Domestic Violence

Lolita Harper BURBANK -- The dark, cold cell guarded by the Iranian Secret Police is not the only prison Pastor Robak Hoospianmer, also known as Roubik Hoospian, has been spent time in. Last month he spent the night in Los Angeles County Jail after being arrested on suspicion of intent to commit rape, residential burglary and stalking, according to court documents. The woman involved -- whose name is being withheld to protect her identity -- has accused Hoospianmer of the crimes, which allegedly occurred at her Pasadena home in August, according to the original complaint filed by the Los Angeles County district attorney.

Jenna Bordelon BURBANK -- Arresting Mohammad Akhyari was not enough to keep him away from his wife. After his arrest Dec. 30 on suspicion of grabbing and shoving his wife of eight months, the 45-year-old Akhyari phoned her later that same day and threatened her life, police said. He allegedly told her that he would kill her if she didn't move out. Akhyari was arrested a second time on suspicion of making terrorist threats. Police said the couple had been arguing at the time about Akhyari's family living in their house.

Jenna Bordelon BURBANK -- A jump in aggravated assaults led to a marked increase in violent crimes committed in Burbank during the first half of the year, according to new crime statistics released by the police department. The statistics encompass reported crimes from January through July and are compiled on a monthly basis. When compared to the same time period in 1999, violent crimes rose 30%. Overall crime rose 11%. Police said a rise in reported domestic assaults was one of the reasons for the increase, a factor they attributed to greater awareness and enforcement.

Joseph L. Valento This is in response to the editorial, "Crime report reveals some arresting news" (April 5). In your editorial you indicate an alarming increase in the number of violent crimes committed in Burbank during 1999. The article correctly attributes the rise to the number of aggravated assaults reported during 1999 when compared to those committed in 1998. The crime category "aggravated assault" is defined as "the unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury ..."

CIVIC CENTER - I like to think I have a pretty good relationship with the Burbank Police Department and a good understanding of what they do. But, that's my job. For others, it's rare to get an inside look at the workings of the police department, or it was until recently. In September, the Burbank Police Department started its first ever Community Academy to teach about 20 Burbank residents about various aspects of police work. I was invited by Sgt. Craig Varner - who put together the course - to take part in the 12-week program.