​On Monday, 08/22/2016 at about 7:10 pm, a subject was seen smashing a window, and entering the rear of a residence, in the 800 block of McKeller Court. The witness called the Azusa Police Department. Police officers immediately responded and once on scene, discovered the suspect was possibly still in the residence. Additional officers from the Glendora Police Department arrived, and the location was surrounded.

Officers made several announcements for the suspect to exit the residence. After receiving no response, and having the safety of the residents as the primary concern, officers made entry into the residence in search of the burglary suspect.Once inside, officers could hear the suspect moving in a bedroom.Officers again instructed the suspect to exit the residence, but he refused to comply with the officer's instructions.

The officers made entry into the room, where they found the suspect had now locked himself in a bathroom and refused to exit the bathroom when ordered to do so. Officers immediately entered the bathroom and Shadai Elliot Alvarez (Resident of Downey) was taken into custody, without incident. Alvarez was transported to the Azusa Police Department Jail facility and booked for violation of section 459 PC - Residential Burglary.

Partnerships Pay Off

Thanks to the collaborative effort of the police department and the residents in this particular neighborhood, this criminal was caught in the commission of the crime. The Azusa Police Department has assisted this neighborhood in developing a highly active and effective neighborhood watch program. Without the observant witness calling us immediately as this crime began, the officers may not have made an immediate arrest.

What Would You Do?

In the event you see a suspect breaking into a residence, business or vehicle, please take the following actions:

• Call 911 immediately
• Be prepared to give a thorough description of the suspect
• If you see a license plate on the suspect's vehicle, make sure to write it down or tell it to the dispatcher
• Do not confront the suspect. He or she could be armed with a weapon. No amount of property is worth your life

What If You're The Victim?

If you are inside your residence when a suspect is breaking in, immediately flee the residence if possible. Do not worry about your personal belongings. Once outside, use a neighbor's phone (if you don't have a phone with you) to call 911.If you are unable to flee, please consider these tips:

• Quietly lock yourself in a room and dial 911
• If you can whisper in the phone, tell the dispatcher what is happening
• Slow your breathing and remain calm. Although it will seem like time is standing still, know that we will respond immediately
• If you are found by the intruder, defend yourself and make a large amount of noise. You need to draw attention to your residence.

Want To Start A Neighborhood Watch Program?

If you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch program in your area, please contact Officer Mike Bires at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Have Information?

If you have any information regarding this case or subjects involved in this case, please call the Azusa Police Department at (626) 812-3200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may do so by clicking here.