LAPD Blog

Los Angeles Man Shot to Death

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Criminal Gang and Homicide Division is asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved in a homicide that occurred yesterday evening.

On May 27, 2014, around 6:00 p.m., 48-year-old Sidney McGee, was standing in the 7500 block of South Central Avenue, when an unknown male suspect walked towards McGee and began to shoot at him.   McGee attempted to hide between some parked vehicles in the street, but he was struck by the gunfire.  

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported McGee to a local hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.  

The suspect was described as a male, unknown race, wearing all black clothing. The suspect and weapon are outstanding. At this moment the motive is unknown.  

If you have any information please contact Criminal Gang and Homicide Division Detective Refugio Garza or Dominick Iasparro at 213-0485-1383 . 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.

Dead Man Found in Burning Lexus

Sylmar:  Fire fighters, responding to a car fire in Sylmar, discovered the body of man sitting in the front passenger seat.  Detectives are investigating the incident as a homicide and are asking the public’s help with information about the incident.

A blue 1993 Lexus was parked in a secluded dead-end section of Harding Street, near Foothill Boulevard, just beneath a pedestrian bridge, crossing the 210 Freeway.  The fire was reported to 9-1-1 at about 7:30 p.m., on May 24, 2014.  Fire fighters responded quickly and discovered the body while extinguishing the flames.

“It appeared the man had bled a great deal, and we think he may have been shot prior to the fire starting,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “It appears someone wanted to torch the car to destroy evidence.”

Detectives will rely on the coroner to determine the cause of death, and if the man was shot or injured in some other way.  The victim was a large Hispanic man in his mid to late 20s.

Detectives and Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigators combed over the car, looking for clues.  Canvasing officers found witnesses who reported seeing a person running across the pedestrian bridge just after the fire started.

Anyone with information is urged to call Det. Ryan Verna, Mission Homicide Unit, at 818-838-9976.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

7-Year-Old Los Angeles Child Missing

May 26, 2014
UPDATE

Eduardo Abel Lopez was located on May 24, 2014


Los Angeles:  The family of Eduardo Abel Lopez and the Los Angeles Police Department Southeast Division request the public’s assistance in locating Lopez, a reported missing person.

On May 23, 2014, around 2:35 p.m., Lopez left a temporary foster care facility he was recently placed at.  The facility is located in the 1300 block of East 103rd Street, in the City of Los Angeles. He was last seen in the daycare room of the facility.  

It is believed Lopez left the location on his own while trying to re-locate with his biological mother.  

Eduardo Abel Lopez is described as a male Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes, stands 3 feet 3 inches tall, and weighs approximately 65 pounds.

Lopez was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with the image of a wolf in the front, blue jeans torn at the knees, tennis shoes and was carrying a Los Angeles Dodgers backpack.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Eduardo Able Lopez, please contact Southeast Division Juvenile Detectives at 213-972-7853.  During non- business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to the LAPD’s Southeast Division at (213) 972-7828 or by calling 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 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.

75-Year-Old Missing Female

May 27, 2014
UPDATE

Hester Jones was located on May 27, 2014 and is okay

 

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

On May 22, 2014, around 2:00 p.m., Mrs. Jones walked away from her residence in the 400 block of East Imperial, in the City of Los Angeles.  Mrs. Jones has not been seen or heard from since.  She suffers from dementia family is extremely concerned for her welfare.  

Hester Jones is described as a 75-year-old female African American with short gray hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 1 inch tall, and weighs around 90-100 pounds. 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Hester Jones is urged to contact LAPD’s 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 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.

85-Year-Old Woman Missing in the San Fernando Valley

May 29, 2014
UPDATE

Mariya Gershenson was located  in good condition.  She has been reunited with her family.

 

Reseda:  The family of Mariya Gershenson and the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Division are asking for the public’s help to locate Ms. Gershenson.

Mariya Gershenson, an 85-year-old woman who only speaks, and understand Russian, was last seen in the 17000 block of Sherman Way in the city of Reseda.  She stands 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 140 pounds and has a thin build.  She has grey hair, blue eyes and is described as having a fair complexion.  She was last seen wearing a grey hooded shirt or sweatshirt and carrying a black purse.  

Ms. Gershenson suffers from dementia and her family is extremely concerned for her welfare as she is need of daily medication.  

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mariya Gershenson is urged to contact West Valley Division 818-374-7611.  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 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.

Shooting Death of 23-Year-Old Man in Northeast Division

Los Angeles:  Northeast Homicide Detectives are investigating the shooting death of 23-year-old Irving Serrano.

On May 26, 2014, around 1:00 p.m., uniformed officers from the Northeast Patrol Division, responded to a call of an ambulance shooting in the 3600 block of Pasadena Avenue.  Upon their arrival, they discovered the victim on the floor of the business, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  

The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the location and pronounced the victim dead at scene.

The suspects are described as two males, unknown descent, shaved heads, wearing baggy pants and were last seen fleeing the location in a white or grey 4 door vehicle.  

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Northeast Division Homicide Detectives Governo 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).  Tipster 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.
 

May Gun Buyback

Anonymous Gun Buyback. Turn in your guns to receive a Ralph's gift card.

 

CHILD ABDUCTION REGIONAL EMERGENCY (C.A.R.E) ALERT

UPDATE
August 22, 2014

 

Child Found, Suspect Arrested

Updated:  On May 23, 2014, two-year-old Edwin Vargas was forcibly taken from his mother after being placed into her vehicle.  This abduction generated an AMBER alert and put into motion enormous resources to ensure Edwin’s safety.  The search for Edwin has been non-stop.

With the assistance of the United States Marshals Task Force, Councilman Jose Huizar’s Office and tireless investigative efforts by LAPD Hollenbeck Area detectives, Edwin was located last night, August 21, 2014, and is in the protective custody of the Department of Children Services.  The suspect, Abraham Vargas was arrested and is currently being held on a one million dollar warrant in the State of Texas.

 

June 11, 2014 
UPDATE

On Friday June 6, 2014, LAPD Hollenbeck detectives received a tip that suspect Abraham Vargas was seen near 4th Avenue and Soto Street in Los Angeles around 3:45 p.m.  He was riding a black “BMX style” bicycle and his head is now shaved.  He also has facial hair in the form of a “goatee”.  Suspect Vargas is still at large.  Any information, please contact LAPD Hollenbeck detectives.

 

Biological Father Wanted for Child Abduction

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating 2-year-old Edwin Vargas, taken by his biological father. 

On Friday March 23, 2014, around 6:30 a.m., Hollenbeck patrol officers responded to a radio call of a “Possible Kidnapping” at the 1000 block of Lorena Street.

When the officers arrived they were met by the mother of the child who told them that her ex-boyfriend, suspect Abraham Vargas had taken their child and vehicle.  

The mother and child were by her vehicle when the suspect approached, pushed the mother away from the vehicle, took the keys and drove off with the child inside.  The mother advised that she has full custody of the child as well as a restraining order against the suspect. Based on past comments by the suspect, it is believed he will be heading towards the Mexican border.

Edwin Vargas is described as a 2-year-old male Hispanic with brown hair and brown eyes.  He stands 2 feet tall and was last seen wearing a red sweater and blue sweat pants.

The suspect is described as a 26-year-old male Hispanic, standing 5 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 180 pounds.  The vehicle is an orange 2004 Nissan Quest, license plate 7CIN189 with traffic collision damage on the drivers’ side from the center to the rear of the vehicle.  The vehicle has tinted windows.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Hollenbeck detectives at (323) 342-8900.  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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12-Year-Old Missing Girl

UPDATE
May 23, 2014

Last night, Denise Torres was located and in good condition.  She has been reunited with her family.

Los Angeles:  The family of Denise Torres and the Los Angeles Police Department Newton Division are asking for the public’s help to locate Torres.

On May 21, 2014, around 9:45 p.m., Torres left her residence in the 200 block of 29th Street, in the City of Los Angeles. She was last seen in her bedroom. Torres suffers from a medical condition and is in need of medication.

Denise Torres is described as a 12-year-old Hispanic female with black hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighs around 190 pounds.  

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Denis Torres, please contact Newton Division Juvenile Detectives at (323) 846-6576. 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 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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Los Angeles Police Department Recruit Officer Graduation Ceremony for Class 12-13

On Friday, May 16, 2014, Chief of Police Charlie Beck addressed the newest members of the LAPD family. The 29 graduating officers have completed 920 hours of training over the course of 24 weeks. This is the last graduation ceremony held at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park due to the planned two year renovation.

“33,210 officers have graduated from this field. You have joined a long and distinguished legacy,” said Chief Beck. “Thank you for entrusting your loved ones to us, your new family,” said Chief Beck to the attending family members, speaking about the physical and mental transformation they have seen of their loved ones as they went through the academy training.  Chief Beck told the graduates what he demands from each one of them. “You must always remember that at the core of what you do, doing things the right way is more important than getting the right results.”

To hear Chief Beck address the graduating class, please click on the link here.