SPPD Media Release:
On October 18, 2025, at about 8:25 p.m., South Pasadena Police Officers responded to the 2000 block of Meridian Avenue for a reported theft from a motor vehicle. The suspect was seen leaving the area on an electric bicycle.
A search of the area was conducted; however, the suspect was not located. The loss taken from the victim’s vehicle was electronic equipment valued at over $10,000. Officers obtained witness statements and video of the suspect.
The following day, officers tracked an attempted use of the victim’s stolen credit card. Officers subsequently located the suspect at a convenience store in Los Angeles.
The suspect, 57-year-old Ralph Maresca, an unhoused individual, was taken into custody and found to be in possession of additional stolen property from neighboring jurisdictions, as well as narcotics.
Maresca, who has an extensive criminal history, was booked for:
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P.C. 487(a) – Grand Theft
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P.C. 666.1 – Theft with Prior Convictions
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H&S 11395 – Possession of Narcotics with Prior Convictions
He is being held at Pasadena City Jail pending arraignment.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to call the South Pasadena Police Department at (626) 403-7265.
If you would like to provide an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
