Stolen Vehicle Leads to Juvenile Detentions in South Pasadena

South Pasadena Police (File Photo – SouthPasPD)

South Pasadena police detained four juveniles early Sunday morning after an automated license plate recognition alert led officers to a stolen vehicle abandoned in a residential alley.

By News Desk

According to the South Pasadena Police Department, the incident began on January 25, 2026, at 12:53 am, when the Flock license plate recognition system notified officers that a stolen vehicle was being driven within city limits. Responding units located the unoccupied vehicle in the 300 block of Hawthorne Alley.

Officers quickly secured the area and soon found four male juveniles walking away from the vehicle. During the detention and field investigation, police recovered an electronic device believed to have been used in the theft.

The juveniles, all from Bakersfield and between 16 and 17 years old, were booked for possession of a stolen vehicle and curfew violations. In accordance with Los Angeles County guidelines, they were later released to their parents.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the South Pasadena Police Department at (626) 403-7265. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222‑TIPS (8477).