LAPD Blog

Southeast Officers Respond to a Neighbor Dispute

Armed Suspect Shot by Officers

Los Angeles:  On April 27, 2011, at around 8:20 a.m., LAPD officers working patrol in the Southeast Area responded to a “Neighbor Dispute, Possible Shots Fired” radio call in the 1700 block of East 115th Street.  When they arrived, the officers met with a resident of 115th Street who told the officers that he had an argument with his neighbor who lived next door and that he thought the neighbor had fired a shot at his house.  The resident also told police that he had heard arguing from inside the residence and possibly additional shots fired inside.

With this information, the officers formulated a plan to approach the home.  When they knocked on the door, they were let inside the home by one of its occupants.  The officers were told that the suspect was in the back.  As the officers walked to the rear of the home, they were confronted by the suspect who was armed with a shotgun and a knife.  The suspect refused to respond to the officer’s commands to drop the weapons, and then pointed the shotgun at the officers.  An officer involved shooting occurred.  The suspect, Jose Solario Abraham, 46 years old, was struck twice in the upper torso.  Officers took Abraham into custody and immediately called for medical assistance.

Personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and pronounced Abraham dead as the result of his injuries.

No officers were injured in the incident.   Three occupants were removed from the home uninjured.  A loaded, single barrel shotgun was recovered inside the home.  

LAPD Southeast detectives are handling the investigation into the initial Shots Fired call, and LAPD Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating the officer involved shooting.  The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s use of force policy which states that an officer’s use of force actions must be objectively reasonable.  Additionally the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the Officer Involved Shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Southeast Area Detectives at 213-972-7813. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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.

1978 Cold Case Murder Solved

Los Angeles:  A 33-year-old murder case has been solved with good old fashioned detective work, forensic evidence and a good witness.

Los Angeles Police Department cold case detectives have announced the identification of a suspect in the 1978 murder of 45-year-old Robert Rathbun.  Rathbun had been stabbed to death on May 20, 1978, during a burglary at his apartment in the 21800 block of Lanark Street that he shared with his18-year-old son. The son was stabbed in the back while lying on the floor as he complied with the suspects’ orders.  Although left for dead, he survived the attack.

Two suspects were involved in the crime.  A witness observed one of the suspects well enough to assist with the completion of a composite drawing.  However, no suspects were ever identified at the time of the original investigation.

In late 2010 detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit of Robbery-Homicide Division, reviewed the Rathbun case and requested that unidentified fingerprints from the crime scene be processed through the automated print databases.  An identification made on one of the prints returned to Richard Daniel Bower, a 20-year old Burbank resident.  The print provided a potential suspect, but detectives knew more work would be needed to determine if Bower could be positively linked to the crime.

As the cold case detectives continued their investigation they found that Bower had a violent criminal history.  So violent that on January 12, 1981, Bower was killed during a shootout with Redondo Beach police officers during which one of the police officers was shot by Bower.  

A comparison of Bower to the composite sketch provided by one witness from 1978 showed a striking resemblance to Bower, as well as a very similar physical description described by the witness.   Archived reports and booking photos from the Burbank Police Department related to several of Bower’s arrests provided additional clues that aided cold case detectives.  It was discovered that Bower’s had been arrested and booked one week before the Rathbun murder, and one week after the murder, for unrelated crimes.  Those booking photos showed his appearance in very close proximity to the time of the Rathbun murder and the arrest reports contained other details which greatly assisted in further linking Bower to the murder.  

Amazingly, the witness who assisted in the making of the composite drawing positively identified a photograph of Richard Bower as the suspect she saw 33 years before.  She noted his “good looks,” as she indicated in her original statements in 1978, as well as his “droopy” right eye.  Regarding the eye, she recalled having the composite artist alter his original drawing in an attempt to narrow the right eye to reflect it being “droopy.”

At this time detectives have not identified the second suspect.  Efforts have been made to do by interviewing former associates and co-arrestees of Bower during the 1978 time period.

Attached to this release is the composite drawing from 1978 and a Burbank Police Department booking photograph from May 28, 1978, (eight days after the murder).  

Detectives Rick Jackson and Elizabeth Estupinian of the Cold Case Homicide Unit are handling this investigation.  For further information, and anyone with information about this case, is asked to contact them at 213-486-6810.

Notes from the April 26, 2011 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board of the loss of Police Officer II Jose Diance, who was killed in a single vehicle traffic accident while off-duty over the weekend.  He said Officer Diance had just starting his career with the Department and had previously been a Police Cadet Captain in the Valley and a Police Student Worker.  Chief Beck also stated Police Officer Steve Jenkins, who was shot in the face during a stand-off in the Valley, had been released from the hospital and is recuperating at home. 

•    The Department’s report, dated April 11, 2011, relative to Vice Secret Service Funds Inspection (IAID No. 11-023), as given by Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese, was approved.  Chief Albanese informed the Board the Department expended funds correctly and throughout the City.

Victim Kidnapped and Residence Burglarized

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Foothill Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of three suspects who kidnapped a victim and burglarized the victims’ residence in the Tujunga area.

On April 22, 2011, at around 11 p.m., Foothill officers responded to a radio call of a screaming woman in the 9800 block of Cabanas Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered that three male suspects had entered the victims’ residence and restrained a husband and wife.
 
The two suspects forced the husband into his car and made him drive to his business in North Hollywood with the intention to commit a robbery. The remaining suspect stayed at the victim’s house with his wife.

The crime was discovered and reported to police when the victims’ daughter returned home.

Officers responded to the business in an effort to intercept the suspects and safely return the victim; however, the suspects evaded capture. The suspects later released the male victim unharmed in Van Nuys. After taking his car and driving to an unknown location, the victim’s abandoned car was found later.

The suspects are described as three male Hispanics, 20-25 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Foothill Robbery Detective Dave Escoto at 818-834-3109 or Detective Bob Veliz at 818-834-3160. 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.

27-Year-Old Shot and Killed in front of Apartment Complex

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Harbor Area Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) who shot and killed 27-year-old Jorge Hernandez in Wilmington.

On Friday, April 22, 2011, at around 1:45 a.m., Jorge Hernandez was standing on the sidewalk in front of a stairway leading to the apartment complex located in the 1000 block of North Lagoon Avenue, when two suspects approached Hernandez and asked him what his gang affiliation was.  Hernandez was shot several times with an unknown type caliber handgun.  Both suspects left the location on foot in an unknown direction.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Personnel responded and pronounced Hernandez dead at the scene. 

Both suspects are described as male Hispanics with no further description and the motive for the shooting is unknown.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Harbor Area Homicide Detectives Cortez or Alvarez at 310-726-7889 or 310-726-7880. 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.

Victim Dies Three Days After Being Shot in Front of a Marijuana Clinic

Los Angeles: Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives are investigating the gang-related shooting death of 30-year-old Daniel Orona who was shot multiple times while parked in front of a Marijuana Clinic.

On Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at around 12:25 in the afternoon, Daniel Orona and three friends were sitting inside Orona’s van, which was parked in front of a Marijuana Clinic located in the 5400 block of Valley Boulevard.  The four men in the van were approached by a lone suspect described as a male Black, who pointed a handgun in their direction. The suspect opened fire on the van striking Orona multiple times.

The driver, Orona, managed to drive a short distance away before one of the passengers took control of the van.  The passenger then drove Orona to a local hospital for medical treatment.  None of the remaining passengers/victims were hit by the gunfire.  

Daniel Orona underwent emergency surgery and has been hospitalized since the shooting. On Friday, April 22, 2011, at 1:50 p.m., Orona died.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Garcia or Alfaro at 323-342-8956, during normal business hours or the Hollenbeck Watch Commander at 323-342-4100. 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.

Officer Shot in Sylmar Released from Hospital

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Metropolitan Division K-9 Officer Steven Jenkins was released from the hospital today just in time to spend Easter with his family and fellow officers.

On April 4, 2011, around 3 a.m., Metropolitan K-9 Police Officer III Steven Jenkins, 21 years and 11 months with the Department was in the 13600 block of Dronfield Avenue involved in a search for a domestic violence suspect.  As Jenkins and his fellow officers approached the residence, a suspect later identified as 53-year-old Sergio Salazar of Sylmar, opened fire on Jenkins critically wounding him in the face and chest.  

Jenkins was taken to safety by other police personnel and immediately transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel who had been on scene treating the victim of the domestic violence.  The location was contained and SWAT personnel responded to the barricaded suspect.  The gunman was later discovered dead from apparent gunshot wounds and two rifles were recovered from the immediate vicinity of Salazar.  

Since that fateful day Jenkins has undergone a series of surgeries and continues to recover from his injuries. Officer Jenkins, his family and the LAPD expressed great appreciation for all the support they have received from community members and the LAPD family and friends.  Steve and his family are extremely grateful to all of the medical personnel at both Holy Cross Medical Center and the USC University Hospital, who were heroic in their own right as they provided critical care for Officer Jenkins.   

Members of the LAPD's Metropolitan Division, K-9 Unit, Sergeant Miles Taylor, Police Officer III David Wade, Police Officer III Linda Travis and Police Officer III Joshua Kniss were part of Officer Jenkins' search team the night when Steve was ambushed and shot by Salazar.  They have remained by Steve's side throughout this ordeal as has Jenkin's wife Beth. Today, his team was steadfast by his side as they escorted him from the hospital into a Metropolitan suburban.  "Today we are here to finish our call with Steve, together and we are going to get him home to his family" said Lieutenant Bob Arcos, Officer-in-Charge of the K-9 platoon. "This is a great day for all of us. These officers risk it all everyday for our Community and we are very grateful for the support Steve and his family have received", Arcos continued.  Officer Jenkins loaded up into the black suburban, jaw still wired shut, as he managed a smile as best he could, a wave just before he was driven away with his K-9 partners and wife Beth. Officer Jenkins has a long road of recovery ahead, but on this day he has one single mission, to spend a thankful Easter weekend at home surrounded by family and friends.

Pool video provided by KCAL/CBS

Radio feed provided by KNX 1070 News Radio

Pool Photographer provided by The Daily News.

Any additional questions may be referred to Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Missing Person-Julie Ren

UPDATE

April 22, 2011
Julie Ren has been located by LAPD Devonshire Area officers in good condition.  Ren was reunited with her family.


Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department and the family of Jiawen (Julie) Ren are asking for the public’s help in locating her.

On April 21, 2011, at around 11:30 a.m., Jiawen (Julie) Ren, an 18-year-old female with the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, left her house in the 16700 block of Bahama Avenue to walk to a library nearby. Investigators discovered the she had returned a book to the library, though she was not actually seen, and has not returned home or attempted to contact her family by phone since.

Additionally, Julie is of Chinese descent, she has black hair, brown eyes, is about 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weights about 100 pounds. It isn’t clear what she was wearing when she left home, but may be wearing a purple jacket, green shirt with white horizontal stripes, and was likely wearing her favorite red shoes. Though Julie has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old child, she has never been reported missing before and has always been able to find her way home. The fact that Julie has not come home or called causes her family great concern for her well being.

Anyone with information about Julie’s whereabouts is asked to contact Devonshire Area Detectives at 818-832-0609. During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-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 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.

Bicyclist Fatally Struck by Hit and Run Vehicle

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a driver who fatally struck a bicyclist in Canoga Park.

On April 20, 2011 at about 9 p.m., a 17-year-old high school student and his friend were riding their bicycles on De Soto Avenue on the far right lane, just north of Valerio Street when he was struck by a passing vehicle.  The vehicle was described as a gray Toyota Corolla hatchback,   traveling in a northerly direction on De Soto Avenue when it struck the rear of one of the bicyclist.  The driver of the Toyota left the scene without rendering aid or providing identification as required by law.

The bicyclist, later identified as 17-year-old German Alex Romero, a resident of Reseda, died at the scene from the result of the impact.  The other bicyclist was not injured. The hit and run driver and vehicle remain outstanding.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division  Detective  Krajchir at 818-644-8034, or Officer Martinez at 818-644-8032. During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-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 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.

Woman Stabbed Near Movie Studio Detectives Hope Video May Bring Suspect to Justice

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Olympic Division Major Assault Crimes detectives are investigating the stabbing of a 25-year-old Hispanic woman.

On April 19, 2011, at around 10 p.m., the victim was walking on the sidewalk in the area of Melrose Avenue and Irving Boulevard when a suspect described as a male White or light- complected Hispanic pushed the victim to the ground and stabbed her multiple times. The suspect then ran away and left her screaming for help.    
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where she remains in stable condition.   

Detectives have not determined the motive for the stabbing and are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect and bring him to justice.  In a brief video that captured the assault,the suspect was seen wearing a white, hooded sweatshirt, dark shorts and white shoes.
.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Olympic Division Major Assault Crimes Detectives Rodrigo Rodriguez or Chang Kim at 213-382-9450. 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 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.