LAPD Blog

Supervised Visit Ends in Child Abduction

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Detectives seek public’s help in locating an abducted child.

On July 2, 2009, at around 3:10 p.m., Officers responded to a possible kidnapping in the area of 25th and San Pedro Streets.  The investigation revealed that the child had been abducted by her biological mother, Duana Byrd.

By court order, Duana Byrd has only supervised visitation of her four-year old daughter Yashima Granberry.  Byrd grabbed Yashima from a social worker and walked away.  Byrd and Yashima have not been seen since.  

Suspect Duana Byrd, is described as a female, African American, 5’10" tall, black hair, brown eyes and weighs about 200 pounds.  Byrd was last seen walking away south bound San Pedro Street from 25th Street.  It is believed that Byrd may be headed to the Los Angeles International Airport with the child.  

Four-year old Yashima Granberry is described as an African American girl; she has black hair and brown eyes; she is 3’00” tall and weighs 40.

There are currently no photos of Yashima available.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Newton Detectives at 323-846-5363.  After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  All calls and contacts are anonymous.

62Year-Old Critical Missing

Los Angeles:  The Franklin family and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating 62-year-old Ruth Franklin who has been missing since July 1, 2009.

Ruth was last seen on July 1, 2009, at approximately 12:30 pm walking eastbound on Olympic Blvd towards La Brea Avenue. Ruth has been missing on a prior occasion and subsequently located in the Wilshire area of the City. It is believed that Ruth has identification on her person, but may not have the mental capacity to tell where she lives. Ruth is believed to be wearing a black jacket, green pants, grey sneakers, carrying a greenish stripped shoulder beach bag, and a black shoulder purse.

Ruth is described as female, African-American, 5’09”, 160 lbs, with blonde dreaded hair and light brown eyes. Ruth is believed to be suffering from Alzheimer and is presently taking medication.

Los Angeles Police Department, Detective Support and Vice Division, Missing Person’s Unit detectives are handling the investigation.  Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact detectives at 213-485-5381.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Husband Arrested for Bribing a Police Officer

Los Angeles.  Los Angeles detectives arrested a downtown businessman today after the man handed $2,000 cash to a police officer assigned to enforce counterfeit merchandise sales in the downtown Fashion District.

Senior Lead Officer Randy McCain has been enforcing counterfeit sales in the Fashion District since 1994.  “He knows everyone, and everyone knows him,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detectives in downtown.  “But apparently at least one person did not know him well enough to know he’s an honest cop, working for a professional police department.”

Indeed, Officer McCain has known Demba Camera, 35, for over ten years.  On June 24, Officer McCain was involved in the arrest of Camera’s wife, Karina Gonzalez, 24.  It was her third arrest for selling counterfeit purses from the couple’s sublet business at 936 S. Maple Street.

“After hearing about his wife’s arrest, Camera called me,” McCain explained.  “Not once but several times, then he sent a text message to my private cell phone.  It was pretty obvious he was serious about helping his wife.”  The text message said in part, “I PAY U.”

Detectives set up a recorded phone call with Camera and McCain last Thursday, the day after the wife’s arrest.  “I was really hoping that he would have reconsidered his impulse, but the conversation told me he was serious.  I was really surprised.”

The meet was set up for today, near the convention center, just after noon.  McCain arrived in uniform, driving a black-and-white police car.  Camera handed McCain the cash in full view of watching undercover officers.  “He had the nerve to put the bribe in one of his counterfeit bags, too,” Officer McCain explained.  “At least the purse did not have a designer label on it yet.”

Officer McCain has been a police officer for over 25 years, and this was the first time anyone has ever offered him a bribe.  “They even teach us in the academy that some day we might be offered a bribe,” McCain explained.  “We know sometimes that it can be a matter of a person coming from another locale where bribes are expected, but that was not the case here.”  While Camera is originally from Senegal, he has been doing business downtown for over a decade.

“We gave Camera several opportunities to think over his offer and withdraw it” McCain added.  “My badge and my integrity are not for sale.”

Camera was booked at the Metropolitan Jail for the felony, Bribing a Police Official, and his bail was set at $25,000. 

Lieutenant Vernon and Officer McCain can be reached for interviews at 213-972-1203.

Woman Robbed, Then Shot

Los Angeles:  Late Monday night, a woman walking alone was robbed of her purse and then shot without provocation.

On June 29, 2009, at around 11:20 p.m., a 31 year-old woman was walking east on 3rd Street near Kings Road, going to a friend’s house.  The victim was approached by Suspect #1, a loan Black female, 20-25 years-old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 145 pounds, wearing all dark clothing, who demanded the victim’s purse and indicated she would shoot the victim if she did not cooperate.  The Suspect pulled the victim’s purse off of her arm and then shot the victim in the upper torso.

A witness driving east on 3rd Street approaching Orlando Avenue was flagged down by the victim who told them she had just been robbed and shot.  The witness observed the suspect leaving the location in a car driving north on Kings Road and followed the car to the 100 block of South Flores Street where three suspects got out of the car and began running through the apartment complex.  The suspects were described only as two male Blacks with dark complexions and one light complected female Black.

Wilshire Area Robbery Detectives are following several leads but are asking anyone with information about this case to call Detective Robert Palacios at 213-922-8266.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.

Notes from the June 30, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commissioner John Mack called Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco a man of tremendous integrity as he bid Mr. Pacheco farewell. 

•    Police Commissioner Alan Skobin said President Pacheco has served as a mentor to a number of individuals from the Police Department as well as other City departments.  He added what he was most impressed with was Mr. Pacheco’s upbringing and his rise to the position he occupies today.  He stated President Pacheco never forgot where he came from and thanked him and his law firm for allowing him to serve.

•    Police Commissioner Andrea Ordin echoed the sentiments of her fellow Commissioners and said it was a pleasure to work with President Pacheco.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman said he appreciated President Pacheco’s leadership and friendship.

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco said he had a wonderful four year stint as a Police Commissioner, two of which were as President. He added it was a great pleasure to work with Police Chief Bratton, Inspector General Andre Birotte, Executive Director Richard Tefank and their respective staffs. 

•    Police Chief William Bratton spoke on behalf of the men and women of the Department and thanked President Pacheco for his leadership through the years.  He added President Pacheco can take great pride in the change he has witnessed during his tenure on the Commission. 

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of pending disciplinary actions as a result of the May Day 2007 incident was given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  He informed the Commission all investigations pertaining to the May Day incident had been completed.  Five officers were suspended as a result of a Board of Rights and one Sergeant was found Not Guilty.  He added the absence of training had a determination on the outcome of the complaints.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the discipline settlement process was given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  Chief Perez stated since 2004, the number of settlements has declined steadily and the criteria have changed.  The Department does not plea bargain and the settlement must meet four main requirements: Command staff belief in development in an employee, employee acceptance of responsibility, core facts must not be in dispute and the proposal must be accepted by Professional Standards Bureau command staff.  The goal is to have less settlement agreements in the end.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the in-car video system was given by Chief Information Officer Tim Riley.  Mr. Riley informed the Commission 300 cars in South Bureau have video installed and the corresponding area stations have equipment which has been tested.  City Hall East stores all the video captured and Scientific Investigation Division is responsible for making videos for court requests.  The video policy draft has been completed and Senior Lead Officers from Southeast Area are going to be the first to be trained on the new system beginning next week. The TEAMS II section will be responsible for training Department personnel and training will take approximately 30 days.  As early as next week the Department could have in-car cameras online and ready to go on a very limited basis.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the Miranda admonishment guidelines was given by Captain Sargent.  He said they looked at the issue of when personnel are supposed to stop questioning.  Realizing there were wider issues with laws, he gave it to Planning and Research Division (PRD) to craft a Department-wide policy.  PRD pulled directives, training bulletins and other documents and is working with the City Attorney to compose a draft. Police Commission Pacheco asked to have the item revisited in a few weeks.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 24, 2009, relative to the Categorical Use of Force Investigation Audit (IAID No. C08-008), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 9, 2009, relative to the Audit of the Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigation Process (IAID No. C09-064) was received and filed.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated June 30, 2009, relative to the Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal, was approved.  Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco was presented with the Police Commissions highest honor.

2009 Community Police Advisory Board Summit

Members of the area Community Police Advisory Boards (C-PAB), Department command staff, volunteers and dignitaries gathered on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles for the 2009 Community Police Advisory Board Summit.  The summit, which was sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Foundation, offers participants an opportunity to hear from Department brass on the state of the organization as well as affording them a chance to see how one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the nation, the Forensic Science Center, works. 

California State Senator Alex Padilla addressed the congregation and offered his own life experiences on being an active member of the community and police supporter.  As a former Los Angeles City Council member and resident of Los Angeles, his rhetoric resonated with the crowd of community advocates.

 After a series of guest speakers and video presentations, the crowd of 516 participants separated into 6 Break-Out Groups to participate in six seminar’s that were aimed at giving them an overview of the Scientific Investigation Division and their new facility.  These seminar’s included: Crime Scenario; Forensics Firearms, Trace, DNA; Forensics Chemical Processing and Questioned Documents; Forensics Narcotics and Toxicology; and Department Response Vehicles.

 Community Police Advisory Boards were created in 1993 by the Christopher Commission to provide community members an opportunity to provide information and advice to their respective area and to take information from the Police Department back into the community.  Each of the 21 geographic areas (community police stations) throughout Los Angeles has its own C-PAB. 

 For information on how you can become a member of your local C-PAB, please contact your area Senior Lead Officer.

10-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Road Rage Incident

Los Angeles: A road rage incident occurred Monday afternoon resulting in a serious rollover accident that critically injured two young children.

On June 29, 2009, at around 3:00 p.m., Valley Traffic Division Officers responded to a traffic collision on Sepulveda Boulevard south of Mayall Street.  Once on scene Officer’s discovered an overturned Chevrolet, Astro Van.

The van contained the driver, Juan Garcia, 28 years of age, Garcia’s 25 year-old girlfriend, Garcia’s 10 year-old son, his 9 year-old daughter, 7 year-old daughter, and his 2 year-old daughter.  

All of Garcia’s children were riding unrestrained in the back of the van.  The 10 year-old was ejected from the van and suffered life threatening injuries.  The 7 year-old was admitted to the hospital with a serious head injury.  The two other children received minor injuries and were treated and released from a local hospital into the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

Investigators learned that another vehicle had fled the scene and had been involved in a road rage incident with the overturned van.  Using information provided by witnesses, Investigators were able to locate the other driver, Armando Anaya, 50 year-old, at his residence in North Hills.

Anaya and Garcia were both arrested and booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with a Vehicle.  Other charges are pending, including Driving Under the Influence, and Child Endangering for Garcia.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mission Homicide Detective Gene Parshall at 818-838-9810.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Critical Missing Juvenile

***UPDATE***

Missing person has been found in the downtown area of Los Angeles; in good condition; and returned home.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Morita Gunner Jr.

He is described as a male Hispanic, 4 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 70 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and a small build and has the mental capacity of a 6-year-old.  Morita did not take his medication with him and is in need of it.

Morita was last seen around 7 a.m. on June 30, 2009, at his group home in the 11600 block of Gladstone Avenue in Lakeview Terrace.  Morita apparently left his residence on foot and headed in an unknown direction.  Morita was wearing a grey shirt, blue pants and black shoes.  He also has a scar on his chest.  

Anyone who has seen Morita Gunner Jr. or has information regarding his whereabouts, is urged to contact the Missing Persons Unit of the LAPD’s Detective Support and Vice Division at 213-485-5381.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

The 2009 Essay Contest Winner

The 6th Annual LAPD Essay Contest was open to students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades enrolled in the Los Angeles Unified School District and schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  Students were asked to write what they would do that would have the greatest impact on the community if they were a Los Angeles Police Department officer for a day.  Each of the ten winners and their essay are featured on the Department’s website, one each week.  The following essay is one of the ten winning submissions.

The first thing I would do is choose a neighborhood elementary grade school and visit each classroom and speak to the students about different topics that I thought would impact the community.  I would prepare myself for the discussion by selecting which topics I would discuss and have pictures to show the students.

The topic that I would talk about would be gangs, drugs, alcohol, guns, emergency and safety.  The first topic is gangs and I would tell the children not to get involved in gangs because it is dangerous and people can get hurt or killed from gang violence.

The second topic is drugs and alcohol and I would tell them not to take drugs or drink alcohol because it destroys your body, it’s addictive and you can die from using it.

The third topic is guns.  I would share with them that guns are not toys and are very dangerous.  Children should tell an adult right away.  People can get injured or killed from playing with guns.

The fourth topic is what to do in an emergency.  Call 911 if it is a life threatening emergency or you see someone that needs help or get an adult.

The last topic is safety which is sharing with them not to play with fire, do not cross in the middle of the street, do not talk to strangers, do not get in the car with strangers, make sure you wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, and make sure you have your seatbelt on when you are riding in a car and obey the law.

The second part would be to discuss my uniform and why I carry a gun, baton, and handcuffs.  I would talk to them about the police car and let them sit in it and explain the different equipment in the car and how it works.  I would tell them as a police officer that my job is to protect and serve the community.  Finally, at the end of my shift I would give them a little treat, a LAPD goodie bag with all the wonderful things in it.

Officer’s Injured in Encounter with Violent Suspect

Los Angeles: Two Los Angeles Police Officers and a suspect, 29-year-old, Raymond Clay, were injured at the conclusion of a foot chase when the suspect violently resisted arrest.

On June 18, 2009, at around 9:00 p.m., Office of Operations Officers, working the Crime Reduction and Enforcement of Warrants (CREW) Unit, saw Clay walking southbound on the west sidewalk of Figueroa Street, in the area of 40th Place. 

The Officers stopped to speak to Clay and discovered that he was on parole and probation, and in possession of marijuana.  Clay suddenly ran from the Officers.  When the Officers caught up to Clay he began fighting with the Officer’s and refusing to submit to arrest.

Officer Joseph Stevenson, and his partner, Officer Jordan Ornelas, both with two years on the Department, used baton strikes, punches, and bodily force in response to Clay’s aggressive and combative behavior.  With the assistance of a security guard who was nearby, and other responding Officers, Clay was finally taken into custody.

Officer Stevenson, Officer Ornelas and Clay were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.  The Officer’s were treated and released, and Clay was treated and released for booking.  The following day, June 19, 2009, at about 1:00 p.m. Clay was admitted to the hospital for further treatment of a back injury.

Clay was booked for Battery on a Police Officer and Violation of Parole.  He was held without bail.

LAPD Force Investigation Division is conducting the investigation

Armed Man on Bicycle Leads to Officer-Involved-Shooting

Los Angeles:  An officer-involved-shooting (OIS) occurred on June 26, 2009, at about 5:40 p.m., when Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Metropolitan Division Officers Thomas Redshaw (14 years, six months with the Department) and Jesus Carillo (11 years with the Department) attempted to stop a man on a bicycle in the vicinity of 37th and Crawford Streets.

As officers approached the man, later identified as Edwin Hernandez, he left his bicycle on the street and tried to run away.  In the 3700 block of Crawford Street, Hernandez was wounded as a result of the OIS after he displayed a handgun.  Shortly after, officers recovered his small-caliber revolver at the location.  Los Angeles Fire Department rescue personnel transported him to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division (FID) is investigating the shooting and the crimes against the officers.  Anyone with information about this incident should contact the FID at 213-485-4011. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics June 27, 2009

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             134*              195           -31.3%
Rape                                    376               402             -6.5%
Robbery                              5947             6127             -2.9%
Agg Assaults **                    5499             5917             -7.1%
Total Violent Crimes         11,956         12,641            -5.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                               8803              9240           -4.7%
BTFV                                  13995            14637           -4.4%
Personal/Other Theft           12902           13410           -3.8%
Auto Theft                           8891            10802          -17.7%
Total Property Crimes     44,591          48,089          -7.3%
Total Part I Crimes          56,547          60,730          -6.9%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Downtown Car Burglars Made on DNA

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles detectives released the names and photographs of two wanted car burglars whose connections to separate crimes were made through DNA analysis.  Detectives arrested a third man last week whose DNA was matched in a third, unrelated case.

“This was an unexpected windfall,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detectives for the Central Police Station.  “Car burglars are among the hardest criminals to tie to crimes because few are ever seen, so to identify three from DNA like this is rare, but becoming more common.”

Blood left on a door handle identified Victor Garcia, 28, of Los Angeles, as the car burglar who smashed the window and took cash from a man’s sports car, parked near 4th and Hill streets, August 2007.

In an unrelated case, blood found on a paper bag, left behind by a car burglar from March 2008, was collected and placed in the laboratory queue for analysis.  The blood was analyzed a year later and results uploaded in the state database, called CODIS.  In May 2009, CODIS notified detectives that the blood matched a Clifford Sutherland, 23, of Los Angeles.  His DNA was on file from a prior arrest, and he is currently on probation for grand theft.

On February 18, 2008, a woman parked her car on Jesse Street, west of Santa Fe Street.  Someone smashed her window and stole her stereo and favorite CDs.  The detective took the time to recover blood from among the broken glass.  The lab analyzed the blood last April and got a hit a month later.  Last week, detectives arrested Ruben Vera, 43, of Lincoln Park, for this crime.  He was on parole for burglary.

“We’re very pleased to see these matches return, even after one year,” Vernon said.  “Car burglaries are low priority compared to murders and sexual assaults, so those cases do and should take priority.  We’ll see more and more of these cases coming in as more criminals are entered into CODIS and DNA collection becomes more common place.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Area Detectives at 213-972-1241 during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-ASK-LAPD (529-3855).  Persons can also send anonymous tips by texting CRIMES (274637) and typing LAPD to start the message.

Photographs of Clifford Sutherland and Victor Garcia are available with this release.

Michael Jackson Update

Los Angeles: On June 27, 2009, Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician who was with Michael Jackson at the time of his collapse, voluntarily contacted the Los Angeles Police Department.  Detectives assigned to Robbery-Homicide Division met with Dr. Murray and conducted an extensive interview.  Dr. Murray was cooperative and provided information which will aid the investigation.

Los Angeles Police Department Statement on the Death of Michael Jackson

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department has responded to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and a private residence in West Los Angeles as a result of the death of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department rescue ambulance from his residence to the hospital on June 25, 2009 at about 1 p.m.

As in all cases of undetermined death the Police Department will investigate this occurrence and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office will determine the cause of death.

LAPD Foothill Division Formal Inspection

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This morning, despite the gloomy weather, Foothill Division held its annual Formal Command Inspection.  The ceremony commenced with the marching of the LAPD Color Guard and a distinguished performance of the Star Spangle Banner by Officer Rosalind Curry. Displaying glimmering badges, spit shine boots and impeccable uniforms, officers proudly stood at attention. Chief Bratton, Assistant Chief Paysinger, Valley Bureau Commanding Officer, Deputy Chief Moore, and Captain Curreri, Foothill’s Area Commanding Officer, inspected the Division’s rank and file. Council Members, Richard Alarcon and Tony Cardenas joined the Command Staff as they walked the lines and thanked officers and civilians for their hard work and dedication.

After the inspection Chief Bratton proudly stated, “It is a privilege to be your Chief, to be your leader, to be a Los Angeles Police Office. Your performance this morning was outstanding, you looked every bit as good as when our recruit classes march down the Elysian field, to begin their careers.” Chief Bratton also acknowledged he particularly enjoys attending divisional inspections as they are a reflection of the traditions of the Department. He stated, “You must have pride in the badge you so proudly wear, pride in the Department’s history and pride in the way that we work together, these are extraordinary times and public support is at its highest.”

Assistant Chief Paysinger thanked Captain Curreri for his phenomenal leadership and announced this was Captain’s Curreri’s last formal inspection, as he is retiring after more than 35 years of service with Department. “He has done his job extraordinary well, the LAPD is so much better because of him. He has provided his leadership, coaching and mentorship, everything that he has brought to the LAPD represents a legacy.”

Photo Shop, Fraud Shop

Los Angeles:  The Joy Photo shop was shut down earlier today after the owner, Sung Ok Park, 51 years of age, was arrested for “Manufacturing and Distribution or Sale of False Citizenship or Resident Alien Documents.”

On June 23, 2009, at around 2:20 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, in a multi-agency task force, served a search warrant at the Joy Photo Shop located at 2065 West 6th Street.  The multi-agency task force has been conducting an on-going investigation in the area of MacArthur Park related to the manufacturing and distribution of fraudulent California Drivers License and Identification Cards, "Green Cards," and Social Security Cards. 

The MacArthur Park area is known to Law Enforcement and the public for the blatant selling and distribution of fake ID’s and documents.  These fake documents are often used to facilitate crimes such as identity theft, benefit fraud, forgery, juvenile delinquency, evasion of justice and potentially acts of terrorism. 

It is a known fact that many of Rampart’s most notorious street gangs are financed through these types of criminal enterprises. 

Park is being held on $75,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this, or other similar crimes, is asked to call the Rampart Gang Impact Team, Sergeant Richard Lozano at 213-484-3450.  After hours or on weekends, calls may directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org.  All tips will remain anonymous.

Notes from the June 23, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief William Bratton stated two major events, the Lakers rally and parade, went off very well and showcased the professionalism of the Department and its officers.  He also mentioned a Los Angeles Times report on the public’s opinion on the Department mirrored that of the Harvard Study which was released May 2009.  The Chief stated the reports are the tipping point in the public’s opinions on the Department.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the digital in-car video system was removed from the calendar.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 2, 2009, relative to the 77th Street Area Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID NO. 09-046), as given by Captain Lance Smith, was approved.  Captain Smith informed the Commission he looked at articulation and documentation when it came to probable cause, performance evaluations, and probation and parole searches.  He brought in personnel from Risk Management and a performance auditor to help evaluate.  Captain Smith added training provided to personnel is on-going and repetitive.  Commissioner Andrea Ordin was pleased with the remarkable change that took place between 2007 and 2009.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 12, 2009, relative to Home-Garaging Authorities – Fiscal Year 2009/2010, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 12, 2009, relative to Special Order Regarding Home-Garaging, Temporary Home-Garaging and Dispersal Parking – Revised, was approved. 

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics June 20, 2009

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             131*              193           -32.1%
Rape                                    354               383             -7.6%
Robbery                              5717             5891             -3.0%
Agg Assaults **                    5277             5648             -6.6%
Total Violent Crimes         11,479          12,115            -5.2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                               8463              8904           -5.0%
BTFV                                  13408            14093           -4.9%
Personal/Other Theft           12347           12850           -3.9%
Auto Theft                           8502            10380          -18.1%
Total Property Crimes     42,720          46,227          -7.6%
Total Part I Crimes          54,199          58,342          -7.1%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Pedestrian Killed in a Hit-and-Run

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in locating the hit-and-run driver who killed a 30-year-old man early this morning in North Hollywood.

At around 2 a.m. Gabriel Pompa, a resident of North Hollywood, was walking on Vanowen Street at Satsuma Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The force of the impact caused the victim to be thrown from the point of impact and then hurled into a tree. The victim suffered massive injuries and died at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call Valley Traffic Detectives at 818-644-8032.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.

The 2009 Essay Contest Winner

The 6th Annual LAPD Essay Contest was open to students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades enrolled in the Los Angeles Unified School District and schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  Students were asked to write what they would do that would have the greatest impact on the community if they were a Los Angeles Police Department officer for a day.  Each of the ten winners and their essay are featured on the Department’s website, one each week.  The following essay is one of the ten winning submissions.

If I were an LAPD officer, how could I impact the community?  I would let people know we are there to help.  Community problems worth working on are drug awareness, neglected children, and how to help us become closer to the community we serve.

One of the major problems in our community or should I say the whole country, is teens taking drugs.  This is a danger to themselves and everybody around them.  I would visit schools and tell the children about the terrible things that drugs do.  I would visit kids in detention centers and ask them to help younger children stay off drugs by having them tell their stories.

Next, I would focus on neglected children.  These children are virtually defenseless in life.  They are too young to get a job and are usually afraid to ask for help because they don’t trust adults anymore.  Maybe their parents are on drugs or there is no food in the house.  I would persuade their parents to get help.  I would visit the children and tell them to call me in an emergency.  I would organize events like bake sales, concerts, or talent shows to raise funds for groceries or clothes to make their lives a little easier.  I would ask stores to help out too.

The final task would be to help turn young kids’ lives around by being a good example.  I would join a big brother program and convince some police officers to join.  Spending time with kids is the only way to make them trust you.  I would organize some basketball or baseball games with the local kids so that they can see that we like fun too and help get rid of the bad stereotype we have.

So if I were an LAPD officer, I would strive to make the city of Los Angeles a better place especially for children who are the future.  I would get officers to join me in making sure that the children know we care about them.

LAPD KOSTing to the 4th of July weekend

Listen in this Sunday, June 28, 2009, as Officer Paul Robi, LAPD Bomb Squad, sits down to talk with Christine Martindale, radio personality and Public Affairs host of “Sunday Journal.”  Officer Robi will inform listeners about the Department’s efforts to reduce injuries, death, and property damage associated with the illegal use of fireworks. The show will air on KOST 103.5 FM at 6:00 a.m. and will also air on sister station MY-FM 104.3 FM at 11:30 p.m.

The LAPD Firework Reduction Campaign is a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Unified School District Police Department, and The Children's Burn Foundation.

Calls for service related to fireworks and shots fired during this period have drained police resources.  Last year, between June 1, 2008 - July 12, 2008, there was a total of 4,097 radio calls for service related to fireworks and shots fired.

Man Found Burned to Death in Wheelchair

Los Angeles: About 2:45 a.m. this morning, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 77th Division officers and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics responded to a call about a man on fire in a wheelchair at Manchester and Western Avenues.

The incident began when a motorist was driving past a strip mall at Manchester Avenue and Saint Andrews Place where he observed a man in a wheelchair engulfed in flames.  The motorist flagged down a passing Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff who notified the LAPD and LAFD.  Shortly after, paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the man dead.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of family members, was a 54-year-old, homeless Black male who was confined to a wheelchair.  A preliminary investigation has revealed the decedent was at a strip mall parking lot in the 1800 block of West Manchester Avenue in front of a restaurant where he had a small makeshift encampment set up in front of the business.  

The fire victim, who was apparently a cigarette smoker, had severe burns on his torso and extremities, but there was no evidence of trauma that would indicate an assault nor evidence of fire accelerants present at the scene or on the decedent’s body.  Preliminary indications show that the incident is an accidental death that may have been caused by the decedent when he accidentally set his clothes on fire.  At this point in the investigation, the death is classified as “undetermined,” pending further information, forensic evidence processing and an autopsy.

The ongoing investigation involves LAFD arson investigators with the assistance of detectives from the LAPD Criminal Gang/Homicide Group.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Arson Investigator John Little at 213-485-6095 or LAPD Detective Christopher Barling at 213-485-4341.  After hours or on weekends, calls may directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.

Baby Girl Killed In 4-Car Collision

Los Angeles: A 16-month-old girl has died after the vehicle she was riding in was struck by another vehicle in South Los Angeles on June 17, 2009.

At around 8:40 p.m. a man driving a Chevrolet Blazer was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of 90th Street and Avalon Boulevard.  Detectives said that the Chevy recklessly drove into the intersection and crashed into a Toyota Corolla travelling north on Avalon Boulevard.

The driver of the Corolla lost control of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to travel in the opposite lane of oncoming traffic and collided with a Chevy Yukon and a green unknown model Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).  “The SUV was not at fault but left the scene,” Detective Jimmy Render said.

According to investigators, the baby was in the Corolla with her father but was not in the required child safety seat.  The baby girl was ejected onto the roadway.  She was rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and died a short time later.

No other drivers or passengers were injured.

South Traffic Division detectives are seeking the public’s help in finding the motorist who fled the scene of the accident.  For more information regarding this accident, please call 323-290-6064.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Scams Targeting the Spanish Speaking Community

Los Angeles: Spanish speaking suspects are duping unsuspecting victims into giving up large sums of money with the promise of earning a large return for their involvement.

Topanga Area Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating a group of suspects that are working in pairs to target Spanish speaking individuals, walking alone.  Once the suspects have engaged the victim in a conversation, they are using various scams to enlist the victim’s financial help in return for a substantial profit.  

One scam includes the claim that the suspects are in possession of a winning lottery ticket, but need the victim’s help to cash it.  Other ruses include: convincing victim’s that they have a sick relative and need money for their care; that they need help in cashing a check they are carrying; or telling the victim that they have gold bars worth thousands of dollars and will provide them to the victim in exchange for cash.  Ultimately the victim is scammed out of, in some cases, their entire life savings.  

The group has been working in the Canoga Park area and Detectives are warning the public to beware of strangers approaching them and claiming they are in need of large amounts of cash, or claiming to have a winning lottery ticket.  

The suspects range in age from mid twenties to mid fifties and are identified only as male Hispanics, and one female Hispanic.

Anyone with information on these suspects, or who believe they may have been a victim of this group, is asked to call Topanga Area Detective Pam Pitcher at 818-756-4820.  During off-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  

Tipsters may remain anonymous.