Montebello PD News & Information

The Montebello Police Department is happy to announce a new program called the “Safe Exchange Zone”.

Safe Exchange Zones are designed to increase safety for individuals buying and selling goods through websites such as Craigslist, Offer Up and Facebook's Marketplace. There will be designated parking stalls at the Montebello Police Department for individuals to complete these types of transactions, without the fear of being robbed for their property or money or the fear of violence. 

The City of Montebello and other cities have experienced numerous violent crimes during private party exchanges.  These exchanges began as private party transactions where citizens have agreed to meet in a retail center parking lot or at a private residence.  These cases involved the seller intentionally luring the buyer or seller to these locations with the intent to rob them.

Beginning today, the Montebello Police Department will designate two parking stalls in the public parking lot of the Police Department located at 1600 West Beverly Boulevard. The parking stalls will be well lit at night and marked with signage that indicates the stalls are for the purpose of Safe Exchange. The parking stalls may be monitored by surveillance cameras and/or officers at all times.

The Montebello Police Department encourages anyone meeting a buyer or seller to take advantage of the Safe Exchange Zone at Montebello PD as a safe alternative to conduct private party transactions. 

The Montebello Police Department is continually processing applications for careers as a Montebello Police Officer.  Please read the below information entirely to ensure you are applying for the correct position. 

Positions:

There are three (3) categories for careers as a Montebello Police Officer.  A description of each type and some of the different qualifications for each category includes but is not limited to:

●          Police Officer Trainee - This is the beginning level law enforcement work for purpose of training to become a sworn police officer. You will be sent to a police academy for basic instruction.   This position requires no previous police experience.

●          Police Officer (Pre-Service) - Must have satisfactorily completed a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy or be enrolled in one at the time of application.  (PROOF REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION.)  

The Police Department has recently received several complaints of large, commercial vehicles driving off the truck route and onto residential streets. The city has designated certain roads to be suitable for commercial traffic per California Vehicle Code 21101. The routes are designed to keep heavy vehicles off residential streets as well as steep grades where braking could be a concern. Large trucks traveling off these routes can cause traffic hazards and damage streets not designed for the excessive weight. The routes are marked by traffic signs, several of which have recently been added or replaced for better visibility.

On August 29th, the Montebello Traffic Bureau responded to the communities concerns and conducted focused enforcement on commercial vehicles throughout the city. Montebello Police Officers were assisted by two sergeants and four officers from the California Highway Patrol who specialize in commercial traffic law enforcement. These additional resources helped make a large impact on the day’s operation and helped educate drivers on the rules of the road.

Officers conducted numerous traffic stops related to enforcing our large vehicle and commercial trucking laws. These traffic stops resulted in over 50 citations being issued. The Traffic Bureau will continue to make commercial trucking law enforcement a priority to improve on today’s progress.  The Montebello Police Department is grateful to the CHP for their assistance in making today’s operation a success.

 

On May 14th, 2018 at approximately 2:01 pm, Montebello Police Officers were dispatched to 2112 W. Whittier Blvd. regarding a shooting.  When Officers arrived they located a male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds.  He was rushed by paramedics to LA County USC Medical Center and underwent surgery.  The victim was later released and is recovering from his injuries.

The subsequent investigation found that three male suspects had entered the store to commit a robbery.  Two of the suspects were armed with semi-automatic handguns.  During the robbery, the victim, who was also armed with a handgun, exchanged gunfire with one of the armed suspects.  The victim along with one suspect was wounded in the shootout.  All three suspects fled the location without any merchandise or money and left in a light blue Chrysler 300 sedan.  The vehicle was seen by witnesses traveling westbound on Whittier Blvd. and out of sight. The vehicle was driven by a fourth suspect who is still outstanding.

Detectives conducted a detailed and lengthy investigation in order to identify the three suspects involved in this crime. Detectives used social media and information released to news outlets to develop leads. Several search warrants were served and evidence linking the three suspects to the scene was obtained.  With the assistance of the Long Beach Police Department, Montebello Detectives successfully arrested all three suspects within days of the incident.

On May 21st, 2018, Montebello PD detectives presented the investigation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  The DA’s office formally charged Craig Hill, Roddrick Reddix, and a 17 year old male with attempted murder and attempted robbery with gang enhancements and the special allegation because a firearm was discharged.  All three suspects could potentially serve 25 years to life in prison.

The Montebello Police Department is still looking for information about the getaway driver and the blue Chrysler 300. If you have any information please contact Detective Adams at (323) 887-1256.

An average of over 18,000 fires are sparked each year in the U.S. by fireworks. Did you know that sparklers burn hot enough to melt some metals? These are just two facts about the use of legal and illegal fireworks from the state of California Fire Marshalls. "Safe and Sane" fireworks are the only fireworks allowed in California. If you are using "Safe and Sane" fireworks, we ask that you always follow the directions and have adult supervision. 

California has zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner. If you do not see the Safe and Sane" seal on the fireworks, they are illegal to possess, sell and or transport in the state of California. If you are in possession of illegal fireworks, they will be confiscated and you may be cited and or arrested. Officers will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks. 

 

As California Health and Safety Code 12700(b)(1) reads,

(b) A person who violates any provision of this part or any regulations issued pursuant to this part, by possessing dangerous fireworks shall be subject to the following:

The Montebello Police Department is seeking information regarding the murder of Randall Fletcher. 

On April 21, 2018, at approximately 4:30 PM officers responded to Ashiya Park, located at 2700 W. Beverly Blvd in the city of Montebello regarding a man down.  Upon officers arrival, they located a man down in the grass area next to the playground with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the back of his head. The victim was later identified as Randall Fletcher. After being treated at the scene by medical personnel he was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

Investigators from the Montebello Police Department are seeking the publics help with any information that may assist them with this investigation. If you have any information that may assist investigators with this crime, please call or email Detective Paul Antista at (323) 887-1249 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

As the unofficial start of summer, the Memorial Day holiday weekend is a busy time for Californians. Each year, the highways fill with families in vehicles, on their way to start their summer vacations. To help keep drivers and passengers safe, Montebello Police Department is reminding motorists to Click It or Ticket. The national seat belt campaign will take place May 21 through June 3, concurrent with the busy travel season.

Montebello Police Department will deploy additional officers during the two-week campaign on special traffic patrols specifically to stop and ticket both drivers and passengers for failing to use the vehicle’s safety belt restraints.  This will also include drivers who fail to secure children in the proper child restraint seats.

“Buckling up is such a simple task that can keep you and your family safe in the car,” said Chief B. Keller of the Montebello Police Department. “But it’s more than that. Buckling up is the law. Our law enforcement personnel see the consequences of not buckling up. We see the loss of life and injuries at the scene of a crash. Often, deaths could have been prevented and injuries reduced with the simple click of a seat belt. This should be automatic.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half (48%) of the passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2016 were unrestrained. At night from 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m., that number soared to 56 percent of those killed. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. Police, Sheriff, and the CHP will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In California, the minimum penalty for a seat belt violation is $162.

 “This Memorial Day period and, in fact, every day, we want everyone in every vehicle to remember that buckling up could be their greatest defense in a crash,” said Rhonda Craft, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Putting on a seat belt is one of the quickest, simplest and most effective ways to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and sound on the road.”

Montebello, CA—In the United States, the Cinco de Mayo holiday is often associated with parties and alcohol. If you’re celebrating with friends and family this weekend, remember that at the end of the night, you need to have a safe and sober ride home. Police, Sheriff and the CHP will be out in force looking for the tail-tell sign of impaired driving this weekend.

In the rush to prepare for a night out, it’s easy to forget the most important Cinco de Mayo plan of all: designating a sober driver. Some may think they can play it by ear and wait until after the party has started to decide whether they’re “okay to drive.” By this point, it’s too late. Going out for a night of drinking without a plan for getting home safely is a recipe for disaster.

The Montebello Police Department will deploy additional officers on special DUI Saturation Patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment during the hours of 8:00 PM and 3:00 AM in areas with a history of DUI crashes and DUI arrests.

In recent years, California has seen an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes.  The Montebello Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that 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 on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI.  Marijuana use can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and when you drive impaired, you run the risk of killing yourself or someone else. You will be looking at jail time, the loss of your driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car or motorcycle towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work. The average DUI costs about $10,000. Wouldn’t you rather pay for a ride home?

On 04/24/18, The Montebello Mental Health Evaluation Team (MMHET) along with the Community Relations Unit conducted a “clean-up” of the riverbed area between Montebello and Pico Rivera. This area is divided between the City of Montebello, City of Pico Rivera and County of Los Angeles County. Several areas of the riverbed, especially under and around the bridges, have been used by people needing housing assistance. The primary goals of the project were to provide several sources of assistance for those in need and to remove waste and dangerous items from the area. 

The day of the project went smoothly and there was a tremendous amount of support available to those in need. Here is a list of the assisting groups and agencies:

David L. Murphy Sobering Center

Kekoa Veterans Foundation

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authorit

 

On June 21, 2008, a shooting took place at a residence in the area of Poplar Ave. and Madison Ave. in the city of Montebello.  During this time, a graduation party was underway in the backyard and was attended by numerous family members of the graduate.  Aside from family members, several South Side Montebello street gang members were present. 

At approximately 11:00 pm, an altercation took place in which several South Side Montebello gang members had a fight with rival members of a tagging crew who were walking by the party.  The tagging crew is associated with the Primera Flats street gang based out of Boyle Heights.  Following the fight, several South Side Montebello gang members were kicked out of the party.  Approximately 30 minutes after the fight, the tagging crew returned and began asking for a South Side Montebello gang member they believed wasstill at the party.  After confronting several partygoers, Joe Dorantes pulled a handgun and fired at them. 

During the shooting, four people were struck by gunfire.  Two of the people were Albert Garcia (12 yrs. old) and his father Juan Garcia (44 yrs. old).  The father and son were driven to Beverly Hospital where they both succumbed to their wounds. The other two shooting victims survived. None of the people who were shot were affiliated with street gangs.  Following the shooting, Dorantes ran south on Poplar Ave. and was confronted by a South Side Montebello gang member.  Dorantes and the gang member exchanged gunfire but neither was hit. Dorantes fled the scene on foot. 

After the shooting, the investigation did not quickly reveal the evidence needed to prosecute the suspects. Through a joint effort between Montebello PD Detectives, the ATF and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, valuable evidence was discovered.  On December 6th, 2012, Joe Dorantes was arrested and charged with the murders of Albert and Juan Garcia. The trial however resulted in a hung jury. 

The Police Department is proud to offer a Citizens' Police Academy to the Montebello community. This program is both engaging and informative and is designed to increase understanding of the Police Department's operations. It also allows our community members the opportunity to interact with our outstanding personnel.  Some of the topics covered include: 

Patrol OperationInvestigationsGangsK9 Program Dispatch Traffic EnforcementNarcoticsEvidence Special Response Team (SRT)    

 Students will participate in informative classroom-style presentations as well as practical demonstrations with a variety of Police Department personnel.  Activities include a police facility tour, a jail tour, simulated exercises, firearms instruction, fingerprinting and crime scene investigation, and other demonstrations.  

Instructors are drawn from all areas in the Department. Students meet the Chief of Police, Captains, managers, supervisors, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and other department employees. We encourage students to ask questions and express their concerns about pertinent issues. A major goal of the Citizens' Academy is to increase understanding between our community and the Police Department and to enhance the strong relationships we have with the community.

While the Academy will give students a better understanding of how the Police Department is organized, the services we provide, and how we serve the community, it is not based on a traditional police academy.  The program is not designed to prepare students to be police officers or provide training in the field of law enforcement. A typical Citizens' Academy class is made up of 20-25 students of all age groups, and instructors will accommodate any physical limitations.

The Academy is 7 weeks long, with one two and a half-hour class each Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All classes are held at the police department (1600 W. Beverly Blvd).

"Between the thin red line and the thin blue line lies the thinnest gold line. This gold line represents those who are rarely seen but mostly heard. The calm voice in the dark night; the golden glue that holds it all together - Dispatchers"

In 1994, “National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week” was formally recognized by Congress and is celebrated each year during the second full week of April to coincide with National 9-1-1 Education Month.

Montebello runs a 24 hour 7 day a week operation, dispatchers are truly first responders as they answer the phone calls of the public who need help, it could be their worst day and too often is.  They prioritize calls for service while they dispatch officers, who also rely on their accuracy, and expertise in understanding what they need just by the tone of their voice.  They are a fine-tuned and meshed unit that finds pride in a job well done, they want everyone to go home safe and not just our dispatchers or the officers we hold so dear, they want citizens to feel a sense of safety in the community where they live.

“We know people we’ve never seen, addresses we’ve never been, we feel the impact of every call and we will help those we will never meet.  We are 911 dispatchers.”-  Author unknown.

“We celebrate our dispatchers with gifts, flowers, and well wishes but what we really want to express is just how important they are to this department, the oil that makes this machine run,” says Communications Supervisor, Diane Marquez.  

Montebello CA. – Drivers are using their cell phones less often while driving, 10 years after “hands-free” became the law, but distracted driving remains a serious safety challenge in California.  Observing April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the first week in April as California Teen Safe Driving Week, safety advocates will focus on education and enforcement efforts statewide. 

The Montebello Police Department will join law enforcement throughout the state to step up enforcement along with awareness efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to discourage distracted driving.  Officers will have a special emphasis this month on enforcing all cell phone and distracted driving laws. The goal is to increase voluntary compliance by drivers, but sometimes citations are necessary for motorists to better understand the importance of driving distraction  

April 5th and 13th have been designated as the two statewide enforcement dates when law enforcement agencies will step up distracted driving enforcement activities.  The California Department of Transportation will put distracted driving messages on the changeable message signs on freeways during April. 

Traffic officers have issued hundreds of thousands of citations over the past three years to those texting or calling on a hand-held cell phone. Recent legislation now makes it illegal to use your smartphone’s apps will driving.  Still, everyone has seen other drivers on a device driving in a dangerous manner next to them during a commute or a trip around town.

Since 2011, OTS has conducted an observational study of handheld cell phone use every year.  “This year’s study on the use of handheld cell phones and texting shows a decrease over past years; however, more work needs to be done to target those who were observed to still be breaking the law,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft.  “The best way to put an end to distracted driving is to educate all Californians about the danger it poses. We will do this through enforcement and education efforts like our new advertising campaign “Just Drive”, reminding drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road.”

In an emergency, there are several things you should do in order to remain informed. Always monitor the news closely, whether you watch TV, listen to the radio or monitor social media. During an emergency, rest assured that the Montebello Police Department will do our best to keep you updated on Nixle, Twitter as well as Facebook and Instagram. For up to date information, however, we recommend you monitor Nixle and Twitter primarily. Keep in mind though we do not have a 24 hour around the clock social media team, unfortunately. If you know an emergency has occurred and you do not see us pushing out any information on social media, then refer to traditional media for updates. 

It's important that you are prepared to leave your home immediately if an evacuation is ordered. You should have a "Go Bag" ready to go at a moments notice. A "Go Bag" can be a duffle bag, suitcase, or anything that can carry your essentials. If you are wondering what you should put in your "Go Bag," click here to read an article from LifeHacker.   

In the case of heavy rains, stay away from flood channels and riverbeds, such as the Rio Hondo River Bed. You could easily be knocked off of your feet in as little as 6 inches of water. Don't try to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water. Stay away from steep slopes that may become unstable when saturated. If you are trapped in your vehicle, stay with it. If possible, relocate to the hood if water continues to rise.

Never touch a downed power line, which can cause serious injury or death. Call 9-1-1 to report it. If you are in a vehicle that knocks down a power line, do not exit the vehicle, there is a good chance you will be safer inside the vehicle then if you exit it. Be alert when driving. Roads may become blocked or closed due to hazards.

Report small problems as soon as they occur so they don't turn into bigger problems. When in doubt, report it. It's better to be safe than sorry. 

On Wednesday, March 14th, Chief Brad Keller, and the Montebello Police Department were excited and proud to be able to swear in our two newest employees, Police Officer Christopher Powers and Property & Evidence Technician Michelle (Shelly) Marie McKeever.

Christopher Powers is a legacy here at the Montebello Police Department. His dad, Craig Powers retired as a Sergeant from our department several years ago. In 2011 Chris was hired as a Community Service Officer performing basic patrol functions as a report writer as well as other basic law enforcement functions. He then left Montebello in order to focus on his education and complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. Upon completing his education, Chris attended the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Academy and graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, 209th Session. We were very excited to be able to hire him while he was in the academy and watch him graduate in the Montebello blues. Please welcome Chris to our family as he begins his long-awaited career in law enforcement.

Michelle McKeever is a humanitarian born and raised in Southern California. After finding a love for the world of forensics, Michelle graduated from the California State University of Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. She also attended two academies for training in all aspects of forensics. Meantime, she worked with the homeless in Los Angeles then moved to India for a short period of time to work with a non-profit whose mission was to bring jobs to women lacking an education. After returning home, Michelle became an active attendee to the Southern California Association of Fingerprint officers and is a member of the International Association for Identification, International Association for Property & Evidence Inc. and the International Crime Scene Investigator Association. Michelle is elated to finally serve the community of Montebello with the honor and integrity. 

If you see our new employees around town, please welcome them. To watch the full video, watch below.

 

Montebello, CA — St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. With a plethora of Irish immigrants—and many, many more St. Paddy’s Day well-wishers, the holiday is heavily celebrated by most Americans with friendly pinches, bangers n’ mash, and green beer galore. Sadly, all this merry-making can lead to dangerous driving conditions as party-goers head home. 

In 2016 alone, 60 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Paddy’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18) nationwide. The selfish act of drinking and driving can rip people from their friends and loved ones forever. For this reason, Montebello Police Department is working to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving. Even one drink can be one too many. If you’re heading out for the Irish festivities, plan ahead and remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

The Montebello Police Department will deploy additional officers on special DUI Saturation Patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment during the hours of 7:00 PM and 3:00 AM. 

Police, Sheriff, and the CHP will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.  

In recent years, California has seen an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes.  The Montebello 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.”  If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI.  Marijuana use can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

The Montebello Police Department is excited to announce the release of its all-new website. The goal of the new website is to make it even easier to find the important resources you need and better share useful information.  Now you can find crime stats, file online reports, request extra patrol and vacation watches all in one place.  The new website also gives great insight into the inner workings of each bureau such as uniformed patrol, records, and police explorers.

Amongst the many new features of the site includes links to our many social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Nixle. You can also now subscribe to crime alerts, department news and safety tips right on our website to help keep you informed. We will be constantly updating the site with helpful information, blog articles and fun stories about what’s happening in your community. We are also working to develop a comprehensive neighborhood watch page that will have all the resources you need to develop a neighborhood watch program for your neighborhood.

We hope you find the new website useful and informative. We appreciate any feedback you have so we can continue to make improvements that matter to you. If you have any thoughts please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Take steps to protect yourself from identity theft: Secure your social security number (SSN). Don't carry your social security card in your wallet or write your number on your checks. Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary. Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or ban...

There are several key times each year when people spend time shopping in stores and online for the perfect gifts for their loved ones, or themselves. While it is easy to get caught up in the fun of it all, it is important to remember that with increased purchasing comes heightened risk of theft. Thieves on the prowl throughout the holiday and tax s...