LAPD Blog

45-Year-Old Female Missing

Los Angeles: The family of Michelle Coutts and the Los Angeles Police Department are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Coutts. Coutts was last seen on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, around 8:15 a.m., at the 111 North Hill Street, where she checked in for jury duty.  She left the location for lunch and has not been seen or heard from since.  Coutts suffers from bipolar disease, and is in need of her medication.  Her family is very concerned for her safety. Coutts is described as a 45-year-old female White with brown hair and blue eyes.  She stands 5’06” inches tall and weighs about 320 pounds.  She was last seen carrying a burgundy handbag wearing a black/white dress with a black sweater. If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Coutts please 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.   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.

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Child Pornography Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles:  In response to a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Los Angeles Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) in partnership with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested 35-year-old Frank Hernandez, Jr., a resident of the San Fernando Valley.

On August 28, 2013, LAPD ICAC Unit along with HSI served a search warrant at Hernandez’ residence, where he was arrested.  Hernandez was arrested for violation of 311.1 (a) of the California Penal Code:  Distribution of Child Pornography.

Frank Hernandez, Jr. was booked at Van Nuys Jail and held in lieu of $20,000.00 bail.

Frank Hernandez is currently employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District as a Substitute Teacher’s Assistant for the past 6 years.

The public is reminded that any suspected inappropriate contact with a minor or knowledge of child pornography on the Internet, should be immediately reported to their local law enforcement agency or to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678, or missing kids.com, who will forward the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency on a nationwide basis.

If anyone has any questions regarding this crime, please contact Lieutenant Andrea Grossman at (562) 624-4027.  Anyone wishing to report a crime may remain anonymous by calling 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 August 27, 2013 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commission President Andrea Ordin said this would be the last meeting for herself and fellow Commissioners John Mack, Richard Drooyan and Rafael Bernardino.  President Ordin said it has been an extraordinary honor to serve with her fellow Commissioners and the Department.  She added she looks forward to sharing her many good stories of the LAPD.

• Police Commissioner Richard Drooyan said it has been an honor and pleasure to serve on the Board of Police Commissioners for three and a half years.  He was thankful for all the support he received over the years from the Commission staff, Chief Charlie Beck and the rank and file officers in the Department. 

• Police Commissioner Rafael Bernardino thanked the Police Commission staff, Inspector General Alexander Bustamante, and Chief Charlie Beck for their support over his short time as a Commissioner.  He then thanked his fellow Commissioners for their support and specifically thanked President Ordin whom he recalled gave him his first opportunity as a young lawyer many years ago.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck thanked the four departing Commissioners for their service.  He said they were great to work with, unique because of their background and diversity, and effective in their oversight of the Department.  Chief Beck said with their help and influence they have presided over the hiring of ten-thousand police officers, the release from the federal consent decree, 11 years of crime decline and improved credibility and community relations.

• The Executive Director’s report, dated August 23, 2013, relative to the awarding of the Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal to Police Commissioner John W. Mack, was approved.  Commission Vice President John Mack stated he was deeply honored as this award was voted on by his fellow Commissioners.  He stated he was proud of what they have been able to accomplish and said it has been a great journey of which he is extremely proud of.  Commissioner Mack completed his comments by saying it has been an honor, pleasure and privilege to serve. 

• The Executive Director’s report, dated August 20, 2013, relative to the write-up of uncollectible false alarm account receivable – July 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010, was approved and transmitted to the City’s Board of Review.

• The Inspector General’s report, dated August 21, 2013, relative to the review of the Department’s quarterly discipline report, third quarter, 2012, biased policing, was approved. Inspector General Alexander Bustamante informed the Board the review found no major issues and found investigations to be thorough and complete. 

• The Department’s report, dated August 23, 2013, relative to the quarterly discipline report, first quarter, 2013, was received.  The Board directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

• The Department’s report, dated August 16, 2013, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section quarterly report, second quarter, 2013, was received.  The Board directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

• The Department’s report, dated August 23, 2013, relative to the response to City Council request for information on future police facilities, was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.  Police Administrator Thom Brennan informed the Board all facilities to be built with the Proposition Q bond funds have been completed and the construction yielded $85 million in savings.  With that savings the Department will break ground on a replacement Northeast Community Police Station, erect a new training facility and upgrade the administration building at the Elysian Park Police Academy, renovate the old Rampart Station for Metropolitan Division use, and upgrade two additional facilities in south bureau. 

• The Department’s report, dated August 12, 2013, relative to the Second Amendment to contract no. C-119255 with Charles Esau, to provide equine farrier services for the Metropolitan Division Mounted Unit, was approved.

Adult Son of Babysitter Arrested for Child Molestation, Hidden Cameras

Los Angeles:  Following the filing of child molestation charges yesterday against 47-year-old Israel Sanchez, detectives released his booking picture in an effort to warn parents and identify other possible victims. Sanchez shares an apartment with his mother, who provides babysitting services to local residents.  Earlier this week, special agents from the Homeland Security Investigations, part of DHS and located in Northridge, served a search warrant on the apartment unit, located at 13900 block of Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar, and seized computers and cameras related to suspected child pornography.  The investigation was related to internet transmissions of child pornography, which is a federal crime. Detectives from LAPD’s Mission Police Station became involved when the federal agents discovered evidence of at least two children being molested directly by Sanchez. “We believe these children were clients of Sanchez’s mother, who babysat for families in the neighborhood,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “What’s more, we discovered Sanchez’s room was rigged with cameras to record the molestation for distribution over the internet.” Both victims’ families are cooperating with investigators, but detectives think there could be other victims.  Neither family had been aware their daughters had been touched.  The victim in the filed case is 18 months old.  The other victim is 10 years old, but that case has yet to be filed. Investigators have seized computers and cameras, which HIS/DHS will examine forensically.  “We’ll use their findings to identify victims, but in the meantime, if a family has used the babysitting services at the apartment or allowed their child contact with Sanchez, we’d like them to contact us.” Sanchez is an alien resident, and ICE has placed a hold on his immigration status.  He was charged with Annoying a Child under 14 years, and his bail was set at $100,000.  Sanchez has lived at the same apartment with his mother since 1995. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Marc Madero, Mission Sex Unit, at (818) 838-9969.  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. Det. Nicole Kittle will be available for media interviews starting after 7AM.  Media outlets can contact her at 818 838-9975.

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Driver Walks Away After Traffic Collision Leaving Two Dead and One injured

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Traffic Division is asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect and the two passengers involved in a hit and run traffic collision.  The victim was struck from behind by a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo.  The suspect and two of his passengers abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. On August 24, 2013, around 1:45 a.m., 47-year-old, Armando Aceves of Covina was traveling westbound on Gage Avenue just west of Central Avenue in a 2004 Honda Accord when he was struck from behind by a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo. Inside the suspect’s vehicle were four passengers, two which fled the scene with the suspect.  The other two, 20-year-old, Luigi Velasquez, and 20-year-old, Amado Marcial both from Los Angeles, suffered severe injuries and were transported to a local hospital by paramedics.  Aceves, the driver of the Honda Civic was pronounced dead at the scene by LAFD paramedics while Velasquez and Marcial were transported to a local hospital.  Velasquez is currently on life support and Marcial remains in stable condition. The suspect is believed to be a 20-year-old male Hispanic, standing 5’10” tall and weighing around 150 pounds. The cause of the collision appears to be alcohol related.  Evidence at the scene revealed that the suspect vehicle was traveling between 90-95 mph upon impact. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division, Detective Felix Padilla or Officer Roberto Cortez at (213) 972-1825 or Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 972-1853. 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.

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Notes from the August 20, 2013 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Assistant Chief Michel Moore reported there is a 11% decrease in violent crime, with a 5.4% total crime reduction.  There are 9,968 sworn with 2,814 civilians, with 333 civilian vacancies.

The executive director’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the approval of a Firearms/Ammunition Sales Police permit for Chih Hao Ho, as set forth [BPC #13 -0281] was approved.

The executive director’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the approval of a Firearms/Ammunition Sales Police permit for Harold David Ovando, as set forth [BPC #13 - 0282] was approved.

A verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer Captain Stephen M. Carmona and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) co-chair representative Josh Rubenstein was given regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the North Hollywood Area.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, in response to request from City
Council Public Safety Committee re analysis of Assembly Bill 109 (Realignment) costs, presented by Captain Ann Clark, Gang and Narcotics Division, as set forth [BPC #13 -0277] was approved and will be transmitted to Public Safety Committee. 

The Department’s report, dated August 8, 2013, in response to Motion (LaBonge) re adoption of an ordinance regulating “Party Houses,” presented by Captain Mulldorfer and Detective Eric Moore, Detective Support and Vice Division, as set forth [BPC #13 -0278] was approved and will be transmitted to Public Safety Committee.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the Destruction of Obsolete Original Records for Van Nuys Area, as set forth [BPC #13 - 0279] was approved and will be transmitted to the City Clerk.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the Destruction of Obsolete Duplicate Records for Hollywood Area, as set forth. [BPC #13 - 0280] was approved and will be transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the Destruction of Obsolete Original Records for Gang and Narcotics Division, as set forth. [BPC #13 - 0283] was approved and will be transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

85-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles: A friend of Charles Fredrick Randall and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating Randall.

Randall was last seen on August 13, 2013, around noon, at his home in the 600 block of Wall Street in Los Angeles.  He has not been seen or heard from since his friend went to provide him lunch.  His friend is extremely concerned for his welfare due to Randall’s health condition.

Randall is described as an 85-year-old male white with gray hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, khaki pants and black shoes.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Randall please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit’s  Detective Saiza 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.

Suspect Sought in Animal Cruelty Incident

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Animal Cruelty Task Force, Detective Support and Vice Division are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who was seen pulling a critically injured dog from the bed of his truck. On July 4, 2013, a witness observed a male suspect in the alley between Kittridge Street and Hamlin Street, one block east of Laurel Canyon Road pulling an injured dog from his collar while the dog was attached to the bed of his truck. The suspect left the dog for dead.  The suspect was confronted by a witness and the suspect fled the area. The truck is described as a possible late 80’s white Toyota Pick-up, with dark stripes on the side of the vehicle, a toolbox in the bed of the truck, large off-road tires, a sunroof, and small extra cab windows. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact LAPD Animal Cruelty Task Force, Detective Support and Vice Division at (213) 486-0450. 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.

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Hit and Run Suspect Arrested and a Toddler Seriously Injured

Los Angeles:  Officers arrest an unlicensed driver for a hit and run involving a 3-year-old toddler.   On Friday, August 17, 2013, around 6:10 p.m., a felony hit and run collision occurred at 42nd Place and Wadsworth Avenue.  The victim in this collision is a 3-year-old male child. The suspect fled the scene without stopping or rendering aid.  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted with severe injuries. A license number for the hit and run vehicle was obtained and Central Traffic Detectives conducted subsequent follow up investigations with the assistance of Central Traffic Collision Investigation Officers.  The suspect was located and identified as 50-year-old Froebel Sanchez of Los Angeles.  Sanchez was an unlicensed driver.   Sanchez was booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center for felony hit and run with injuries. The case will be submitted to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Officer for consideration by Central Traffic Division Detectives, next week. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call LAPD Central Traffic Division Detective Meneses at (213) 972-1825. During non-business hours or on 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 keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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Hit and Run in Sherman Oaks

Update The Suspect’s vehicle is described as a 2010-2013, gray 4-Door SUV Hyundai, Tucson. Los Angeles: LAPD Valley Traffic detectives’ are asking for the public’s help in providing any information about a hit and run in Sherman Oaks. On August 18, 2013, around 1:45 a.m., a car described as a silver newer model Hyundai Sedan was traveling westbound on Ventura Boulevard west of Kester Avenue.  The Hyundai collided with the driver’s opened door of a parked Ford Focus with two pedestrians standing by the driver’s door.  One of the pedestrians is a parking valet who was opening the door for the owner of the Ford Focus when the impact occurred. The Hyundai continued and collided with the left rear of an unattended parked vehicle located directly in front of the Ford Focus. The driver of the Hyundai failed to stop to render aid and sped away westbound on Ventura Boulevard. The owner of the Ford Focus, a 22-year-old resident of Van Nuys, sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.  The parking valet did not sustain any injuries.  The hit and run driver remains outstanding. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Martinez at (818) 644-8032 or Officer Fredo at (818) 644-8037. During non-business hours or on 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 keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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