CRIME: Attempted Homicide on a Police Officer
LOCATION: West bound 210 freeway at Sunflower Avenue, Glendora CA 91740
AZPD CASE #: 19-18556
SUSPECT: Alberto Gracida, DOB 1/7/92 Driver
Sonya Luevao, DOB 10/31/90 Passenger
Justine Torres, DOB 8/11/90 Passenger
On May 31, 2019 at approximately 5:30am, an Azusa Police Department Motor Officer was driving his marked police motorcycle to work on the west bound 210 freeway near the Sunflower Avenue off ramp. It was at this location that a vehicle swerved into the motor officer as he was riding. Initially, it was thought to be an accident, but the driver and occupants of the vehicle continued driving and began throwing objects at the police officer from inside of the vehicle. The Motor Officer was able to successfully maintain control of his motorcycle, broadcast the information over the radio, and then attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle failed to yield and continued driving on the freeway while continuously throwing objects at the officer on his motorcycle. A pursuit was initiated by Azusa Police Officers and joined by an on-duty West Covina Police Officer who witnessed the incident.
The vehicle exited in the City of Azusa, where the pursuit continued. Eventually the driver entered the yard of a residence, collided with a wall on the property and attempted to flee from officers on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the driver was safely taken into custody while two occupants of the vehicle were also taken into custody at the scene of the collision.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Alberto Gracida and is being charged with Attempted Homicide on a Police Officer. He is currently being held at the Azusa Police Department Jail on $1,000,000.00 bail. The passengers were identified as Sonya Luevao and Justine Torres. They are also being charged with Attempted Homicide on a Police Officer and are being held at the Azusa Police Department Jail.
This incident is currently being investigated by the Azusa Police Department Detective Bureau. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Beaver of the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200.