Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

SAN MARINO - A man estimated between 25 and 30 years old was found dead on a street early Friday.

San Marino Police officers responded to the 1300 block of Virginia Road around 5:48 a.m. and found the man. Initially, it does not appear to have suffered a gunshot, or stab wound, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s detectives are not investigating this death as a homicide.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner will determine cause of death.

SAN MARINO – A driver who was on active probation for felony evading and who led San Marino officers on a chase and brief standoff is expected to appear in court February 17.

Mary Arias was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle when officers were notified by an Automated License Plate Reader just after 7:30 p.m. February 13. Arias allegedly fled from a traffic stop and led police on a chase, according to the San Marino Police Department. 

The 2014 blue Jeep Patriot was driven through nearby cities, such as San Gabriel, Alhambra, Monterey Park and Montebello where Arias stopped at Beverly Hospital and refused to exit the vehicle, San Marino Police said.

Arias stopped outside the emergency room.

“A short standoff ensued as the driver refused to exit her vehicle. Officers were able to convince the driver to voluntarily surrender and she was taken into custody without incident,” San Marino Police said in a written statement.

During a search of the stolen Jeep, officers reportedly found drug paraphernalia, possible stolen mail and identification belonging to another person.

Arias is expected to appear in Alhambra Municipal Court. She is being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility is lieu of $175,000 bail, according to Los Angeles County booking records.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information on Arias’ alleged crimes is urged to call the San Marino Police Detective Bureau at 626-300-0720.

SAN MARINO - Two teens were arrested April 28 by officers responding to a vehicle burglary and caught with stolen goods, police said.

A 15-year-old from Pasadena and 16-year-old from San Marino were arrested after they fled the 1500 block of Bradbury Road. The teens allegedly burglarized a vehicle around 1:45 p.m., the San Marino Police Department said.

The teens fled on a bicycle and scooter, but were caught with the stolen items.

Both teens were booked on suspicion of petty theft and possession of stolen property. They were released to the custody of their parents, San Marino Police said.

The teens may be linked to additional crimes, police said.

SAN MARINO - Police are looking for a woman who took a Rolex watch and bracelet from her victim on a San Marino street Tuesday.

Officers were called around 11:35 a.m. to Mission Drive and Lorain Road. The suspect drove up to the victim in a white vehicle and began talking to her. The suspect then took off her necklaces and bracelets to place them on the victim, San Marino Police said.

SAN MARINO - Three suspects were arrested and a possible fourth remains at-large after fleeing during an attempted burglary Monday.

A vigilant resident reported four suspicious people clad in hooded sweatshirts and donning gloves walking to the rear of a neighbor’s home in the 2700 block of Cumberland Road around 7:10 a.m. October 14.

For reasons unexplained, the suspects fled after getting spooked. They ran into a black vehicle which was driven away from the neighborhood, San Marino Police said.

SAN MARINO - Workers capped a ruptured gas line after a construction accident ruptured it Monday afternoon.

The line was ruptured around 1:17 p.m. October 7 in the 1200 block of Virginia Road. Workers continue to make repairs on the line. Northbound Virginia at Mesa will remain closed for possibly four more hours, San Marino Police said.

There is no threat to the public.

SAN MARINO - A man is recovering with non-life-threatening injuries after allegedly shooting himself accidentally during a road rage incident that occurred Sunday morning.

The driver of a Subaru accidentally shot himself in the chest during the argument just after 8:30 a.m. September 22 in the area of San Gabriel Boulevard and and Duarte Road, San Marino Police said.

The man who accidentally shot himself was reportedly driving erratically, drawing the ire of a man behind the wheel of a Mercedes, according to San Marino Police.

SAN MARINO – A San Gabriel man was finally taken into custody early Thursday after keeping children and their grandmother hostage inside a home.

Several hostages were successfully rescued by Sheriff’s deputies assisting with negotiations after the suspect refused to free them. The barricaded suspect exited the home around 3 a.m. after hours of negotiations and was taken down by a K9 after refusing commands, San Marino Police said.

The suspect, John Gabriel, began arguing with family of his estranged wife in the 2100 block of Sherwood Road around 10:30 p.m. September 11. Gabriel then brandished a handgun, according to Detective K. Cordischi of the San Marino Police Department.

SAN MARINO - Two 17-year-old drivers were arrested July 4 accused of taking part in a brief street race that killed a man walking his dog.

SAN MARINO - Police are searching for two outstanding suspects seen with a third accomplice breaking in to a home Wednesday afternoon.

The third suspect was caught after fleeing the residence in the 2300 block of Robles Avenue. A brief chase ensued when officers arriving to the scene witnessed the suspect’s escape and attempted a traffic stop.