LAPD Blog

74-Year-Old Missing Woman

Los Angeles:  The family of Lois Washington and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in locating her. Lois Washington was last heard from between 4 to 5 p.m. on June 17, 2014. Washington was last seen at the Artesia Transit Center boarding the MTA bus #344 at the corner of Artesia and Vermont Avenue. She was last seen wearing a multi-colored jacket, black shirt and blue jeans. Lois Washington is described as a 74-year-old Black female with gray hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds. Washington suffers from early stages of Alzheimer’s as well as other medical conditions, and may be in need of medical attention. If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lois Washington, please contact the LAPD’s Missing Persons Unit, Detective K. 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 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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71-Year-Old Missing Woman

Los Angeles:  The family of Barbara Decavia and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in locating her. Barbara Decavia was last seen on June 16, 2014 around 8:25 a.m. at the corner of Commerce Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in Tujunga, CA. Decavia was last seen boarding the Metro Bus Line 90/91, heading east on Foothill Boulevard. Barbara Decavia is described as a 71-year-old White female with gray hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 190 pounds. Barbara Decavia is diabetic and suffers from additional medical conditions that require medication. If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Barbara Decavia, please contact the 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.

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60-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles:  The family of Steve McCloud and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Person’s Unit are asking for the public’s help to find him.

On June 4, 2014, around 10:00 a.m., Mr. McCloud was last seen at his residence in the 700 block of North Helitrope Drive.  He has not been seen or heard from since.  

Mr. McCloud is described as a 60-year-old White male with brown hair and blue eyes.  He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.  There is no description of the clothing Mr. McCloud was wearing at the time of his disappearance

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Steve McCloud, please contact Missing Person’s Unit Detective L. 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 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.

June 17, 2014 - Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Click here for the podcast

Police Commission Vice President Paula Madison opened the meeting, filling in for Police Commission President Steve Soboroff.  There were no commission comments; so the meeting proceeded directly to the Report of the Chief of Police.

Chief Beck began the report by mentioning two events that occurred over the past weekend: the Kings final game Friday night at the Staples Center and the Safe Summer Tip-Off event on Saturday.  He mentioned the Kings game had a “very orderly crowd,” made safer by the deployment of about 500 officers.  He then discussed Safe Summer Tip-Off, which was a game between LAPD and LAFD players at the USC Galen Center.  The event also featured youth displays, entertainment and more.  He mentioned it was well attended by many cadets and a “couple thousand” young people. Chief Beck concluded the report with his usual overview of current crime statistics.

During Executive Director Richard Tefank’s report, he noted there would be no commission meeting on July 1, 2014.        

The meeting continued with six regular agenda items.  Commissioner Saltzman wished to pull one item for discussion (Item 8-C) and moved that the remaining items (8-A, 8-B, 8-D, 8-E and 8-F) be approved. His move was seconded and the items were approved.  

Discussion commenced regarding the remaining agenda item (8-C), which concerned the Department’s report relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section quarterly report for the first quarter of 2014.  Representing the Department before the commission were Commander Stuart Maislin and Captain Edward Pape.  There were a few brief questions from commissioner; however, Commissioner Madison led most of the discussion.  She was concerned about the report’s formats and tables being confusing and difficult to understand.  She proposed meeting with Department officials to determine if a simpler system could be developed.  Chief Beck interjected that the Department would be happy to meet with her and the commissioners to discuss prospective improvements to formatting future reports.

32-Year-Old Missing Woman

Foothill: The family of Marissa Lynn Vanluvender and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Person’s Unit are asking for the public’s help to find Mrs. Vanluvender.

On May 29, 2014, around 9 a.m., Mrs. Vanluvender was last seen at her residence in the 7000 block of Estepa Drive, in the Foothill Area of Los Angeles. She suffers from depression and her family is very concerned for her welfare.

Marissa Lynn Vanluvender is described as a 32 -year-old female Caucasian with brown hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighs around 150 pounds. Unknown clothing worn.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Marissa Lynn Vanluvender, please contact Missing Person’s Unit Detective C. Carlton 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.

Notes From The June 10, 2014 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Police Commission President Steve Soboroff opened the meeting with a call for a few moments of silence to honor two Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers who were recently shot to death during a confrontation with two suspects.

Commissioner Madison opened the Commission Comments segment of the meeting by talking about her and Commissioner Saltzman’s attendance at the Gay Pride Parade this past Sunday.  She mentioned that she likes the event because it “encourages people to be who they are.” She affirmed it was an honor to represent the Department at the event.  Commissioner Saltzman concurred with her comments and thanked Chief Beck and the Department for their support and leadership regarding gay-community issues.  On a different topic, President Soboroff commended officers who responded to yesterday’s barricaded suspect incident in North Hollywood.  He felt the overall enforcement tactics the officers used were “something to be proud of,” especially considering there were no injuries to anyone.  

Chief Beck delivered the Report of the Chief of Police by thanking the commissioners for their words of support.  He also reiterated feeling a loss for the slain Las Vegas officers. He then reviewed current crime statistics, including traffic collision data.  

The meeting continued with two regular agenda items.  Commissioner Saltzman wished to pull the first item for discussion and moved that the board approve the second item, which was relative to the professional services agreement with Partners for a Safer America for rotating bail bond signboard advertising.  His motion for approval was seconded and consequently approved.

Discussion commenced regarding the remaining agenda item, which concerned the Operations Central Bureau (OCB) Narcotics Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit. The presentation and audit were conducted by Lieutenant Cheryl Baratta and Detective Jose Ceja of the Internal Audits and Inspection Division.  Other Central Bureau command staff and officers were also in attendance.  Lt. Baratta started by providing some background information on Command Accountability Performance Audits (CAPA).  The current audit incorporated many objectives/topics, including evaluation of arrest reports, consistency of information, evaluation of officer and supervisor roles and more.  The time period reviewed was January 1 through March 31, 2013.  Lt. Baratta proceeded to enumerate on various objectives of the audit that were met or not met, after which, President Soboroff inquired as to the frequency of the audits, and Ceja clarified that these audits are conducted on an annual basis.  Responding to the results, President Soboroff stressed that negative findings will need to be corrected in a timely manner, possibly with quarterly audits.  Commissioner Madison expressed concern that of all the audits she has seen, the one in question had the worst administrative scoring because there hadn’t been enough attention to detail at the administrative level. She also agreed with President Soboroff about having quarterly audits.  Lt. Baratta assured there would be a three- to six-month follow-up on the areas of the audit that scored poorly and those results would be shared with the commission within six months.  President Soboroff expressed confidence that future audits would reveal problem areas had been improved; however, he advised that the commission would want to know details of how and why improvements were made. Commissioner Madison emphasized that whenever the commission receives follow-up reports, the deficient areas found in the audit must be fixed as soon as possible.  She added the commission would provide any help as needed.  Commissioner Saltzman thanked the auditors for their efforts and expressed his belief that some of the audit’s issues were tied to compliance with the now-defunct Consent Decree.

OCB Deputy Chief Jose Perez took the microphone to address the various concerns the commissioners expressed.  He went into detail to cover all the topics as much as possible and assured that training in OCB is a regular activity and would address problem areas identified in the audit.  He also talked about diligence conducting inspections, and those would apply as needed to the audit issues.

Chief Beck added that audits such as the one being discussed are especially tough, in large part due to continued effects of the Consent Decree.  He offered assurance that Central Bureau “will move forward from this.”

Echoing Chief Beck’s comments, Director, Office of Operations and Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger had Lieutenant Lopez of his staff discuss the Office of Operations’ role in the audit and related issues.  Lopez also spoke of ensuring proper policies and procedures are discussed and followed.

After discussion regarding the OCB CAPA ended, the commission approved the Department’s report and executive summary of same.

Police Commission Meeting Podcast

63-Year-Old Missing Man

June 16, 2014

UPDATE

On June 14, 2014, around 11 a.m., Mr. Rosales was reported missing once again from the same location.  His family is extremely concerned for his welfare.

June 12, 2014

UPDATE

Mr. Rosales was found last night in good condition and returned safe to the facility.

North Hollywood:  The family of Ramiro Rosales and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Person’s Unit are asking for the public’s help to find him.

On June 10, 2014, around 11 a.m., Mr. Rosales was last seen in the 7700 block of Ampere Avenue in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles.

Mr. Rosales is described as a 63-year-old Hispanic male with black/gray hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. Mr. Rosales suffers from Dementia and Diabetes and is in need of medical attention.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Ramiro Rosales, please contact Missing Person’s 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.

Chief Beck media availability

Chief's podcast

LADWP podcast

 

On June 5, 2013, Chief Beck conducted his monthly media availability news conference on the outdoor patio of the tenth floor to address a few Department-related issues of concern and give members of the media an opportunity to ask questions on those or any other topics. Chief Beck’s discussion points were as follows:

Current crime statistics were discussed, with emphasis on a spike in homicides over the past two weeks. Bottom line is that crime is still down citywide, even though we currently have 10 more homicides than we did last year at this time. The homicides are spread out in multiple divisions and do not appear to be indicating a pattern, since they are caused by multiple, unrelated motives. Chief Beck also mentioned several other types of crime levels that continue to decrease.

 His second topic was the LAPD crime lab, which is located with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s crime lab, receiving accreditation from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. This is significant because over 800 standards must be met and only four such labs in the state have received this accreditation status.

Thirdly, Chief Beck addressed public concern about the Department’s recent acquisition of two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from the Seattle Police Department. He stressed the Department “will never, ever give up public confidence for a piece of equipment.” Consequently, he promised to fully take in public opinion about prospective UAV deployment prior to any usage of the devices. He said that if the public is greatly against them, they won’t be used. He also pointed out the possible usefulness of UAVs. His vision was to look at how they may assist police in larger tactical situations or operations, such as those that require SWAT Team deployment. He also mentioned a collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union to help assess UAV usage policies.

Safe Summer Tip-Off at USC’s Galen Center on June 14 was Chief Beck’s next topic. The centerpiece of the event is a basketball game between the Los Angeles Fire Department and LAPD. The free event, which is primarily directed to young people, promotes safe summer activities and potential vocations through informational platforms. The event is hosted by Arsenio Hall and also features free food and entertainment.

In closing, the Chief reminded everyone that the Department will be very focused on safety pertaining to the upcoming L.A. Kings playoff. He encouraged all to enjoy the event but to do so in a lawful manner. In connection with the playoffs, he mentioned a bet he has with ex-LAPD Chief Bill Bratton on the playoff’s outcome.

Chief Beck then opened up the news conference for general questions from the media.

 

During Chief Beck’s media availability news conference there was a second segment presided over by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Director of Security Patrick Findley. It concerned imposters who have contacted businesses by phone to demand payment of alleged past-due bills. Callers threaten to turn off their power if they don’t receive payment within one hour. Findley emphasized LADWP would never operate in such a manner by asking for payment by phone. Callers instruct customers to purchase “Green Dot Money Pack Cards” and then provide them with the card’s PIN number. He stressed that LADWP is working closely with LAPD investigators to break up this scam operation, which has affected a wide range of businesses.

Two Pedestrians Intentionally Struck by a Vehicle

Los Angeles:  On June 8, 2014, at around 11:25 p.m., a verbal argument ensued between a group of men inside the Food-For-Less market located at 4910 Huntington Drive South in the City of Los Angeles. This argument escalated into a physical altercation that was witnessed by a security guard who ordered two of the men out of the market.  

When the two men exited the marked they entered an unidentified silver Honda Accord, drove to an area of the parking lot, turned off their head lights and waited for the five men who they had just engaged in a physical altercation to exit the market. As the men exited the market, the driver of the Honda Accord immediately accelerated his vehicle and intentionally drove in the direction of the men resulting in his vehicle colliding with two of them.  

The driver of the Honda immediately fled the scene of the incident in an unknown direction.

The two pedestrians, twenty-three year old, Arturo Rueles, a resident of Los Angeles, and twenty-three year old, Jesse Alvarez, a resident of Palmdale, were transported to a local hospital with severe injuries.       

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Central Traffic Division Detectives, Detective Michael Kaden or Officer Robert Palma at 213-486-0750, or 213-486-0754.  During non-business hours or on weekends, contact Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-833-3746, 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.”

81-Year-Old Missing Man

June 13, 2014
Updated

Earlier today, Reynaldo Garcia was located in good health and has been in contact with his family.

 

Los Angeles:  The family of Reynaldo Garcia and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Person’s Unit are asking for the public’s help to find Mr. Garcia.

On June 8, 2014, around 11 p.m., Mr. Garcia was last heard from or seen in the 1200 block of W. 45th Street, in the City of Los Angeles. His family is very concerned that he has not been found.

Reynaldo Garcia is described as an 81-year-old male Hispanic with grey hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighs around 140 pounds.  He was last seen wearing white/brown striped shirt, brown pants and blue Nike shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Reynaldo Garcia, please contact Missing Person’s Unit Detective L. 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 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.