LAPD Blog

18-Year-Old Missing Woman

UPDATE
July 31, 2013
Missing person Caroline Karimi has been located. She is in good condition and has made contact with her family.

UPDATE
July 31, 2013

The twins pictured in the attached photo are Vivian and Valerie Lopez who are not reported as missing, but may know the whereabouts of the missing person Karimi.  The vehicle Karimi was last seen driving was a 2007 metallic-green Toyota Prius; not a 1997 model as previously reported.
                                                             

Los Angeles: The family of Caroline Karimi and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit requests the public’s assistance in locating Karimi.

Caroline Karimi was last seen by her family around 7 a.m. this morning, at her residence in the 2900 block of Queensbury Street in the West Los Angeles area.  Karimi is currently a volunteer at San Gabriel Valley Medical Center and did not show up for work today, which is highly unusual.  Karimi has not been seen or heard from since, and has never gone missing before. Her family is extremely concerned for her safety.  Karimi’s family told detectives that she is scheduled to board an American Airlines flight tomorrow at 7:20am from LAX enroute to Boston, Massachusetts, for a family gathering.

Karimi is described as an 18-year-old White female with brown hair and green eyes.  She stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 135 pounds.   She has a thin build and fair complexion.  Karimi was last seen wearing a dark-blue hospital shirt, white pants and orange and blue shoes.

Karimi was driving a 1997 green Toyota Prius with California license plate # 5YVV475.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Caroline Karimi, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Alma Mercado 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 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 "web tips" and follow the prompts.

 

Notes from the July 30, 2013 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commissioner Rafael Bernardino said he attended the Recognition Awards ceremony held at the Deaton Auditorium last week.  He said the 37 Life Saving Awards given out represented 37 families that had their loved ones around to enjoy which made the award even more remarkable.  Commissioner Bernardino also attended the Asian Pacific Islander Forum at the Chamber of Commerce.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board the Department is having a good year so far relative to crime rates.  He added there are currently 9,992 sworn police officers on payroll and 2,834 civilian employees.

• The Department’s report, dated July 26, 2013, relative to the mediation of biased policing & discourtesy complaints, as given by Commander Rick Webb, was approved.  Commander Webb informed the Board once the allegation was changed from racial profiling to bias policing it became apparent mediation would be a key component and the concept was introduced.  Over time details were worked out and the Department developed a pilot program.  Select bias policing complaints which do not involve use of force, criminal misconduct or injuries to any involved parties would qualify for mediation.  Mediation is done by third party mediators from the City Attorney’s office who are not city employees.  The program is a pilot program and will run for 36 months. 

• The Department’s report, dated July 23, 2013, relative to the grant application and award for the 2013 off-highway motor vehicle grant, was approved and transmitted concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated July 23, 2013, relative to the destruction of obsolete duplicate records for South Traffic Division, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk.

• The Department’s report, dated July 23, 2013, relative to the destruction of obsolete original records for Southwest Area, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

• The Department’s report, dated July 23, 2013, relative to the destruction of obsolete original records for Operations-Central Bureau, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

A Suspect Stabbed and Killed a Young Man

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Area Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who killed 20-year-old Brian Barajas.

On July 27, 2013, around 11:25 p.m., Barajas attended a party in the 300 block of E. Q Street in the city of Wilmington, where a fight broke out in the back yard of the location. Barajas was not involved in the fight.  As Barajas and his friends were leaving the party due to the fight an unknown suspect approached and stabbed him in the torso.

The victim was transported to a local hospital by private citizens where he later died from his injuries.   

The motive for the stabbing was due to an apparent argument between the victim’s friends and the suspect.  There is no suspect description.  The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Harbor Area Homicide, Detective M. Maffei or Officer B. Oliva at 310-726-7882 or 310-726-7881.  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 (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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”

21-Year-Old Missing Man

UPDATE:
JULY 25, 2013

Earlier today, Jamie Jameson was located by local Police in Idaho, and reunited with his family.

 

Los Angeles: The family of Frank “Jaime” Jameson and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit requests the public’s assistance in locating Jameson.

Frank “Jaime” Jameson was last seen on June 26, 2013 in the 3700 block of South Figueroa Street, near the campus of USC, in the City of Los Angeles.  Jameson was last heard from via text message on July 19, 2013. Jameson is a student at USC, and has never gone missing before. He has not been seen or heard from since. His family is extremely concerned for his welfare because of this unusual behavior.

Jameson is described as a 21-year-old White male with brown hair and green eyes.  He stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds.  

Jameson is possibly driving a 2003 dark-green, Chevy Trail Blazer with Idaho license plate # 5B71729.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Frank “Jaime” Jameson, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Merrill 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 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 "web tips" and follow the prompts.

Notes from the July 23, 2013 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commission President Andrea Ordin commended Police Chief Charlie Beck and the men and women of the Department for their response to the recent demonstrations and protests over the George Zimmerman trial verdict. 

• Police Chief Charlie Beck thanked President Ordin for the commendation and said he was very proud of the way the rank and file performed.

• The verbal presentation and update from the commanding officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Wilshire area was continued.

• The Department’s verbal report and discussion, relative to firearms seized from prohibited carriers was given by Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese.  Chief Albanese informed the Board there is a state-wide system which tracks those individuals who are not permitted to possess firearms.  The two most common reasons these individuals are on the list is because of a crime conviction or mental illness. Chief Albanese stated there were 2,650 individuals on the list with 307 of those due to mental illness.  The Gun Unit focused their efforts on the mentally ill and was able to seize 76 firearms.  Chief Albanese completed his report by saying this is an on-going effort by the Gun Unit.

• The Department’s report, dated July 19, 2013, relative to the response to the Office of the Inspector General’s Employment Litigation Audit recommendations, as given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was received and filed.  Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman requested the Department produce documentation on training subsequent to the report. 

• The Department’s report, dated July 12, 2013, relative to the search warrant applications and supporting affidavits audit, fourth quarter, fiscal year 2012/13 (IAID No. 13-032), was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated July 19, 2013, relative to non-categorical use of force investigations audit (IAID No. 12-095), was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated July 19, 2013, relative to the supplemental police account first quarterly report (January through March 2013), was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated July 19, 2013, relative to the inmate welfare fund 2012 annual expenditure report, was approved and transmitted to the City Council. 

• The Department’s report, dated July 17, 2013, relative to the motorcycle training contract – agreement no. 12112109, was approved and transmitted to the City Attorney and Chief of Police.

• The Department’s report, dated July 19, 2013, relative to the request for reward – City Council file no. 09-0010-S42, was approved and transmitted to City Council.  

90-Year-Old Man on a Bike is Killed by a Hit-and-Run Driver

Los Angeles: West Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating the driver responsible for a hit-and-run incident that killed a pedestrian as he crossed the street on a bike.  

On April 27, 2013, about 5:10 a.m., 90-year old Korean male identified as Joo Yoon, a resident of Los Angeles, was crossing in an marked crosswalk on Virgil and 6th Street when he was fatally struck by a newer model Nissan GT-R (Gun Metal or dark grey), with 3” white racing strip from front fender to tail light section, or on both sides.  The vehicle will have damage to the front bumper area and hood.  A second vehicle of interest is a newer model possibly an Audi (Black or dark in color). 

Suspect is described as a male Asian, about 25-Years-Old, black hair, brown eyes.  His is about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 180-190 pounds. The driver of the car did not remain at scene to render aid or to identify himself. 

Yoon was taken to a local hospital where he died a short time later. 

**Video
footage of the suspects is available at www.lapdtv.org**

 

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call LAPD West Traffic Detectives Willmon at 213-473-0222.  During weekends and non-business hours, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD247 (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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

To the men and women of this fine Department

I want to thank you all for an impressive display of dedication, hard work and flexibility over the past week as a result of the demonstrations.  You have endured working extended hours and on posts and duties different from your regular assignments.  This has been a team effort, with our detectives and admin personnel suiting up and adjusting their work schedules. 

Thanks to you all. Please know you are appreciated and recognized. You have served this community in a more than exemplary manner in trying times this week and have demonstrated what we are made of.... 

Thank you all and be safe out there,

Charlie

Two Men Shot and Killed in Glassell Park area

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Northeast Area Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a murder suspect(s) that shot and killed two males, ages 32-year old and 18-year old.

On July 20, 2013, around 3:30 a.m., uniformed officers assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Northeast Area responded on a radio call to Eagle Rock Boulevard and Verdugo
Boulevard, in the Glassell Park Community.  When officers arrived, they found a Ford Explorer, which had collided with a parked boat on a trailer.  Officers also discovered two victims suffering from an apparent gunshot wound inside of the vehicle.  

Los Angeles City Fire Rescue responded to the location, and pronounced both victims dead at scene.

Further investigation revealed that the shooting occurred at Future Street and Cypress Avenue.
The victim’s vehicle has driven approximately half a mile before it came to rest.

Suspect-1 is described as a Hispanic male in his 20’s.  He stands about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 160 to 170 pounds.  There is no information on suspect -2, driver.  

The suspect(s) fled the immediate area in their vehicle which is a teal green colored mid-size vehicle.   

The motive for this homicide appears to be gang related.
 
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Northeast Area Homicide Detectives, Detectives Zesati or Aguilar at 323 344-5744 or 323 344-5701.

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.

Officer-Involved Shooting Occurs in the Pico Union Area

UPDATE
July 24, 2013

The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer III Fernando Flores and Police Officer II Alfredo Aguayo.

 

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Rampart police officers were monitoring a vigil for a gang member killed in a homicide in the 1800 block of West Pico Boulevard when an officer involved shooting occurred.

On Tuesday, July 16, 2013, shortly before 9:00 p.m., officers in plain clothes were seated in an unmarked plain car parked across from the vigil when they observed the suspect (later identified) as 37 year-old, Juan Diaz Chavez cross the street from the proximity of the vigil and walk eastbound on the north sidewalk toward them.  The suspect appeared to stare at the officers as he walked toward their vehicle causing the officers to focus their attention on him.  As Chavez began to pass their car, he reached into his waistband.  The officers believing Chavez was arming himself, exited their car, drew their duty weapons and identified themselves as police officers.  The suspect removed a blue steel revolver from his waistband at which time an officer involved shooting occurred.

Additionally, the officers reported immediately after the OIS, a muzzle flash and gunfire erupted from the area of the vigil location possibly directed toward them.  The officers broadcast a “Help” request and numerous department resources responded and secured the area.  

Los Angeles City paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced Chavez deceased at scene.  No officers were injured during the incident.

A blue steel .357 caliber Taurus revolver was recovered at the scene, and there were 6 empty casing within the revolver’s cylinder.  

Force Investigation Division responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of 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 Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. 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.

20 Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles: The family of Garrett Mackenzie Thomas and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit requests the public’s assistance in locating Garrett.

On July 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., Garrett was last seen in the Los Angeles Central Area. He left the location and has not been seen or heard from since. His family is extremely concerned for his welfare.  Anyone who has seen Garrett is urged to call Police immediately.

Thomas is described as a 20 year-old White male with brown hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds.

Anyone with information on Garrett’s whereabouts is asked to contact LAPD Missing Person’s Unit, Detective Saiza 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 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 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.

Missing Person's Family will handle all press contacts and provide photos if needed.