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
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.