LAPD Blog

Chief Beck joins LA Mission to Serve Thanksgiving Meal

November 21, 2012 - The homeless on Skid Row were treated to a special Thanksgiving meal at the Los Angeles Mission. Chief Charlie Beck alongside LAPD officers joined volunteers from the community, the entertainment industry and elected officials in serving thousands at the midday event.

The meal was served on a closed portion of 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles, the heart of Skid Row.  Tents for serving were set up, along with specially decorated tables and seating. 

The Los Angeles Christian Health Centers provided foot washing and examinations to nearly 400 of the day’s guests.  In addition to getting their feet washed, physicians, nurses and other medical staff did examinations and minor procedures to relieve foot issues.  Those with more serious problems were referred to the clinic for appointments.  The clinic partners with the Mission for medical services for area residents.

The Mission was started as a soup kitchen for depression era men in 1936.  Those who came to the Mission then would be very surprised at the quality of the food being served this Thanksgiving.  The Mission still serves meals each day, and emergency shelter, but the primary work of the Mission in 2012 is helping men and women restore their lives and get back on their feet. 

For more than 75 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Skid Row, providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services.  In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling.  Visit www.losangelesmission.org to help.

Burglary Suspect Resists Arrest, Resulting in an Officer Involved Shooting

Los Angeles: On Saturday, November 24, 2012, around 10:30 p.m., LAPD North Hollywood Area patrol officers were responding to a radio call of a burglary suspect at Victory Boulevard and Vineland Avenue.

Upon arrival the officers tracked the suspect, Nathan Melara, to the rear of the store, located in the 10900 block of Victory Boulevard.  As the officers attempted to detain Melara, he picked up a section of wood and quickly advanced toward the officers.  The officers directed Melara to drop the  board described as a 2x4, Melara refused to comply and then swung the board at Police Officer II David Nguyen at which time an officer involved shooting occurred.  Melara dropped the board and ran toward a locked chain link fence which he attempted to climb.  Officer Nguyen, his partner and additional back up officers were able to overcome Melara’s resistance and take him into custody.    

During the arrest, Melara struck one of the officers several times in the head with a closed fist.  That officer along with two other officers were treated for minor injuries and released.  Melara was transported to a local hospital and treated for a gunshot wound and is in stable condition.

Los Angeles Police Department Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the incident and will be handling the investigation of the officer-involved shooting.  

The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and The Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s use-of-force policy which states that an officer’s use-of-force actions must be objectively reasonable.  Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the officer-involved shooting.

Suspect Shoplifts from Sears Department Store and Threatens Employees

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify a robbery suspect who took property from a Sears Department Store and threatened the employees with a knife. On Nov. 13, 2012, at about 1:20 p.m., an 18- to 20-year-old man entered a Sears Department Store  at 2050 E. Olympic Blvd in Los Angeles, concealed shoes and clothing on his person and left the store without paying for the items.  Store employees attempted to stop the suspect in the parking lot, and he threatened them with a six-inch knife. The suspect is described as an Hispanic male about 5 feet 7 inches tall weighing about 150 pounds.  He had the initials “LA” tattooed on top of his right hand and was wearing a large, dark-colored jacket and black baseball cap. Anyone who knows the suspect or has any information regarding the incident is urged to call Detective Adams at LAPD s Hollenbeck Detectives, 323-342- 8986. 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 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.

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24-year-old Missing Woman

Los Angeles: The family of Shirley Elaine Carter and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help to locate her.

Carter was last seen on November 13, 2012, around 10:00 a.m. at the residence of a friend in the 400 block of West 75th Street, in the City of Los Angeles. Carter’s family is very concerned about her unexplained disappearance because she is visiting from Las Vegas, and has not returned home. She was in the Los Angeles area visiting her 4-year old son who is currently residing with Vincent Stevenson. Vincent Stevenson was the last person to be seen with Carter.

Carter is described as a 24-year-old African American, with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. She has a tattoo on her lower back and multiple tattoos on the back of her legs. She was last seen wearing dark colored denim jeans with unknown type shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Shirley Carter, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at 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 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.

Chief Beck joins LA Mission to Serve Thanksgiving Meal

 November 21, 2012 - The homeless on Skid Row were treated to a special Thanksgiving meal at the Los Angeles Mission. Chief Charlie Beck alongside LAPD officers joined volunteers from the community, the entertainment industry and elected officials in serving thousands at the midday event.

The meal was served on a closed portion of 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles, the heart of Skid Row.Tents for serving were set up, along with specially decorated tables and seating.

The Los Angeles Christian Health Centers provided foot washing and examinations to nearly 400 of the day’s guests. In addition to getting their feet washed, physicians, nurses and other medical staff did examinations and minor procedures to relieve foot issues. Those with more serious problems were referred to the clinic for appointments. The clinic partners with the Mission for medical services for area residents.

The Mission was started as a soup kitchen for depression era men in 1936. Those who  came to the Mission then would be very surprised at the quality of the food being served this Thanksgiving. The Mission still serves meals each day, and emergency shelter, but the primary work of the Mission in 2012 is helping men and women restore their lives and get back on their feet. 

For more than 75 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Skid Row, providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling. Visit www.losangelesmission.org to help.

16-Year-Old Missing

UPDATE

11-27-12 bb

 
Updated:  On November 27, 2012, around 6:45 a.m. Kevin Tippen was located in Long Beach by the Long Beach Police Department.  Tippen was in good health and is back home with his family.

 

Los Angeles: The foster parent of Kevin Tippen and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating Tippen.

Tippen was last seen on November 26, 2012, around 10 a.m, in the cafeteria of Nathaniel Narbonne High School, 24300 S. Western Avenue, in the Harbor City area of Los Angeles. He has not been seen or heard from since and his foster parent is extremely concerned for his welfare.

Tippen is described as a 16-year-old male White/Asian with short black hair and brown eyes. He stands at 5 feet 2 inches and weighs about 130 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with an embossed eagle emblem on the front, a black sweater, blue jean shorts, and green army boots. Tippen is mentally impaired. His foster mom described him as walking on his toes and bobbing his head as he walks.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Tippen please contact the LAPD, Harbor Area, Detective Baemayr, at 310-726-7700. 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.

Sylmar Resident Convicted in 2010 Murder

Los Angeles:  Nearly two years to the day of the gruesome crime, Esteban Tabarez was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the stabbing death of then 19-year-old Zachary Leon, a Colorado art student. Tabarez was 21-years-old at the time. “Two things made this murder particularly heinous,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “Tabarez stabbed the victim over two dozen times and slit his throat, and the victim never saw the attack coming.” Leon and Tabarez met that night, Nov. 6, 2010, after connecting through a website.  They met at Tabarez’s house on Bombay Street in Sylmar and later drove to McDonald’s for a late-night snack. Tabarez attacked Leon while the two sat in a car in front of Tabarez’s house just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2010.  By all accounts, a simple comment by Leon calling Tabarez a tease may have been the slight that sent Tabarez into a rage, stabbing and slashing Leon dead and leaving Tabarez covered in the victim’s blood. When officers arrived, Tabarez told a story of three men robbing Tabarez and Leon as they sat in the car.  Tabarez ran away, but returned to find Leon dead.  Officers believed the story at first, but as they poured over the crime scene, Tabarez’s story did not add up.  Officers found two knives on Tabarez when they searched him.  Later, they also found text messages on Tabarez’s phone that implied a malicious intent.  He wrote to a girlfriend sometime after Leon’s arrival but before the murder, “…I might make someone disappear tonight.”   Tabarez was booked that morning and prosecutors filed murder charges two days later.  “One can only imagine the fear that passed through Zachary Leon’s mind as he struggled to live,” said Vernon.  “The lesson here is to avoid risky behavior, like meeting someone from the internet.  There are far more psychopathic people out there than most people realize, and they prey on unsuspecting, innocent personalities.” LAPD accepts anonymous tips, and they can be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cellphone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org by clicking on “webtips” and following the prompts.

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Duffel Bag Bandits Hit Phone Store Twice, Caught On Tape NR12543pv Los Angeles:  Detectives have dubbed two men wearing masks and dark clothing the Duffel Bag Bandits after they hit the same Sprint Nextel Store in Panorama City two times since November 21, 2012, getting away with nearly $52,000 worth of iPhones and tablets. “It’s clear this is an inside job,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “The burglar wearing the khaki mask has the alarm code and the keys to the safe.” The duo hit first on November 21, breaking through the roof and shimming down a rope.  This is the burglary depicted in the released video.  Store management was able to account for the only two keys to the safe where high-end phones and tablets are stored.   “We suspect that someone with prior access to the keys copied them in anticipation of committing this crime,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “The suspects were familiar with the security systems too, which is also why they kept their faces covered.” Detectives believe it was the same burglars who struck the store a second time, early this morning, November 26, 2012.  The burglars followed the same MO, breaking through the roof and filling a duffel bag with phones.  However, this time, a security guard confronted the pair as they made their getaway.  The two suspects escaped but they left behind the duffel bag full of phones and tablets. In the November 21st burglary, the burglars made off with 59 iPhones and 14 tablets. “This was a well-planned operation with inside information,” Lt. Vernon added.  “The day before Thanksgiving, this store would have plenty of inventory to make for a big pay off, and it was.  But, as with any inside job, there will be others who will know who’s behind it.” The store is located at 8500 Van Nuys Boulevard in Panorama City. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crime to call Detective William Cooper, Mission Burglary Unit, at 818-838-9866.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

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83-year-old Critical Missing Man

Los Angeles: The family of Ham Nguyen and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help in locating him. On November 22, 2012, around 3:00 p.m. Nguyen was with his wife were shopping in the area of North Hill St and College Street in the Chinatown area of Downtown Los Angeles. Nguyen’s wife focused her attention on her shopping, and when she turned around, Nguyen was missing. Nguyen suffers from Alzheimer’s and only speaks Vietnamese. According to Nguyen’s family, he has gone missing on prior occasions. Nguyen is described as an 83-year-old male Asian with white hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs 120 pounds. Anyone with information on Nguyen’s whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Central Division at 213-972-1298 or the Missing Persons Unit at 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 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.

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