Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - Three suspects were caught in West Covina August 18, allegedly found with a handgun, cutting tools and seven catalytic converters.

A resident confronted three men who were reportedly taking his catalytic converter in the early morning hours in the 1100 block of East Foothill Boulevard in Upland. One of the suspects allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened to kill the resident, according to the Upland Police Department.

The suspects fled in a Dodge Charger Hellcat, but were located by responding officers at Foothill Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue. The driver refused to stop and fled westbound on the I-10 freeway.

The suspects fled into West Covina where the driver lost control while exiting the freeway and crashed. The suspects briefly fled on foot, but were captured. One suspect even climbed a tree to elude capture, but an Upland PD K9 convinced him otherwise.

“The vehicle turned out to be stolen, had battery powered saws, and 7 catalytic converters inside. All three were booked on multiple felonies with bail enhancements,” according to the Upland Police Department in a written statement.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - The US Marshal Service went to Jurupa Valley and arrested a man Friday accused of lewd and lascivious acts with a child or children.

José de Jesus Barraza, 47, was arrested and is being held in a lieu of $900,000 bail. Barraza was a gymnastics coach and operated out of the community centers in West Covina, according to the West Covina Police Department.

Authorities did not elaborate when the alleged assaults took place, or with how many potential victims.

Barraza is being held in the West Covina jail ahead of scheduled appearance at the West Covina Courthouse August 8.

West Covina detectives believe there may be additional victims that have yet to come forward. Anyone who knows a victim or anyone who may be a victim of Barraza is urged to call the West Covina police Department at 626-939-8500.