Crime
Arson suspect Jose Carranza-Escobar arrested at Pioneer Park in Azusa
Brush fire incident at Pioneer Park leads to Arrest On Friday, January 10, 2025 at approximately 11:37pm, officers were dispatched to Pioneer Park, located at 1360 N. Dalton Ave., in response to a reported brush fire.
Upon arrival, a witness alerted officers that the individual responsible for igniting the fire was still at the scene.
Officers located the adult male suspect, identified as Jose Carranza-Escobar, a transient, with a last known address in Azusa standing next to the flames.
Officers quickly detained Carranza as Los Angeles County Fire arrived to extinguish the fire.
Los Angeles County Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. During the investigation, Carranza admitted to starting the fire and was arrested for Arson.
He was subsequently booked at the Azusa Police Department Jail and is currently being held in custody.
City of Azusa Public Works along with Azusa Light and Water are currently assessing the damage caused by the fire.
The investigation is ongoing. Azusa PD urges everyone to remain alert as fires continue to affect the county. We must be cautious of individuals who may enter our community with the intent to start fires.
The Azusa Police Department has staffed extra officers on duty due to the ongoing fire situation.
We are taking a “zero tolerance” stance on these types of criminal acts. The Azusa PD will continue to work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Army National Guard and all of our partner agencies to ensure our community’s and residents’ safety.
This investigation will be presented promptly to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of filing on all applicable criminal charges.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200 or to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
Crime
Victim Killed in Northwest Side Phone Repair Store Shooting Identified as 35-Year-Old Cody Bell
San Antonio police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at a phone repair store on the Northwest Side, resulting in the deaths of two men.
The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the 11800 block of Bandera Road, near Loop 1604.
According to authorities, the altercation began when a customer, dissatisfied with the repair service, engaged in a verbal dispute with an employee.
As the confrontation escalated, it turned physical.
At one point, police said the customer produced a firearm and shot the employee.
In response, a second employee retrieved his own firearm and shot the customer.
Both the initial victim and the customer sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead.
The employee who was killed has been identified as 35-year-old Cody Bell.
The second employee involved in the shooting is cooperating with investigators and is not currently facing charges, police confirmed.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review evidence and statements to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.