Pico Rivera

Deputy Albanese
End of watch – deputy thomas j. albanese 1024 1024 SIB Staff

End of watch – deputy thomas j. albanese

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 8:58 AM, Deputy Thomas J. Albanese, 41, was killed in an unfortunate traffic collision at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard in the City of Lakewood. Deputy Albanese was traveling northbound on Paramount Boulevard, approaching Del Amo, when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle ahead of him.

As Deputy Albanese entered the intersection, he was struck by a sedan traveling westbound on Del Amo Boulevard. The force of the collision was extreme, and Deputy Albanese died instantly. Deputy Albanese was a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. He started his career with the Sheriff’s Department as a Security Assistant in 2013 in the Aero Bureau. In 2015, he took an oath of office to serve his duties as a peace officer faithfully and was assigned to Men’s Central Jail. He went to patrol at Transit Services Bureau and then transferred to Lakewood Station as a Field Training Officer.

Deputy Albanese’s last assignment was as a Pico Rivera Station Motor Deputy but was working overtime at the Lakewood Station when the tragic accident occurred. In addition to his short but impressive career with the Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Albanese was part of the Marine Corps, serving from March 2001 through March 2010. He served four tours in Iraq and was highly decorated.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “Thomas touched the lives of many people while working in the Department. He received several commendations for his work in patrol and helping the citizens of Los Angeles County.”Deputy Albanese is survived by his wife of 12 years, Erica, and his two young boys. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Family.

Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visit 800 600 SIB Staff

Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visit

Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visit

Matthew “Matu” Ignacio is just 11 years old and eager to get back into the swing of things, now that he’s surviving cancer.  At age six, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and had two tumors removed.  Now, with medication and monitoring, Matu can get back to the good stuff of childhood.

Part of growing up is going to school.  Assistant Sheriff Gross and deputy personnel from the Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives youth program, known as VIDA, came to Matu’s house and presented him and his two older brothers with backpacks and school supplies.

Matu has a connection with the VIDA deputies; they mentored him and have been in his life over the past few years, through all the ups and downs.  Matu also regularly speaks to at-risk kids participating in the program and offers words of perspective about uncertain tomorrows.  Life is precious and not guaranteed, which is why we must cherish each minute.  Even in Matu’s short time on earth, he has a great understanding of this concept, considering the circumstances he faced.

In an exciting moment at the event, Matu was appointed as an honorary Sheriff’s Explorer and presented with their uniform shoulder patches.  His face beamed with happiness and pride as he accepted the gift.

Actor Cody Walker also attended this special occasion and offered his support and encouragement as Matu continues his journey to improved health.

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Home Invasion Robbery

HOME INVASION ROBBERY

At least three armed home invasion robbers are sought after taking over a home and tying up residents in the 4400 block of Indian Bend Drive, in Unincorporated West Whittier on Thursday, January 16, 2020 just after 9:30 p.m.

Pico Rivera Station deputies responded to the single story dwelling after receiving a frantic 9-1-1 “robbery now” call.  Upon arriving, the home invasion robbers had ran off.   Amidst a strong deputy search of the area, the suspects were not located.

Detectives learned that three suspects rushed into the home after an elderly female resident walked back inside from a side door after having taken out the trash.

Once inside, the suspects hurriedly spread throughout and searched the house, corralling and tying up two male adults and one female juvenile who were also inside the house.

As the suspects made demands and threatened the residents inside the home with a black semi-automatic handgun, a female adult and resident of the home, approached the front door, unaware of what was transpiring inside.

The suspects opened the front door from inside the residence and pulled her in, where almost simultaneously one of the male adult victims yelled at her to run.  A fight then ensued between the arriving female and the suspects, where ultimately she was able to break free.  In doing so, she was able to run outside through the front door as another male resident trailed behind, screaming for help. 

With the soiled plan, the startled suspects fled through the front door and ran in an unknown direction. 

Two victims, a male adult and female adult, were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

At least $500 in U.S. currency was taken.

The three suspects, described as male adults, wore dark clothing.

Near the time of the incident, a dark colored sedan, possibly a Dodge Charger or Challenger, was captured in video surveillance driving near the area.

Detectives continue following leads and are asking anyone with information to contact Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Detective David Avila at 562-222-5529. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.


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Pico Rivera Hit and run

Deputies and Traffic Detectives investigate fatal hit and run in Pico Rivera

Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Deputies and Traffic Services Detail Detectives are currently investigating a fatal hit and run traffic collision that occurred at the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Paramount Boulevard in the city of Pico Rivera. The victim, a 15 year old male juvenile, was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident occurred on Friday, January 10, 2020 at approximately 3:00pm, when four pedestrians were running south through the crosswalk of Paramount Boulevard and Slauson Avenue.  A box truck traveling east on Slauson Avenue, struck one of the pedestrians in the intersection, and failed to stop.   The suspect fled the scene, and continued eastbound on Slauson Avenue, out of view.  The suspect’s vehicle license plate was captured by witnesses. 

Deputies responded and located the victim, and witnesses, at the intersection.  With the assistance of the Los Angeles County Fire Department the victim was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital in critical condition.  The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

During the course of the investigation, and shortly after the traffic collision, officers from Whittier Police Department assisting Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Deputies located what they believed to be the suspect’s vehicle.  Currently, a person of interest is being detained related to the investigation.

No other information is currently available at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station, attention Traffic Detective Marquez (562)949-2421. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.