LAPD Blog

Residential Burglary in West Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department West Los Angeles Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of two suspects who they believe are responsible for a residential burglary.     

On July 14, 2011, at around 3 a.m., a burglary occurred in the 100 block of S. Barrington Avenue in the city of Brentwood.  The suspects attempted to enter the residence through the rear door, but an alarm sounded off and the suspects left the location.  The suspects removed the victim’s mail from the mail box.

The first suspect is described as a White male, 35-45 years-old, who stands between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds.  He was wearing rimmed prescription glasses, a beanie cap, a short-sleeved button shirt, dark shorts, dark shoes and black gloves.  He was also holding a flashlight.

The second suspect is described as a White male, 35-45 years-old, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds.  He had long hair and was wearing a light-colored jacket, light-colored pants and white shoes.  He also was holding a flashlight.

Anyone with information in regards to this case is urged to call West Los Angeles Detective Guevara 310-444-1523 or (310) 444-1522.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 213-978-6500 or 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.

Operation ABC

Los Angeles:  The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control announced the 2011/2012 Grant Assistance Program (GAP) recipients, and awarded the Los Angeles Police Department a 16th consecutive grant in July 2011.  LAPD received the maximum grant award in the amount $100,000.

Captain Ann Young, Commanding Officer of Detective Support and Vice Division, who oversees ABC enforcement activities on a Citywide level indicated that grant funds will be used to assist the LAPD in reducing the negative effects of alcohol-related crimes and improving the quality of life in an around ABC licensed establishments within the City of Los Angeles.  The GAP program has been an essential part of vice enforcement for the City of Los Angeles for the past fourteen years and has been directly responsible for closing 99 problematic ABC-licensed locations since the inception of Operation ABC.

For further information, please contact Sergeants Steve Moore or Fernando Garcia, Operation ABC Coordinators, at 213-486-0910.

Robbery at Korea Town Pharmacy Suspect’s Image Captured

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying a robbery suspect who robbed a Korea Town pharmacy about a week ago.

On August 24, 2011, at around 9:25 p.m., a White male suspect entered a pharmacy in the 3700 block of Wilshire Boulevard. The suspect presented a demand note for “Oxycontin” to the clerk, while simulating a weapon under his shirt.  Fearing for his life, the clerk complied with the suspect’s demand and handed over the potent narcotic. The suspect ran from the location on foot.

The suspect, who has blond hair, blue eyes and stands about 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs around 170 pounds and is approximately 25 years of age.  He was wearing a brown beanie, gray hooded shirt, brown jacket, black jeans and black shoes.

Anyone with information about this incident or who recognizes the suspect is asked to call LAPD’s Olympic Area Robbery Detectives at 213-382-9493.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 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.

Police Commission Elects New President And Vice President

Los Angeles –  On August 30, 2011, the members of the Los Angeles Police Commission unanimously elected Police Commissioner Richard Drooyan as the new President, and Police Commissioner John W. Mack as the new Vice President. Elections of these posts are held annually and the position of President may be served with a maximum of two consecutive years. The current Board presently consists of President Richard Drooyan, Vice President John W. Mack, Robert M. Saltzman, Alan Skobin, and Debra Wong Yang.

“I am honored to accept the position of President, and I am looking forward to building upon the significant achievements the Department and the Commission have made in terms of crime reduction, constitutional policing, and community relations,” stated President Richard Drooyan, who was appointed to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners in 2010 by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. He is a partner in the law firm of Munger, Tolles and Olsen, where he handles civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense cases. 

President Drooyan comes to the position with a great deal of prior Los Angeles Police Department civilian oversight experience. In 1991, he served as a Deputy General Counsel for the Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department (the “Christopher Commission”).  And in 2000, he served as General Counsel of the Rampart Independent Review Panel.

Vice President John Mack commented, “I am pleased to continue my service on the Police Commission and look forward to further enhancing the LAPD’s relationship with the diversified communities it serves.” Vice President Mack served as President of the Police Commission from 2005 to 2007, and again from 2009 to 2011. Prior to joining the Police Commission in 2005, Vice President Mack retired from the post of President of the Los Angeles Urban League after 36 years of service.  Under his leadership, the Los Angeles Urban League has become one of the most successful non-profit community organizations in Los Angeles with an annual budget of $25 million.

Notes from the August 30, 2011 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The Board of Police Commissioners elected Mr. Richard Drooyan as President and Mr. John Mack as Vice President.  The new positions are effective immediately.

• Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger said he has known Vice President John Mack for more than 25 years and acknowledged his fine work and dedication to his position.  He added he is looking forward to working with Commission President Richard Drooyan.

• The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Mission Area was given by Captain William Scott.  Captain Scott informed the Board the four goals of the C-PAB were to increase sign-ups for Nixle, increase CERT training for members regarding emergency preparedness, increase C-PAB membership and to increase volunteerism. He added they just held their first leadership conference this past June and participated in National Night Out events earlier this month.

• The Department’s verbal report relative to the proposed risk manager position and liability management committee structure and purpose was given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff.  Mr. Chaleff said they expect to have a selection made by the end of September or beginning of October and the position would be exempt, which the Department is allowed five exempt positions. The new Risk Manager would be involved in training and be made available to give advice.  Mr. Chaleff concluded by saying the concept has been embraced within the Department and the City Council has already approved the position.

• The Department’s report, dated August 24, 2011, relative to first supplemental agreement for the phase-out of the photo red light program (Council File 11-1015), was continued for two weeks.

• The Department’s report, dated August 26, 2011, relative to 2011 K-9 platoon procedures and guidelines handbook, was received and filed.

• The Department’s report, dated August 22, 2011, relative to destruction of obsolete duplicate records for Devonshire and 77th Street Areas, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

Motorcyclist Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Collision

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a driver who critically injured a motorcyclist in Reseda.

On Thursday, August 25, 2011, around 8:45 p.m., a 1995 Suzuki motorcycle, driven by 28-year-old Joseph Frazier of Northridge, was travelling east on Ventura Boulevard and collided into a white Sport Utility Vehicle (possible Mitsubishi Montero) negotiating a left turn to southbound Wilbur Avenue in front of him.  The SUV did not stop and continued southbound Wilbur Avenue without rendering aid or identifying himself/herself as required by law.

Frazier suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition.  The hit-and-run driver and vehicle remain outstanding.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Russell at 818-644-8028.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 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.

Detectives Investigating One Homicide, Hear Another Occur

Gang Violence Believed to be the Cause of Both

Los Angeles: LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives investigating one murder in the Jordan Downs Housing Project in Southeast Area, heard shots ring out a short distance away and discovered a second homicide victim nearby.

On Saturday, August 27, 2011 at about 8:45 p.m., 19-year-old Deshon Rasberry was with about twenty people in the 2100 block of East 103rd Street.  A lone Black male suspect walked up to Rasberry and fired several shots at him. 

Rasberry collapsed to the ground and Los Angeles Fired Department (LAFD) personnel transported him to a local hospital, where he died a short time later. This murder was gang related.

Just after midnight, while Detectives and Officers were still on scene investigating Rasberry’s murder, they heard gunfire a short distance away. Officers went to the 10500 Block of South Grape Street and discovered the second victim, 28-year-old Reginald McDaniel.  McDaniel was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle that had collided into a tree.  It appears McDaniel was shot from several hundred feet away and drove his vehicle a short distance before colliding into the tree. 

There were two passengers in the car with McDaniel who initially ran from the collision site. They were later found, questioned and released.  McDaniel is believed to have been shot by a suspect who was standing on the sidewalk.  LAFD Paramedics responded and pronounced McDaniel dead at scene. As in the first homicide, this murder is also considered gang related.   

Anyone with information about either of these incidents is asked to contact Detective Sal LaBarbera, Criminal Gang Homicide Division, 213-485-4341. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "web tips" and follow the prompts.

Deadly Hit and Run on Valley Street

 ***UPDATE***

On Sunday, August 28, 2011, at about 10 a.m., 21-year-old Alicia Carolina Benites of Tarzana, brought herself to LAPD’s West Valley Community Police Station and turned herself in for the hit and run collision that killed a man. The vehicle Benites was driving matched the witness’s description and it was impounded as evidence. She was booked for Felony Hit and Run and is being held on $50,000 bail.

 Los Angeles:  Valley Traffic Detectives are asking for the public’s help to locate a hit and run driver that killed an elderly man early Sunday morning.

On Sunday August 28th, 2011, at approximately 1:40 a.m., a 70-year-old male, White, resident of Sun Valley, was walking in the number two lane on Saticoy Street, just west of Atoll Avenue. Witnesses said a possible white, four door sedan, traveling westbound on Saticoy Street collided with the pedestrian. The driver failed to stop and render aid or identify themselves as required by law.  The vehicle was last seen northbound on Fulton Avenue from Saticoy Street.

Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the man dead at scene. His name is being withheld until his family can be notified.

Anyone with information about his incident, or the whereabouts of the involved driver or vehicle is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives, Officer Lisset Fuentes or Detective William Bustos at 818-644-8022. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "web tips" and follow the prompts.

Missing Person Antonio Moreno

Update
08-26-11

Antonio Moreno was found safely at a local hospital in Mission Hills.

Los Angeles: The Moreno family and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating Antonio Moreno.

Antonio Moreno was last seen on August 18, 2011, at his home in the 3300 block of Opal Street in Los Angeles.  He left the location and has not been in contact with his family since.  His family stated that he has had recent medical issues and may need medical treatment.  It is also possible that he does not recall his address or telephone number.  Moreno is a Spanish speaker and also speaks a native dialect from his hometown in Mexico.  His family is very concerned for his safety.  

Moreno is described as an 80-year-old male Hispanic, with gray hair and dark brown eyes.  He stands at 5 feet 5 inches and weighs around 200 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a baseball cap with an unknown logo, a Marla-blue denim jacket, blue jean pants, white striped t-shirt and brown sandals.   

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Antonio Moreno, please contact the LAPD, Missing Persons Unit: 213-996-1800.  During non business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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.

Traffic Safety Awareness Near Schools

After the summer vacation children return to school and classes resume.  Each year, in the City of Los Angeles, children are severely injured while being picked up or dropped off from school.

Motorists are reminded that school is back in session and that they must drive responsibly:

·    ALLOW EXTRA TIME: Parents who arrive late to school with their children, or at the last minute, tend to make poor choices that compromise the children’s safety.  Prepare the night before for the following school day.  An organized night is a happy morning.
·    REDUCE SPEED: The maximum speed near a school is 25 miles per hour.  However, slower speeds are recommended when children are present.  Speed is the number one cause of collisions around schools.
·    OBEY STOP SIGNS: Complete stops, at posted stop signs, will allow drivers to check for small children.  Drivers of high-profile vehicles must be especially observant and remember that the early morning sun can add to the already existing blind spots.
·    NO DOUBLE PARKING: Double parking hinders other traffic, causes congestion and creates an unsafe environment for children crossing the streets as they walk to school.  Never allow a child to disembark a vehicle that is double parked.
·    AVOID U-TURNS:  It is unsafe to make a U-turn during drop-off and pick-up times.  U-turns are permitted at an intersection only when safe to do so.

It is important to understand a child’s limitation in understanding traffic laws.  Children often:

·    Cannot easily judge a car’s speed and distance.
·    Assume that if they can see a car, its driver must be able to see them.
·    Believe that cars can stop instantly.
·    May be impatient and impulsive.
·    Have trouble recognizing and reacting to danger.