LAPD Blog

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is Investigating the Murder Randall Scott Kreeger

On Saturday November 23, 2013 around 11 a.m., 49-year-old Randall Scott Kreeger was last seen at his home in the 3300 block of James M. Wood.  On Sunday, November 24, 2013, around 3:25 p.m., friends of Kreeger reported him missing when he did not show up to a social event.  Concerned for his safety, his friends went to Kreeger’s home and noticed blood and some furniture out of place.

LAPD West Bureau Homicide detectives and patrol officers set up a crime scene.  The detectives’ investigation concluded that Kreeger was a victim of foul play.

Through the combined efforts of LAPD patrol officers and members of the joint LAPD-FBI Task Force, Kreeger’s car was located at Fountain Avenue and Vine Avenue.  The occupants in the car were also detained.  Search warrants were served and investigators worked around the clock, eventually locating Kreeger’s body inside of a trash dumpster in the 1800 block of Garfield Place.

19-year-old Merdan Haydarov, a resident of Hollywood, was arrested and booked for murder.   His bail was set at $1,000,000.00.  The case will be presented to the District Attorney's Office on Wednesday.  The motive for this murder was apparently Robbery.

Kreeger was described as a White male with brown hair and grey eyes.  He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 165 pounds.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact LAPD’s West Bureau Homicide at (213) 382-9470.  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.

 

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Missing Elderly Woman Last Seen Being Wheeled in a Wheelchair From Convalescent Home

UPDATE
11-25-13

Flora Johnson’s residence is located in the 3600 block of Norton Avenue in the Leimert Park area.
 

Los Angeles: The family of Flora Johnson and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help in locating her.

On November 24, 2013, Johnson was last seen being wheeled in a wheelchair from her convalescent home by two women who were relatives of Johnson.  One of the women has been identified by family as Judy McGee, a niece of Johnson and the other woman identified as possibly McGee’s daughter.  The women did not have authorization to remove Johnson from the facility. 

Flora Johnson suffers from multiple medical conditions that require medication.

Johnson is described as a 95-year-old African American female with red hair and brown eyes.  She is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 145 pounds. 

Anyone with information on Flora Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Missing Persons Unit, Detectives Baca or Detective Merrill 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

 

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Suspect Arrested While Burglarizing Paraplegic’s Home

Los Angeles:  LAPD West Valley Officers arrest Hot Prowl Burglar.

On Saturday, November 23, 2013, 9-1-1 operators received a call from a paraplegic indicating a man had entered his home.  The victim was in his medical bed and without assistance, unable to get out of the bed into his wheel chair. He did have his cell phone and managed to call police while the suspect was in another room.

Officers responded immediately and captured the suspect as he exited the residence.  The suspect had taken cash and medication for both the victim and his dog.  The victim was not harmed.  The suspect, 19-year-old Alexander Generalao, was taken to Van Nuys Jail and booked for residential burglary.

At the request of the victim, the location and victim’s identity will not be released.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call LAPD West Valley detectives at (818)374-7730. 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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

 

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Officer Involved Shooting in Foothill

Los Angeles:  On Monday, November 11, 2013, around 2:25 p.m., Foothill Patrol Division Police Officers were assigned to a surveillance detail as a uniformed chase unit in a marked black and white police vehicle.  The surveillance detail was established after information was obtained that two gang members, who were involved in two prior incidents of assault with a deadly weapon using a handgun, were seen entering a residence in the 12900 block of Eustace Street.          

Three male Hispanics later identified as Pedro Ortega, Jonathan Jimenez and Josue. Toscano, exited the residence and entered a vehicle.  Officers were advised and responded as the chase unit to initiate contact with the suspects’ vehicle.  As they proceeded southbound on Borden Avenue, the suspects’ vehicle came to an abrupt stop with all three occupants exiting and fleeing on foot.  As one of the officers’ went to apprehend Jimenez, pulling him off a chain-linked fence, another officer observed Ortega and Toscano exit the front and rear passenger side doors, respectively.  That officer saw that Ortega was in possession of a handgun and gave chase to Ortega and Toscano.  The officer pushed Toscano to the ground and then observed Ortega turn toward him with the handgun in his hand.  The officer perceived the deadly threat and an officer involved shooting occurred.  Ortega was struck in the right lower arm.     

Ortega was taken into custody without further incident.  The Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and transported Ortega to a local hospital where he was treated for a single gunshot wound to his right forearm and was admitted.  Jimenez and Toscano were taken into custody with no further incident.  There were no officers injured during the incident.     

Force Investigation Division responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting and the criminal investigations involving the prior “ADW” incidents and crimes against the officers.

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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts. 

 

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Notes from the November 19, 2013 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commission President Steve Soboroff said the new Board members where running into once in a decade experiences seemingly once a week which has contributed to their learning curve.  He said he attended training at Camp Pendleton in which 100 Department police officers also attended.  President Soboroff then reminded all officers of the importance of buckling up and driving safely.  Finally President Soboroff offered an update on the On-Body Camera pilot program.  He said the Department has taken delivery of the selected cameras and interim guidelines are being developed.  The current Special Order which governs the storage of the video for the In-Car system will also govern the On-Body video storage.  Department personnel will meet with stakeholders to develop the formal guidelines for use and the final draft will be presented to the Board at a later date.  The Department is also looking to create a system where they can obtain public input on the development of the On-Body camera use policy.

• Police Commission Vice President Paula Madison said she was able to spend some good quality time at Valley Bureau and was impressed with the knowledge of the community in the area.  She said she is also looking forward to the domestic violence initiative presentation out of Van Nuys.

• Police Commissioner Sandra Figueroa-Villa thanked the Board and Chief Beck for their kind words of support during a recent death in her family.  She also commended detectives at Northeast Community Police Station for their quick work in apprehending the murder suspect of a 19 year old who attended Eagle Rock High School.  Commissioner Figueroa-Villa concluded her comments by saying she went on a ride-along in the Hollenbeck Area. 

• Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger said the Cadet program is a labor of love for the Department.  He said the next Cadet academy class will begin on January 25th and involve more than 600 new recruits.  Chief Paysinger also thanked Commander Matt Blake for his work in putting together the Community Police Advisory Board Summit which included 800 participants making it the largest one to date.

• The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crimes strategies, and other programs and goals within the Devonshire Area was given by Captain Kris Pitcher and Mr. Larry Stern.  Mr. Stern informed the Board a major issue in the area was crime taking place in vacant, foreclosed properties.  He said the Devonshire CPAB developed a system where they could monitor the vacant property which resulted in a 15% drop in property crime in the area.  Mr. Stern also said Valley Bureau created a co-chair C-PAB where they could meet to discuss common issues.

• The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the Valley Cares Family Justice Center was given by Deputy Chief Jorge Villegas.  Chief Villegas said the program began with a grant that was awarded to the Department in 2010. It was set up as a 3 year pilot program and is in collaboration with the Valley Family Justice Center and Cal State University, Northridge.  The program allows victims of sexual or domestic violence to have access to multiple resources in a “one-stop-shop” facility which is inconspicuous. The goal of the program is to lead the victim to self-sufficiency.  The program is looking to expand to include North Hollywood in the near future and has obtained a grant from the City Council for construction of a new facility.

• The Department’s report, dated November 8, 2013, relative to the professional services agreement with Oak Tree Gun Club for rifle firing range services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

• The Department’s report, dated November 8, 2013, relative to the request for approval of selected proposer, Starlims Corporation, to provide an evidence and property information management system, was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated November 1, 2013, relative to the request for payment of reward offer on City Council file no. 09-0010-S37, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated November 8, 2013, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section quarterly report, third 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 November 15, 2013, relative to the Vehicle Pursuit Audit (IAID No. 13-028), was approved.  Commander Matt Blake informed the Board the Department tested 14 objectives and received a 90% compliance rate.  He said training was offered to those who were not up to par.

• The Department’s report, dated October 31, 2013, relative to the Blake-Justice Consent Decree - fiscal year 2012-13 annual report, was continued until next week.  Police Commission Vice President Paula Madison requested the Inspector General to conduct an analysis of the report and present any recommendations he might have to the Board.

• The Department’s report, dated November 14, 2013, relative to contract no. 13112360 to present the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation (ICI) courses – July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor. 

Black Friday Tips

Motorcyclist Killed in Traffic Collision in Los Feliz Area

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Traffic detectives are investigating a traffic collision in the Los Feliz area that left a motorcyclist dead. On Sunday, November 17, 2013, around 8:50 a.m., a motorcycle versus car collision occurred in the 4600 block of Los Feliz Boulevard in Northeast Area. The detectives’ investigation revealed that a man, riding a 2009 Kawasaki ZX6R motorcycle, was traveling westbound in the number one lane of Los Feliz Boulevard when the driver of a 2012 BMW 328i drove out of her driveway directly in front of the path of the motorcyclist.  The impact of the collision caused the motorist to be launched from his motorcycle.  The victim suffered severe head and body injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics. He was later pronounced dead. The driver of the BMW was also transported to a nearby hospital by LAFD paramedics.  She suffered numerous lacerations and complained of pain to her left shoulder. Drugs or alcohol were not involved.  The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of the next of kin.  The investigation is being conducted by Central Traffic Detectives and is on-going. Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 972-1825 or Detective Felix Padilla at (213) 972-1851 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 (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.

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Mayor Garcetti Announces Teddy Bear Drive To Provide Comfort To Children Who Experience Tragedy & Loss

Mayor’s Crisis Response Team and the Los Angeles Police Department Launch Drive to Collect Donations of New Stuffed Animals. Donation Boxes will be at all Mayor’s Office Locations and LAPD stations.

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Police Department today launched a Teddy Bear Drive to collect new stuffed animals that will be given to children at emergency scenes. The drive is being led by the Mayor’s Crisis Response Team, the LAPD, and CRT’s volunteer members. Officers will provide stuffed animals when comforting children who have experienced loss or witnessed a traumatic event.

“When children experience a tragedy, they can feel as if everything has been taken away from them,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The simple act of giving a child a teddy bear allows them something to hold onto during a turbulent time. During this holiday season, I ask Angelenos to consider donating a new stuffed animal to help comfort a child.”

While it is called a Teddy Bear Drive, all new stuffed animals are welcome and appreciated. The Teddy Bear Drive begins today and will continue through the end of the year. Brightly colored collection boxes will be displayed at all LAPD stations as well as the Mayor’s Help Desk at City Hall and his two field offices in Van Nuys and South L.A. Please visit lamayor.org/teddybear for locations. Donations may also be mailed to: Teddy Bear Drive, c/o Mayor’s Crisis Response Team, 200 N. Spring Street, Room 303, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

The Mayor’s Crisis Response Team is composed of more than 200 community civilian volunteers who respond to traumatic incidents at the request of the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments. CRT volunteers provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention, attend to survival and comfort needs, act as a liaison between victims and emergency personnel, and provide referrals to victims and their families affected by a death, a serious injury, a violent crime, or other traumatic incidents. These include homicides, suicides, serious traffic accidents, natural deaths, and multi-casualty incidents. Last week, 40 new volunteers graduated from the seven week, forty-two hour training program at a ceremony attended by Mayor Garcetti, Chief Beck, and representatives of the Fire Department

Woman Disappears after Leaving Nightclub

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department missing persons detectives are requesting public assistance to locate a woman who hasn’t been seen or heard from since she left an Inglewood nightclub.

About 1 a.m. on Nov. 6, 2013, Los Angeles resident Iya Sloan stepped outside of a nightclub in the 200 block of South La Brea Avenue after spending time with friends inside. Since that time, it seems she has vanished, and her family is very concerned. Sloan, who is also the mother of 5-year-old twins, has never been missing before and hasn’t been in contact with her children.

Sloan is described as a 30-year-old Black female with brown hair and eyes. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.  She was last seen wearing blue pants with a gray shirt and gray, open-toed shoes.  

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sloan should contact LAPD 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 (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.

 

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88-Year-Old Missing Elderly Man

Los Angeles:  The family of Jose Aguilar and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit are requesting the public’s assistance to locate Mr. Aguilar.

On November 3, 2013, around 10 a.m., Mr. Aguilar was last seen at his residence in the 4300 block of Lockwood Avenue in Rampart area. He has not been seen or heard from since.  The facility where he resides is extremely concerned for his welfare.

Jose Aguilar described as an 88-year-old male Hispanic, with gray hair, blue eyes, stands 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighs around 130 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a purple jacket with green sleeves, khaki pants and black shoes.  

Jose Aguilar

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jose Aguilar, please contact Missing Persons 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 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.

 

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