-Press Release-
For Immediate Release
December 7, 2006
Contact: Corporal Rudy Lopez
Phone: (626) 939-8685

Good Police Work leads to arrest of two men for Robbery
Case No. 06-12683
WEST COVINA, California - DECEMBER 7, 2006 - On Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at about 6:46 pm, a 56 year old female of West Covina had just parked and exited her vehicle in the Best Buy Parking lot located at 950 Lakes Drive in West Covina and hung her purse on her shoulder using its shoulder strap. As this victim began reaching into the trunk of her vehicle, someone grabbed onto her from behind and then tried to take her purse. When the victim struggled to retain her purse, the suspect began punching the victim on her head several times, causing her to fall to the ground. While the victim pleaded with the suspect, the suspect broke the shoulder straps and took the purse. The suspect was seen entering a White Chrysler 300M with chrome wheels vehicle driven by a second suspect, which fled the location. The victim sustained minor injuries from the strikes to her head by the suspect but was not hospitalized.

On Monday, December 4, 2006, Officer Ken Block, a 5 year veteran of the West Covina Police Department was patrolling the area of Valinda/Amar when he saw a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the robbery at Best Buy. Officer Block was one of the officers involved in that robbery investigation. Officer Block stopped the vehicle and during his investigation, he determined the suspect was connected to the robbery. The suspect was arrested, and is identified at Francisco Diaz, 23 of Valinda.

On December 5, 2006 further investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect in the area of Guzman/Inyo Streets in La Puente. He was arrested without incident and is identified as Jose Luis Abundis, 21 of La Puente.

Charges were filed on December 6, 2006 at the West Covina Superior Court against both suspects. They each were charged with one count of Robbery. S/Diaz, who is on Parole, is being held without bail. S/Abundis bail is set at $50,000.00. Both appeared in court today for their arraignment.

The West Covina Police Department wishes to advise the public to always be aware of your surroundings while walking to and from your vehicles anywhere you go. The WCPD is offering the following suggestions for this holiday shopping season:

1. Refrain from using shoulder strap purses. Hanging it from your shoulder allows you to free your hands to hold purchased items, but it also makes your purse a target to thieves.
2. Bring only those credit cards you intend on using that day. Keep the number of items you bring to a minimum so that they fit in a smaller purse or in your pocket.
3. Park in well lit areas, and always be alert, looking around as you exit your vehicle, or return to it.
4. Shop in pairs. The buddy system gives you an advantage of safety.
5. If you see anyone walking or in a vehicle that appears suspicious to you, avoid them and notify someone from the stores you are near.
6. If using a cart while shopping, keep your purse closed and in a place not easily accessible to anyone walking by as your back is turned.
7. Never leave your purchased items in plain view inside your vehicle. It is an invitation to break into it and take your property.
8. When returning to your vehicle with children or purchased items, place your purse in the vehicle first. If your back is turned as you are placing your child in a car seat or loading items into your vehicle, someone can easily walk by and take your purse from the cart.
9. If you find one of your tires flat in the parking lot, be aware of people who walk up to you and offer to help. There are cases where a "helpful" citizen actually distracts you while a second thief rummages through your vehicle or shopping cart.

Press Release issued by Corporal Rudy Lopez, 626 939-8685.

# # #

- back to top -

- back to Press Releases -

Community Events | Visit City Hall | Meet Your City Council
Kids Stuff | West Covina Loves Your Business | Home
Phone Directory | Site Map | Contact Us