LAPD Blog

LAPD Searches for Missing South Los Angeles Woman

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and family members are asking for the public’s help in searching for a missing 26-year-old South Los Angles woman.

Detectives say Caroline Mmary was last seen at a home near 88th Place and Broadway on April 2, 2010 and hasn’t been seen since.

Family members told police they have not heard from Mmary and it’s out of character for her to lose contact with them.  She has also failed to show up for work in the past couple of months and had not missed any work before her disappearance.   

Mmary is originally from Tanzania, Africa, and came to the United States to study nursing at a local college in Long Beach.  She has a 3-year-old daughter who lives in Los Angeles and a 6-year-old daughter currently living in Africa.  

She is described as an African woman with black hair and brown eyes.  She stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mmary is asked to call Missing Persons Unit detectives at 213-996-1800.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

7th Annual LAPD Essay Contest Winners

May 27, 2010- In a breakfast ceremony held at the new police administration building, the 10 winners of the 7th Annual LAPD Essay Contest were presented a certificate of recognition by Chief Charlie Beck for their winning submissions.  
In 350 words or less, students were asked: As a Los Angeles Police Department officer, what important safety tips would you give middle school students about the risks of using the Internet, personal websites, instant messaging, social and video networking, online gaming or mobile Internet devices.  This year 800 submissions were received, the highest number in the writing competitions 7th year history.

The 10 LAPD Essay Contest winners are:
Miranda  Acosta, Grade 7, Saint Bernard Catholic School
Richard Ayala, Grade 7, Hollenbeck Middle School
Samantha Burg, Grade 6, 32nd Street / USC K – 12 Magnet
Mathew Cina, Grade 8, Saints Felicitas and Perpetua
Yoselyn Garcia, Grade 8, South Gate Middle School
Brenda Jacobo, Grade 8, South Gate Middle School
Dominique James, Grade 7, Saint Bernard Catholic School
Janelle Jordan, Grade 6, Our Lady of Lourdes School
Sanjuana Martinez, Grade 7, Sun Valley Middle School
John Wwalker, Grade 6, Our Lady of Lourdes School

The LAPD Essay Contest is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who are enrolled in the Los Angeles Unified School District and schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  It is open for four weeks in March.  Winners were given gift packages which included tickets to Universal Studios, Aquarium of the Pacific, a performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, movie tickets from the William H. Parker Foundation, vouchers to Speedzone and Boomers Park, and bike helmets from the Hollenbeck Youth Center. Each of the 10 winning essays will be featured on the Department’s web site, one each week for the next ten weeks. Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to our sponsors.   

Female Arrestee Escapes from Detention Bench

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is searching for a female suspect who managed to escape from a detention bench early this morning at Hollywood Community Police Station.

Around 1 a.m., 20-year-old Christine Darlene Calderon was brought to Hollywood Station to be charged for possession of a switch blade knife.  Calderon was left shackled on a detention bench near the booking area around 2:30 a.m. When officers went to go check on her, they discovered she had escaped.  Investigators learned the suspect removed the handcuffs and dropped them in the police station parking lot and fled.

Calderon is currently on probation for grand theft.  She is described as African American with short cropped black hair and brown eyes.  She stands 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 145 pounds and was last seen wearing a green shirt, dark pants and no shoes.

Anyone with information about this murder is asked to call Hollywood Division detectives at 213-972-2922 or 2925.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Felony Hit-and-Run Suspect Sought

Felony Hit-and-Run Suspect Sought NR10281gb 

                                        UPDATE
May 28, 2010

Yesterday, a morning news conference announced rewards totaling $35,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run suspect connected with the incident below. Shortly after the news conference, detectives received a tip, conducted a follow-up investigation and arrested 74-year-old Los Angeles resident Michael Goldman without incident at a West Hollywood Pavillions market.  Goldman was booked for felony hit-and-run charges, and his car was also taken into custody.  He was later released after posting $50,000 bail.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the driver and the car involved in a hit-and-run collision in which a pedestrian was struck in the LAPD’s Wilshire area.

On May 19, 2010, at 10:40 p.m., 22-year-old Benjamin Zelman was walking across La Cienega Boulevard north of Melrose Place when an older-model yellow Volkswagen Beetle struck him.   The driver of the Volkswagen did not stop to provide identification or render aid to the victim. Zelman sustained major traumatic injuries to his head and is currently in critical condition.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as possibly a 1974 to 1976 Volkswagen beetle with a black convertible top, and it may have damage to the driver’s side fender.  At this time, there is no information about the suspect.

Anyone with information about this traffic accident is urged to call West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts. 

Report Graffiti

Everyday our city is plagued with graffiti from taggers. It becomes unsightly and drives potential business away from the community. Get involved, help clean up your community.

NEVER CONFRONT A TAGGER. BE A GOOD WTNESS AND REPORT THEM USING THE FOLLOWING METHODS.

• For graffiti and / or vandalism in progress call 911
• Phone the City of Los Angeles 311 phone line for graffiti removal (you can remain anonymous)
• Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 you can also text 274637 to the Crime Stoppers via cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters LAPD.
• Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on the “web tips” and follow the prompts.
• For further information you can email the City Wide Graffiti Task Force 23189@LAPD.LACITY.org

Father of Three Found Murdered in Hollywood

Los Angeles:  Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspect or suspects wanted for killing a man in Hollywood.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 26, 2010, approximately 2:30 a.m., Hollywood Area police officers responded to reports of “shots fired” in the 1200 block of St. Andrews Place in Hollywood.  When the officers arrived, they saw victim Alfonso Cruz Garcia, a 28-year-old man who was lying in the street suffering from several gunshot wounds.  The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics also responded and transported Mr. Garcia to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:00 a.m.

Hollywood Homicide detectives investigating the crime have learned that a car described as a black, 1990’s four-door Toyota Camry was seen traveling south from the intersection of
St. Andrews Place and La Mirada Avenue.  At this point in the investigation, there is no known description of the suspect or suspects and the motive for the murder is unclear.

Anyone with information is urged to call Hollywood Area Homicide Detectives Bynum or Detective Gable at 213-972-2902, or 213-972-2901. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Buckle Up Day and Night

Los Angeles:  If you’re planning to hit the road for a late spring or early summer getaway, be sure that everyone in the car wears their seat belt on every trip, day and night.  Law enforcement throughout the state, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be looking for unbelted drivers and passengers as part of the 2010 Click It or Ticket campaign.

“Keep your friends and family safe by buckling up no matter where you’re going,” said Captain Tom McDonald, Commanding Officer, LAPD Emergency Operations Division.  “We will be looking for motorists throughout the area who are not buckling up, day and night.  It’s not just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about keeping the ones you care about alive.”

Seat belt violators will receive citations – no warnings.  The Click It or Ticket campaign relies on heavy enforcement and public education as a means to help save lives on California’s roadways.

“Wearing a seat belt is just simply the easiest and most effective thing you can do on the road to protect yourself and your family,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety.  “That means buckling up day and night, on every trip.”

Currently California has a seat belt usage rate of 95.3 percent, but that still means over half a million people are not buckling up.  Properly restrained drivers, passengers and children have a 50 percent better chance of surviving a crash than unbelted occupants.  Those ejected from vehicles in crashes or roll-overs are up to 35 times more likely to die than restrained occupants.

More than 150 local law enforcement agencies statewide and the CHP will be participating in this year’s Click It or Ticket mobilization.  Funding to support California’s Click It or Ticket campaign was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you have any questions regarding this news release, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, Emergency Operations Division at 213-486-0703.

Armed Homicide Suspect Shot

Los Angeles:  On May 10, 2010, an officer-involved shooting occurred in the parking lot of a business in the 21600 block of Victory Boulevard.

On May 10, 2010 at about 11:10 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Area plain clothes officers recognized a suspect wanted in connection with a homicide, driving his vehicle in the area of Victory Boulevard and Owensmouth Avenue.  The plain clothes officers requested Topanga Patrol Division uniformed officers to conduct an investigative stop.  Several officers responded and followed the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect, later identified as Donovan Morris, continued driving on Victory Boulevard until he entered the parking lot of a business located in the 21600 block and exited his vehicle with a handgun, at which time a shooting occurred involving the below listed officers:

Police Officer III Marc Ferris, 9 years 8 months with the Department.
Police Officer II Garrett Peyton, 7 years 10 months with the Department.
Police Officer II Alfredo Lamas, 3 years 5 months with the Department.
Police Officer II Taylor McLaws, 7 years 2 months with the Department.
Police Officer II Christopher Edwards, 4 years 6 months with the Department.
Police Officer II Jonathan Johnson, 4 years 6 months with the Department.

Morris was transported to a local hospital where he failed to respond medical treatment and was later pronounced dead.  No officers were injured.  The gun used by Morris was recovered at scene.

LAPD Force Investigation Division detectives are investigating the officer-involved shooting and the Criminal Apprehension Team is investigating the crimes against the officers.

Man Threatens Officers with Knife after Leading Them on Pursuit

Officer-Involved Shooting Occurs as Suspect Hurls Knife at Police

Los Angeles:  A man who led police on a pursuit from downtown Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley crashed his car on the 101 Freeway and emerged from the wrecked vehicle wielding a large knife.  He then injured an officer before being fatally shot by police.

Yesterday, just before 1 a.m., Police Officer Carlos Ayala, a 13-year, 7-month veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and his partner were working patrol in the Hollenbeck Area when they saw a man driving a Mercedes Benz 300E Sedan speeding past them, driving erratically and committing several traffic violations.  Believing the driver, later identified as Andrew Caprio, was possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Officer Ayala and his partner attempted to make a traffic stop to investigate further.  However, Caprio refused and led them on a pursuit that extended through Los Angeles, South Pasadena, Monrovia, and back into the City of Los Angeles. 

Near the end of the pursuit, Caprio drove westbound on the 101 Freeway.  As he approached the Van Nuys Boulevard off-ramp, he failed to steer through a curve in the freeway and hit the guard rail, causing his vehicle to spin out of control.  He then hit the center divider and another vehicle traveling in the same direction.  Both cars eventually came to rest in the fast lane of the freeway adjacent to the Van Nuys Boulevard off-ramp.

Officer Ayala and his partner positioned their car near Caprio’s, along with a back up unit consisting of Officer Jeremy Wagner (2 years, 10 months with the Department) and his partner. As the four Officers were getting out of their vehicles, Caprio also emerged holding a large knife.  He then focused his attention on one of the officers, and as he began to throw the knife at the officer, Officer Ayala simultaneously fired one round from a Department 12-gauge shotgun while Officer Wagner fired a shot from his .40 Glock duty weapon.  

The officer whom Caprio was attempting to strike with his knife suffered an injury as he attempted to block the knife’s impact.  A short time later, the officer was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.  Caprio was struck by gunfire and also transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division is investigating the incident.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics May 22, 2010

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                              115*                113             1.8%
Rape                                     267                 312          -14.4%
Robbery                               4334               4827           -10.2%
Agg Assaults **                     3635               4315          -15.8%
Total Violent Crimes            8351               9567          -12.7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 6442             7146           -9.9%
BTFV                                    11295           11352            -0.5%
Personal/Other Theft             9818           10767            -8.8%
Auto Theft                             6753             7066            -4.4%
Total Property Crimes       34,308         36,331           -5.6%
Total Part I Crimes            42,659         45,898           -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