LAPD Blog

LAPD Bomb Squad Officer Rescues Man from Burning Car on Christmas Day

Los Angeles:   A member of the LAPD Bomb Squad rescued a man on Christmas Day from a burning vehicle following a fiery crash on the San Diego Freeway near the 101 Freeway.

On December 25, 2013, just before 2:00 pm, Officer ­­­­­­­­­­Don Thompson, a 26-year veteran with the Los Angeles Police Department, was heading to work on the southbound 405 Freeway just south of the 101 Freeway when he saw a vehicle on the northbound side crash into the center divider.  The collision was so violent that the vehicle immediately began to catch fire.  Officer Thompson stopped his bomb squad truck and immediately jumped over the center divider, and ran to the burning vehicle to render aid.  The driver of the vehicle was unconscious and still trapped behind the wheel as the flames began to engulf the front seat compartment.  The car’s interior continued to fill with smoke and flames as Officer Thompson worked feverishly to cut the elderly man free from his seatbelt.   

Officer Thompson was able to cut the driver free and pull him out and away from the burning station wagon.  Two citizens also stopped and assisted Officer Thompson in pulling the victim further from the fiery crash and to a safer location along the freeway.  Within moments, the entire vehicle was fully engulfed in flames as Officer Thompson and citizens remained with the elderly driver.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel from Fire Station #83 responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the flames within a few moments of their arrival.  “The vehicle was fully engulfed when we arrived on scene,” said LAFD Captain Cameron Cress.  “If the LAPD officer had not taken the quick action to rescue that man, this would have been a fatality.  The Bomb Squad Officer definitely saved his life,” Cress concluded.

The driver of the vehicle described as an adult male in his mid to late 60s, was transported to a local hospital for moderate injuries.  Officer Thompson sustained serious injuries including first and second degree burns to his hands and leg along with smoke inhalation and abrasions.  Officer Thompson was treated by LAFD personnel at scene and later received additional treatment for his injuries at an urgent care facility.

For additional information about this incident, please contact the LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

 

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99-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles: The Family and Caretaker of Aubrey Finn and the Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Division are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Mr. Finn.

On December 27, 2013, around 3:30 p.m., Mr. Finn was last seen in front of a Care Health Center located in the 4600 block of Fountain Avenue in the City of Los Angeles.  He has not been seen or heard from since his caretaker momentarily lost sight of him.  His caretaker and family are extremely concerned for his welfare due to Mr. Finn’s health condition.

Aubrey Finn is described as a 99-year-old male white with gray hair and green eyes.  He stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a long sleeve brown and white shirt, grey sweatshirt, tan pants, and white shoes.    

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Aubrey Finn please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit’s Detective at (213) 996-1800, or Hollywood Watch Commander at 323 464-1402.  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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Celebrating the New Year with Gunfire will Not be Tolerated in the City and County of Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  Every year, a significant number of people throughout the City and County of Los Angeles engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.  In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) have embarked upon an awareness campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that, while on the decline, has continued to be a deadly tradition in our County and in our City.

The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the County and City of Los Angeles.  California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms.  Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime.

Today, LAPD Commander Justin Eisenberg and LASD Sheriff Lee Baca held a news conference to publicize their concern about holiday-related celebratory gunfire.  To make a significant impact on this problem, thousands of “Don’t Shoot” flyers and posters have been printed and distributed to the community.  It is the hope of both agencies that with the partnership of the media and the distribution of “Don’t Shoot” flyers, the public will be informed regarding the dangers and dire consequences of this irresponsible act.

In addition to the Gunfire Reduction Campaign, a technological tool called the Shotspotter is assisting Deputies in the field with locating people who fire guns.  This piece of advanced technology is deployed in the Century and Compton Station areas and can pinpoint gunfire within a few feet of where the shots were fired.  “This is beneficial because it can tell the Deputies where the suspect is located and the data allows them to develop violence suppression strategies and tactical plans.  This has been an extremely successful crime fighting initiative and one of many tools that help decrease crime in the County.

On July 4, 1999, Brian Perez, a young, outgoing, 9 year-old boy was playing with family members in the front yard of his home.  Someone in the area discharged a firearm into the sky and the stray bullet struck Brian in the head, killing him.  Therefore, with the effectiveness of this Gunfire Reduction Campaign, there have been no known deaths by indiscriminate gunfire in the City of Los Angeles.”

The public is also reminded that toy replica guns that resemble real weapons are also a concern for law enforcement officers and that playing with replica guns is strongly discouraged.

Together, the proud men and women of LAPD and LASD ask the public to STOP the senseless act of firing weapons into the air and CELEBRATE SAFELY.  

In addition, should a shooting occur, members of the community are encouraged to call 9-1-1. To report information regarding a crime, please call 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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts, or typing in: http://lacrimestoppers.org.

For more information, please call LAPD Media Relations Section, at 213-486-5910, or the LASD’s Public Information Officer, Nicole Nishida, at 323-810-1973.

Convenience Store Clerk Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information in the shooting death of 38-year-old Gonzalo Perez. On Sunday, December 22, 2013 around 10:25 p.m., Northeast Patrol officers responded to an “Ambulance Shooting” call at a convenience store located in the 5100 block of North Figueroa Street, in the Highland Park Community of Los Angeles.  When the officers arrived, they found the victim lying on the floor with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and transported the victim to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.  Despite life-saving efforts, the victim died as a result of his injuries a short time later. The victim was working in the convenience store as suspects entered the location posing as customers.  The victim walked to the register to assist the suspects.  Suspect-1 jumped over the counter and produced a handgun demanding money from the cash register.  The victim walked away in an attempt to flee.  Suspect-1 then fired one round striking the victim.  The suspects fled the location. Suspect-1 and Suspect-2 are both described as male Blacks, between the ages of 25-30-years-old.  There was no vehicle seen. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Northeast Division Homicide Detectives Zesati and Aguilar at (323) 344-5744.  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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Brutal Stabbing of 35-year-old William Jennings

UPDATE  Last Friday, December 27, LAPD detectives arrested 44-year-old Los Angeles resident Michael Allen McGilvery, who turned himself in for the stabbing death of William Jennings.  McGilvery, who remains in custody, has been charged with one count of murder and one count of robbery.  His bail has been set at $1 million.  Apparently, after video surveillance footage related to the incident was televised, people associated with the arrestee persuaded him to surrender to authorities. Homicide detectives are most grateful to the public for their assistance with the investigation.    Los Angeles: On Friday, December 20, 2013, around 10:25 p.m., 35 year-old William Jennings was walking on the sidewalk in front of 3317 West Jefferson Boulevard.  Based on video surveillance from the area, it appears that Jennings was confronted by the suspect and a brief dispute occurred.  During the dispute the suspect produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed Mr. Jennings. The suspect then walked away from the area, as Jennings lay mortally wounded. Mr. Jennings was pronounced at the scene by Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics, as a result of his injuries.   William Jennings was a Los Angeles resident.  He is survived by his wife and eleven year old daughter. The motive is unknown.  The suspect and weapon are outstanding. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect depicted in the video.  He appears to be a Black male, 30-40 years old, 5feet 8 inches to possibly 6 feet and weighs about 180 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective Paul Funicello or Matt Courtney at (213) 485-4341. 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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Man Shot and Killed While Waiting to Meet with an Acquaintance

Los Angeles:  On Thursday December 19, 2013, Derrick Patton, a 32-year-old male Black resident of Los Angeles was waiting to meet with an acquaintance in the 6800 block of Hazeltine Avenue in the city of Van Nuys. While waiting for the individual, Patton returned to his car around 7:35 p.m., and as he was sitting down in the driver’s seat, an unknown number of suspects traveling in a four-door sedan slowly drove along-side Patton’s car and opened fire, striking him multiple times in the torso.  The suspects then drove away northbound on Hazeltine Avenue, and Patton was later transported to a local hospital where he died. Van Nuys Division homicide detectives are conducting the investigation and asking for the public’s help to provide information that might lead to the identity and arrest of the suspects wanted for Patton’s murder. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the Van Nuys detective desk at (818) 374-0040.  After hours, please contact Van Nuys Division at (818) 374-1999 or 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.”

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Pursuit Ends in Officer Involved Shooting

Los Angeles:  On Friday, December 13, 2013, around 10:00 p.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department requested LAPD to take over a pursuit of a silver Chevrolet Corvette that Sheriff's deputies were pursuing for reckless driving.

Officers from Newton Division observed the vehicle along with the LAPD Air Unit, and LAPD assumed the pursuit as requested by LASD.

The pursuit terminated at the intersection of Los Angeles Street and Olympic Blvd when the suspect’s vehicle ran a red light and collided with an uninvolved vehicle with two occupants.

At that point the suspect’s vehicle came to rest at the southwest corner of the intersection and the suspect exited the vehicle and an officer involved shooting occurred.

The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.  The two occupants of the vehicle struck by the suspect’s vehicle were also transported.  One occupant sustained a shattered vertebra in her neck and a collapsed lung.  The second occupant complained of injuries to the face and body.  There were no officers injured during the incident.  No weapon was recovered.

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.  

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck responds to preliminary report on the December 13, 2013 Officer Involved Shooting

Los Angeles:  Today, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck received a preliminary report on the on Friday, December 13, 2013, Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) near the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Los Angeles Street.  

“After hearing the preliminary briefing, I am very concerned about the circumstances that led up to and resulted in this Officer Involved Shooting,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  “Because of those concerns I have directed that the three involved officers be assigned home pending the final results of the investigation. Determinations regarding training or possible disciplining of the involved officers will be made at that time.”

On December 13, 2013 at approximately 10:15 p.m., Newton Patrol Division uniformed officers were involved in a vehicle pursuit of a Chevrolet Corvette for reckless driving.  The vehicle pursuit terminated when the Corvette struck a vehicle in the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Los Angeles Street.  When the suspect exited his vehicle, an officer-involved shooting (OIS) occurred.  No weapon was recovered.        
 
Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported the suspect to California Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  There were two occupants of the vehicle struck by the suspect’s vehicle, one of which sustained serious injury.  There were no officers injured during the incident.

Force Investigation Division (FID) detectives are investigating the OIS.  Multi-disciplinary Collision Investigation Team (MCIT) detectives are investigating the traffic collision.   

The investigations will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police. In addition, an independent review will be conducted by 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. 

Newtown, Connecticut Police Department Needs the Public’s Help to Locate a Man who has been Missing Since July 2013

Newtown, Connecticut:  The family of Robert Hoagland and the Newtown, Connecticut Police Department requests the public’s help to locate him.

Mr. Hoagland was last seen at 6:45 a.m., on Sunday July 28, 2013, at a gas station located at
11 Church Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut.  His family is extremely concerned for his well-being as he has not been seen or heard from for more than four months.  Mr. Hoagland has been known to have connections in the following areas within California: Hollywood, Diamond Bar, Norco, Glendora and Vallecito.

Mr. Hoagland is 50-years-old and described as a Caucasian male with brown hair and blue eyes.  He also has a distinguishable scar over his left eyebrow.   He stands 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a white shirt and khaki shorts.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Robert Hoagland, please contact Detective Jason L. Frank, Newtown Department of Police Services at 203-270-4229, 203-426-5841, or contact your local law enforcement agency.


Additional information can be found at:
Facebook/helpusfindhoagie

Valet Permits In Los Angeles Mandatory on February 1, 2014

Los Angeles:  Beginning on February 1, 2014, Los Angeles Police Commission Investigators will enforce the new valet ordinance.  It is imperative that all valet companies that operate within the City of Los Angeles obtain all necessary Police Commission Permits.  Unpermitted businesses may be subject to the following: citation, arrest, or criminal charges filed with the City Attorney and civil sanctions of up to $2,500 per violation per day.

View permit here...

On November 14, 2013 the Los Angeles City Council enacted a new valet ordinance, Sections 103.203 (b) and 103.203.1 (b) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.  Over the past two months Police Commission staff conducted several community outreach meetings to advise business owners of the new ordinance.  Additionally, Police Commission Permit Processing Section conducted permit application classes for dozens of valet companies.

Business owners interested in applying for a valet permit may contact the Police Commission Permit Processing Section at (213) 996-1210.  Members of the public can report violations or complaints pertaining to valet companies by calling the valet hotline at (323) 929-2568.