 Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor LOS ANGELES - Two arson suspects were formally charged in separate incidents that occurred one day apart. Jaime Mota, 37, is accused of igniting a fire in City of Industry. Ruben Michael Montes, 27, is accused of igniting a fire near the 605 freeway in Irwindale. A suspicious fire, allegedly sparked by Mota, burned behind a warehouse at 15250 Stanford St. in the City of Industry around 2 p.m. January 11. The flames charred bushes, wood pallets and the rear of a tractor trailer, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Mota was arrested and charged with one felony count of arson of property and a felony count of arson during a state of emergency. A day later, Irwindale officers were called to Rivergrade Road under the 605 freeway around 12:30 p.m. for a fire, allegedly started by Montes. The DA charged Montes with one count each of felony arson during a state of emergency and felony possession, manufacturing, or disposing of flammable, or combustible materials, incendiary devices, or explosives with intent to commit arson; and misdemeanor reckless burning of personal property, according to the DA. Montes also faces allegations of violating probation after committing arson, engaging in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society and having a prior history of felonies, according to the DA. Mota and Montes are both scheduled for an appearance in West Covina Superior Court January 15. Mota is being held in lieu of $350,000 bail. Montes is being held in lieu of $400,000 bail. If convicted as charged, Mota faces a maximum of seven years in prison. Montes faces a maximum of 14 years in prison, according to the DA.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed that a man found dead in some spreading grounds in Irwindale was shot to death. Manuel Sepulveda Jr. was the victim of a homicide. He is listed as a transient. Irwindale police officers responded to the spreading grounds southwest of the 605 freeway and the 210 freeway around 10:30 a.m. May 26. Sepulveda, 49, was declared dead at the scene, according to the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau. The exact circumstances surrounding the homicide are not publicly known. The California Highway Patrol intermittently shut down the transition roads from the east 210 and west 210 freeway to the southbound 605, as well as the Arrow Highway on ramp to the north 605 freeway and Mt. Olive on ramp to the southbound 605 freeway during the operation. The Azusa Police Department assisted Irwindale police with the tactical operation. SGV CityWatch readers who traversed the freeway closures witnessed police in tactical gear, guns trained on an unspecified target in a homeless encampment. Homicide investigators said a suspect remains at-large.  Seven Azusa officers and one Irwindale detective received the the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor from President Donald Trump at the White House Wednesday May 22, 2019. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor WASHINGTON, D.C. - Seven Azusa Police officers and one Irwindale Police officer were awarded the Medal of Valor for their actions during the 2016 Election Day shooting in Azusa. In a ceremony in the East Wing of the White House, President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Valor to retired Azusa lieutenant Xavier Torres, Azusa Sergeant Seth Chapman, retired Azusa sergeant Terry Smith Jr., Azusa Sergeant Thomas Avila III, Azusa Sergeant Rocky Wenrick, retired Azusa corporal Andrew Rodriguez Jr., Senior Azusa Officer Carlos Plascencia and Irwindale Detective Manuel Campos. (SLIDESHOW BELOW) “When they arrived, Carlos and Xavier raced through a hail of bullets to save a woman who had been shot in the head. At the same time, Terry, Andrew, and Seth returned fire. Tommy, Rocky, and Manuel drew the gunman out of his house, enabling their fellow officers to shoot him and bring the rampage to an end. A very dangerous situation,” Trump remarked. “To each of you: You represent the unity, devotion, teamwork, and swift action that makes America’s law enforcement the best and bravest anywhere in the world,” Trump said. Attorney General William Barr also spoke at Wednesday’s ceremony and commended the work of each award recipient. “The work that first responders do every day is heroic, and each one of them deserves our gratitude,” Barr said. “Even among these selfless public servants, some have distinguished themselves through exceptional acts of valor. Today, the men and women of the Department of Justice are proud to join with President Trump in honoring 14 first responders who did just that, including two who gave their lives in the line of duty. Also awarded today were law enforcement officers from Ohio State University, Oregon State Police, a fire captain and firefighter paramedic from Kansas and two fallen officers: one from Tennessee and one from Texas. |
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