LAPD Blog

Elderly Man Seriously Hurt During Hit-and-Run Incident

UPDATE
April 6, 2011

Today, District 3 Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine and LAPD Valley Traffic Division personnel held a press conference to offer a $50,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of the hit-and-run suspect who killed 92-year-old Jafar Amirshahida.  Family members of the victim were also in attendance at the press conference to honor the memory of Amirshahida and support the councilman’s motion.  Also, please note that some details in the original release below were incorrect or incomplete. Updated details are as follows: The victim was crossing Reseda Boulevard at Victory Boulevard and was in a marked crosswalk on Reseda Boulevard when he was struck. Additionally, the victim died from his injuries at the hospital.      


Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic Division (VTD) detectives investigating a recent hit-and-run incident are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the tragic event to provide them with whatever details they can.

Yesterday at about 6:08 pm, a 92-year-old man from Reseda was critically injured by a hit-and- run driver while crossing Victory Boulevard at Reseda Boulevard.  The pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk walking across westbound lanes on Victory Boulevard when a vehicle on Victory Boulevard struck him and then failed to stop and render aid as required by law.

Witnesses described the suspect’s car as a dark-colored, four-door sedan making a left turn from eastbound Victory Boulevard to northbound Reseda Boulevard when the incident occurred.  The elderly victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. At this time, his identity is being withheld until family members are notified.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call VTD Officer R. Talley at 818-644-8116 or VTD Detective Bill Bustos at (818) 644-8021.  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 can also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

LAPD Central Area In-Custody Death

UPDATED as of March 1, 2011

February25,2011                                                                                               
Los Angeles: LAPD Force Investigation Division is investigating an in-custody death that occurred in Downtown Los Angeles.

On February 24, 2011, at about 8:20 p.m., LAPD Central Area patrol officers, along with a supervisor, responded to a gun assault call at a business in the 600 block of South San Julian.  When the officers arrived, they saw four men who appeared to be struggling with a man.  The four men were employees at the business.  In order to subdue the man, officers used body weight, punches and a TASER numerous times.  The officers also had to use three hobble restraints to control the man.  Two restraints were used to control the suspect’s elbows and one was used to for his legs.   

After subduing the suspect, officers carried the man to a waiting LAFD ambulance nearby.  He was then transported to Los Angeles County Hospital (USCMC) where he was pronounced dead.

The TASER or Electronic Control Device has been used by the Department since the early 1980. Since August 2007, the LAPD has been using the TASER model X-26.  Officers receive four hours of TASER training and over 25 hours of use-of-force training. During the training process employees experience firsthand the effects of the device.  Officers are trained to use the device when a person’s actions could cause serious injury to officers and others.  Officers who were involved in the incident are as follows:
 
NAME                        RANK                   TIME WITH THE DEPT.
Ronald Crump            Sergeant II              14 years, 5 months
Melissa Gonzalez       Police Officer II        6 years, 2 months
Cesar Mendoza          Police Officer II       2 years, 7 months
Raymond Namysl       Police Officer II       4 years, 7 months
Jose Delgado            Police Officer II      4 years, 7 months
Michael Orozco         Police Officer II      3 years, 2 months
Adolfo Pacheco         Police Officer II       4 years, 1 month
Jose Galvez              Police Officer II       4 years, 5 months
Luis Nunez                Police Officer II      3 years, 2 months
Carlos Ocegueda        Police Officer II      8 years, 7 months
 
LAPD Force Investigation Division personnel responded to the incident and are investigating the in-custody death.  The investigation is ongoing and the suspect has not been identified.



Murder at Venice Beach, Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department arrested 23-year-old Billy Young after he stabbed and murdered the victim.

On Thursday, February 24th, 2011 at approximately 6:05 p.m., a stabbing occurred in Pacific Division.  The stabbing took place on Ocean Front Walk at Westminster Boulevard on the Venice Beach boardwalk.  

The victim and Young became engaged in a fight.  Young then stabbed the victim multiple times with a knife.  The victim was transported by paramedics to the hospital where he died from his injuries.  His name is being withheld pending notification to his family members.

Young attempted to run, but was caught several blocks away by diligent patrol officers who listened to the crime broadcast.  Young has been booked for murder.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Pacific Homicide Detectives at 310-482-6369.  Anonymous tips can be called into 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.


 

Armed Prowler Suspect Points Handgun at Officers

UPDATED
02-25-11

February 22,2011          

Los Angeles: An armed prowler suspect was shot and killed by LAPD police officers after leading them on a short foot pursuit and then pointing a handgun at them.

On February 19, 2011, at about 9:25 a.m., Northeast Area Patrol Officer Peter Kim, 5 years 6 months on the Department, along with his partner and a supervisor, responded to a radio call of a “Prowler Suspect There Now,” in the 1200 block of Westmoreland Avenue.

When three arrived on scene they saw the suspect trying to leave the area. He was later identified as 49-year-old David McMahon. Officers gave McMahon commands in an attempt to detain him, but McMahon ignored their orders and led officers on a short foot pursuit.

As McMahon was running west on Fountain Avenue, additional Northeast Area Patrol Officers,Brenda Escobedo, 2 years and 3 months on the Department, and her partner, Ricardo Aguirre, 7 years and 7 months with the Department, arrived on scene to assist.  As they drove their black and white police vehicle westbound on Fountain Avenue they caught up to McMahon and stopped near him, got out of their police car, and ordered McMahon to his knees. McMahon stopped and turned towards the officers and pointed a handgun at them, at which time an officer involved shooting occurred. Officers Kim, Escobedo, and Aguirre all fired their duty weapons at McMahon, striking him multiple times.

McMahon was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Officer Kim was injured by bullet fragments and was treated and released from a local hospital for those injuries.

The handgun McMahon was armed with was recovered and booked into evidence.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene and are conducting the officer involved shooting investigation.

Northeast Area Detectives are investigating the prowler complaint.

Man Arrested After Fatal Shooting at Vocational School

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police officers arrested 22-year-old Law Thien Huynh moments after he shot his vocational school teacher Wednesday afternoon.  

On February 23, 2011, at about 4 p.m., Central area patrol officers were called to 1300 block of South Hill Street after receiving information that a shooting that had just occurred at the Coast Career Institute. When officers arrived they saw Huynh, who matched the suspect’s description, standing on the sidewalk outside the school.  He was taken into custody without a struggle.

Huynh and 12 other students were attending a 24 week vocational class to become security guards. According to witnesses, Huynh left the classroom briefly and returned armed with a handgun.  He either pushed or kicked open the classroom door and opened fire on the 44-year-old instructor, who was standing just a few feet inside the door.  Huynh tossed the gun into the classroom and walked out of the building.

The teacher died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.  No other students were injured and it appears that the teacher was the intended victim.  The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

Detectives recovered the weapon used in the shooting as well as other physical evidence.  Crisis intervention specialists from the Office of the Mayor were called to assist the witnesses in dealing the stress and trauma of the incident.

The instructor worked in the security industry and had taught at the school as a side job for three years, according to school officials.

Huyuh, who lives in Gardena, will be booked for murder at the downtown Metropolitan Jail.

The victim’s name will be released once his family has been notified.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Brian Putnam, Central Homicide Unit, at 213-842-0727. Anonymous tips can be called into 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.

Tarzana Middle School Teacher Arrested for Multiple Counts of Child Molestation

Los Angeles: On Thursday, February 17, 2011, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Area detectives arrested Sean Wellbaum for multiple counts of child molestation. Wellbaum is a 39-year-old resident of Canoga Park and is currently a teacher at Portola Middle School in Tarzana.  

The victim, now a 22-year-old man, told investigators that Wellbaum molested him repeatedly when he was between the ages of 11 and 16.  At the time of the incidents, Wellbaum was a teacher at Columbus Middle School in Canoga Park.  

During the investigation, detectives searched Wellbaum’s home and later arrested him for multiple counts of child molestation.  He was booked at Van Nuys Jail on February 17, 2011, but is currently out on $600,000 bail.  Wellbaum’s arraignment is scheduled for March 18, 2011.

Detectives are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Wellbaum to contact Topanga Area Detectives, Detective Nick Abbinanti at 818-756-4800. 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.

Media Parking Information for Firefighter Allen’s Funeral Services

WHAT:
Funeral

WHEN:
Friday, February 25, 2011
9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
555 West Temple Street
Los Angeles 90012

DETAILS:
Street Closures {PDF}
To assist the media, LAPD public information officers will be on hand at the LAPD administration building plaza and the cathedral.

Media parking at the cathedral will be available along the south side of Temple Street between Hill Street and Grand. Satellite trucks only, no personal cars.

CLOSURES:
Hard Street closures will start at 6:00 a.m.
Temple Street between Grand Ave and Los Angeles
Main Street between Temple and 2nd Streets
Hill Street between 1st and Ord Streets
Hill Street between 1st and Temple Streets (soft closure to provide local access)

Soft (ITC) Street closures will start at 6:00 a.m.
1st Street between Los Angeles Street and Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue between 1st Street and Hollywood Freeway onramp
Grand Avenue between 1st Street and 3rd Street
West Ceasar E. Chavez Avenue between 1st Street and 3rd Street

CONTACT:
For further information please contact Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Missing Person

Los Angeles:  The family of Kyle Joseph Downes and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in helping to find him.

On February 16, 2011, at around 1 p.m., Downes was last seen in the 7300 block of Willoughby Avenue.  He has never gone missing before, and this unexplained disappearance has his family very concerned for his well being. Additionally, Downes had been experiencing bouts of depression prior to being reported missing.

Downes is a 27-year-old male White with brown hair, blue eyes is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds with a thin build and light complexion.  He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and black boots.   

All of Downes belongings, as well as his only registered vehicle, a motorcycle, were left at his residence.   

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Downes is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Ciuffetelli 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 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.

13-year-old Boy Shot and Killed in Los Angeles Detectives hope to talk with additional victims to find out more information

Los Angeles: Rampart detectives investigate what appears to be a gang related shooting that occurred on the evening of Monday, February 21, 2011.  

On Monday evening, around 7:25 pm, three young men standing on the northwest corner of Temple Street and Benton Way were approached by several males who got out of a nearby parked car.  The car was described as a dark colored possible 2000-2001, Toyota Camry.  During the investigation, it was learned that the suspects walked up to the young men and at least one of them opened fire.  Immediately after the shooting, they went back to their car and drove away from the scene.  One victim, a 13-year-old boy, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics.  Detectives are asking that the two additional victims come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.  

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Rampart Division Detective J. Motto at 213-484-3639. 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 22, 2011 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Chief Beck reported 3,000 officers were deployed at various venues and events this past weekend for the NBA All Star which did not present any issues. He praised the personnel involved in the planning, deployment and execution of the event. He also gave his condolences to the Fire Department for the passing of fireman Glenn Allen, the Department will be attending and participating in the funeral services for Allen. Part 1 crime was 13.3% down in all categories with the exception of homicides. There are currently 9,935 sworn personnel, 50 recruits are currently in the academy, and 2,862 civilians in the Department.

•    Co- Chairs Jean Sinatra and Captain Tia Morris presented the status report for the Van Nuys Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB). Captain Morris presented an overview for 2010 in regards to four areas of concern which were addressed by the CPAB by creating committees, they were Youth Programs, Technology, Membership and Outreach and the Van Nuys Boulevard Rejuvenation Committees. There were also several achievements the CPAB accomplished during 2010, they developed a stronger and diverse membership, attended many activities such as the “Magical bus tour”, in which members were given a tour of the Division. CPAB members also volunteered during the Van Nuys Officers reunion and conducted town hall meetings. Goals for 2011 include the implementation of a Teen C-PAB and a Citizen Surveillance Team.

•    The Inspector General’s report dated February 16, 2011, relative to the Department’s Arrest, Booking, and Charging Reports Inspection was approved.

•    The Inspector General’s report dated February 16, 2011, relative to Second Financial Disclosure Audit, as given by Inspector General Nicole Bershon, was approved. She stated this was the second of the three mandated audits under the transition agreement. This audit involved 171 officers who either transferred into a gang or narcotic units or were incumbents. 63 officers were transfers, 83 were incumbents and 25 command staff officers voluntarily submitted the forms. The Department was at 100 percent compliance in all audit objectives that were tested. The audit tested whether the Financial Disclosure forms were completed and reviewed as required under the special order, and if the compact discs which contain confidential financial information were adequately secured.

•    The Department’s report, dated February 11, 2011, relative to Legislative Proposal Regarding Specialist Report was continued.

•    The Department’s report, dated February 14, 2011, relative to Supplemental Police Account Fourth Quarterly Report was approved and transmitted to the City Council and City Controller.

•    The Department’s report, dated February 11, 2011, relative to the amended GED/ CLEAR Arrest, Booking and Charging Reports Inspection (IAID No. 11-012), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated February 3, 2011, relative to Board of Police Commissioner’s Quarterly Report, 4th Quarter, 2010 Categorical Use of Force Incidents Status Report was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated February 16, 2011, relative to inquiry from the Board of Police Commissioners regarding the Number of Rear-End Traffic Collision Occurring at Photo Red Light Intersections was approved.