From Michael J. Messina, Chief of Police, Brea Police Department:
Dear Acting Sheriff Anderson:
On March 27, 2008, at approx 1115 hours, officers from the Brea Police Department responded to a “take-over” bank robbery in Yorba Linda. Three armed robbery suspects were seen leaving the bank and getting into a van.
Responding Brea officers chased the van into a nearby retail center where the three suspects fled on foot. One was soon taken into custody and the other two were seen leaving the area in a black Ranger Rover. A Brea motorcycle sergeant soon spotted the vehicle and a pursuit ensued through the City of Placentia. One of the suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled into a residential area near Kraemer and Bastanchury. The pursuit continued all the way into Chino Hills before the driver pulled over and surrendered.
The search for the outstanding suspect in Placentia necessitated the need for a large perimeter and required extensive personnel resources. Orange County Sheriff’s Department K9 Handler Brown and his partner responded to a request for assistance. After an exhaustive three-hour search, the North County SWAT Team found the last suspect hiding in the garage of a residential home.
The assistance provided by the members of your department was critical in bringing about a successful resolution to the incident. No one was injured during this event. Your deputy is a credit to your department and a model example of inter-agency cooperation. I want to express my deep appreciation for the service he rendered.