On January 5th, 2015, at about 7:24 am, an Azusa Police Officer was patrolling the area of Ninth Street and Azusa Avenue. The officer's patrol car was equipped with a stolen vehicle alert system, which suddenly activated. The officer, assisted by other police officers began searching for the vehicle, which had been stolen from the city of Montebello.

A pair of officers in the area of Pasadena Avenue and Ninth Street spotted the stolen Honda Pilot, and began following it eastbound into the Rosedale community. The officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but it suddenly accelerated away from the officers, and traveled back westbound on Ninth Street. With the officers in pursuit, the Honda continued west at an unsafe speed, while failing to stop at posted traffic signs and signals. The Honda turned north onto Azusa Avenue, but then stopped in the west alley of the 1000 block of N. Azusa Avenue.

The female driver, Victoria Gomez (Age 23 from Downey) and her two passengers, Jasmine Jimenez (Age 23 from Downey) and Jesus Rojas (Age 31 from Montebello) jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the residential neighborhood. The police officers were able to quickly take all three suspects into custody without further incident.

Gomez was arrested for auto theft and felony evasion of a police officer, and remains in custody at the Azusa Police Department's Jail, with a bail of $25,000.00. Jimenez and Rojas were arrested for delaying/resisting a police officer. They were issued citations to appear in court, and released from custody.

Excellent Work By Patrol Officers

Since Sunday, Azusa Police Officers have located and recovered three stolen vehicles, all of which were stolen outside of Azusa. The recoveries have not only resulted in the return of the vehicles to the grateful legal owners, but a total of six suspects have been arrested.

Your Safety Is Our Primary Concern

Azusa Police Officers frequently train on the use of their vehicles during emergency situations and pursuits. In fact, you can read about some of that training by clicking here. 

We would like to remind you that should you see a police pursuit approaching your vehicle as you travel on the roadway, please do not attempt to interfere or help us in any manner. The suspect's actions are un-predictable, and they do not adhere to the same rules of driving we do. 

Secure Your Vehicle

Make sure to lock your doors and roll your windows up whenever you park your vehicle. Take the keys with you, also. You can't imagine how many auto thefts occur each year because people leave the keys in the ignition. Also, consider using a theft deterrent device, such as a steering wheel lock. Last, park in well lit and populated areas.