Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - Two thieves were arrested early Sunday after ripping an entire ATM from a West Covina bank and leading police on a chase into Azusa.

With a commercial flatbed truck and chains, Charles Fettel, 35, and Raymond Loftin, 36, ripped a standalone ATM from the chase bank, 455 N. Azusa Ave., around 1:34 a.m. March 21. After seeing the ATM had been yanked from its spot at the bank, officers followed a debris trail and found a destroyed ATM and an abandoned flatbed truck, according to the west Covina Police Department.

While conducting an area search, officers attempted to pull over a suspicious vehicle, but the driver refused to stop. He and his passenger fled officers to a business area on South Dugan Avenue in Azusa, according to the West Covina Police Department.

After colliding into a fence, the driver and his passenger fled on foot.

Officers from West Covina, Azusa and Irwindale searched for the suspects, according to reports from the scene. Both suspects, who are San Bernardino residents, were eventually found. They were booked on suspicion of burglary and grand theft.

Fettel is Being held in lieu of $75,000 bail. Loftin is being held on a no-bail warrant, the West Covina Police Department said.

Written by AARON CASTREJON | CityWatch Editor

COVINA - A driver wanted on a traffic violation led West Covina Police on a reckless pursuit and eventually fled capture in Covina, police said.

The pursuit led West Covina officers on surface streets as the suspect drive north into Covina where the suspect fled the vehicle near the intersection of Cypress Street and Irwindale Avenue, said Sgt. Brian Prizzi of the West Covina Police Department.

The pursuit began around 9:39 a.m. when an officer attempted pull the suspect over near Garvey Avenue and Walnuthaven Drive.

The driver failed to yield and fled recklessly, Prizzi said.

The driver was able to briefly escape the pursuing officers in the vehicle. West Covina officers were able to locate the abandoned vehicle, Prizzi said.

Nearby Merwin Elementary School, 16125 Cypress St, was on lockdown during the search.

Prizzi declined to confirm if the vehicle was stolen or belonged to the suspect.

Irwindale Police assisted West Covina with the search.

Written by AARON CASTREJON | CityWatch Editor

COVINA - West Covina police are attempting to locate and arrest a suspect or suspects who fled at the end of a pursuit.
 
The pursuit began at 9:39 a.m. West Covina officers are being assisted by Irwindale officers. Nearby Merwin Elementary School is on a precautionary lockdown, according to Sgt. Prizzi of the West Covina Police Department.
 
No further information is available.