Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - Witnesses helped police jail a group of juveniles seen tagging Wednesday night and helped officers recover an unregistered handgun tossed by one of the teens in a vain attempt to ditch the evidence.

Officers were sent to the 200 block of Vincent Avenue around 7:48 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. A witness told dispatchers that one of the teens had a firearm in his waistband. The teens escaped on foot once officers arrived, according to the West Covina Police Department.

Officers caught the teens who fled towards the plaza mall. A witness later told officers that one of the teens tossed a firearm into some bushes during his escape. The firearm, which was unregistered, was found loaded, according to the West Covina Police Department.

The juvenile who was seen in possession of the firearm was arrested and booked at the West Covina Police Department and later released to a legal guardian. The other teams were simply released to their legal guardians.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - The community continues to try and make sense of the shocking loss of a 16-year-old West Covina High School student who ended her life March 27.

Samantha Vuong was found in her room, a gun used to end her life, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

“Samantha Vuong was the sweetest, most beloved, and an amazing artistically bright 16-year-old West Covina High School student, on her junior year. Tragically on Monday morning, 3.27.2023, she passed away in her room,” according to Akura-Jade Vuong, Samantha’s older sister.

The West Covina Unified School District issued a statement the morning of Vuong’s death.

“We understand that this news will come as a shock to many of you, and we want to extend our deepest sympathies to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time. Losing a member of the WCUSD family is tragic, and we are deeply saddened by this loss,” according to WCUSD Superintendent of Schools Emy Flores.

A gofundme account continues to receive donations for Vuong’s funeral and memorial expenses.