LAPD Blog

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

CHIEF’S MESSAGE – JUNE 2009

If you were to read a news headline that said, “Banks Fail, Fortunes Lost, Government Dumps Millions into the Economy” you might think it was printed in either 2008 or this year…  In fact, it is a doom and gloom headline from 1869, the same year the first eight Los Angeles Police Officers took their oath…      

One hundred forty years later, amidst similar headlines, we find ourselves in one of the most interesting periods in law enforcement history…  Through unprecedented transparency we have given academicians and pundits of every type a front row seat to the extraordinary work we are doing and the changes taking place in our Department…  Front row or not, being a member of the “audience” can never compare to being a member of the LAPD team.  You are on the team that is the envy of police departments around the globe…  

I was fortunate enough to become the leader of the LAPD nearly 8 years ago.  As your Chief, I have worked tirelessly to give unprecedented access to the Department…  I have opened doors to writers, reporters, researchers, both critics and supporters alike…  For those already serving, and for those desiring to serve on this Department, I will work just as hard to make sure that your personal goals are achievable as well…

Whether your goal is to attend a “roll call” and “clear” for radio calls in a Black and White on the day you retire and every day before, or whether your goal is to someday sit in my chair, as the Chief of Police, there is honor in both…  I take pride in the fact that I have torn down artificial barriers and broken glass ceilings whenever and wherever I’ve found them, and I will continue to do so…  My commitment to you is that your goals will be achievable in an organization free from discrimination based on race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status or domestic partner status…  We celebrate diversity…  

July is the month we celebrate the diversity of gays and lesbians on the LAPD…  We have people who are openly gay or lesbian and others who choose to be private about their sexual orientation.  Either way is completely appropriate…  Through this diversity, we are becoming a Department that reflects the community of Los Angeles…  It makes good sense that through diversity, we are better equipped to protect and serve…       

The Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Forum exists to help me understand and address the unique issues faced by this community…  At regularly scheduled meetings, members of this community can voice their concerns directly to me and other command officers…  As a show of my support to the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender community, I plan to participate in the 39th Annual Los Angeles Pride Parade later this month…  In years past, I have found this event to be very worthwhile...    

Through events such as the 39th Annual Los Angeles Pride Parade, the forum, and through ongoing efforts by our Recruitment and Employment Division, the LAPD demonstrates an eagerness to hire qualified candidates from the gay and lesbian community…  The next gay and lesbian hiring seminar will take place on June 20th at 9:00 a.m. at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center…

In September, the Gay Peace Officers’ Association will be hosting the 13th Annual International Criminal Justice Diverse Symposium…  This year, the Symposium organizers have arranged for first-rate training on topics including hate crime investigations, domestic violence in gay and lesbian relationships and police officer suicides…

As we strive to continue to build our ranks based on diversity, we are on course to set an all-time high for sworn deployment in 2009…  Somewhere at a recruitment seminar, in the testing process, or visiting www.joinlapd.com is the 10,000th officer…  He or she will enjoy the most up-to-date training, facilities, radios, and technology in the history of law enforcement - anywhere…  In the staffing and equipping of the Department, the taxpayers of this City and the leadership whom they’ve elected have given you a vote of confidence.

The LAPD, sworn and civilian, is an investment…  For eight consecutive years, the investment in the LAPD has paid substantial dividends…  A safe Los Angeles will help to lead California and the Nation from this recession… When we reduce crime, real taxpayer dollars are saved, not to mention the incalculable devastation on families…  In the first weeks of May 2009 compared to the same time period last year, more than 40 fewer people have been murdered…  In April 2009, and for the first time in my tenure, Los Angeles experienced a seven day stretch without a single murder…  

In fact, as of the week ending May 2, 2009, every category of Part One Crimes is in negative numbers:  Homicide -32.6 percent, rape -7.4 percent, robbery -2.1 percent, and aggravated assault -6.9 percent…  On average, total violent crime is down by 5 percent...  Property crimes are also on the decline:  Burglary -4.9 percent, grand theft auto -18 percent, burglary theft from motor vehicle -3.2 percent, and personal theft -4.6 percent…  On average, property crimes are down by 7 percent…  

As we near the mid-year mark in 2009, I am looking forward to even more milestones and to telling more of your success stories…  I am proud to be the leader of a Department of men and women who are so committed to this profession and to the communities we serve…  You were called to a noble profession and you should feel enormously proud... Each and every day you are proving that cops count and police matter...

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.