A 29-year-old parolee was arrested on Monday afternoon for felony theft after fleeing the scene of a crime and attempting to evade officers in South Pasadena.
Residents Report Suspicious Activity
At approximately 3:00 p.m., the South Pasadena Communications Center received multiple calls reporting a man running into the backyard of a home in the 1800 block of Olive Avenue. Callers noted the individual was carrying a basket full of items.
Suspect Attempts to Flee, Quickly Apprehended
Officers immediately responded and began searching the area. Upon spotting law enforcement, the suspect attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers nearby.
Investigation Reveals Over $600 in Stolen Merchandise
Further investigation determined the man had stolen merchandise valued at more than $600 from a nearby grocery store. The suspect was identified as Michael Del Rio, a 29-year-old resident of Los Angeles.
Felony Charges and Parole Hold Issued
Del Rio was booked for violation of Penal Code 666.1 – Felony Theft with Prior Convictions. He was also confirmed to be on parole with the California Department of Corrections, leading to an additional hold placed on him.
Police Encourage Community Cooperation
The South Pasadena Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact the department at (626) 403-7270. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
About the City of South Pasadena:
Located just six miles from downtown Los Angeles, South Pasadena is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, local businesses, and strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 25,000, the city prides itself on its small-town charm and commitment to quality of life.
For more information, visit www.southpasadenaca.gov and follow South Pasadena on social media to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
