LAPD Blog

Pedestrian Killed by Hit-and-Run Motorist

Los Angeles:  Detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the street. On December 19, 2012, at around 3:25 p.m., a motorist was travelling north on Western Avenue at Vernon when it collided into a pedestrian that was walking in the crosswalk.  The motorist failed to stop and remain at scene.  The motorist continued north on Western Avenue, leaving the pedestrian helpless in the roadway.  The impact of the collision caused the pedestrian to sustain life threatening injuries.  The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.   According to witnesses, the hit-and-run vehicle was described as an older model dark colored Lexus.   The pedestrian was identified as Tracy Louis Walker, 50 years-of-age of Los Angeles. The suspect is outstanding. The Los Angeles Police Department, South Traffic Division, is seeking the public’s help in locating the responsible party of this horrific incident. Anyone with information regarding this traffic collision can contact South Traffic Division, Detective Section at 323 421-2500 during the weekdays between 7 am – 5pm.  After hours and weekends, please contact South Traffic Division’s Watch Commander at 213-485-7336 or a toll free number at 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.

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Unsolved Homicide Results in $50K Reward Victim’s Family and Detectives Hope for More Leads

Los Angeles: This afternoon, Los Angeles Police Department detectives held a news conference in connection with the unsolved murder of 22-year-old Kendrick Blackmon.  The victim’s family and friends, along with LAPD detectives, are hoping the offer of a $50,000 reward will help solve the case.   Earlier this year on April 21 about 1:35 a.m., Blackmon was murdered for no apparent reason as he was driving home with friends heading south on San Pedro Street toward Century Boulevard. Suddenly a vehicle pulled up next to him, and one or more suspects began shooting at his car.  The suspects then drove away, leaving Blackmon fatally struck from gunshot wounds.   The case has been particularly troubling for detectives and family members, as there have been few leads, and Blackmon had no gang affiliations or criminal history.  So far, no witnesses have come forward, and detectives have pretty much exhausted their leads.   Anyone with information about this incident should contact LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives Hernandez or Marullo at (213) 485-4341.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (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 www.lapdonline.org. and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”

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Subject in an Attempt Murder Arrested

Los Angeles:  On December 9, 2012, at 1:20 a.m., a 14-year-old female was shot in the head during an apparent robbery attempt in the 1100 block of East Vernon Avenue.  The victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital. On December 12, 2012, at 11 a.m., LAPD Newton Homicide detectives held a press conference at Newton Station that was attended by the media for both the English and Spanish speaking communities.  The media coverage was exceptional and detectives announced a $50,000 reward offer by the City Council for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the unknown male Hispanic suspect. On December 18, 2012, Newton Homicide detectives identified a 17-year-old male Hispanic as the shooter of the victim.  The subject was detained at Eastlake Juvenile Hall for Attempt Murder.   On December 20, 2012, Attempt Murder charges were filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office against the subject. The subject’s name will not be released due to his age. Newton Area and Newton Homicide would like to thank the various news media that ran the story on the victim and the announcement of the reward. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Newton Division Homicide Detective Richard Arciniega at (323) 846-6556 or Detective Eric Spear at 323-846-6579. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to   1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”

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Los Angeles Police Arrest Hoax Bomb Threat Suspect

Los Angeles:    On December 18, 2012, the Los Angeles Police responded to numerous bomb threats in the Mid-City area.  At about 02:00 a.m., Olympic Area police officers initially responded to a bomb threat call at 3663 Wilshire Blvd, specifically a Jewish house of worship at the Wilshire Boulevard Temple.  The threat came from a local pay phone, into the Department’s Communication Division.  Officers responded and searched the temple grounds and found no suspicious devices.  At about 8:00 a.m., officers received an additional call of a bomb threat in the same area.  Officers responded and met with security officers from the temple who provided information of a suspicious individual, who “appeared to be hiding and secreting himself behind the police vehicle” that had been parked in the area of Harvard Ave north of Wilshire Boulevard.  LAPD Bomb Squad and Major Crimes Division, Criminal Conspiracy Unit (CCS) investigators responded and managed the threat.  Bomb technicians utilized robotics to safely approach the police vehicle.  Additionally, the Batcat was used to lift the vehicle to search the bottom of it.  Ultimately, bomb tech approached the vehicle and rendered it safe.   This incident involved numerous police and fire personnel to investigate this incident and to protect the community at large.  Traffic in the area was adversely affected, as Wilshire Blvd around Harvard Avenue was closed for hours.  Numerous residences and businesses were displaced for the safety of the community.   After hours of investigation, CCS detectives eventually identified Suspect Wan Ryung Song  DOB 10/06/66 (AKA Patrick Song), a 46 year old naturalized citizen who had emigrated to the United States at the age of six from South Korea, as the perpetrator of the bomb threats.  Detectives discovered that Song phoned them in from a nearby pay phone located at the Hyun Dae Health Spa, located 3625 Wilshire Blvd., and confirmed he was a registered member of the health spa. CCS detectives subsequently located Song and arresting him. The investigation revealed that Song perpetrated an additional previously reported hate crime (vandalism) against the Wilshire Boulevard Temple synagogue which depicted a Swastika and corresponding anti-Semitic rant on December 6th, 2012.   Song was booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center for 148.1 (A) PC- False Bomb Threat to Police.  On December 19, 2012, CCS detectives met with Deputy District Attorney Kranze who filed (4) counts of 148.1(c) PC Bomb threat, (1) count vandalism at a house of worship, and (1) count of a hate crime, raising his bail to $170,000.00.  Defendant Song was arraigned on 12/20/2012 at Criminal Courts Building, Division 30.  (DR No. 22021647 Booking No. 3404880) Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Detective Ester Kunz, Major Crimes Division, Criminal Conspiracy Unit at (213) 486-7220. 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.

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54-year-old Missing Woman

Los Angeles: The family of Eileen Thompson and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help to locate the 54-year-old woman who suffers from a mild case of schizophrenia.

Thompson was last seen on June 25, 2012, around 7:00 p.m. leaving her residence in the 100 block of South Hobart Boulevard in Los Angeles. Thompson is described as a 54-year-old Chinese woman with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 95 pounds. She was last seen wearing a baseball cap with the American flag on the bill, dark jacket and knee length denim shorts.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Eileen Thompson, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit, Detective Alma Mercado, 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.

City of Los Angeles Gun Buyback December 26, 2012

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Los Angeles:   On December 26, 2012, the Los Angeles Police Department in partnership with the Mayor’s Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) program will host a Citywide Gun Buyback initiative to make our Communities safer.

The citywide Gun Buyback initiative is a program that began in 2009, an initiative where the City rewards citizens for their voluntary surrender of firearms.  The initiative was developed as just another strategy to remove guns from our communities and reduce violence in our streets.  Since the inception of the program in 2009 nearly 8,000 guns have been surrendered by citizens.  Interesting to note is the fact that during the past four years, violent crimes have gone down by more than 33%, that equates to nearly 9,000 fewer victims.  In looking at gang violence since the Gun Buyback program began, we have experienced a 39% reduction in gang crimes (2600 fewer) as well as a 33% reduction in the number of “Shots Fired” incidents and most importantly 241 fewer victims have been shot (-23%) since the surrender of the nearly 8,000 guns.  When compared to the numbers of guns that have been taken off the streets during the same time period it certainly can be suggested that the program is having a positive impact on the safety of our communities.

One of the great features of the program is the fact the citizens are not asked for any identification and can surrender the guns through a completely anonymous process.  The buyback locations are set up in a drive-thru configuration, the process is simple, safe and completely anonymous.  Citizens are asked to bring their unloaded weapons secured in the trunk of their vehicles when they respond to one of the Gun Buyback locations.  When they arrive at the Gun Buyback location they will be greeted by personnel who will provide them with instructions on how the guns will be removed from their vehicles.  Police Officers will take possession of the surrendered guns and the citizen will be offered a gift card for their surrendered firearm and then they drive away.  There is no paperwork, no photographs and no logging of anyone who surrenders a weapon.  The goal of the program is to remove unwanted guns from our community before that fall into the hands of those who may do harm.

In an effort to make this years’ end the safest it can be, the Gun Buyback will take place on Wednesday, December 26th, at two Los Angeles locations.  In the San Fernando Valley guns may be surrendered in Van Nuys at the Van Nuys Masonic Temple, 14750 Sherman Way, CA 91405, and in South Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Sports Arena – Parking Lot #6. (Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Figueroa Street) 3939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037.  

Attached to this release is a fact sheet on the Gun Buyback initiative along with the flyer for additional information.  Anyone with additional questions may contact the Mayor’s Office Gang Reduction and Youth Development program office at 213-473-7796 or via email at lagryd@lacity.org, or by contacting LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.



Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD)
2012 City of Los Angeles Gun Buyback Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Gun Buyback initiative?
The citywide gun buyback initiative will reward the voluntary surrender of firearms, while engaging our communities towards a common goal of reducing gun violence. In partnership with the LAPD, community and faith based organizations, the gun buyback effort will secure 2 neutral locations throughout the city where individuals can surrender their firearms-no questions asked.
Where are the locations?
There are 2 locations within the City of Los Angeles (See attached flyer).
What is the date and time of the event?
The Gun Buyback will take place on Wednesday December 26, 2012 from 9:00AM- 4:00 P.M.
What is the amount per firearm?
Up to $100.00 gift card for hand guns, shotguns, & rifles.
Up to $200.00 gift card for Assault weapons (As classified in the State of California).
Is this a sting? Will Police be taking pictures of participants and writing down license plate numbers?
No. The Gun Buyback is not a sting. It is an anonymous process in which individuals can surrender their weapons, no questions asked. Law enforcement officials will not be taking pictures of participants, nor will they be logging license plate numbers or running ballistic tests on the guns that are turned in.
Will you conduct ballistic testing on the weapons?
No. Ballistic testing will not be conducted on firearms that are surrendered during the Gun Buyback.
Will there be a press release issued?
Yes. Please visit Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa’s homepage for updated press release information. http://mayor.lacity.org/index.htm
Is there a limit to how many firearms I can turn in?
No. However, we reserve the right to limit the number of gift cards an individual can receive regardless of the amount of firearms the individual has surrendered.
What happens if I decide to turn in a gun at the buyback, then I decide I want to keep it?
Once a firearm is surrendered at the Gun Buyback it becomes property of the Los Angeles Police Department. At which time the firearm will not be returned. Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) 2012 City of Los Angeles Gun Buyback Initiative Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if you run out of gift cards?
The quantities of gift cards are limited and are subject to availability.
Will you check for lost or stolen status of the weapons? If so, will you return to owner?
Yes. All weapons will be checked for lost and/or stolen status. Every effort will be made to return lost and/or stolen firearms to their rightful owners.
What will happen to the weapons once they are collected?
All weapons will be checked for lost or stolen status, and if applicable will be returned to their rightful owners. All other firearms will be prepared for destruction by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Can I turn in the gun for someone else?
Yes. The Gun Buyback is completely anonymous and no questions will be asked.
Where can I get information on gang Intervention and prevention Services?
I live in the City of Los Angeles?
You may contact the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction & Youth Development for more information on gang intervention and gang prevention programs throughout the City of Los Angeles. The number is 213-473-7796 or via email at lagryd@lacity.org
Who can I contact if I have a gun that I want to turn in after the event?
In the event you are not able to attend the Gun Buyback event you may contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAPD 247. However, the Gun Buy Back Program is the only way to receive a gift card for the firearm.
How is this event being paid for?
The event is being paid for by private and community donors.
Can residents from outside the city turn in their weapons?
Yes. Although the event is specifically geared for residents of the

Conviction of Suspect Charged with Brutal Attack on Dog

Los Angeles: On May 2, 2012, the Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) was involved in an investigation that involved the brutal beating of a full grown St. Bernard dog.

In this case, witnesses reported that a male transient suspect, later identified as Mark Anthony Toles, was seen beating a St. Bernard dog in the area of Manchester Boulevard and Broadway.  According to witnesses, the St. Bernard was minding his own business when Toles forcefully kicked the dog’s hind legs. The dog ran from Toles and tried to hide by a nearby school, which was in session. Toles followed the dog and continued the unprovoked beating. Witnesses reported that Toles used a stick and a street barricade to strike the dog. Police officers were dispatched to the scene and arrested the suspect for animal cruelty. The St. Bernard had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.

On November 21, 2012 a jury convicted Toles of animal cruelty. Sentencing was scheduled for December 13, 2012. Toles is facing up to 12 years in State prison due to a weapons enhancement.

The ACTF was established in 2005 and consists of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Animal Services. This partnership facilitates a holistic approach to the prevention, intervention, detection, and prosecution of acts of animal cruelty. The success of ACTF is achieved through the investigative expertise of the task force members, the use of veterinary forensics and the prosecution efforts of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The City of Los Angeles aggressively investigates and prosecutes acts of animal cruelty. There is a strong correlation between those who commit acts of animal cruelty and those who commit acts of violence against humans, and the goal of the ACTF is to break the cycle of violence through aggressive prevention, intervention, detection, and prosecution of acts of animal cruelty.

Anyone with information on acts of animal cruelty is urged to contact the ACTF at 213-486-0450. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD- 24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click

LAPD Hollywood Detectives Make Celebrity Swatting Arrest

Los Angeles:   On October 3, 2012, Los Angeles Police Officers assigned to the Hollywood Division responded to a call for service at a residence on Arrowhead Drive.  The comments of the call advised that there were individuals inside the location with guns and explosives, and that several people had been shot. The on scene investigation determined the call was a hoax.  In addition, it was learned that the location is the home of actor Ashton Kutcher. In all, dozens of emergency personnel responded to the location.

Hollywood detectives immediately launched an investigation to determine the origin of the call.  Their preliminary investigation revealed the call was a “swatting” incident, a term used to describe how computer hackers utilize their skills to place false emergency calls of serious crimes in progress to law enforcement and fire dispatch centers, thus causing a large number of first responders.  The swatting practice is extremely dangerous and places first responders and citizens in harm’s way.

Hollywood Detectives served numerous search warrants, including several outside of Los Angeles County.  On December 10, 2012, Hollywood Detectives arrested a juvenile from the Southern California region for the Ashton Kutcher swatting incident, as well as a similar swatting incident that took place at the home of Justin Bieber.  Other swatting incidents involving this individual have been identified.

The Los Angeles Police Department worked in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Long Beach Police Department to bring this case to a successful conclusion.  The case has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review and filing consideration.

Anyone with information regarding any related incidents is asked to contact the Hollywood Area Detective Division at 213-972-2931. 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.

Notes from the December 18, 2012 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President Andrea Ordin said she attended the anti-bullying assembly which was held at Challenger Prep Charter School and done in partnership with community volunteer Monica Harmon.  She said it was a very moving event with an excellent turnout from the Department.  President Ordin also stated she attended the Police Cadet graduation held over the weekend.  She said it was an extraordinary event and was happy to see how much the program has grown in recent years.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman told a story about a colleague from USC who was involved in a traffic accident where a pedestrian was hurt.  He said his colleague came away very impressed with the professionalism of the traffic officers who responded.  Commissioner Saltzman said this was an example of the tremendous job the Department does every day.

•    Assistant Chief Michel Moore said the Department shares in grieving with the rest of the country over the events in Newtown, Connecticut.  He informed the Board, in the immediate aftermath of the shooting; the Department increased patrols around local schools and continually monitored the situation in Connecticut as events unfolded.  The Department has since sent a small contingent of officers, with the LAUSD, to Newtown to assist in any way necessary and to learn what they could on how an event like this could be prevented in the future.  Chief Moore said Department operations continue to provide added patrols with the LAUSD with specific deployment to every school. He completed his comments by saying the Cadet Graduation held over the weekend was a tremendous success and the efforts with the Cadet program continue to exceed expectations.

•    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 West Valley area was given by Captain John Egan and Mr. Maury Leff.  Captain Egan informed the Board the West Valley C-PAB currently has 48 active members from diverse backgrounds.  Mr. Leff then stated current goals include outreach to high school student council members who participate in meetings; emergency preparedness training which included safety kits that are for sale to the community and placed in every police vehicle; and crime prevention education for community members.  Mr. Leff concluded his comments by stating the goals for 2013 include emergency preparedness training and building stronger relationships with local religious and advocacy organizations.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 13, 2012, relative to the fiscal year 2013/14 proposed budget, as given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff and Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer.  Mr. Chaleff informed the Board the budget presented reflected costs of Department needs and was a minimum budget.  He said the proposed budget was $81 million more than the FY 2012-13 budget due to negotiated pay increases and step increases in pay for civilians.  He completed his comments by saying 93% of the entire Police Department budget is spent on employee salaries.  Assistant Chief MacArthur then informed the Board the Department was requesting the purchase of 300 new police cruisers, funding for the installation in digital in-car video systems for West Bureau, replacement MDC’s, and licensing fees. 

•    The Department’s report, dated December 14, 2012, relative to the request for approval of the professional services agreement with NCM Contracting Group, LP for lead abatement services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 7, 2012, relative to the request for approval of the professional services agreement with Anthony Kaklamanos for police composite artist services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.  

Man Assaults a Restaurant Manager and Yells Racial Slurs

Los Angeles: On December 15, 2012, around 1 p.m., a manager of a fast food restaurant, in the 600 block of South Alameda Street, received a complaint from a customer that there was a panhandler inside the restaurant bothering patrons.

The detectives’ investigation revealed that the victim approached the panhandler and asked him to leave. The panhandler complained and then left the restaurant lobby. The victim followed the panhandler outside to ensure that he was leaving the property. The victim then saw the panhandler walk to the rear of the drive through area and resumed panhandling to some patrons ordering food at the drive- through.

The victim again approached the panhandler and told him that he could not panhandle at the drive through either. The panhandler became angry and pushed the victim several times.  He then grabbed the victim and immediately pressed a knife against the victim’s torso and threatened to kill him. The suspect also used racial slurs during the assault. The victim told investigators that he has received racial slurs and threats from the suspect in the past involving his sexual orientation.

On December 17, 2012, detectives assigned to LAPD Crimes Against Persons Unit (CAPS) conducted a follow-up when they received information that the suspect had returned to the restaurant. The detectives got to the location and detained the suspect near the location.

LAPD Central Area officers assisted the detectives and conducted a field show up where the suspect was positively identified. The suspect, Kenneth Underwood, was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and enhancements for a Hate Crime will be sought.

Anyone with information about this incident may contact LAPD Central Area detectives at 213-972-1203. During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (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 www.lapdonline.org. and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”