LAPD Blog

Q AWARD

Listen to podcast

June 23, 2010 – Not even one year old yet, the Police Administration Building (PAB) in Downtown was awarded the Q Award from the Alliance for Quality Construction for outstanding contributions toward the attainment of quality construction within the building industry of Southern California.

With the ceremony held in the Ronald F. Deaton Auditorium, Pam Ackrich, Chair of the Alliance for Quality Construction, presented Chief Charlie Beck with the award in front of the many service contractors who helped build the PAB.  Afterwards the many contractors in attendance were served lunch in the plaza of the building.

The new PAB was completed last year and is now fully operational. It houses many of the Department’s specialized units as well as command staff.  It was built as a replacement to Parker Center which served as the LAPD Headquarters from 1954 to 2009.

Suspect Arrested After Pointing Gun At Police Officer

Los Angeles:   David Brooks, 25, is under arrest after he led police on a foot pursuit and pointed a loaded handgun at them, prompting an officer involved shooting in which no one was hit.

On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at around 7:20 p.m., Southeast Area Gang Enforcement Detail (GED) Officer Billy Lee, 4 years 9 months with the Department, and his partner, were working a crime suppression detail in the housing development near Avalon Boulevard and 88th Place.  

Officer Lee and his partner were driving when they saw Brooks walking in the 600 block of Caliburn Drive, and noticed that he was holding his waistband.  Both officers got out of their police vehicle and approached Brooks to conduct an investigation.

After the suspect ignored their commands to stop, he ran and attempted to enter a locked apartment unit.   The suspect then led officers in a foot pursuit through the housing development.  As Brooks turned the corner, Officer Lee saw him holding a semi-automatic handgun in his hand.  Officer Lee momentarily lost sight of Brooks as Brooks ran between two apartment buildings, but eventually caught up to him.  

Brooks pointed a handgun at Officer Lee, and an officer involved shooting occurred.  Brooks fell to the ground and was taken into custody without incident.  There were no injuries as a result of the gunfire.  A 9mm semi-automatic handgun was recovered next to Brooks.  

Brooks was booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer with a Firearm.  

Force Investigation Division responded and are investigating the officer involved shooting.       

Southeast Area Detectives will be investigating the crime against Officer Lee.

After-Prom Party Murder

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Pacific Area Homicide detectives are asking the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of a suspect wanted for the murder of 21-year-old Michael McGuire, a resident of the Venice Area of Los Angeles.

On June 13, 2010 just before 2 a.m., Michael McGuire was standing on the sidewalk in front of a residence in the 2400 block of Louella Avenue, which was the scene of an after-prom party, when a dark-colored SUV drove by.  An occupant of the vehicle suddenly opened fire, shooting McGuire and grazing another victim who was with McGuire.  The vehicle sped away from the scene.    

McGuire was transported to the local hospital and was later pronounced dead from his injuries.  The second victim was treated for a gunshot wound and released.

LAPD detectives believe there are many witnesses to the shooting and are urging the public to provide information that could lead them to the suspect, weapon and get-away car.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the LAPD Pacific Homicide detectives at 310-482-6370.  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 "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Department Facilities take Top Honors at 2010 Los Angeles Architectural Awards

June 29, 2010 – The awards kept rolling in as three LAPD Community Police Stations and the new Police Administration Building were recognized for outstanding design and architecture by the Los Angeles Business Council at the 40th Annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards held at the new JW Marriott located at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles.

Olympic Area Community Police Station, Harbor Replacement Station and Jail, and the Hollenbeck Area Community Police Station took home the “Green Building Award” which was given to each for combining cutting-edge design with advanced green features to illustrate how municipal structures can both be beautiful and serve as a model for environmentally sustainable development. Members of the Department as well as representatives from the architect and contracting firms accepted the award in front of many of their peers in attendance.

The overall winner of the “Grand Prize” project was the new Police Administration Building which was completed late last year.

Other winning structures included the Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Residences and JW Marriott at L.A. Live, the California Science Center: Phase II – Ecosystems and the Los Angeles Trade Technical College, South Campus Project to name a few. An Honorable Mention was given to the Los Angeles Police Department Memorial to Fallen Officers as well.

All winning projects, with the exception of the “Best of LA Architects,” were located within Los Angeles County and projects must have been completed within the past 2 calendar years.  From the hundreds of submissions received, the jury selected 31 winning projects in 20 overall categories.

Serial Burglar Hit Flower Mart

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police have released video of a serial burglar who has broken into five businesses in the downtown Fashion District and the Flower Mart since June 2, 2010.  The man is Black, in his late forties, and he has a prominent receding hairline, as well as a bald spot.

The video depicts the burglar crawling over buckets of fresh flowers to enter a closed flower shop on June 12, 2010, in the 800 block of San Julian Street, which is in the heart of the Flower Mart.  The man opens the cash register, wearing gloves, and removes cash left behind for the next day’s business.

“The burglar spends several, unrushed minutes in the shop, rummaging for valuables to take,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division.  “The store owner did a great job installing a quality video system.  Anyone who knows this suspect should be able to recognize him.”

Since June 2, detectives believe the same man has broken into five businesses along the 800 block of Los Angeles Street, the 1000 block of South Hill Street, the 700 block of Wall Street, and the 200 block of East 9th Street.

“It’s not often we can tie one burglar to so many crimes,” said Lt. Vernon.  “But the video and MO are quite distinct.  If the public can help us catch him, we should be to clear quite a number of cases and put him away for awhile.”

Detectives offered business owners the following advice on securing the businesses from loss:

1. Install a quality video system, with storage space for at least 4 days of footage
2. Install several cameras, and place some just above face level
3. Never leave cash in a cash register overnight, and leave the till OPEN
4. Know your employees and keep track of shop keys
5. Secure personal property, like purses, during business hours to safe guard against business creepers and distraction crews
   

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Mike Mazzacano, Central Burglary Unit, at 213-972-1231.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) 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.

The Survivors of the El Monte Sweatshop Slavery Case Break Their Silence

Click here for podcast

June 29, 2010 - Chief of Police Charlie Beck, Councilmember Tony Cardenas and Council President Eric Garcetti joined local and federal authorities to address forced labor and sweatshop activities. Today is the 15-year anniversary of the infamous El Monte sweatshopslavery case which exposed the horrific conditions under which over 70 Thai laborers werefound enslaved, forced to work 18 hours a day, and sleep on floor mattresses. An El Montesurvivor broke her silence to help educate the public on how to identify victims. Chief Beck stated, “Through education, enforcement, prosecution and partnership we can make a differencein our community.” The survivors held colorful handmade quilts which represents the bond theyshare with each other.

The nation’s first play about the survivors of El Monte “Fabric” will be preformed between July 8 through August 8, 2010. The news conference was held at Los Angeles City Hall.

Deaf Community Still Mourning the Loss of a Basketball Coach Who Was Shot and Killed

Los Angeles:  Active and respected member of the deaf community shot and killed when returning home from a basketball game.

On January 26, 2010, Eddy Hernandez was walking in the 3700 block of South Main Street in Los Angeles.  At around 10:40 p.m., Mr. Hernandez was found lying in the street with a single gunshot wound.  Personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the location and pronounced him dead at the scene.  

Mr. Hernandez, a 30-year-old man from Los Angeles coached a basketball team for deaf students at Fairfax High School and was a student at a local college.  Because he was found in an area with high automobile and pedestrian traffic, Newton Area Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help to provide information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for his death.

Please click on the attached Crime Alert which may be distributed to your audience.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Area Homicide Detectives Louie Calzadillas David Torres at 323-846-6556 or 323-290-6063.  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.

Mayor Villaraigosa Kicks Off Third Year Of Summer Night Lights At City Parks

Summer long violence reduction effort will expand programming from 16 to 24
parks citywide

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa along with City Officials and community leaders today kicked off the third year of Summer Night Lights and announced the expansion of the program. The violence reduction and community initiative keeps City parks open after dark with organized activities for at risk youth, while also providing job opportunities and a safe place to spend the summer.

At a news conference at Highland Park Recreation Center, the Mayor, joined by Chief Charlie Beck, Council President Eric Garcetti, Councilmembers Ed Reyes, Tom LaBonge and Jose Huizar met with 240 youth squad members and representatives from participating non-profit and community based organizations.

“Summer Night Lights is a crucial part of our broader strategy to invest in another summer of hope for our youth and safety for our families,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “This is our chance to build on last summer’s success and make this summer better than the last.”

In its third year, Summer Night Lights will expand from 16 to 24 locations citywide with expanding programming, after-school activities, athletic leagues, arts initiatives and family programs. The comprehensive community program works in partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department, A Better LA, the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Conservation Corps., and the LA Unified School District.

Last year the program served over 270,000 youth families Citywide, and served 250,651 meals. In addition, Summer Night Lights helped achieve reductions in all gang related crime.

The Summer Night Lights program has three major components:

    -Extended Hours and Programming: From July 7th – September 4th, 24 sites will  extend their hours until midnight, four nights a week (Wednesday – Saturday) and expand programming to include youth-centered recreational, educational and artistic activities to engage youth in positive activities during peak times for violence.

    -Youth Squad: Youth Squad members have been hired to create and staff the extended hours and programs. Youth Squad members are at-risk youth (defined as potential victims or perpetrators of violence), ages 17-20, and will receive stipends for 10 weeks of summer employment.

    -Cease-Fire: Intervention Workers will help maintain cease-fires at the sites and in the surrounding community. They will assist in hiring and overseeing coordinators and assist with expanded programming.

The participating parks and locations are:

1. Cypress Park
2. Glassell Park
3. Hubert Humphrey
4. Imperial Courts
5. Jackie Tatum Harvard Park
6. Jim Gilliam
7. Jordan Downs
8. Lemon Grove
9. Mt. Carmel
10. Nickerson Gardens
11. Ramon Garcia
12. Ramona Gardens
13. Ross Snyder
14. Sepulveda
15. Costello
16. Delano
17. Highland Park
18. Lake Street
19. Normandale
20. Van Ness
21. Martin Luther King – MLK
22. Slauson
23. South Park
24. Valley Plaza

Helping to encourage community participation, each Gang Reduction and Youth Development staff member has convened and SNL Work Group to ensure that key local stakeholders are involved in the planning and implementation process, including LAPD, LAUSD, Recreation and Parks, Cultural Affairs, community and faith-based organizations, gang intervention workers, community residents, youth, business leaders and Neighborhood Councils.

Summer Night Lights depends heavily on philanthropic donations. The following organizations generously contributed to this initiative:

Weingart Foundation
Wells Fargo Foundation
Eisner Foundation
LA84 Foundation
Ahmanson Foundation
Rose Hills Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation
California Community Foundation
The California Endowment
Katie McGrath & JJ Abrams
The Annenberg Foundation
Kaiser Permanente
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Rosenthal Charitable Trust
Hauptman Family Foundation
Montrose Community Church
Zenith National Insurance Co.
The Walt Disney Company
Target Foundation
The Hitachi Foundation
Hitachi SCRCAC
Union Bank
Jarritos
Vans
Nike
CHIVAS USA

2010 LAPD Essay Contest Winner

There are many issues that face young teenage children in today’s society.  The Los Angeles Police Department seems to be called upon when certain problems happen with young children; especially the middle school age children when it comes down to risks involving mobile and home Internet, personal websites, instant messaging, social and video networking, and online gaming.

As a Los Angeles Police Department Officer, I would go into the community and schools and inform them of all the risks involved.  I would make presentations with real stories and outcomes of situations involving these dangers.  As for safety tips, I would tell them to make sure that they are only talking to friends they know; and perhaps if they do meet new people be somewhat discrete about the information they share with them.  I would also perhaps take a step further and form a committee composed of young people to help get the message of the risks involving all these forms of communication.  The advantage of this committee would be a better peer communication.

Many middle school students are unaware of the many risks that happen on a daily basis.  In most cases they believe that they are only communicating with their friends or peers.  They start to form communication with new people, not knowing exactly who these people are.  They might be young children like them, but perhaps not the children that are on the right path in life.  In other instances, there might be adults who are trying to win their confidence by tricking them.  Unfortunately, these adults are in reality just trying to hurt young children.

I think that the middle school age is one of the most crucial times of a child’s life.  They think they are no longer children and think it is cool to have all sorts of friends without really knowing who is on the other side of their communication line.  Perhaps the peer communication and true stories will make them think twice.

LAPD and the Make-A-Wish Foundation made wish a reality

Thursday June 24, 2010 – The LAPD family welcomed with open arms a brave young man and
made his heartfelt wish a reality. 

Eight year old Steve Huerta was diagnosed with leukemia at three and with the support of his family and doctors has been fighting this disease.

His wish to meet the men and women of the LAPD and Chief of Police Charlie Beck was granted by the Make A Wish Foundation.

Steve had a very exciting day as he was welcomed by LAPD’s Air Support Division and presented with an LAPD cap and t-shirt.  Joined by his mother, Steve had a seat waiting for him on board a helicopter and got to fly over the City with the Department’s finest officers who patrol from the sky.  Once he landed at the heliport, Steve joined by siblings and cousins were escorted for a tour of the Elysian Park Police Academy where they had lunch.  LAPD officers presented Steve with gifts and granted him his second wish - an Xbox 360 video game system.

Steve accompanied by his family was taken to the 10th floor of the Police Administration Building where Chief of Police Charlie Beck greeted him and took him into his office and presented him and Steve’s family with gift bags. Steve who was now visibly tired wore the Chief’s cover as he sat talking to the Chief about his special day.

A special thanks to members of the media who captured Steve’s excitement and made it possible for him to share this special day and tell his story of his fight with leukemia.  This day would not have been possible without the Make –A –Wish Foundation.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.