LAPD Blog

Man Dies While in Police Custody

Los Angeles:  This morning 29-year-old Ronald Palacios died while he was in the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

On January 29, 2010, at around 12:16 a.m., police officers were dispatched to an "unknown trouble" radio call at a residence in the 700 block of West Manchester Avenue in the 77th Street Area of Los Angeles

Upon their arrival, the officers were directed to a locked bedroom where a man later identified as Palacios was reportedly acting strangely.  It was believed that Palacios had dialed 911 and reported to the operator that he was being held against his will and needed help.  The officers attempted to communicate with Palacios but received no response.  The officers forced their way into the room.  Palacios was coherent and satisfactorily answered the officer's questions about his well being.  The officers determined that no crime had occurred and there was no cause to detain Palacios.  The officers left the location.

Over an hour later, at about 1:33 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) requested the LAPD to return to the 700 block of West Manchester Avenue.  Officers responded and were met by LAFD paramedics.  They found Palacios in a back room.  Palacios was sweating profusely and was described as having a "glazed appearance."  When officers tried to gain control of Palacios, he pulled away.  One of the officers warned Palacios that a Taser would be used.  After the warning, the Taser was discharged at Palacios striking him.  He fell to the ground and pulled the Taser dart from his body.  The officers continued to struggle with Palacios, which included several punches by officers.  The officers were only able to gain control of Palacios by activating the Taser in direct contact with him.

Palacios continued to struggle violently, kicking at the officers. He was handcuffed and a hobble restraint device was placed on his ankles.

Palacios eventually stopped resisting, allowing the paramedics to examine him. They found that he was not breathing and had no pulse.

Paramedics transported Palacios to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Because Palacios was in the custody of the LAPD when he died, Force Investigation Division has assumed primary responsibility for the investigation. 

Suspect Used Stun Gun in Robbery Attempt

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested a man who used a stun gun to rob a woman of her purse on January 27, 2010, in the Hollywood area.  The woman left the scene and police are asking for the public’s help in finding the victim so they can speak with her.

The crime was captured on video.  The video observed a woman walking in the 4800 block of Melrose Avenue about 9:10 p.m. when a suspect later identified as 22-year-old David Victor Thomas, approached her from behind and shot her with a stun gun to the back of her neck.  The suspect then pulled the victim to the ground and attempted to take her purse.  A group of witnesses chased after Thomas and held him until the police arrived.

The victim left the location before the police arrived to interview her.  Detectives believe she suffered burn injuries to her neck.  The victim is described as Hispanic with long hair.  She stands between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs between 130 and 150 pounds.  She’s between 17 and 25 years of age and was last seen wearing a white zippered jacket or sweater and blue jeans.  The victim may live in the area and speak only Spanish.

Anyone with information about this attempted robbery is urged to call Hollywood Division detectives at 213-972-2945 or 213-972-2944.  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.

Class 8-09 Recruit Graduation

January 29, 2010 – On the athletic field at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park, the newest members of the Department proudly stood at attention as they were presented with their diploma of graduation.  Twenty-nine individuals underwent six months of intense training which culminated with today’s ceremony in front of Department brass, dignitaries and their family and friends.

There is little down time for these new officers as many of them will begin their new assignments on the street of Los Angeles within the next 36 hours.  For more information on how you can become a Los Angeles Police officer, please visit www.joinlapd.com.

To hear Police Chief Charlie Beck address the new class, click here Download 8-09 Grad.

 

REMEMBERING A FALLEN LAPD OFFICER Renaming of West Valley Park in honor of Officer Randal D. Simmons

LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Councilmember Dennis Zine renamed West Valley Park as "LAPD Swat Officer Randal D. Simmons Park" in memory of the fallen LAPD SWAT officer on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

The ceremony included the unveiling of the new park sign as well as remarks by Jon Kirk Mukri, Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager, Councilmember Dennis Zine, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Assistant Chief Michael Moore, Deputy Chief Kirk Alanbese and Captain John Incontro.  Mrs. Lisa Simons also spoke at the ceremony.  More than 50 officers from the LAPD Metro Division formed a ‘blue line’ and four mounted patrol officers also attended.  City Controller Wendy Greuel and  Councilman Tom LaBonge (CD4) were also present.

Officer Randal D. Simmons, a 27-year veteran of the LAPD, was shot during a standoff that injured another officer and claimed the lives of five civilians on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Officer Simmons is the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty. 

Officer Simmons committed much of his time to helping and comforting people in urban neighborhoods including Watts, Hacienda Village, Compton and Carson. He was an ordained minister at Glory Christian Fellowship International in Carson, California. He was instrumental in developing programs and Christian events for at-risk youth such as the annual "Greatest Toy Giveaway” which provided toys and gifts to over 1,000 children during the holiday season. He is survived by his wife Lisa, son Matthew and daughter Gabrielle.

"LAPD Officer Randal D. Simmons Park" will serve as a tribute to his personal sacrifice and his dedication to the community. West Valley Park is located at 6731 Wilbur Avenue in the Reseda community. The 8.38 acre park includes children’s play area, walking paths, picnic tables and landscaping. 

Residential Burglaries in Hollywood Hills

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help for information leading to the identification and arrest of burglary suspects targeting homes in the Hollywood Hills area.  

On October 18, 2009 at around 3:15 p.m., two suspects broke into a home in the 2000 block of Wattles Drive.  The suspects used a pry tool to open a side door to the residence.  Once inside, the suspects removed several plasma televisions from the location.

Earlier, cameras caught the suspects casing the residence and ultimately breaking into it.  

Suspect #1 is a female Hispanic about 20 to 30 years old, with long brown hair, wearing a black tank top, black shorts and black sandals.   She later changes into a white shirt.  She stands about 5 feet 5 inches and weighs about 125 to 140 pounds.  

Suspect #2 is a White or light-skinned male Hispanic about 30 to 35 years old, with unknown color hair, wearing a blue-button down shirt, blue-jean shorts, white tennis shoes and a white baseball hat.  He is about 5 feet 8 inches to about 6 feet tall and weighs between 300 to 350 pounds.  He also has a goatee.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Hollywood Burglary Detectives at 213-972-2930.  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.

Los Angeles Police Looking for Missing Elderly Woman

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department is looking for an elderly woman, who was last seen on January 26, 2010, in a Los Angeles neighborhood.

Maria Ellena Serrano, 84, was last seen at 7 p.m. at her residence in the 3400 block of Bellevue Avenue.

Serrano is about 5 feet tall and weighs about 110 pounds.  She has gray hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing dirty and torn clothing.  Serrano appears to be a transient and is known to push a grocery cart and collect recyclables.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Serrano is urged to call Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800. 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.

Husband and Wife Wanted for $3 Million Retail Rip-Off

Los Angeles:  In early August 2008, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD), Commercial Auto Theft Section received information that merchandise from a high-end store in Beverly Hills was being rerouted from the store to a personal residence within the City of Los Angeles.  The estimated value of the merchandise was $1,000,000.  Beverly Hills Police Department served search warrants on two Los Angeles homes.  They didn’t find the stolen merchandise connected to the high-end stores but did find name-brand goods from other retailers.

In December 2008, LAPD’s Commercial Auto Theft Section, Cargo Hijack Unit became involved in the investigation and conducted periodic surveillance of the Los Angeles locations.  In August 2009, a consensual encounter between suspects and Cargo Hijack Unit detectives lead to the search and arrest of two suspects and the recovery of sales ledgers, security sensor removers and stolen merchandise valued at $185, 000.  

After detectives from the Cargo Hijack Unit conducted surveillance, they arrested two suspects in November 2009 from the previous August encounter.  During the course of the investigations, one of the suspects led detectives to locations where stolen merchandise was being distributed and later resold on the black market. Detectives conducted search warrants on those locations and recovered over $96,000 in cash and stolen merchandise valued at $2,384,535.  

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple counts on seven suspects and issued warrants for their arrest.  As of January 5, 2010, seven of the nine suspects have been arrested; however, two remain at large.  The two outstanding suspects, Beatrice and Jose De Jesus Carrera, a married couple, agreed to surrender to officials but withdrew their agreement and are wanted by police.

Due to the high value of the stolen property and the elaborate schemes used against the retailers, detectives are asking for the public’s help to locate these fugitives.

Photos of Beatrice and Jose De Jesus Carrera are available from LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910 or at www.lapdonline.org.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the two outstanding suspects is asked to call the LAPD’s Cargo Hijack Unit at 213-485-2507. 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.

A Medical Marijuana Clinic Owner is under Arrest

Los Angeles:  The owner of three “medical marijuana” clinics has been arrested for Possession of Marijuana for Sales.

On January 27, 2010, at around 1 PM, Devonshire Area Narcotics Enforcement Detail, along with fifty additional officers from West Valley Area, North Hollywood Area, Topanga Area and Van Nuys Area Narcotics Units, served four search warrants simultaneously at three medical marijuana businesses and one residence belonging to Richard Khoury.

Khoury, 30-years of age, owns Alternative Care Collective (ACC) located in the 8500 block of Reseda Boulevard, 420 Discount Collective (420) located in the 5600 block of Kester Avenue, and Encino Discount Collective (EDC),  also known as The Coffee Joint, located in the15800 block of Ventura Boulevard.  His residence is located in the 16400 block of Rinaldi Street.

The investigation was launched in response to citizen complaints that marijuana was being smoked and sold to juveniles in the area of the ACC.  Evidence recovered at the four locations shows that Khoury is involved in retail sales of marijuana, Hashish, and food and drinks containing marijuana.

Khoury is being held at Devonshire Jail on $100,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Devonshire Narcotics Enforcement Detectives at 818-832-1131.  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.

Off Duty Deputy Involved in Fight, Two Injured, One in Custody

Los Angeles:  An off duty Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputy was injured along with another woman after the two fought outside a local bar.

On January 27, 2010, at around 1:20 a.m., two women near a cocktail bar at Avenue 60 and North Figueroa Street got into an argument that escalated to a physical fight on the sidewalk.  A female Hispanic, an off duty Deputy, 29 years of age, and another female Hispanic, 25 years of age, were both injured during the altercation.  The off duty Deputy was cut several times with an unknown sharp object and the other woman was shot with a handgun.

A 20-year-old relative of the deputy, Taylor Olivarez, was arrested for Attempt Murder.  He is being held on $500,000 bail.  A handgun belonging to the deputy was recovered at scene.

Both women were transported to local hospitals and are expected to make full recoveries

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Northeast Area Detectives, Detectives Emilio Garay or Michael Pulley at 213-847-4272.  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.

Off-Duty Officers Arrested

On January 26, 2010 at about 8 p.m., two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were arrested by the Whittier Police Department for assault with a deadly weapon.  The Whittier Police Department will conduct the criminal investigation.  Investigators from LAPD Internal Affairs responded to the scene to conduct the administrative investigation. 

Both officers will be on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.  Because this incident is a personnel matter, the LAPD is prohibited by law from releasing the officers’ names or divulging information from the administrative investigation.  The LAPD takes this matter seriously.  The LAPD will rigorously investigate this incident and fully cooperate with the Whittier Police Department.  

Additional inquiries may be directed to Officer Mike Dekowski, Whittier Police Department spokesman at 562-945-8286.