Tag Archives: Burbank Police Department

Woman Critically Injured After Palm Tree Crushes Vehicle

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Burbank firefighters received a call last Friday night, October 12 at 9:19 pm of a tree that had struck a vehicle at Lakeside Drive and Olive Ave. in Burbank. At the time, rain was strong in the area.

Police arrived first on scene and they discovered a Mercedes convertible that had been struck by a falling tree. The tree landed directly over a woman passenger and just missed the driver directly.

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

Warner Bros. firefighters arrived on scene right after police had removed both victims from the vehicle and assisted Burbank firefighters with treating both the man and woman, according to Battalion Chief John Owings of the Burbank Fire Department.

The female passenger, whose name has not been released, was rushed to a local trauma hospital in critical condition where she remains. The driver was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries. A second vehicle struck the fallen tree also.

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

According to Sgt. Derek Green of the Burbank Police Department, “The driver, now identified as Jonathan Ortiz, 29, of North Hollywood, was found to be in possession of a handgun and narcotics while on parole. After being treated at the hospital, Ortiz was placed under arrest and transported to the Burbank City Jail, where he was booked for possessing a firearm while in possession of narcotics.  He is currently being held without bail by the California Department of Corrections.”

Green also reported that the occupants of the second vehicle were not seriously injured.

Police say that the cause of the accident is still under investigation with Owings adding “The cause of the tree falling has not yet been determined.”

Police Chase Down Armed Robbery Suspect

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Burbank police received a phone call Wednesday afternoon, September 26, about an armed robbery that happened behind Bob’s Big Boy on Riverside Drive.

Bob’s Big 4200 Blk Riverside Drive. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

It was reported that three people were allegedly robbed at gunpoint by a male African-American wearing a blue tie-dye shirt who then fled east on Alameda.

Within a minute, an alert Burbank police officer spotted the suspect walking down the street near Kenwood and Alameda and attempted to stop the man.  The suspect took off running with the Burbank officer in close foot pursuit. The officer eventually detained the man, reportedly near Riverside Drive and Screenland.

Burbank Police Officers assisted by Glendale Police and Burbank Fire Fighters look for a weapon following the Robbery at Bob’s Big Boy. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

 

While the suspect did not have the gun on him at the time of apprehension, a citizen told police he believed he saw the man throw something in the bushes in the area of Kenwood and the 134 Freeway. Police searched for the gun until it became too dark and will have detectives continue the search in the area on Thursday.

One officer was slightly injured and taken to St. Joseph’s Medical Center for treatment by paramedics.

Burbank Police arrested alleged robbery suspect Lequinta Brown, 26, listed as a transient and booked him for armed robbery. The victims positively identified him after he was apprehended.

Pink Police Cruiser Unveiled For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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On Wednesday, September 26, the Burbank Police Department unveiled a pink police cruiser to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place throughout October.

Chief Scott LaChasse checks out the new Pink Cruser as Adam Sumner owner of Wrapix looks on. ( Photo by Ross A Benson)

For the past five years, BPD has been involved in raising awareness to breast cancer. This is the second year in a row that they have fashioned a Ford Explorer police cruiser wrapped in pink vinyl to honor those who have survived, continue to fight, or have passed away from breast cancer.

“Breast cancer affects so many people, including members of our very own police force. You can’t miss the pink police cruiser, which is what we want. We want the cruiser to be a reminder of the importance of early screenings to help in the fight against breast cancer,” said Sgt. Derek Green.

The Burbank Police Department hopes this initiative will spotlight breast cancer and inspire more people to have screenings to detect cancer early on.

As Chief Scott LaChasse unveiled the cruiser, he cited that at least one in eight women in America are diagnosed with breast cancer.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

BPD has partnered with local printing company Wrapix Imaging and 3M Commercial Graphics, which donated materials and labor to the project.

“We were really excited to be a part of this project this year with the Burbank Police Department,” said Adam Sumner, owner of Wrapix Imaging. “This is a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts. My aunt passed away from breast cancer, so this is something that we’re proud to unveil for you guys.”

Like last year, the pink vinyl wrapped cruiser will be on display throughout the month at various community events. Locations have not yet been announced.

“This is the first stop for law enforcement for unveiling this year,” said Chief Scott LaChasse. “We’re going to go to community events throughout October, and when we’re not at events, it’ll be parked in front of the station.”

Chief LaChasse encourages people to take pictures with the car when they see it parked around town.

(Photo by Ross A Benson)

 

Throughout October, BPD will also be participating in the Pink Patch Project, which sells pink patches to support City of Hope, a private non-profit clinical research center.

The Burbank Police Department is located at 200 North 3rd St.

City of Burbank Release DUI/License Checkpoint Results

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Release from City of Burbank:

The Burbank Police Department Traffic Bureau conducted a DUI and driver license checkpoint on August 25, 2018. The checkpoint was held in the vicinity of Olive Avenue and Lake Street between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M.

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for both police officers and the public.  

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in alcohol and drug-impaired driving crashes. The Burbank Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” 

According to Sergeant Todd Fatta of the Burbank Police Traffic Bureau, about 822 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, all of which were screened. The average travel time for vehicles passing through the checkpoint was about 23 seconds. Of the 822 vehicles screened, the following are the results from the checkpoint:

  • Six citations were issued for driving without a valid driver license.
  • Three citations were issued for driving with a suspended driver license.
  • One citation was given for a vehicle equipment violation.

There were no arrests made for DUI, a very promising statistic. Burbank Police Officers noted the high volume of ride sharing services passing through the checkpoint (e.g., Uber and Lyft), which is another indication that the public is making good choices by arranging transportation to avoid placing people at risk by driving under the influence.

The goal of a DUI checkpoint is not to make arrests.  The deterrent effect of high-visibility enforcement, using both DUI checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols, has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug impaired crashes. Research shows that collisions involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20% when well-publicized, proactive DUI operations are conducted. The Burbank Police Department is committed to lowering the number of deaths and injuries upon our roadways and will continue to conduct DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols on an ongoing basis.

This DUI checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.”

Pursuit of Porsche Comes to an End in Burbank

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UPDATED 9/8/18 at 1:00 pm – The suspect who was driving has been identified as William Robinson, 58 of Burbank and the passenger was Justine Graves, 40, of Burbank. Robinson was charged with felony evading from the pursuit while Graves was charged with possession of drugs.

Police examine the Porsche Photo By Ross A. Benson

Burbank police had to wait around awhile but what started in Burbank, ended in Burbank when a Porsche driven by a possible Burbank resident was pursued through Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Photo By Ross A. Benson

Burbank police first spotted the Porsche around 7:54 pm with ‘paper’ (temporary) plates and started to follow it. They first tried to pull over the Porsche around Evergreen and Riverside Drive but the driver failed to yield so a helicopter was called on for support. The Porsche traveled into Toluca Lake where the police helicopter noticed it was traveling in the wrong lanes of traffic and now had a reckless driving charge.

The driver proceeded down to the 101 Freeway at Lankershim and got on the freeway. A Burbank unit followed and the helicopter remained overhead, arranging for CHP to come and take over for Burbank.

It was about at Vermont that CHP took over and a pursuit started. Burbank pulled off and waited to see the result, as CHP would stop the vehicle and Burbank would take the suspect back into the city.

Suspect taken into cusody Photo By Ross A. Benson

The pursuit went over Los Angeles and Orange Counties with the male driver giving the middle finger to CHP units. A female passenger in the car made many suspicious movements while the pursuit was taking place.

It was after 10 pm that the pursuit made it’s way back into Burbank with the suspect coming over Barham, down Olive and made a left on Hollywood Way.  They proceeded down to Oak where the made a right and then a quick right on Cordova, going down to the alley. Once they went left into the alley (north of Alameda) they both left the vehicle without putting it in park and tried to run into what is thought to be their apartment.

CHP quickly ran after them and put them into custody while their Porsche rolled down the alley and struck the rear of another vehicle.

Front of apartment where suspects tried to enter. Photo By Ross A. Benson

CHP officers turned both suspects over to Burbank police who took them both into custody. Their vehicle was impounded.

There will be many charges now besides the reckless driving. They will include failure to yield and as the pursuit was going on, officers gave play by play over the radio of every traffic offense that was committed. They will now go back and also add all of those violations.

Officials have not released their names at this point.

Tim Conway Jr. was on hand reporting the action. Photo By Ross A. Benson

Tim Conway Jr. does more than just talk on KFI, he also gets in the field to cover action. Photo By Ross A. Benson

Photo By Ross A. Benson

‘Mystery Safe’ Found in Burbank Debris Basin

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Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Catch basin do just that, they catch things.

One thing that crews from the Los Angeles County Public Works found while doing an inspection of one of it’s debris basins for the coming winter season was of a surprise nature.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Burbank police received the call around noon on Wednesday, August 22 of a large safe that was in the basin. The large metal safe was mostly empty, except for some loose change according to Burbank Police Sergeant Derek Green.

A Burbank Forensic’s officer also went to the scene to investigate.

Green said that the safe had appeared to have been broken into, although there is no indication of where and when. He said it may have been dumped into the basin from an access road that is above the basin and Burbank detectives are investigating and will attempt to find the safe’s owner.

Because of the size and weight of the safe, police called a tow truck from Girard & Peterson to haul it down the hill for them.

Now if the catch basin can just catch the people who dumped it there.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Burbank Police to Hold DUI and Driver License Checkpoint August 25

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Press Release

On Saturday, August 25, 2018, the Burbank Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a DUI and Driver License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 3:00 A.M.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug and alcohol-impaired driving crashes. The Burbank Police Department supports the effort of the Office of Traffic Safety which aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning label, you may be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing and result in a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

The deterrent effect of high-visibility enforcement, using both DUI checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols, has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug impaired crashes. Research shows that collisions involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20% when well-publicized, proactive DUI operations are conducted. DUI checkpoints, like this one, are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Motorists can expect only momentary delays as police officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and checking drivers for proper licensing.

There are so many options available to get you home safely. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired. To avoid a DUI and putting yourself and others at risk, the Burbank Police Department has the following tips:

  • Always designate a sober driver.
  • Use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home.
  • Have a friend or family member who is about to drive buzzed or impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
  • Report drunk drivers – call 911.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Burbank Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Armed Shoplifting Suspect at Walmart Arrested

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On Tuesday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m., Burbank Police received a report of shoplifting at Walmart, located at 1301 N. Victory Pl.

Before police arrived at the scene, the male suspect was confronted by loss prevention officers. After threatening them with a knife, he proceeded to run away. Moments later, he boarded an MTA bus headed south on Victory Pl. Within minutes, police arrived and pulled the bus over as the suspect had been seen boarding.

Police remove suspect from bus after allegedly robbing Walmart (Photo by Edward Tovmassian)

The loss prevention officers provided a description of the suspect, and a man on the bus who matched the description was detained by police. He was found to be in possession of stolen items from Walmart, as well as a knife and drug paraphernalia.

Shortly after, the man was identified by loss prevention officers as the suspect.

He has since been identified as Phillipe Calderon, 47 of Los Angeles. Calderon was arrested for robbery, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several warrants including a parole violation.

Calderon is currently on parole for robbery and is being held without bail.

Police surround ‘getaway’ bus suspect used to escape after robbing Walmart (Photo by Edward Tovmassian)

Burbank Police Unveil New Mural to Honor Fallen Officers (Plus Video)

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The City of Burbank Police unveiled a new mural at its station last month commemorating police who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The wall-size mural depicts officers and deputy marshals from various eras with the vehicles they used and dressed in clothing and uniforms from their time period.  The mural’s subjects: Marshal Luther Colson, Deputy City Marshal Robert L. Normand, Officer Joseph R. Wilson, Officer Richard E. Kunkle, and Officer Matthew Pavelka, stand alongside each other with two of the officers sitting on their motorcycles.  Each officer stands before a backdrop of the Burbank police station from their time period. 

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

The ages of the deceased range from middle-aged to early twenties.  The five officers and deputy marshals are the only Burbank police force members to be killed in the line of duty from the 1920s to the early 2000s.  

The mural was the brainchild of Sergeant Mark Stohl an 18 year veteran of the force.  The tall, unassuming, soft-spoken man felt the station needed a memorial to the fallen. 

“I wanted it to be something that would be able to integrate all of the officers based on the fact its ninety years [the age of the Burbank police], and the differences between some of them, into one cohesive piece,” Stohl said.

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

Its location is in front of the station’s back entrance doors. The smiling subjects of the colorful mural greet police officers as they arrive to start their shifts. 

Stohl said, “We have a lot of younger officers here who may not know the history.  That’s the reason why we chose this place to put it, so every day when you come into work you have to pass by it.” 

“It’s a good way to remind every one of the sacrifices these people have made,” Stohl said.  “To hope that no one else has to be put up on the wall.” 

At the top of the mural, painted by artist Jeanine Hattas Wilson, are the name and date of death for each officer and marshal appear on an image of what would have been their badges.  On either side of the painting, lions appear to be standing guard over the police officers. 

Present in the mural is a cheerful reddish hair twenty-something officer, who looks to be the most confident, is Matthew Pavelka who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in 2003. He had been on the force a year. 

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

Stohl’s inspiration for the mural came from a small memorial to the fallen officers in the administrative section of the station.

“In my opinion, it was lacking.  It just wasn’t the type of memorial I thought we should have for the sacrifice these people have made,” Stohl said quietly.

 The Burbank Police Officer’s Association and the non-profit Burbank Police Foundation both paid for the mural.  Lieutenant Claudio Losacco who sits on the boards of both groups was the facilitator for obtaining the funding. 

“He came to me and asked how can we make this happen,” Losacco said.  “He went to both the Association and the Foundation and pitched it [the mural] and went to the company who actually did the work, got a quote from them, got some exemplars and both the boards decided, yes we will spend the money to make it happen.”

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Stohl said thoughtfully.  “That is what it’s here for, to honor their memory.  To let people remember this is a dangerous job”

Burbank Police have also produced a time-lapse video of the mural that can be seen here.

 

Editor’s Note the excerpt was changed as Sgt. Mark Stohl is currently with the Burbank Police Dept. 

Burbank Police Officers Checking on a Restraining Order Arrive to Shots Being Fired UPDATED

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(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

UPDATED Sat Evening at 9:00 PM

Burbank Police held a press conference Saturday afternoon, June 16, to release additional information related to the incident that occurred Friday evening, June 15, in the 1500 block of North Niagara Street.

Burbank Police released the suspect’s name as Gilberto Siose, a 50-year-old man from Los Angeles. Siose was placed under arrest and booked for attempted murder, arson of an inhabited dwelling and an outstanding warrant for a traffic violation related to driving under the influence, according to Sergeant Derek Green in a press release. He is currently being held on a $6,045,000 bail.

The police reported that the suspect was involved in an incident earlier in the week in Glendale. during which he allegedly assaulted the same woman whom he targeted Friday night.

Burbank Police reported that the suspect had a relationship with one of the women rescued from the house. They also said the suspect had once lived in the house at one time.

Siose allegedly used a handgun to force his way into the home, reported Green. Once inside the home, he “fired several gunshots and deliberately set fire to household combustibles.”

The fire burned for some time until the police could provide protection for the firefighters.

“The fire spread quickly and completely destroyed the home,” added Green.

Burbank police rescued some animals from the house including rabbits and cats. They are being treated by the Burbank Animal Shelter but a few of those animals are deceased.

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Burbank Police responded to a reported restraining order violation around 10:23 Friday night in the 1500 block of Niagara Street. When the first officers arrived they heard shots being fired from the rear yard.

They approached the house and found three individuals inside the home those same officers also saw a fire was started in the front living room. They assisted the individuals out of the house after breaking a window. The officers confirmed with the people they brought out that shots had been fired, and the suspect was still in the area.

Assisting the ground units was the Burbank Air Support helicopter and they observed a suspect fleeing the rear yard. A perimeter was set up and additional resources were requested. Burbank Police SWAT team along with K-9’s from Burbank and Glendale were deployed and  Pasadena and the City of San Fernando assisted with maintaining the perimeter where the suspect could have fled.

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

The Burbank Fire Department was called and with the protection of police officers with shotguns worked on extinguishing the house fire that was consuming the whole house.

Once Burbank Fire had a majority of the fire knocked down they retreated to a safe zone until officers could locate the suspect.

At approximately 3:15 a.m. the next morning officers with the aid of several K-9s located the suspect hiding in a rear yard in the 1400 block of Catalina Street. The suspect did not comply with directions from police and K9s were deployed. The suspect was taken into custody after being bit on his arm. He was transported to a local hospital to be treated prior to being arrested and booked.

During the incident, no shots were fired by any police officer, and Burbank Fire Department returned to the house to extinguish any remaining fire.

Burbank police detectives along with a fire investigator will remain on scene through the day continuing their investigations.

(Photo by © Ross A Benson)

The streets of Burbank were protected by Burbank Airport Police along with officers from the City of Pasadena. They answered routine calls that continued to come into the police dispatch center including some alarm calls and a traffic accident involving a drunk driver.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burbank Police Detective Bureau at 818-238-3210. If you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS
(8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” or by using the website
www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

Additional pictures have been included in this gallery. (Click any picture to enlarge it.)