LAPD Blog

Man Stabbed to Death, Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles:  A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death in South Los Angeles and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives have arrested the suspect.

The stabbing occurred last night around 2 a.m., at a restaurant parking lot in the 5900 block of Vermont Avenue.

Investigators say 52-year-old Aurelio Ramirez and the victim, Juan Ventura Ola, were involved in a heated argument that escalated to an altercation.  Ramirez pulled out an unknown sharp object, stabbed Ola multiple times in the chest, and left the area.  The victim was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

After gaining solid leads, detectives tracked down Ramirez at his home in the 900 block of West 59th Place and arrested him.  He was taken to LAPD’s 77th Division Jail and booked for murder.  His bail amount was set at $1 million.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call LAPD’s 77th Division Homicide Criminal Gang Group at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 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.

Don’t Fire Your Gun into the Air This New Year’s Eve

Yesterday’s gunfire reduction press conference in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was a success in educating the public on the dangers associated with celebrating the holidays by shooting firearms in the air. 

Sheriff Lee Baca from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Antonio R. Villaraigosa, the Mayor of Los Angeles, Assistant Chief Michel Moore, Director Special Services from Los Angeles Police Department and Special Agent In Charge John Torres from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives attended the press conference to elaborate on the importance of absolutely no firing guns in the air for everyone’s safety.  At the conclusion of the press conference the gunshot detection system, “shot spotter” was demonstrated by Sheriff Deputies on the effectiveness in detecting someone firing a gun in the air once it occurs.

Even though in the past couple of years there were less shots fired in the air by people celebrating the New Year, there was a 10.3 percent increase in shots fired calls from 2008 New Year’s celebration to the 2009 New Year’s celebration.  There was a decrease of 7.1 percent in the number of guns seized.  The number of shots fired reports associated with New Year’s celebrations slightly increased last year. 

The gunfire reduction press conference aims to advise the community that ringing in the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the City of Los Angeles or in Los Angeles County.  Discharging a firearm into the air is a felony punishable by one year in state prison.  Anyone arrested for discharging a firearm will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

West Traffic Division Holiday Giving Drive

On Wednesday, December 23, 2009, West Traffic Division (WTD) hosted the Salazar family with gifts and food to bring joy and comfort to their lives.  The Salazar’s lost their wife and mother to a tragic traffic collision earlier this year, so WTD came together to ensure the children had a happy holiday season.   They were treated to a full Thanksgiving dinner and for Christmas, the children enjoyed gifts such as I-pods, bicycles, a digital camera, a computer, clothing and Christmas dinner.
  

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics December 26, 2009

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             308*              376            -18.1%
Rape                                    758               828             -8.5%
Robbery                            11997            13186             -9.0%
Agg Assaults **                  10428            11884           -12.3%
Total Violent Crimes        23,491           26,274          -10.6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             17,846          19,411            -8.1%
BTFV                                 28,302           29,750           -4.9%
Personal/Other Theft         26,915           27,654           -2.7%
Auto Theft                        17,827           22,126          -19.4%
Total Property Crimes     90,890          98,941           -8.1%
Total Part I Crimes        114,381        125,215           -8.7%

* 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 - Dec. 2009

For my family and I the holiday season has always been a time to reflect on our many blessings, enjoy spending time with each other, our friends and colleagues.   As we celebrate the holiday’s and look to the New Year, I want to take the time to reflect on all of our accomplishments and experiences in 2009.  It is ironic that during the year when we were celebrating 140-years of LAPD history, we were living through a year in which substantial change came to the organization, change that in itself is history making.
In 2009 we were released from the Consent Decree.  While Federal oversight is no longer required, that the reforms brought about by the Consent Decree must become the way we do business, the very best practices of this Department.  It was also a year of grand openings and moving into several new state-of-the-art facilities.  We opened the Real-Time Analysis and Critical Response Division, Emergency Operations Center, our 20th and 21st Area stations, Olympic and Topanga, and new Hollenbeck and Harbor stations.  We also moved the granddaddy of them all, our new Police Administration Building.
In 2010 we will continue to work hard to drive crime down while continuing to police in a constitutional manner, and we will do all that we can to prepare for and prevent acts of terrorism.    Our jobs will be made more difficult because of the current and future budget shortfalls the city faces.  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and our elected officials have committed to continue to hire to attrition, but we have to do our part.  The people of this city expect us to give them the best policing value possible for the precious dollars they are spending.  We have to make maximum use of all of the money we are given before we ask for more

During this holiday season please also take time to remember the 48 Los Angeles Police Department employees that continue to serve in the United States armed forces.  Many of them have not been with their family and friends for the holidays for several years.  I am struck by the extraordinary sacrifices they and their families make to serve our country on foreign soil and here in our communities.

Officer Micheal Almasy 31030 Army National Guard
Officer Francisco Argueta 38829 USMC
Officer Micheal Bain 38932 USMC
Sgt Thomas Bojorquez 30872 Army
Officer Christine Bulicz 34690 Air National Guard
Officer Ismael Chaparro 38731 USMC
Officer Jean-Pierre Charles 39485 Navy
Officer Robert Cottle 29940 USMC
Sgt David Craig 31411 Army National Guard
Officer Cesar Espinoza 37930 USMC
Officer Dominic Evans 38564 USMC
Officer Peter Galan 31808 Army National Guard
Officer Issac Gonzalez- Clemente 38092 Army
Officer Ramon Garcia 39097 USMC
Officer Evan Guevara 34091 USMC
Detective James Hayes 23916 Air National Guard
Officer Eric Hermann 35481 Air National Guard
Officer Mell Hogg 35351 USMC
Officer Manuel Huezo 33990 Coast Guard
Officer Brian Indreland 37296 USMC
Officer Eric Jimenez 39222 Army
Sgt Michael Johnson 31570 USAF
Officer Eui Joung 39150 Army
Sgt Jonathan Kirkpatrick 27400 USMC
Officer Bruno La Hoz 39050 Navy
Officer Brady Lamas 37904 USAF
Officer Timothy Ledingham 32869 Army National Guard
Sgt Chad Lewis 30713 USAF
Officer Erik Loomis 38329 USMC
Officer Victor Lopez 35269 USMC
Officer Kevin Marshall 38399 Army National Guard
Officer John Miller 39293 USMC
Officer Raul Olivares 38917 USMC
Officer Viengkham Ounsombath 37351 Army
Officer Edward Palacios 36023 Army
Officer Edward Petterez 34154 Army
Officer Christopher Phelan 39661 USMC
Officer Noah Pippin 39064 USMC
Officer Brian Putnam 33871 Coast Guard
Officer Thomas Ralph 35104 Army
Officer Jonathan Rocha 38919 USMC
Officer Jose Salgado 39307 USMC
Officer David Sanchez 38115 Army National Guard
Officer John Seffel 35330 US Navy
Officer Francisco Serrano 34668 USMC
Sgt Martin Spann 25923 Army National Guard
Sgt Hector Villanueva 35500 USMC
Sgt Robert White 32998 Army

This year we sadly said good bye to co-workers, partners and friends who passed away. As members of our LAPD family, we keep them alive in our hearts.

Ruben Baca Police Officer I Southeast Area, End of Watch – 2/6/2009
Kenneth Otto Garner Deputy Chief Operations-South Bureau, End of Watch – 3/1/2009
Joyce Diane Corrales Police Service Representative II Newton Area, End of Watch – 3/4/2009
Darlene Goya Commission Executive Assistant I Police Commission, End of Watch – 3/11/2009
Kelvin M. Lee Garage Attendant Motor Transport Division, End of Watch – 3/11/2009
Janine Manji Detective I Wilshire Area, End of Watch – 4/13/2009
Gail Bealey Senior Clerk Typist Detective Support & Vice Division, End of Watch – 5/12/2009
Susan J. Clemmer Detective II Gang and Narcotics Division, End of Watch – 7/6/2009
Bianca Brown-Greene Senior Clerk Typist Communications Division, End of Watch – 7/23/2009
Maria Victoria Castro Management Analyst II Commission Investigation Division, End of Watch ― 8/13/2009
Byung Sun Lee Auditor I Internal Audits and Inspections Division, End of Watch – 9/16/2009
Yvette Jean Pierre Police Service Representative II Rampart Area, End of Watch – 9/23/2009
Willie B. Ford, Jr. Photographer III Scientific Investigation Division, End of Watch – 10/23/2009
Edward Peter Pandolfo Police Officer III Hollywood Area, End of Watch – 10/26/2009
Max Kerstein Reserve Officer Olympic Area, End of Watch – 11/17/2009
Kenneth C. Aragon Police Officer II Northeast Area, End of Watch – 12/3/2009

At this time of year many of us reflect on our own lives and renew our commitment to each other and the causes we believe in.   We look for opportunities to give thanks and help those who need it most.  I encourage everyone to support the LAPD Angels Community Toy and Book Drive by donating a toy and a new or gently used book.  Every little thing we can do to make the holidays a brighter for children in our communities helps to make a difference in their lives.  Each station will mark the holiday season by hosting a party, and inviting those families in their area that are in special need. Your donation will go towards these generous efforts.  I also extend an invitation to everyone to attend the annual Department Holiday party on Saturday December 19 at the Los Angeles Downtown Marriott Hotel.  More information can be found on the LAN.

As we say good bye to 2009, I thank each one of you, sworn and civilian, for all that you do to make us the best law enforcement agency in the world.  From my family to yours, I wish you and your families a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

Notes from the December 22, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commission President John Mack congratulated Commission Vice President Andrea Ordin on her new position on County Council. 

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended the Cadet graduation over the weekend, which was the last one of the current Cadet format.  He also attended the Holiday Celebration at Pacific Division which he said was a very positive event.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board it was a tough weekend with regards to the number of homicides in the City.  He said Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger and his staff were devising strategies to curtail the recent spike in violence but added the City was still ahead of national crime reduction averages for the year.

• The Department’s verbal presentation relative to the transition of the Law Enforcement Cadet program was given by Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger.  He said the transition of the Cadet program from under the control of the Learning For Life organization was well on its way and has strong support from the Chief of Police.  One of the major concerns with the transition was being able to insure the members of the Cadets and the program itself but Chief Paysinger said funding has been secured for insurance through various donations from community organizations.  He added a memorandum will be ready for presentation to the Chief of Police on January 1, 2010 making the transition complete with a new name for the program, new uniforms, new patches and new designs to follow.

• The Department’s verbal report and presentation from the Chief of Police relative to the Department reorganization was given by Charlie Beck.  Chief Beck said the goal of the reorganization is to reduce the number of direct reports to the Chief and to consolidate entities that perform like functions.  There will now be six direct reports which include the Office of Operations, the Office of Special Services, the Office of Administrative Services, Professional Standards Bureau, Special Assistant for Constitutional Policing and the Chief of Staff.  Chief Beck stated the reorganization allows the Department to be more efficient and allows for more fiscal responsibility.  It also puts 130 police officers back in the field. 

• The Department’s report, dated December 14, 2009, relative to sworn personnel by rank, gender, and ethnicity report – 5-year trend, fiscal year 2004-2005 to 2008-2009, as given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was approved.  Mr. Chaleff informed the Board the number of Sergeants has increased by 85 with 10 female and 65 Hispanic. He added as the Department becomes more diverse, so do the upper ranks of supervision.  Mr. Chaleff also said the number of diversified Captains is starting to go down.  This may be due to the increased responsibilities of the Captain position.  He also said due to the budget restraints of the City, future promotions will be few and far between. 

• The Department’s report, dated December 10, 2009, relative to transmittal of the grant application for the 2009 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Continuation Program from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, United States Department of Justice, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated December 8, 2009, relative to Transmittal of the Grant Augmentation Award for the 2009/10 Internet Crimes Against Children Program from the California Emergency Management Agency, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated December 9, 2009, relative to Transmittal of the Grant Application for the 2009-10 Next Generation, Click It or Ticket program from the University of California, Berkeley, Traffic Safety Center, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated December 9, 2009, relative to transmittal of the supplemental award and budget modification for the Driving Under the Influence Enforcement and Awareness Program grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated December 2, 2009, relative to transmittal of the grant award for the 2009 Human Trafficking Task Force Initiative – supplemental program, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated December 10, 2009, relative to the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement Contract No. C-110676 with Lynden J. and Associates, Inc., for court reporter services, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

• The Department’s report, dated December 9, 2009, relative to transmittal of the grant award and extension for the 2008-2009 Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program (Archangel), was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

• The Executive Director’s report, dated December 14, 2009, relative to recommendations relative to the Office of Finance’s review on compliance with the Citywide billing and collection guidelines, was approved.

• The Executive Director’s report, dated December 18, 2009, relative to the official police garage towing and storage rates 2010 – posting completed, was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated September 30, 2009, and Inspector General’s report, dated December 14, 2009, relative to the executive level review of gang enforcement detail work product assessment summary, fiscal year 2009/2010, was approved.

Wheelchair Bound Man Robbed of Necklace

Updated on Jan. 5, 2010
On December 28, 2009, at around 2:45 p.m., 23-year-old Gregory Butler was taken into custody by detectives in the South Los Angeles Area near on 25th Street and Maple Avenue.  He was booked for robbery and his bail was set at $170,000.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Newton Division is seeking the public's help for information on the identity and whereabouts of a suspect who robbed a 42-year-old wheelchair-bound man in Los Angeles on December 5, 2009.  

At around 11:35 a.m., the suspect was seen lurking near a liquor store in the 4000 block of South Long Beach Avenue.  A video surveillance tape shows the wheelchair-bound man leaving the store and the suspect attacking him from behind and forcibly grabbing his necklace.  A short struggle ensued as the victim tried to prevent the suspect from taking his property.  Eventually, the suspect overpowered the victim, ran away with his property and was last seen west bound on Vernon Avenue.  The victim sustained minor injuries, but did not require medical attention.  

The suspect is described as a male Black, 17-25 years old, 5'9"- 5'10" tall and weighing about 160-170 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a burgundy hooded jacket with dark lining and with white letters across the chest, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.
           
Detectives believe that the suspect may be responsible for several other robberies in the area.  Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Newton Area Robbery detectives Verner or Nava at 323-846-6572.  During non-business hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 1-877 LAPD-24-7.  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. 

72-Year-Old Store Owner Shot in the Head during Attempted Robbery

Los Angeles:  Yesterday at about 4:10 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Rampart Area patrol officers and detectives found a 72-year-old man who owns a 98-Cent Store at 1316 Venice Boulevard, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head as a result of an attempted robbery.  

There were three suspects in the shooting/robbery attempt.  They are described as a male Hispanic wearing a black Hoodie sweatshirt, another male Hispanic wearing a grey Hoodie sweatshirt, and a third man of unknown ethnicity wearing a grey long-sleeve pullover shirt with a black beanie knit cap.  All three also appeared to be wearing black knit gloves.

As they entered the store, the first suspect stopped at the front counter and confronted the store owner.  The second suspect walked around the counter while the third stood by the front door as a lookout.  

Suspect #1 proceeded to remove a chrome-plated revolver from his waistband and point it at the store owner/victim.  When the store owner attempted to reach for the suspect’s gun, suspect #1 pulled away.  Then suspect #2 approached the victim from behind but backed away quickly when the victim lunged in his direction.  At that point, suspect #1 fired one shot, striking the store owner in the head and causing him to fall to the floor.  The suspects then left the store without any stolen property and headed eastbound until they were out of sight.  The incident occurred while the victim’s wife and two older children were in the store.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and remains in very critical condition.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact LAPD Rampart Division detectives at 213-484-3450.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
(877) LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can 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. 

Missing Woman Found Dead in Car, Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles:  A 24-year-old woman whose family reported her missing Monday morning was found dead inside of her car yesterday in the Winnetka area.  An ex-boyfriend has been arrested in connection with her murder.

The victim has been identified as Doris Salguero.  The victim’s brother went to her apartment to check on her.  After he left, he spotted her blue 1998 Toyota Corolla in the 19500 block of Leadwell Street around 1:20 p.m. and discovered her body inside.  Detectives say the victim was found in the back seat of her vehicle covered in blood.  She apparently had been stabbed to death and was covered with a jacket, perhaps to conceal the body.

Detectives spoke with various witnesses regarding the case, and last night at around 10:20 p.m., traveled to a home in the 1000 block of Dacotah Street in East Los Angeles to speak with the victim’s ex-boyfriend, 30-year-old Fredy Hernandez.  Investigators say he was a witness at the time of the interview.  Hernandez was at a holiday party Saturday evening (Dec. 19) that Salguero attended and voluntarily spoke with investigators.  After the interview, he was booked and charged with murder.  His bail was set at $1 million.

Salguero was last seen alive as she left her company’s holiday party in Carson early Sunday morning.  Her current boyfriend went to Van Nuys Division and reported her missing after she did not show up at her home.  Saldero, a resident of Winnetka, was employed part-time by the Amway Company.  She leaves behind a 6-year-old son.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact West Valley homicide detectives at 818-374-7725.  During non-business hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  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.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics December 19, 2009

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                              296*             365            -18.9%
Rape                                    741               819             -9.5%
Robbery                            11786            12912            -8.7%
Agg Assaults **                  10246            11646           -12.0%
Total Violent Crimes        23,069           25,742          -10.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             17,518          18,992            -7.8%
BTFV                                 27,720           29,164           -5.0%
Personal/Other Theft         26,436           27,126           -2.5%
Auto Theft                         17,539           21,707         -19.2%
Total Property Crimes     89,213          96,989           -8.0%
Total Part I Crimes        112,282        122,731           -8.5%

* 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