records. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor DOWNEY – A victim found shot multiple times in a parking lot was identified as a Monterey Park Police officer, authorities said Monday.
Downey Police officers responded to a parking lot at 12070 Lakewood Blvd. August 8 to a reported shooting victim around 3:25 p.m. The victim was found in the Downey Landing shopping center inside a vehicle and paramedics pronounced him dead. “Despite emergency medical treatment, the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries,” according to the Downey Police Department in a written statement. The officer’s name has not been publicly revealed. Anyone with information on this murder is urged to call Downy Police Detective Ron Gee at 562-904-2331, or Lt. Dwayne Cooper at 562-904-2370. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor BALDWIN PARK – California Highway Patrol investigators served search warrants on multiple social media sites, which opened a virtual treasure trove into prosecuting participants of a dangerous “sideshow” event in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Investigators ultimately recommended 77 felony and misdemeanor charges against numerous suspects, including organizers, drivers, photographers and spectators. Arrest warrants were filed against them, according to the CHP Baldwin Park Office. The “sideshow” event took place in mid-2021 in the mountains above Azusa. Investigators pored over 19,000 pages of conversations for 11 months after serving five search warrants on various social media sites, according to the CHP. “Sideshow activities are dangerous, illegal, and will not be tolerated! Instead of risking it all by participating in illegal activities, make the safer choice and visit a local race track,” the CHP said in a written statement. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor LOS ANGELES - A 74-year-old cyclist died of natural causes while riding a bicycle on Highway 39 above Azusa July 28.
Initially, the California Highway Patrol reported a collision with a vehicle resulted in the death of Stephen Naftilan. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner revealed he died from acute cardian dysfunction. Naftilan crashed while cycling at 10 a.m. at mile marker 24.10. In a follow-up inquiry, Rodrigo Jimenez of the CHP Baldwin Park Office reported Naftilan "was unable to keep his bicycle upright and the right side of Mr. Doe's bicycle crashed into the asphalt roadway. A passerby and another bicyclist who observed the crash, responded to Mr. Doe and observed he was unresponsive." CPR was administered until Los Angeles County Firefighters arrived. CPR was continued until Naftilan was pronounced dead at 10:52 a.m. Highway 39 from East Fork Road to Roxspring Way was closed until 5:43 p.m. for the investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not considered factors in Naftilan's death, Jimenez said. |
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