LAPD Blog

Chief of Police Message - June 2012

Chief’s Message
June 2012

With all that we have going on at work and in our personal lives, it seems as though the months fly by leaving us wondering where the time has gone.  It’s hard to believe that we are already six months into 2012.  So, as we enter this half way point of the year I want to thank you for your continued dedication and sacrifices that you make for this Department and the citizens of Los Angeles, each and every day.  

2012 Safe Summer Tip-Off Event
This year’s Safe Summer Tip-Off basketball game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 9th at the USC Galen Center.  Already in its third year, this collaborative event features the game itself, static displays of police and fire equipment, celebrity appearances, gift giveaways and a free BBQ lunch.  Having won the game in both prior years, I fully expect the Department to turn out a “three-peat” victory as we face the Los Angeles City Fire Department in our annual battle of the badges basketball game.  The basketball game is a lot of fun and a real showcase of the spirit of competition between the LAPD and the LAFD.  I hope to see all of you there and please make sure to bring your friends and family to the event.    

Summer Night Lights Program
This month kicks off the fifth year of the City’s “Summer Night Lights Program.”  This extremely successful program involves 32 parks and gives youths, in some of our roughest neighborhoods, a safe haven where they can participate in a number of programs and activities during the summer months.  

With your positive influence and generous participation, this year’s “Summer Night Lights Program” is sure to be a repeat success.  

LGBTQ Month
During the month of June we support our LAPD brothers and sisters who are proud members of the gay community.  Their service within our sworn and civilian ranks makes our organization a more authentic reflection of the communities we serve.  Our diversity remains one of our primary strengths and we must remember that we are all one Department.  One family.

This also gives me the opportunity to remind you of our new Transgender policy, which should be familiar to everyone by now.  The policy’s essence is simple;  Treat everyone with respect. Familiarize yourself with the policy and put it into practice.  You can find a copy of the Notice on the Department’s LAN Homepage and on our public website, LAPDOnline.org.


History of Harbor Division
Located at the entrance of the Port of Los Angeles, Harbor Community Police Station encompasses 27 square miles of inland and coastal property which is patrolled by the LAPD.  Harbor Division services Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Vista del Oro, the Port of LA, Terminal Island, Rolling Hills Highlands and Wilmington.  In 1928 Harbor Division was originally located across the street of the Beacon Street City Hall complex, in San Pedro, California.

In the late 1950’s plans were made to build a more modern police facility which was erected on Gibson street.  In 1962, the station was completed and began providing service to the nearly 162,273 Harbor residents.  The new Harbor Station opened in April 2009, the same year Harbor Area celebrated its 100th Year Anniversary.  The 50,000-square foot Harbor Division Police Station and jail is located at John S. Gibson Boulevard which is at the site of the old Harbor Division headquarters.  Some of the many features of this new modern facility are a helipad, a 400-space parking structure, and a 16,000-square-foot jail which can hold up to 300 inmates.

Notable Harbor Alumni
On February 25, 2012, Harbor Division Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino was sworn in as a Los Angeles City Councilman for District 15.  A sixteen year veteran of the Department and a lifelong resident of Council District 15, Councilman Buscaino joined a small group of other LAPD officers who have gone on to become political leaders in the City of Los Angeles.     

Always In Our Hearts
Let us never forget Harbor personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizen of Los Angeles…..

Policeman Herbert Klade           EOW:  02/08/1926

Policeman John V. Wicks           EOW:  03/23/1927
 
Policeman Alfred C. Madon        EOW:  06/16/1935
 
Policeman Glenn H. Clark          EOW:  07/08/1950
 
Policeman John E. Dunphy         EOW:  06/22/1954
 
Policeman Robert Sweet            EOW:  12/26/1956
 
Police Officer Robert Mata          EOW:  09/19/2000

Budget
By now you have all heard the news of the City’s latest financial woes related to the budget for Fiscal Year 2012/2013.  There are many tough decisions being made that will deeply impact our civilian brothers and sisters.  The City’s financial situation has not improved, as you well know, and there will be concessions that must be made as we enter the next fiscal year.  

As I write this message in May, it is important that you are aware that the information coming from City Hall is all very fluid and seems to change from day to day.  What I can tell you, with certainty, is that I will always be truthful with you.  Unfortunately at times the truth is not pretty but at the very least you will have the most current and up to date information, via the Department’s LAN Homepage, on matters that affect you and your job.  

You and Your Family
As you all know we work in a profession where we put our lives on the line on a near daily basis.  Although crime is at historic lows, attacks on police officers have increased at an alarming rate.  As part of overall employee wellness, I want to remind you to please make sure that your “house" is in order at all levels.  I’m referring to matters involving living trusts, wills, health directives, beneficiary information, disability and health insurance.  

Some of these are simple decisions to make, while others involve more thought provoking and difficult discussions with family members and professionals.  In my thirty five years on the job, it has been my experience that random tragic life events, injuries and catastrophic illnesses can happen to anyone at any time.  I can assure you that taking care of business now will help make the grief and recovery process a little easier on your loved ones.  

If you are unfamiliar with where to start, the Department has several resources to assist in navigating these types of matters.  If you need assistance with links to resources, please contact the Department’s Wellness Coordinators, Sergeant Mary Kite, at 213-944-6819 or Sergeant Whit Pauly, at 213-925-0963.

Closing
My appreciation to all of the officers who worked last month’s May Day events.  For the most part the demonstrations were orderly and the demonstrators were able to exercise their right to free speech in a peaceful and respectful manner.  Unfortunately, the day’s events were marred by a few cowards who came to the downtown area with the sole purpose of starting trouble and assaulting LAPD officers.  During a confrontation at 4th Street and Hill Street, one officer was injured and sent to the hospital and several other officers were assaulted during two unprovoked attacks.  Luckily, we were able to identify and arrest the suspect from one of the attacks and are  working diligently to identify and arrest the outstanding suspects.

Assaults on our officers will not be tolerated and I assure you that I will do everything in my power to locate these suspects and bring them to justice.  I thank you for always being the true professionals that you are and for showing tremendous restraint during these types of situations.
 
Remember to always keep the tactical edge;  stay alert and aware of your surroundings and always watch each other’s backs.   

Be safe,
Charlie
 

Missing Person Darrin Royal

UPDATE
June 12, 2012

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, Darrin Royal returned home in good condition, and with is family.

Los Angeles:  The family of Darrin Royal and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating, Mr. Royal a reported missing person.

Mr. Royal was last seen on May 29th 2012, in the 900 Block of North Hudson Avenue, in the City of Los Angeles, wearing his U.S. Postal Service uniform.  Mr. Royal sent messages to friends and family to look after his family.  Mr. Royal may be despondent over financial issues.

Darrin Royal is described as a 46-year-old African American male with brown hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 165 pounds.

Darrin Royal was driving a 2-door 1990 gold Infinity M30, license plate 5WQT377.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Royal is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Baca at 213-996-1800.  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 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 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.

52-Year-Old Critical Missing Woman

UPDATE
May 31, 2012

Earlier today, Maria Gutierrez was located in the City of Torrance, and is currently at a local hospital in good condition.

 

Los Angeles:   The family of Maria Gutierrez and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help to locate Gutierrez.

On May 16, 2012, around 8 a.m., Gutierrez was last seen in the 4100 block of South Woodlawn Avenue in the Newton Area of Los Angeles. Gutierrez never returned home and has not been seen or heard from since. Her family is extremely concerned for her welfare because she suffers from early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and may be disoriented.  Gutierrez speaks fluent Spanish and limited English.

Gutierrez is described as a female Hispanic with black/gray hair, brown eyes, stands 4 feet 8 inches tall, and weighs about 125 pounds.  Gutierrez was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, brown pants, and back and pink athletic shoes. Gutierrez is missing one top front tooth and she wears reading glasses.

Anyone with information on Gutierrez’ whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800  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 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 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.

Bicyclist Run Down and Shot, Dies at Scene; Second Victim also Shot and Injured

Los Angeles:   Two bicyclists were riding down the street when one of them was hit by a vehicle.  As the victim lay on the ground injured a suspect inside the sports utility vehicle (SUV) that hit him, got out and shot the victim, killing him.  The other bicyclist was also shot as he tried to ride away.

On Saturday, May 26, 2012, at around 1:20 p.m., 19-year-old Shaoyan Almazan and a friend were riding their bicycles in the 900 block of South New Hampshire Street.  As they rounded the corner from San Marino Avenue to New Hampshire Street, the driver of an SUV ran into Almazan knocking him from his bicycle.  A gunman then got out of the SUV and shot Almazan multiple times.

As the second victim was riding away, he was shot in the hand.  He was found in the 800 block of Vermont Avenue where he stopped to call for help.

Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced Almazan dead at scene.  The second victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspected shooter was a male wearing a hooded sweatshirt and was of medium height and weight.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact West Bureau Homicide Detectives, Detective Mark Morgan at 213-382-9470.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 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.

Fugitive on the Run for 27 Years has been Arrested for Murder

Los Angeles: Detectives from Newton Homicide Due-Diligence Team are announcing the arrest of a man for an unsolved 1985 Los Angeles murder.

Los Angeles Police Department detectives have been investigating the murder of 30-year-old Arnulfo Medina. On July 10, 1985, around 8:30 p.m., Medina was walking with his girlfriend in the area of 37th Street and Main Street when the suspect, 30-year-old Abel Avila, who is the girlfriend’s brother, approached in his car and confronted Medina.  Avila pulled out a gun and shot Medina killing him. A murder warrant was issued for Abel Avila who remained a fugitive from justice for 27 years.

The motive for the killing was over a love triangle dispute. Avila’s relative was married and was having an affair with Medina.  Avila took offense to the affair, which he believed was affecting his relative’s marriage.

On May 22, 2012, members of the Newton Homicide Due-Diligence Team believed Avila was hiding out in the City of San Jose, California.  After a long surveillance, a probation search, followed by more hours of surveillance, the team located Avila and detained him without incident.  Avila was transported back to Newton Station where he was arrested and booked for murder.

Avila had changed his name and was living under a fictitious identity.  Copies of Avila’s California Drivers Licenses are attached.

Detective Kelle Baitx, Newton Homicide Due-Diligence Team, is the lead investigator and can be contacted at 323-846-6556.  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 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 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.

Two Unrelated Suspects Charged with Brutal Attacks on Dogs

Los Angeles: During the week of May 14, 2012, LAPD Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) were involved in two unrelated preliminary hearings that involved brutal dog beatings.

On February 10, 2012 the ACTF was involved in an animal cruelty investigation in Harbor Division.  According to witnesses, a male suspect entered his neighbor’s yard and maliciously began to beat a small Shih Tzu and a Boxer with a stick.  During the beating, the dogs attempted to run and hide from the suspect.  The suspect beat his neighbor’s dogs by forcefully kicking, stomping and hitting them with a thick broom handle.  Many of the witnesses were drawn to the scene by the horrific sound of the dogs yelping in pain.  According to witnesses, the dog beating lasted approximately thirty minutes before the police were called.  At one point, the suspect encouraged his own German Shepard dog to viciously attack the two dogs that had already been injured due to the beating.  The Shih Tzu died of blunt force trauma and the Boxer sustained serious injuries but has since recovered.  The suspect will be arraigned in Long Beach Court on June, 2012.  If sentenced, the suspect could face a maximum of four years in state prison, but the sentence may vary at the court’s discretion.

On May 2, 2012, the ACTF was involved in another investigation that concerned the brutal beating of a dog, a full grown St. Bernard.  In this case, witnesses reported that a male transient suspect was seen beating a St. Bernard dog in the area of Manchester Boulevard and Broadway as a street carnival was being set up for community festivities.  According to witnesses, the St. Bernard was minding his own business when the suspect forcefully kicked the dog’s hind legs.  The dog fled from the suspect and attempted to hide by a nearby school.  The suspect followed the dog and continued the beating.  Witnesses reported the suspect used a stick and a street barricade to strike the dog.  Police officers were dispatched to the scene and arrested the suspect for animal cruelty.  The St. Bernard had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.  The suspect will be arraigned in Compton Court next month.  If sentenced, the suspect could face a maximum 12 years in state prison due to his criminal history and a weapon being used during the crime.  ACTF could not establish the reason why these two suspects brutally beat the dogs in these two cases.  According to witnesses, the attacks on the dogs were unprovoked.

Rampart Sees Increase in Auto/Property-Related Crimes; Public’s Help Requested to Identify Suspects

Los Angeles:  Today, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Rampart Division held a press conference where Captain Ruiz discussed the increase of auto-related crimes, such as burglaries and thefts from motor vehicles and how to prevent being a victim. To date, Rampart has experienced a 27 percent increase in these crimes.  Suspects are targeting vehicles with clearly visible GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, purses, laptop computers, bags, cell phones, IPods, cameras and other electronic devices.  Photos of property left inside cars were displayed along with images of suspects committing some of these crimes and wanted by police.

At the same time, the increase of personal thefts and larceny crimes was also discussed.  Rampart Area has seen a 14 percent increase year-to-date in personal thefts.  Primarily, the increase is a result of personal property being left unattended for very short periods of times or because of distracted shoppers.  Suspects are approaching shoppers who place their purses or other personal property in shopping carts and briefly turn away.  In other instances, personal property is simply just being left unattended for short periods of times at parks, bus benches, office buildings, restaurants, etc. Citizens will be reminded to always secure your personal property and not leave it unattended.

Anyone with information about any of these crimes or who can help identify any suspects associated with these crimes is asked to call Rampart Burglary Detectives at 213-484-3490. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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 May 22, 2012 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commission President Richard Drooyan said he attended the 30 year pin ceremony which recognizes employees who made a career out of public service.  He said Police Chief Charlie Beck received his 35 year pin at the ceremony.  President Drooyan also said it was a busy sports weekend in the City and commended the Department for policing the events successfully.

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman said he attended and gave a speech at the recruit graduation held last week.  He said it was a small class of graduates but commended the Department for the diversity in its recruiting.

• Assistant Chief Michel Moore informed the Board the Department had much to be proud of in regards to the success in policing the recent crowds for the playoff games in and around Staples Center.  He said there were more than 250 thousand people who attended games or visited the immediate vicinity and there were no major incidences to report.  He said it was another successful example of public/private collaboration.  Chief Moore also informed the Board two individuals were arrested in connection with the two University of Southern California Graduate students who were shot and killed a few weeks back.  He stated the hard work by detectives and the partnership between agencies help lead to their arrests.

• The Department’s report, dated May 15, 2012, relative to the Department Risk Manager strategic plan, as given by Police Administrator Beth Corriea, was approved.  Ms. Corriea informed the Board some of her duties include monitoring litigation settlements, working with Media Relations to improve public perception of the Department, review Special Orders on policy, attend case signings on use of force cases, and review and make recommendations on Risk Management matters.  Her five main focuses are employment issues, traffic matters, use of force cases, workers compensation cases and Fair Labor and Standard Act issues.  The Commissioners asked Ms. Corriea to prepare quarterly reports, beginning July 1^st, which outline her goals and accomplishments.

• The Department’s report, dated May 4, 2012, relative to the request for approval of selected vendor for Digital In-Car Video system, as given by Police Administrator Maggie Goodrich, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.  Ms. Goodrich stated Raytheon was selected as the vendor for the new system and Kobian digital cameras will be used.  Central Bureau will be the next phase of implementation and pricing and leasing options are currently being reviewed.

• The Department’s report, dated May 11, 2012, relative to the revolving training fund budget for fiscal year 2012-13, was approved and transmitted concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated May 15, 2012, relative to the destruction of obsolete original records for West Valley Area, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

• The Department’s report, dated May 15, 2012, relative to the destruction of obsolete original records for Valley Traffic Division, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.  

City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Employee Arrested

Los Angeles: A City employee and a City resident were both arrested after a lengthy investigation into gasoline thefts from City fueling facilities.

In April 2012 Southeast Detectives received information that someone was stealing gasoline from City fueling facilities and the suspect was possibly a Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks employee.  Surveillance was set up on fuel stations at Southeast  and 77th Street Area Community Police Stations and a Department of Transportation fueling site.  After many hours of surveillance two suspects were identified.

On May 21, 2012, 46-year-old Michael Anthony Lee, a 12-year veteran of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, assigned to Algin Sutton Recreation Center, and an accomplice, 47-year-old Shane Anthony Gansterer, a resident of Los Angeles, were arrested by Southeast Detectives.  Lee was booked for Embezzlement and is being held on $50,000 bail.  Gansterer was booked for Receiving Stolen Property and is being held on $20,000 bail.  Lee was reportedly on duty when the thefts occurred.  He is believed responsible for stealing more than 800 gallons of gasoline over a three month period of time.     

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Southeast Detective Division, Detective Michael Hansen 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 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 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.

Traffic Collision Results in Death of a Motorcycle Driver

Los Angeles: A traffic collision early Saturday morning claimed the life of William Lovvorn a 28-year-old resident of Simi Valley.

On May 19, 2012, around 12:15 a.m., William Lovvorn was driving a 2007 Suzuki Motorcycle north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard near Santa Susana Pass Road.  Lovvorn’s motorcycle collided with the rear of a 2001 Jeep Wrangler being driven by 47-year-old Steven Jones a resident of Chatsworth. Jones was also travelling north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel responded and pronounced Lovvorn dead at scene.

Jones remained at scene and did not complain of any injuries.

Valley Traffic Detectives are searching for additional witnesses to this collision and the events leading up to it.

Anyone with information is asked to call Valley Traffic Detectives at 818-644-8028. 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 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 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.