LAPD Blog

Los Angeles Department of Transportation Announces May 1, 2010 Street Closures for Downtown Los Angeles- CIVIC CENTER AREA

Los Angeles: The City of Los Angeles, Department of Transportation (LADOT) is advising
motorists of street closures on Saturday, May 1 because of the Labor and Immigration March and Rally that will occur throughout the day. Street closures and severely impacted traffic flow are expected within the area bounded by Cesar Chavez Avenue to the north, Alameda Street to the east, Pico Boulevard to the south and Hoover Street to the west.

The United for Immigration Reform March and Rally will take place this Saturday, May 1. Participants will begin arriving as early as 6 a.m. to the assembly area located on Broadway between 11th Street and Olympic Boulevard. Depending on the crowd size, the assembly area could expand north to 9th Street and include Olympic Boulevard between Hill Street and Main Street. Road closures for the assembly will begin as early as 5:45 a.m. The march is scheduled to begin at 11a.m. (See attached plan for route details.) Route road closures will begin as early as 10 a.m. LADOT will reopen portions of the route accordingly. Depending on crowd size, streets along the route may reopen as early as 1 p.m. or as late as 3 p.m. The disbanding area (Broadway between 1st Street and Temple Street) will remain closed until approximately 6 p.m.

“We encourage Downtown workers, residents and visitors to use other transit alternatives such as Metro’s Red Line, Blue Line and Gold Line or Metrolink, to travel in and out of Downtown on Saturday. LADOT will be working closely with LAPD in order to keep Downtown area traffic moving, but we do expect significant impacts,” said LADOT General Manager Rita L. Robinson.

LADOT Parking Lot # 753, located at 414 E. Temple St. (at Alameda Street), will be closed on Saturday.
Area commuters can visit http://trafficinfo.lacity.org/ for real-time traffic information and more detailed information on the marchers’ route. Real-time traffic reports are a product of LADOT, innovators of Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control System (ATSAC) technology. For specific information about DASH Downtown Weekend buses or Commuter Express routes, schedules or fares, please visit our website at www.ladottransit.com or call (213, 310, 323 or 818) 808-2273.

Los Angeles Department of Transportation anticipates May 1, 2010 Interruptions for Dash Downtown weekend routes “DD” and “E”

Los Angeles:  The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) is anticipating DASH Downtown Weekend bus service slowdowns and possible service disruptions on Saturday May 1 because of the Labor and Immigration March and Rally that will occur throughout the day. Street closures and severely impacted traffic flow are expected within the area bounded by Cesar Chavez Avenue to the north, Alameda Street to the east, Pico Boulevard to the south and Hoover Street to the west.

“LADOT will endeavor to keep our DASH Downtown Weekend buses running as efficiently as possible. We encourage Downtown workers, residents and visitors to use other transit alternatives such as Metro’s Red Line, Blue Line and Gold Line or Metrolink, to travel in and out of Downtown on Saturday. We will be working closely with LAPD in order to keep Downtown area traffic moving, but we do expect significant impacts,” said Rita L. Robinson, General Manager, LADOT.

Specific routing changes will be announced onboard buses on April 30 as well as on the LADOT transit website at www.ladottransit.com. The Route “DD” bus stop on Second Street at Broadway will be affected between 10:30 a.m. and possibly as late as 3:00 p.m. The Route “E” bus stop on Seventh Street at Broadway will be affected between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

LADOT is dedicated to moving Los Angeles forward as quickly and safely as possible. Drivers, bus riders, bicyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to visit LADOT’s website at www.ladot.lacity.org for information about DASH, Commuter Express, bicycling in the City and an array of transportation services. For general information about LADOT Transit services, call (213, 310, 323, 818) 808-2273. For METRO information, please call (800) GO-METRO, or visit www.metro.net.

Area commuters can visit the Department’s website, http://trafficinfo.lacity.org, for real-time traffic and parking facilities information. Real-time traffic reports are a product of LADOT, innovators of the Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control System (ATSAC) technology.

Chief of Police Message - May 2010

Police Memorial Month

In November 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department opened to the public, our new Police Administration Building (PAB).  At the time, its “L” shape was described as arms wrapping around all who visit and comforting those who come to remember the men and women of the LAPD that we have lost.  Without a doubt PAB is a new landmark for Downtown and the City of Los Angeles.  It communicates to us a symbolic gateway to the future.  It is not possible however, to look to the future without remembering our past.

We have lasting gratitude for the men and women of the LAPD who took an oath to protect and to serve, and fulfilled this oath with their lives.  We have a beautiful, permanent memorial sculpture and garden area.  Located next to the main entrance, in glass cases, are replica badges for each of these fallen officers.  These are the badges that the LAPD officers proudly wore when they made the ultimate sacrifice.  These men and women were all bound by a common spirit – to protect and serve without any hesitation for their well being.  These fallen officers represent the best of the LAPD and we will never forget their service and sacrifice. 

Since I first joined the Department in March of 1977, there have been 51 police officers that have died in the line of duty.  Many of them are people I knew personally.  These are not faceless names to me; these individuals were friends and family.  I share the grief with their families, friends and partners.  We must memorialize them through our own excellence.  They all died in the pursuit of safety for the community and the best way to ensure they are never forgotten and always revered is to continue our service in making Los Angeles the safest big city in America.

On Wednesday, May 5, the Department will remember these fallen officers and express its gratitude to their families, at a police memorial ceremony in front of PAB.  Remembered at that ceremony will be our latest casualty, Police Officer III+1 Robert J. Cottle.  Known to many as RJ, he was killed in action on active duty overseas.  RJ, a proud United States Marine, was last assigned to Metropolitan Division, SWAT, and was an exemplary and respected member of our LAPD family.  With determination to honor his city and his country, RJ protected and served the people of LA and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.  I am struck by the extraordinary sacrifices our officers and their families make to serve our country on foreign soil and here in our communities. 

The LAPD continues to maintain close relationships with all branches of the United States military and is proud to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our Department employees and their families, many of whom continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces as members of the Reserves and the National Guard.

Officer Cottle’s name will be added to our memorial, as well as our website LAPDOnline.  There, you will find a new feature that honors the memories of those killed in the line of duty.  Titled “Gone but Not Forgotten,” on the anniversary date of an officer’s death, the feature displays a photo of the officer, if available, the officer’s rank, serial number, last assignment, end of watch, and cause of death.  Since records began being kept in 1906, a total of 203 LAPD officers have been killed in the line of duty.  During the month of May, I join you in the tradition of wearing the black mourning band on my badge in honor of RJ and our fallen officers.  Although the ribbon I wear today will later be taken off, the affect on my heart will never go away.

Medal of Valor

Police work, even when done at its zenith and as correct as humanly possible, is a very dangerous occupation.  Unfortunately far too many have paid the ultimate price for that danger.  Many of us have been very lucky and some have not.  Randy Simmons is an example of an officer who died doing what he loved, died doing what he believed was important, but nonetheless was a casualty of our profession.  Randy was the epitome of the word hero and this month he will receive, posthumously, the Medal of Valor.  Randy, along with 16 of his fellow officers, distinguished themselves with gallantry to save the lives of strangers at the risk of their own lives.  Here is a complete list of the 2010 Medal of Valor Recipients.

Welby Way Incident
Sergeant Charles Buttitta, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Michael Barker, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Thomas Chinappi, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Floyd Curry, Metro SWAT
Police Officer German Hurtado, Metro SWAT
Police Officer David Keortge, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Bonnie Lehigh, West Valley Area
Police Officer Mark Mireles, West Valley Area
Police Officer Michael Odle, Metro SWAT
Police Officer George Ryan, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Anthony Samuelson, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Stephen Scallon, Metro SWAT
Police Officer Randal Simmons, Metro SWAT (Posthumously)
Police Officer James Veenstra, Retired Metro SWAT

405 Fwy Van Nuys Car Fire
Police Officer Eric Hammerschmitt, Van Nuys Area

118 Fwy High Speed Crash and Car Fire
Police Officer Steven Beumer, Hollywood Area
Police Officer Alonso Menchaca, Mission Area

“LAPD” on Display

The first impression Department personnel and visitors from around the world will get upon entrance to our new headquarters is an ongoing historical display of equipment utilized by the Department.  Currently on display are motorcycles once used by our motor officers along with the new BMW model being integrated into our fleet.  The next time you are downtown, please take a moment to come by and see what’s being showcased.  The next display will highlight alternative law enforcement vehicles, such as the T-3's, our 4 wheeler Hillmann mobiles, and bikes from our bike patrol units.

Together We Can….

In my last message I committed to you that when I became your Chief, I would actively reach out to you to ask for your suggestions and to really listen to what you have to say about this organization and how together we can do a better job.  As I stated, one way I continue to do that, is by going out on patrol once a month.  That is my time to be with you, to be on the front lines with you, and to make sure I never lose touch with the realities of policing in 2010.  Although I’ve been out there and have done the challenging police work that I ask you to do, I consider your insight to be the most valuable in the way we do business, because you are out there doing it from day to day.  You see what works and what doesn’t.  I will take a hard look at the ideas you are suggesting and I will involve your respective unions in the processes as well.

You haven’t been shy about talking to me directly or through my staff and Liaison Officers, and I welcome that.  As of this writing, I’ve received and read several hundreds of emails from you, both sworn and civilian.  I want to thank those that have been outspoken and candidly involved during the vertical staff meetings I’ve held. It is through your suggestions that I am able to put things in motion and direct my staff to research best practices and feasibility of implementing your suggestions.  For example, the No Code-7 pilot program and the option to wear a tie in traditional Class “A” uniform were implemented as a direct result of the contacts you’ve made with me directly or through my staff.  Another widely reported issue that surfaced soon after I was sworn in as Chief, was the lack of patrol resources and staffing levels at the geographic Areas.  I read countless emails on this topic alone, and while the reorganization was also driven by these uncertain budgetary times, it was a direct result of the many concerns that you so clearly voiced to get more patrol resources out to you.  I thank those that have become involved in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department by contacting me.  It is evident that we have a vested interest in working together to get through these tough times.

Bike Theft Suspect Shoots and Wounds Two People

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Olympic detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men suspected of shooting two people during a robbery on April 4, 2010, in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.

The robbery happened around 3 a.m. near a car wash on Pico Boulevard and Westmoreland Avenue.  According to investigators, two men parked their bicycles near a catering truck.  While they purchased food, two males walked up and each grabbed a bicycle.  The owners of the bikes tried to stop the suspects from taking their bikes.  During the struggle, one suspect pulled out a handgun and shot one victim twice.  Then the same suspect fired a shot at the other victim.  Afterward, the pair rode off on the victims’ bicycles.

Paramedics rushed both victims to a local hospital.  One of the victims was listed in critical condition and the other was treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Both suspects are described as Hispanic between 17 to 19 years of age.  The first suspect stood between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 140 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.

The second suspect stood between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 150 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a blue or black baseball cap, blue sweater with white long-sleeves with the letters ‘LA’ on the chest and blue jeans.

Video footage of one of the suspects was captured on tape and is available at www.lapdtv.org.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Olympic gang detectives at  213-382-9430.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477.)  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Bike Theft Crew Caught in the Act

Los Angeles:  Detectives arrested three 19-year-old men Thursday evening after they cut the locks on two bicycles outside the Evans Adult School, at Sunset Boulevard and Figueroa Street.

“Witnesses called police after they saw the trio ride up on bikes, cut the locks, then ride away, guiding the two stolen bikes beside them,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, who oversees detective operations for downtown.  “The detectives happened to be across the street at the CVS drug store when they heard the radio call.”

At that moment, an off-duty LAPD officer, who was working security at the school, started chasing the thieves, followed closely by the detectives.  “It must have been a bit overwhelming for the thieves because they gave up pretty quickly,” Lt. Vernon said.  One of the arrestees had bolt cutters hidden down his pant leg.

The detectives returned the two stolen bikes to their rightful owners, who were both students at the school.  At the police station, the detectives found a driver’s license number etched on one of the thieves’ own bicycles.  “Putting your driver’s license number on property like bicycles is a great way to help the police get your stolen items returned to you,” Lt. Vernon explained.  

The driver’s license number returned to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy who reported that bicycle stolen in 2004 from Whittier, California.  That bicycle was valued at $800.  Detectives will hold the other bike to determine if it too was stolen.  One of the suspects had a receipt for the $3,000 bike he was riding.

Josue Bran, Jessy Guerrero, and Hugo Ascencio were booked for Grand Theft, and bail was set at $20,000 each.  All three men reside in Hollywood and attend Hollywood High School.

“We’re going to keep chipping away at this bike-theft trend,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “The public can help by remembering to lock their bikes with quality locks, and etch their bikes like the deputy did.”

The public is encouraged to report tips, anonymous or otherwise, to Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Update on murdered 17 year old girl

Update
April 29, 2010

Two suspects who killed Darlene Robles on April 6, 2010 in Van Nuys have been arrested. Michael Gonzalez, 25-year-old, a resident of North Hollywood was arrested on April 16, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.  Alejandro Aguirre, 26-year-old, a resident of Sun Valley was arrested on April 26, 2010 at 11 a.m.  The District Attorney’s office filed murder and burglary charges.

Update
April 14, 2010

The Jane Doe has been identified as 17-year-old Darlene Robles, a resident of North Hollywood.  Van Nuys homicide detectives have released video footage containing two males and a female suspect who dropped off the victim at the hospital and left in a car. Images of three suspects were captured by surveillance camera and are available at www.lapdtv.org and detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify them.

April 7, 2010                                                                                             

LAPD Seeks Help to Identify Murdered Jane Doe
 
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a shooting victim who was dropped off at a hospital emergency room early Tuesday morning in Panorama City.

At around 5 a.m., an unidentified male and female dropped off the woman at the Kaiser Permanente Hospital in the 13600 block of Willard Street.  The victim is described as either Hispanic or of European descent, between 20-25 years of age, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds.  She was wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans and has “Destiney” tattooed on her chest.  Detectives said she was shot and then taken to the hospital in a private vehicle. She then died at the hospital a short time later.  

There is no suspect description, and the case is under investigation to determine the motive for the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Van Nuys Division homicide detectives at 818-374-0040.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.  

May Day 2010

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department looks forward to protecting the Constitutional rights for all of the diverse groups and individuals who will exercise their First Amendment Rights this May Day.

Consistent with the protections afforded by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and our long-standing traditions, the first day of May will be a day filled with rallies, marches and free-speech of every type.  Because of our diverse communities, and the large number of media outlets, the City of Los Angeles will be center stage for free speech and public outcry pertaining to a variety of issues, some of which may not directly apply to Los Angeles.  

This news release has been prepared to help reassure the community that the LAPD is adequately deployed to ensure a peaceful May Day 2010.  LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said, “We have been planning for May Day for several months, including ongoing dialogue with event organizers.  May Day is a City wide maximum deployment day, which simply means, fewer LAPD officers will have Saturday off.”

The LAPD expects that some people will be protesting recent legislation in Arizona pertaining to immigration.  The LAPD wants to emphasize that in the City of Los Angeles, immigration status, in itself, is not a matter for police action.  While immigration issues themselves may be complex, with regard to policing, they are simple:  “A police department’s effectiveness is largely dependent on the public it serves,” said Chief Beck.  “If there is ever a segment of the population who have reason to fear the police, crimes against people in that group will go unreported.  And when that happens, we are all at increased risk.  When a criminal element begins to leverage a fear of the police for their own advantage, the negative affect is multiplied.”

The LAPD is committed to providing police services to everyone without regard to immigration status or affiliation.  Since 1979, the provisions of Special Order 40 have withstood changes in mayors, chiefs and shifts in the makeup of our population.  Special Order 40 does not resolve all concerns; in fact, some feel it goes too far and others feel that it does not go far enough.  In the long term, Special Order 40 has provided a balanced approach to a complex issue.

On Saturday, for the first time on such a large scale, community members, including protesters or just interested people can receive text messages directly from the police command post.  Those interested with a text-capable phone should simply text MAYDAY to phone number 888-777 to sign up.  Standard Text Messaging Rates Apply.  
 

Thousands of people are expected to participate in May Day events, primarily in the downtown Los Angeles area.  On Saturday May 1, 2010, there will be street closures which will severely impact traffic flow in the Downtown area beginning as early as 5:45 a.m. and continuing until
6 p.m.

An assembly area has been designated on Olympic Boulevard between Hill and Main Streets and on Broadway between 11th Street. and Olympic Boulevard.  Depending on the size of crowd, the Broadway portion of the rally area may be expanded to include the area between 9th Street and Olympic Boulevard.  The march itself will be facilitated by street closures along Broadway, Spring Street and Hill Street between 9th and Temple Streets.  At the end of the march there will be a rally area on Broadway between 1st and Temple Streets.     

Downtown workers, residents and visitors are encouraged to use mass transit, such as Metro’s Red,Blue, and Gold Lines or Metrolink, to travel into and out of Downtown on Saturday.

Man Arrested for Murder of His Missing Wife

Los Angeles: Hollywood homicide detectives have arrested the husband of a woman who has not been seen since February 8, 2009.  Her body has still not been found.

On April 28, 2010, at about 4:30 p.m., an exhaustive 14-month investigation culminated with the arrest of 56-year-old Hollywood resident Lyle S. Herring, husband of a missing woman, 44-year-old Lesley Herring.  He was arrested without incident at California State University Northridge where he worked as a recruiter for the school.

Lesley Herring is the sister of actress Aasha Davis, who had reported her sister missing in March 2009.  With her help, the case received national attention and was profiled in an episode of Nancy Grace on CNN.  

Herring’s husband had been considered a suspect from the early stages of the investigation but repeatedly and publicly denied responsibility for his wife’s disappearance. Detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and obtained an arrest warrant for Herring, who has been arrested for murder and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Department’s downtown Metropolitan Jail. He will be arraigned in Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Department 30, on Friday, April 30, 2010.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Hollywood Division Homicide Detective Chris Gable at (213) 972-2910.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.


 

Woman Frees Herself from the Grasp of a Kidnapper

But Detectives Still Need Help with the Case  

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Valley detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of an attempted kidnapping suspect.

Early this morning around 4:20 a.m. in the 17900 block of Sherman Way detectives say that a woman was walking to her car in an apartment complex parking lot when a man approached her from behind and covered her mouth with his left hand.  As the victim struggled with the suspect, the man dropped a white t-shirt that he was holding in his right hand.  When the man tried to pick up the t-shirt, the woman managed to escape, and the attacker ran away from the scene.

The suspect is described as a 20 to 25-year-old male Hispanic who stands between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall.   

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call LAPD West Valley Division Detectives Ed Pape or John Doerbecker at 818-374-7700.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

LAPD Arrests Three Suspects for Gang-Related Murders

Johnny Thomas murder –Southeast Area
Kevin Bautista murder – 77th Street Area
Larick Matheson murder – Southwest Area

Los Angeles:  Despite the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) fiscal constraints, officers working the South Bureau’s Criminal Gang Homicide Group continue to successfully pursue and apprehend some of this City’s most dangerous criminals.  

Between April 20 and 28, 2010, three murder suspects were taken into custody and are expected to be charged with criminal homicide.  Each year, the South Bureau accounts for over one-third of all homicides occurring in the City.  Investigators working tirelessly combat this trend to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.  

On April 20, 2010, 37-year-old Charles Holmes, Jr. was arrested and charged with the murder of 34-year-old Johnny Thomas.  The murder occurred on Feb. 25, 2010, at 2:15 a.m.  Victim Thomas was standing at the corner of 93rd Street and Avalon Boulevard.  Neighbors heard an argument followed by a gunshot.  Southeast Area patrol officers responded to a call of shots fired and discovered the victim lying on the sidewalk.  Thomas was pronounced dead from his gunshot injuries at the scene by responding paramedics.

Follow-up investigation on the incident, which was believed to be gang related, led to the arrest of Holmes.  Detectives are still seeking anyone who may have additional information that could aid in Holmes’ prosecution.  

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 6:15 p.m., Kevin Bautista, a 21-year-old Black male, was sitting in the passenger seat inside his vehicle in the 1600 block of West 84th Street. The suspects drove up in a gray sedan and stopped at the southeast corner of 84th Street and Harvard Boulevard.  One suspect exited the car and walked north across the street, then east on 84th Street and approached the victim.  The suspect confronted Bautista about his gang affiliation,  produced a handgun and then shot the victim.  The suspect ran west to the awaiting vehicle in which there was an additional suspect and both left the area, heading north on Harvard Boulevard.  Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported Bautista to California Hospital where he died from his injuries.  

On April 28, 2010, at 12:30 p.m., LAPD Gang and Narcotics Division detectives arrested Matthew Moore II, a 26-year-old Black male, at his residence in Hawthorne, Calif., for Bautista’s murder.  The detectives also located a gray 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, which they believe the suspect used during the incident.  Criminal Gang Homicide Group detectives will present the case against Moore to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Friday, April 30, 2010, for filing consideration.

A fugitive in a Los Angeles murder was apprehended in Rochester, N.Y., on Thursday, April 22, 2010.  The murder occurred on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at approximately 8:25 p.m.  The victim, 58-year-old Larick Matheson, a Black male, was at a residence in the 2900 block of Rimpau Boulevard.  While there, he was confronted by the suspect, Derrick Johnson, who had been waiting for him to arrive.  Johnson was armed with a handgun, shot Matheson multiple times and then left the area on foot.  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Johnson left the state, and LAPD investigating officers obtained an arrest warrant for him.   Through an exhaustive search and with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Johnson was eventually located and arrested in Rochester.

Anyone with additional information regarding any of these cases is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Group at 213-485-4341.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.