Early-morning assault prompts attempted murder charge in Pasadena area
South Pasadena police took a 21-year-old man into custody Friday after responding to an assault call that left a woman with visible injuries, authorities said. The incident, which the South Pasadena Police Department (SPPD) says involved an attempted strangulation, occurred in the 1500 block of Bank Street at about 5:47 a.m. on Aug. 15.
Officers arriving at the scene located a female victim displaying physical injuries and detained a male at the residence. Investigators determined the detained man had attempted to strangle the woman; another male who was inside the home intervened and separated the two, the department said.
"Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the South Pasadena Police Department," the department said in a statement.
Police arrested 21-year-old Izhar Santiago of South Pasadena on suspicion of attempted murder. Santiago was transported to the Pasadena City Jail and booked, SPPD said. Authorities have not released further details about the victim's condition or the relationship between the parties involved. The investigation remains open.
What police have released
- Date and time: Aug. 15 at approximately 5:47 a.m.
- Location: 1500 block of Bank Street (South Pasadena)
- Suspect: Izhar Santiago, 21, of South Pasadena — arrested and booked at Pasadena City Jail
- Allegation: Attempted strangulation; charged as attempted murder
SPPD has asked anyone with information about the incident to call the department at (626) 403-7270. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
Local context and public-safety implications
While South Pasadena is a small, closely knit community within the larger Pasadena area, incidents of serious domestic or interpersonal violence can reverberate widely among neighbors and local services. An arrest on suspicion of attempted murder elevates the matter beyond a disturbance call to a potentially significant criminal case that could involve prosecutors from the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.
Victim privacy and safety typically limit the amount of information police release in the immediate aftermath of such incidents. That can leave residents seeking clarity about whether there is an ongoing threat in their neighborhood. Neighborhood watch groups, local block associations and property managers often rely on statements from SPPD and surrounding agencies to assess any broader public-safety risk.
Anyone directly affected by domestic violence or in need of assistance can contact local support services and hotlines. Law enforcement encourages prompt reporting of violent incidents so investigators can preserve evidence and take timely action.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Response time | Officers arrived following call at about 5:47 a.m. |
| Suspect status | Arrested and booked at Pasadena City Jail |
| Investigation | Ongoing; public urged to provide tips |
Investigations of alleged strangulation are treated seriously because of the high risk of life-threatening injury and the potential for long-term physical and psychological harm to victims. South Pasadena police did not release medical details about the woman found at the scene or specify charges beyond the arrest report.
Community members with relevant information are asked to contact the South Pasadena Police Department at the number provided. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers, which may be useful in developing leads that are not immediately apparent from the initial police response.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor this case and will report updates as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available from law enforcement or prosecutors.
