LAPD Blog

Suspect Sought in Murder of South Los Angeles Resident

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department Southeast Squad, Criminal Gang/Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) who participated in an early morning shooting in South Los Angeles.

Around 2:15 a.m., this morning LAPD Southeast Area officers responded to a radio call of shots fired at 93rd Street and Avalon Boulevard.  Officers discovered the victim, 34-year-old Johnny Thomas, deceased on the sidewalk.  

According to detectives, an argument immediately preceded the shooting.  The suspect(s) then left in an unknown direction and have not yet been identified.    

Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.  There are no known witnesses to this shooting or any suspect descriptions.

Detectives are also investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident that occurred at 103rd Street and Broadway.  The accident apparently occurred shortly after the shooting incident, but is currently unknown whether the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective Sal LaBarbera, at 213-485-4341.  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.

LAPD Officer Victim of Fatal Traffic Accident

Los Angeles:  A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer was killed in an early-evening traffic accident yesterday while off duty in the Diamond Bar area.

Police Officer II Jacqueline Montalvo was a veteran officer with nearly 11 years of service.  Most of her time with the Department was spent on patrol serving the LAPD Hollywood Area community.  Montalvo was well liked by her peers and coworkers.  “Jacqueline was a hard worker and sought-after partner,” said LAPD Hollywood Area Commanding Officer Captain Beatrice Girmala.  “She will be greatly missed.”

Questions regarding the traffic incident that took Montalvo’s life and caused serious injuries to others should be directed to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is responsible for the investigation.

63-Year-Old Woman Missing

Los Angeles:  The family of Lola McIntyre and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating McIntyre, who has been missing since this past Monday.

On February 22, 2010, at around 6:30 p.m., McIntyre was last seen at her residence in the 7300 block of Crenshaw Boulevard in LAPD’s 77th Area.  So far, she has not returned home or has not been in contact with her family.  Her family is extremely concerned about her welfare and advised that McIntyre may be despondent over a health condition.

McIntyre is described as a female Black with brown hair and brown eyes.  She stands about 5 feet 2 inches and weighs approximately 225 pounds.  She wears glasses and has a “J” tattooed on her left forearm.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. McIntyre is urged to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Morales 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.

Notes from the February 23, 2010 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Chief Charlie Beck said this week marks his 100th day in office and his office prepared a report which talks about the progress that has been made during that time.  The report includes details on the Department’s moves towards institutionalizing Constitutional Policing, information on the Department’s reorganization, redeployment of personnel to area commands.  The report also touched briefly on the budget pieces and crime reduction.  Chief Beck added the report has a section on the transition to the Cadet program and contains information on the communication with stakeholders in the City and collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners.  The full report will be made available to the public via the Department official website at www.LAPDOnline.org.

• The Department’s verbal report and discussion, relative to the current status of the Fiscal Year 2009/2010 Department budget was given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff.  Mr. Chaleff informed the Board last week the City Council ordered the elimination of 3,000 positions on top of the 1,000 positions the Mayor had ordered weeks earlier.  From the initial 1,000 positions, 50 civilian positions were eliminated from the Department with another eight or nine employees transferring out.  The Department currently has a vacancy rate of 400.  Mr. Chaleff added the budget situation is still very much in flux and figuring out redeployment of civilian and sworn employees will be a challenge.

• The Inspector General’s report, dated February 11, 2010, relative to the Audit of Special Order No. 25, 2008 – Mandatory Training Update Subsequent to a categorical use of force and use of force directive, was approved.

• The Inspector General’s report, dated February 9, 2010, relative to the annual activity report for the year 2009, was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated February 9, 2010, relative to the transmittal of the grant application for the 2009 forensic DNA unit efficiency improvement program from the National Institute of Justice, United States Department of Justice, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated February 16, 2010, relative to the progress report regarding the supply procurement and disbursement audit, IAID #08-097, as given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was approved.  Mr. Chaleff said his office has conducted two inspections of supply functions and found no mis-conduct or fraud.  He added the Administrative and Technical Services Bureau put out a notice informing Divisions of new procedures.

• The Department’s report, dated February 16, 2010, relative to the February 2010 Status Report on the 2007 City Controller’s Audit of Fiscal Operations Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, was approved. 

• The Department’s report, dated February 16, 2010, relative to the Department’s transition plan and proposed annual audit and inspection plan, fiscal year 2009/10, as given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was approved.  Mr. Chaleff said the Department is a national leader in many areas including audits and the use of audits provides transparency.  He added the audits started with the Consent Decree.

12-Year-Old Girl Missing

Los Angeles:  The family of Iris Nathalie Corvera and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Newton Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Corvera, who has been missing since February 23, 2010.

Yesterday, at around 3:30 p.m., Corvera was last seen walking in the 4900 block of McKinley Avenue in the city of Los Angeles to meet with friends.  Her parents had recently disciplined her for staying out late at night and believe she may be afraid to return home.  

Later in the evening, at around 9 p.m., Corvera contacted a friend from a public phone and has not been heard from since.  She has no other family members living in the area and interviews with her friends revealed no further information as to her whereabouts.  

Corvera is described as a female Hispanic, 5 feet tall and weighing 110 pounds.  She has black hair, brown eyes and a mole on her left cheek.  She was last seen wearing a white
T-shirt, beige pants and black tennis shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. Corvera is urged to contact LAPD Newton Division, Juvenile Unit, Officers Lucas Padilla or Bill Miller at 323-846-6576.  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.

Armed Robbery Suspect Dressed for Success

Armed Robbery Suspect Dressed for Success

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify an armed robbery suspect who appeared to be dressed more for a job interview, than a robbery.

On February 5, 2010, at around 7 PM, the suspect walked into a business in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard, brandished a handgun and demanded money.  Once the clerk opened the register the suspect reached into the cash drawer and took the money out, before running from the location.

Surveillance video captured the suspect’s image.  He is described as a Black man, 28-30 years of age, 6 ft., 200 lbs., wearing a gray jacket, red shirt, black tie and pants.  He was well groomed with short hair and trimmed mustache.

Anyone with information on this suspect, or robbery, is asked to contact Olympic Area Robbery Detectives, Detective Sean Kim at 213-382-9493.  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 numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone. All text messages should being with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Gunfire Breaks out at Party, Officer Targeted

Los Angeles:  A party being held at a warehouse in the 1900 block of South Los Angeles Street turned violent early Sunday morning.  Fights and shootings occurred as officers arrived to break up the party, resulting in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) and the Attempt Murder of a Los Angeles Police Officer.

On February 21, 2010, just after midnight, Newton Area Officers responded to a radio call of a party that had gotten out of control.  The party was being held in a warehouse and partygoers were being charged to enter.  As officer’s arrived at the location they recognized there were a large number of people in attendance, many of whom were gang members.  Additional units were requested to assist in breaking up the party.

Among those responding were Police Officer III Guillermo Calleros, 12 years, 9 months with the Department, Police Officer II Brendy Ponce, 7 years, 2 months with the Department, and Police Officer II Jesus Parra, 4 years, 8 months with the Department.  Officers Parra and Calleros were inside the warehouse dispersing the crowd when they heard shots being fired to the rear of the building.  

They immediately went through the rear doors where they saw a suspect, later identified as Donald Trotter, 23 years of age, firing a semi-automatic handgun southbound in the alley, prompting both officers to become involved in an OIS.  Trotter ran to a parking lot located just north of the warehouse that was packed with cars.  Trotter then fired directly at officer Ponce who was situated on the east side of the parking lot.  Officers Ponce and Calleros both returned fire.

Trotter was taken into custody and booked for Attempt Murder of a Police Officer.  A handgun was recovered from under a car that was associated with Trotter, as well as one under the passenger seat of the same car.

As the shooting between Ponce, Calleros and Trotter was occurring, a simultaneous shooting was occurring at the south side of the alley near 21st Street.  People and vehicles were scrambling to get away from the gunfire.  It was quickly determined that the shooter was a 17-year-old male Black whose name is being withheld because he is a juvenile.  The juvenile subject had been firing at several of the party attendees.  He was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  A handgun was recovered from a female partygoer, but is not yet confirmed to be the one used in the shooting.

There were no reported injuries from the gunfire.  Force Investigation Division personnel are handling the investigation.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics February 20, 2010

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                                30*                 42           -28.6%
Rape                                       90                 106          -15.1%
Robbery                               1632               1846          -11.6%
Agg Assaults **                     1258               1467          -14.2%
Total Violent Crimes             3010              3461          -13.0%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 2294             2603           -11.9%
BTFV                                      3981             4219            -5.6%
Personal/Other Theft             3269             3892           -16.0%
Auto Theft                             2427             2577            -5.8%
Total Property Crimes       11,971         13,291           -9.9%
Total Part I Crimes            14,981         16,752         -10.6%

* 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

Missing Man

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the family of 31-year-old Brian Hazen is asking for the public’s help in locating Hazen, who has been missing since last Friday.

Hazen, who is visiting Los Angeles from Chicago, was last seen on Feb. 19, 2010, at around 10:30 a.m. near UCLA in the West Los Angeles area.  So far, he has not been in contact with his family, and they are very concerned about his unexplained disappearance, especially given the fact that he may be in need of medical assistance.

Hazen is described as a white male with brown hair and green eyes.  He is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.  He has a medium build, light complexion and has Chinese tattoos on his upper left arm.  

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brian Hazen is urged to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Morales or Beltran 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.

Combative Man Hospitalized

Los Angeles:  On February 13, 2010, at about 8:30 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Area officers responded to a radio call from the Los Angeles Fire Department requesting back-up for an uncooperative man at the 3000 block of Asbury Street.  

When the officers arrived, they attempted to take the suspect, later identified as Steven Ibarra, into custody.  Ibarra resisted, became aggressive and was ultimately tased and taken to the ground by the officers.  It appeared that Ibarra was under the influence of narcotics.  Ibarra was transported to a local hospital where he was initially treated for ingestion of narcotics.  Due to his drug intoxication, it was believed he might be admitted for his drug usage.  After several hours of evaluation, it was determined that Ibarra had sustained muscle injuries that could impair his kidney function, and he was admitted.  The muscle injury may have occurred prior to any contact with officers but could not be excluded as having occurred while Ibarra was taken into custody.

Ibarra was arrested for 69 PC (Obstructing an Executive Officer).  LAPD Force Investigation Division personnel responded and handled the Law Enforcement Related Injury investigation.