LAPD Blog

Serial Rapist in Custody

Los Angeles:  LAPD Harbor Area detectives have arrested a man they believe is responsible for at least three sexual assaults, with the possibility of more victims who haven’t yet contacted police.

In the predawn hours of August 10, 2009, 31-year-old Kjonna Lemar Oggs (aka: Kevin Johnson) was arrested at his home in the 200 block of Armona Court in San Pedro.  Oggs was booked for kidnapping and subsequently charged with rape, sodomy, robbery and assault with the intent to commit a felony.

On March 13, 2009, the first victim identified only as a 47-year-old female, reported being robbed by a suspect who also attempted to sexually assault her.  On May 3, 2009, the second victim, a 56-year-old female, reported that she had been robbed; and then on August 9, 2009, a third victim, a 47-year-old female reported that she had been sexually assaulted.  

During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect in all three crimes as Oggs.  He preyed upon some of the most vulnerable members of society and either tricked or forced them into his residence where he sexually assaulted and robbed them.  Investigators believe there could be additional male or female victims, and strongly encourage such individuals to come forward.

Anyone with information about these or related crimes is asked to contact LAPD Harbor Area Detective Maria Orta at 310-726-7917.  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 will remain anonymous.

Gunman Shoots Two at North Hollywood Synagogue Motive Still under Investigation

Update

The juvenile subject was questioned and released.

Los Angeles:  At 6:19 this morning, at the Adat Yeshurun Valley Sephardic Synagogue in North Hollywood, two men arriving for prayer services were shot.

A number of 911 calls brought Los Angeles Police Department officers from the North Hollywood area and Los Angeles City firefighters to the Synagogue located at 12405 Sylvan Street, where they found the victims, two men, one 38 the other 53 years old, in an underground garage suffering from gunshot wounds to their legs.

One of the victims had just gotten out of his car in the underground garage of the Synagogue and was near a stairwell when he was approached by a black man wearing what has been described as a dark color sweatshirt with a hood.  Investigators believe that without warning, the gunman tried to shoot the man, and his weapon malfunctioned.  As he tried to get the weapon to work, a second victim heard and saw what was happening and approached the gunman.  At that point, the suspect shot both of the victims.  He then ran on foot from the Synagogue parking garage.

The victims were taken to area hospitals where they are being treated for their wounds, which are not life threatening.  Detectives from North Hollywood are interviewing the victims as part of their investigation.  The victims have been able to give only a brief description of the shooter, a black male in his late teens to early twenties, wearing a dark-color sweatshirt with a hood.
More than an hour after the shooting, LAPD officers detained a man in an area near the shooting who fit the brief description of the suspect.  He is being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.  Detectives are also viewing security video of the Synagogue as part of the investigation.
At this time, a motive for the shooting has not been determined.  North Hollywood detectives will be looking into the possibility of the crime being an unsuccessful armed robbery attempt, a random act of violence or a possible hate crime.

A citywide tactical alert was issued to help manage police resources, and the LAPD Department Operations Center was activated at a Level One.  Area Commanding Officers were notified to increase patrols around critical Jewish sites in their areas.  Also assisting the LAPD in its investigation is the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the LA Area Joint Regional Intelligence Center.

More information will be released as it becomes available.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact North Hollywood Detectives at 818-623-4045.   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 will remain anonymous.

Chief William J. Bratton’s last News Conference

Chief Bratton's Last Press Conf

Wednesday October 28, 2009 - Chief William J. Bratton held his last monthly media availability in front of the new Police Administration Building.  Auto highlights Chief Bratton speaking on three issues: the three candidates for the next Chief of Police, current crime statistics, and the future 21st Century Police vehicle.

Con-Artist Linked to Downtown Thefts Includes recent theft from Israeli Basketball Team

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police detectives have linked an apparent con artist to the October 20, 2009, locker room theft of cash and jewelry belonging to the visiting Israeli basketball team.  They have released photos to aid in identifying the suspect who is also suspected in thefts from downtown hotels.

“We’ve released the photos and video in the hopes someone will recognize this man,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detectives downtown.  “My detectives have linked this man to two other thefts from downtown hotels going back to August.”

After looking at surveillance footage from the Staples Center, detectives noticed the close similarity between that suspect and a man suspected in conning his way into hotel rooms belonging to a visiting Salsa band and a professional soccer team.

August 29, 2009, thirty Salsa musicians were booked to play the Greek Theater.  A Hispanic man with slicked-back hair convinces a desk clerk at the Wilshire Grand Hotel that he is part of the salsa group and needs pass cards to rooms.  He gives the desk clerk a music CD in thanks for the help.  Over $9,000 was later discovered missing from several rooms.  Security footage captured the interloper’s image.

September 22, 2009, this same suspect, wearing a Chivas jersey greets and hugs members of the Chivas soccer team as they leave the Marriot Hotel on a bus.  He turns, walks up to the desk clerk, and convinces the clerk to give him room keys.  Over $10,000 was later reported missing from the soccer players’ rooms.

October 20, witnesses at Staple Center remembered seeing this suspect earlier in the day, before the basketball game with the Clippers.  At one point, the man was thrown out for not having proper credentials.  “Apparently he returned, dressed in a suit, holding a clipboard, and with some kind of credential sticking out of his pocket,” Lt. Vernon said.  A ball boy saw the man in the Israeli team’s locker room after the players went on the court, but the ball boy assumed the man worked at Staples.  Eleven players reported over $26,000 in cash and jewelry missing when they returned to the locker room.  Witnesses and security narrowed the suspect to this Hispanic man in his forties with slicked-back hair.

“Detective Mike Brausam deserves the credit for linking these incidents,” Vernon added.  “It was a good catch.  It was the slicked-back hair style that really stood out.”

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Commercial Crimes Division at 213-485-2524.   Tipsters may also call the 24-hour, toll free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247), or text “crimes” by cell phone.  Begin all messages with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Lt. Vernon or Det. Brausam will be available for interviews at Central Police Station between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Notes from the October 27, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Commission President John Mack expressed his gratitude to the Police Protective League for working with the City to reach an amicable agreement on a new contract for police officers.  He added it was a true reflection of the solid partnership with the leadership and rank and file employees of the Department.

•Police Commission Vice President Andrea Ordin attended the grand opening ceremony of the new Police Administration Building on Saturday and said it was a great day of celebration for the new facility.

•Police Chief William J. Bratton announced today would be his last formal appearance in front of the Police Commission.  He thanked the Commission for their support, guidance and leadership throughout his tenure and expressed the importance of civilian oversight to the continued success of the Department. 

•The Department's report, dated October 14, 2009, in response to City Council Motion (Council File No. 09-2163), relative to Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Security, was pulled and continued.

•The Department's report, dated June 30, 2009 and Inspector General's report, dated October 1, 2009, relative to the Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigation Audit (IAID No. C08-004), was approved.  Inspector General Andre Birotte stated the audit was originally conducted during the Consent Decree and his office agrees with the findings.

•The Department's report, dated October 9, 2009, relative to the Criminal Case Filings Rates of Individuals Arrested – 3rd Quarter Report (July 1, 2009 – September 30, 2009) was approved. 

Man Found Dead in Parking Garage

Los Angeles:  A West Los Angeles man has been found shot to death in the underground parking garage of his residence.

On October 26, 2009, at around 11 a.m., the victim was discovered on the floor of the subterranean parking garage to his residence, a multi-unit complex in the 11700 block of Goshen Avenue.  The victim had suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim, who was last seen alive around 9:30 a.m. the morning his body was discovered, has been identified as 65-year-old West Los Angeles resident Richard Traweek.  The reason for his death is still under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call LAPD West Los Angeles Homicide Detective Mike Pelletier at 310-444-1520.  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 will remain anonymous.

Grand Opening Of The New Police Administration Building

Chief Bratton - podcast

Mayor Villaraigosa - podcast

On Saturday, October 24, 2009, Downtown Los Angeles skyline witnessed the grand opening of the New Police Administration Building. Participants of the prestigious ribbon cutting ceremony included, city officials, law enforcement dignitaries from outside agencies, and dozens of uniformed Police Officers.

The event was initiated with the presentation of colors by the LAPD Honor Guard, followed by a touching rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band. Without a doubt the highlight of the event was a presentation of LAPD’s SWAT unit, descending down the side of the ten story building, as the American flag unfurled down from the rooftop.

Attendees of the event had the opportunity to meet many of the officers that patrol the Downtown area and view displays of the Department’s specialized units such as K-9, Detective Bureau, Bomb Squad and SWAT. Guest also enjoyed samples of some of Downtown’s finest eateries whom provided the food for the event. As a reflection of the diverse communities that the Department serves, entertainment performances included Fiesta Group Folklorico, and the Japanese Festival Sounds taiko drummers.

Chief Bratton expressed his pleasure in the overall design of the building from the openness of the landscape to the location of the building which faces City Hall. Chief Bratton expressed   these features around the building are reflections of the transparency which now represent the relationship between the Department and the community. He further stated, “this building was consciously designed to be one, of the people, and for the people, this building is the people’s house.”

The new Police Administration Building is a 500,000 square-foot structure. The construction of the building was possible through funding from Proposition Q. It features an underground parking structure, a 400 seat auditorium, a 200 seat Café, scheduled to open in the spring of 2010, and a one acre public park. The event culminated the year-long celebration of the Departments 140th Anniversary.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics October 24, 2009

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                              250*             312           -19.9%
Rape                                    643               694             -7.3%
Robbery                              9932            10789            -7.9%
Agg Assaults **                    8895             9994           -11.0%
Total Violent Crimes        19,720          21,789             -9.5%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                            14,662           15,625           -6.2%
BTFV                                 23,083           24,348           -5.2%
Personal/Other Theft         22,191           22,729           -2.4%
Auto Theft                         14,713          18,245           -19.4%
Total Property Crimes     74,649          80,947           -7.8%
Total Part I Crimes          94,369        102,736           -8.1%

* 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

Two Juveniles Arrested in Residential Burglary

Los Angeles: Two 15-year-old high school students have been arrested for residential burglary.

On October 21, 2009, at around 9:00 a.m., two 15-year-old boys were seen entering a residence in the 5400 block of Sadring Avenue in Woodland Hills.  Several neighbors called 911 while other neighbors confronted the youthful burglars.  Both boys took off running, with the neighbors chasing after them.  One boy was caught and detained for police, but the other boy escaped.

Investigators discovered that one residence had been burglarized for over $18,000 in cash and property.  The two burglars were discovered while attempting to enter a second residence nearby.

The boy who was captured was found to be carrying a backpack that contained approximately $11,000 worth of jewelry, IPODs, cell phones, and money taken during the burglary.

The second boy was subsequently identified and taken into custody about three hours later.  His backpack, which he claimed had been stolen, was found the next day in the bushes about a block away from where the burglary and attempt burglary had occurred.  It contained the remaining property taken during the burglary, (jewelry, computer games and digital cameras valued at $6900), as well as notebooks and papers belonging to the subject.

As juvenile subjects, both subjects were booked for Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602/Penal Code Section 459-Burglary.  Both were released to their parents.  The names of juvenile arrestees are not releasable.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call Topanga Area Burglary Detectives, Detective Stephanie Krajchir at 818-756-5845. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on “Web Tips.”  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Detectives Seeking Help to Identify Robbery Suspect

Los Angeles:  LAPD detectives are releasing video footage that captured a robbery of a neighborhood mini market.  The suspect produced a chrome semi automatic handgun, pointed at the cashier and demanded money.

On October 18, 2009 at around 7:45 a.m., the suspect entered the mini market located in the 5900 block of South Avalon Blvd and purchased a pack of cigarettes. The suspect left and then immediately returned inside to ask the cashier for matches.  As the cashier turned to reach for the matches, the suspect reached inside his jacket and pulled a chrome handgun. The suspect pointed the handgun at the cashier and demanded the cashier to give him the money from the cash register.  The cashier in fear for his life complied.  The suspect took the money and walked out of the mini market.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 5'09" to 6 feet in height, 200 to 230 pounds and 25 years of age. The suspect had a trimmed beard and mustache.   

Photos are attached with this news release.  Video is also available.  Contact LAPD Media Relations.    

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Newton Area Robbery Detectives Marsden or Medina at 323-846-6572.  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 will remain anonymous.