WCPD will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety operation May 3rd. Swipe for further details. ➡️

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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month 📵 Please refrain from texting and driving, as well as other distractions. #wcpd #westcovinapd #policedepartment #donttextanddrive

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Anyone with further information is asked to contact the West Covina Police Department at 626-939-8500 or the 24-hour Anonymous Tip Line 626-939-8688.

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On 03/09/24, WCPD Honor Guard participated in the funeral services for retired Commander John Schimanski ID #72. On June 1, 1969, John was hired by the West Covina Police Department as a Police Officer where he rose through the ranks with the following promotions: Police Corporal on January 16, 1976; Police Sergeant on September 6, 1980; Police Lieutenant on April 1, 1988; and Police Commander on January 1, 2001.  He retired on July 2, 2004 after 35 years of service.    His assignments and collateral duties include: Patrol, Undercover Narcotics Officer, Special Problems Detail, Community Relations Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Undercover Detective East Valley Burglary Investigation Team, Special Investigation Unit, SET, Burglary Investigation Team, Field Sergeant, Investigative Division Lieutenant, Traffic Lieutenant, Commander of Investigative and Support Services Division, Explorer Post Advisor, Helicopter Observer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Leader, Reserve Officer Program Coordinator, ROP Coordinator, Chief’s Aide, and Grant Writer and Coordinator. May Commander Schimanski rest in peace.

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We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team who was sworn in this morning, Officer Carlos Ocegueda! With an impressive 18 years of law enforcement experience, Officer Ocegueda joins us as a lateral from the San Gabriel Police Department, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Having served both at SGPD and LAPD, Officer Ocegueda’s dedication to public safety and community service is truly commendable. We couldn’t be more excited to have him as part of our West Covina PD family and team. Join us in congratulating Officer Ocegueda on this new chapter in his career! 👏🚔🎉 ••• #NewOfficer #WestCovinaPD #WestCovina #WCPD #Congratulations

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🎉 Let's give a big round of applause to Dispatcher Janelle Galvan! 🎉 We're thrilled to announce that Janelle has been promoted from the position of Senior Dispatcher to Dispatch Supervisor. Her dedication, hard work, and expertise have made her an invaluable member of our team, and we couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments. Janelle's commitment to excellence and her unwavering professionalism make her the perfect fit for this new role. We have no doubt that she will continue to excel and lead with integrity and compassion. Congratulations, Janelle! Your promotion is well-deserved, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish in your new position. Here's to many more successes ahead! ••• #Congratulations #Promotion #DispatchSupervisor #TeamLeader #Dispatch #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD #Community #Safety

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Always a great day when Officer Bowman and his partner K9 Rev are around 🐾🚔 such a good boy ! ••• #LawEnforcement #Officer #K9 #Canine #Partners #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD #GoodBoy

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The West Covina Police Department is addressing concerns circulating within our community regarding recent allegations involving a substitute teacher at Cameron Elementary School. We recognize the gravity of these allegations, particularly when they concern the safety and well-being of our children. We want to reassure the community that the police department is treating these allegations with the utmost seriousness. An investigation is currently underway to thoroughly examine the situation and gather all the necessary information. However, investigations of this nature require time and diligence to ensure a fair and accurate assessment. It is essential to allow the investigative process to unfold without jumping to conclusions or making assumptions. We understand that this situation may evoke strong emotions within our community. However, we urge everyone to remain calm and trust in the investigative process. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members, particularly our children. We will provide updates on the investigation as they become available. In the meantime, we encourage anyone with additional relevant information to come forward and speak with our investigators. You can leave a message for investigators at (626) 939-8688. Richard Bell Chief of Police ••• #Community #Advisement #Message #Information #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD

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𝗣𝗦𝗔: 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘁𝘀 The West Covina Police Department wants to make the community aware of criminals' creative tactics to steal personal items from victims. Recently, officers responded to a theft that had occurred at a local shopping center. The victim parked his vehicle, shopped, and eventually returned to his car before driving to a local bank to withdraw some money from an ATM. The victim returned to his vehicle, and as he was beginning to drive away, he heard a "pop" noise and went to inspect his tires. The victim noticed an item had flattened one of his tires, and as he was changing it, he heard one of his other car doors close. When the victim realized what was occurring, a witness alerted him that someone had taken something from the victim's vehicle and entered another vehicle before fleeing the area. Believing that criminals may use this creative and distractive tactic or other creative tactics, we urge the community to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures against such crimes. Here are some safety tips to safeguard your belongings: • 𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Always stay alert to your surroundings, especially in parking lots and public spaces. • 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀: Keep valuables out of sight and locked in your vehicle's trunk if possible. • 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: If you witness any suspicious behavior, promptly report it to local law enforcement agencies. Crimes in West Covina, call: 626-939-8500. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. • 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Consider installing security cameras or alarms in your vehicle to deter theft. • 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱: Stay connected with neighbors and community members to share information and support each other's safety. ••• #Community #Safety #Information #Prevention #LawEnforcement #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD

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Today is Safer Internet Day! As technology becomes an integral part of kids' lives, we want parents and adults to start the conversation with the kids and youths about being safe online. To help with the conversation, The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) has provided tips and resources that can be found by clicking the link in our Instagram Bio or by visiting saferinternetday.us. Start the conversation now. Empower, Educate, and Protect. ••• #SaferInternetDay #StartTheConversation #SID2024/ICAC #Educate #Protect #Community #Youth #Internet #Safety #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD

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Critical Missing Person: Bella Ramirez has been safely located. Thank you to everyone who shared the information. ••• #Update #Community #Information #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD

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𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁: 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘆 On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at approximately 9:20 pm, an officer was conducting extra patrol in the Eastland shopping center due to two armed robberies involving the same vehicle and suspects. The first robbery occurred on January 16, 2024, and the second on January 29, 2024.  While conducting extra patrol, the officer noticed a vehicle in the parking lot that matched the description. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and detained two males, one adult, and one juvenile. During the stop/investigation, a ski mask, a replica gun, and some of the stolen property from the robberies were located. The male adult, 18-year-old resident of Hesperia, Isaac Anderson, was taken into custody and booked for robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of stolen property with a bail amount of $50,000. The juvenile was booked at a local juvenile detention center. Booking photos will not be released to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.  ••• #Patrol #Arrest #Outstanding #Investigation #NightWatch #Officers #LawEnforcement #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD #Safety #Community

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K9 and SWAT training 🐾👮🏻‍♂️ ••• #Training #Tactics #SkillBuilding #Focus #K9 #Canine #SWAT #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD

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The police cadet program plays a crucial role in shaping individuals for future roles within the police department, whether civilian or sworn. This initiative is meticulously designed to foster individual career development, providing aspiring candidates with a structured pathway toward a potential full-time position in law enforcement. Cadets operate under close supervision while engaging in non-hazardous duties spanning various areas within the police department and the city. These duties range from parking enforcement, the issuance of parking citations, and investigating traffic collisions to performing clerical tasks, traffic control, and serving subpoenas. By engaging in these essential functions, cadets not only gain practical experience but also contribute to the overall efficiency and functioning of the police department. This program is instrumental in cultivating a skilled and disciplined workforce, ensuring a seamless transition for individuals into the demanding and diverse responsibilities associated with police work. ••• #Cadets #LawEnforcement #Future #Career #WestCovina #WestCovinaPD #WCPD #Profession

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Get your popcorn, hotdogs, and sodas ready! The Friday Night Lights are back on the turf for the epic rivalry between,

“THE KINGS OF CAMERON”

WEST COVINA HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS (VS) SOUTH HILLS HIGH SCHOOL HUSKIES

SRO Alexander (West Covina High School) & SRO Duarte (South Hills High School) are just as excited as you are!

See you there!
DATE OF RELEASE: September 11, 2024

West Covina, CA.

One person was arrested at a DUI checkpoint on 08/23/24.

The DUI checkpoint was held at Glendora Ave. and Service Ave. from 6:00PM to 2:00AM. 25 vehicles were contacted. One person was arrested for DUI, with a combination of drugs and alcohol.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Arrest of Shooting Suspect

DATE OF RELEASE: Sunday, September 1, 2024

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 6:12 PM, West Covina Police Department and West Covina Fire Department personnel responded to Lark Ellen Avenue and Fairgrove Avenue regarding a person who had been shot. Investigation revealed the victim, a 28-year-old male, was walking on Lark Ellen Avenue. While walking, a car drove by and an occupant shot at the victim several times. The victim was shot in the face and was transported to the hospital in critical condition. 

Detectives from the West Covina Police Department began an investigation into the shooting. The suspected perpetrator was identified as Anthony Henry Harris, a 30-year-old male resident of West Covina.

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 7:38 AM, the West Covina Police Department Special Problems Detail arrested Harris during a warrant service at his residence in the 900 block of East Service Avenue in West Covina. Harris was
booked at the West Covina Police Department for California Penal Code 664/187(a) - Attempted Murder and is being held without bail. Harris’ first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Los Angeles County Superior Court - West Covina Courthouse. The West Covina Police Department is not seeking any other suspects for the shooting at this time.

The West Covina Police Department is seeking witnesses who may have seen something in the area. Tips can be submitted anonymously online to LA County Crime Stoppers or by calling 800-222-8477. Witnesses can also contact the West Covina Police Department at our tip line (626-939-8688).

Reference WCPD DR# 24-05258
Released by Lieutenant Brandon Karmann
The West Covina Police Department will never forget...

Forty-one years ago, on Wednesday, August 31, 1983, Officer Kenneth "Ken" Wrede #203 was working as a patrol officer. At approximately 12:19 pm, he was contacted by a citizen who reported a man, possibly under the influence of drugs, acting bizarrely in the street. Officer Wrede responded to the area of Lark Ellen Avenue and Francisquito Avenue and began searching for the man. He located the suspect at Francisquito Avenue and Glenview Road. Officer Wrede contacted the suspect and radioed that the suspect appeared to be high on PCP. Officer Wrede requested another officer to respond to assist him. The suspect refused orders by Officer Wrede, and a struggle ensued. During the continued struggle, the suspect was able to rip the shotgun and shotgun rack from Officer Wrede's patrol unit. The suspect fired the shotgun over the unit's roof, fatally wounding Officer Wrede. Responding officers located and arrested the suspect near the scene. It was later determined that the suspect was, in fact, high on PCP. The suspect was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death.

Officer Wrede served this organization with distinction. Please continue to share Ken's story to help keep his memory alive. In 2015 the West Covina Police Officers Association coordinated the installation of a fallen officer memorial street sign at the location of the incident and in our underground parking lot, honoring Ken's sacrifice in the service of this community. In 2007, a portion of the Interstate 10 freeway from Grand Avenue to Vincent Avenue was named the "West Covina Police Officer Kenneth Scott Wrede Memorial Highway" in honor of Officer Ken Wrede's service and sacrifice to the City of West Covina.

In honor of Officer Wrede's ultimate sacrifice serving this community, all personnel will be wearing black bands over their badge. 

•••
#FallenOfficer #NeverForget #WestCovina #WCPD #LawEnforcement #Officer
It’s that time again! School is back in session, and our SROs (School Resource Officers) Officer Alexander, Officer Duarte, and Officer Mosley are just as excited as the students to be back! @westcovinahighschool @southhillshuskyprincipal @ehspride
Our condolences go out to the San Diego Police Department @sandiegopd, as well as the friends and family of Officer Austin Machitar #7989. Officer Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez #1901, were involved in a traffic collision last night while responding to a vehicle pursuit. We also wish Officer Martinez, who is in critical but stable condition, a quick recovery.

#westcovinapd #sandiegopd #wcpd #sdpd
August 22, 2024

The West Covina Police Department would like to congratulate Officer Kearns #353 on his retirement. Officer Kearns started his career at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1994 and lateraled to West Covina Police Department in 2001, spanning a total of 29 years in his law enforcement career!

During his career, Officer Kearns worked as a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer (SRO), and Motor Officer. Officer Kearns has received numerous awards, most notably a life-saving award, and a MADD Award (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). 

Officer Kearns was one of the founding members of the West Covina Police Department's MAIT team (major accident investigation team), investigating thousands of traffic collisions throughout his career. 

Officer Kearns' message to the new generation of police officers: 

"Be kind to everyone you meet. People usually call us during a difficult time in their lives. Treat them how you would treat your parents, friends, and family."
On Monday, August 19th, our K-9 division hosted their 9th annual golf tournament at South Hills Country Club. Thank you to those who participated and to South Hills Country Club for hosting! ⛳ 

#golftournament #golf #tournament #wcpd #westcovinapolice
Date of release: Tuesday, August 13, 2024

On August 08, 2024, following an investigation spanning several weeks, the West Covina Police Department, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-Child Exploitation Investigations Group, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, arrested an individual for possession of child sexual abuse material/child pornography. The suspect, Matthew Mullen, a 39-year-old resident of West Covina, was arrested and booked into the West Covina Jail. 

Later on August 08, 2024, a victim who is a minor was identified.  West Covina Police Detectives and Special Agents from HSI contacted the victim and their family. This criminal investigation led to additional allegations of sex acts with a child under 10 years of age against S-Mullen.

On August 12, 2024, multiple felony charges for sex acts with a child under 10 years of age, were filed against S-Mullen with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. S-Mullen was arraigned at the Los Angeles Superior Court-West Covina and is being held without bail.  S-Mullen is currently in the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The West Covina Police Department located a dog today in the area of Amar Rd. and Temple Ave., and we are attempting to find the rightful owners. Please bring proof of ownership such as documentation, photos, or vaccination records. Contact the West Covina Police Department at (626)939-8500.
Press Release: Arrest Made in Child Sexual Exploitation Investigation, Detectives Seeking Potential Victims

DATE OF RELEASE: Thursday, August 8, 2024

On August 08, 2024, following an investigation spanning several weeks, the West Covina Police Department, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations HSI Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, executed a federal warrant and arrested an individual for possession of child pornography. The suspect, Matthew Mullen, a 39-year-old resident of West Covina, was arrested and booked for 311.11(a) PC and 311.11(c)(1) PC (Possession of over 600 obscene images and Possession of Minor in Sexual Act/Pornography Material).

Due to Mullen’s volunteer efforts in local organizations, Investigators believe there may be additional victims. HSI Los Angeles and the West Covina Police Department are asking for assistance from the public. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact West Covina Police Detective Iside at (626) 939-8520 or contact the HSI TIP Line at (877)447-4847 and reference the Matthew Mullen investigation.

Released by Sergeant Macias PIO/Media Relations

#investigation #pressrelease #arrest
National Night Out 2024 ⭐️

National Night Out aims to promote partnerships between law enforcement and the community to make our neighborhoods safer. Thank you to the residents and businesses who hosted events for our police and fire personnel.

#nationalnightout #police #community #wcpd #wcfd #policeandfire
Press Release: The West Covina Police Department will conduct a DUI Checkpoint on August 23, 2024 from 6 PM to 2 AM at an undisclosed location.

#dui #duicheckpoint #checkpoint #wcpd