« August 2014 | Main | October 2014 »

Los Angeles Resident Arrested in Sexual Assaults

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested a Los Angeles resident on three felony counts of sexual assault involving two women.  The first case occurred in 2012 and the second one in 2014.  There is also a third case, which is still pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are asking for the public’s help to identify them.

On September 24, 2014, 33-year-old Kai Andrew Bannon was arrested at his home in the 300 block of North Sierra Bonita on a felony warrant stemming from the 2012 and 2014 sexual assault cases.  Both assaults occurred at his Los Angeles residence.  The first victim met Bannon when she responded to a roommate wanted advertisement. The second victim met him through a friend.

On September 25, 2014, Kai Andrew Bannon was arraigned by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on three felony counts including rape and sodomy. Bannon is in custody and will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing at a later date.  His bail is set at $300,000.

Bannon is originally from Oregon and is currently a student at a local university.  In 2010, Bannon was arrested for rape in the State of Massachusetts, but was found not guilty at trial.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Operations-West Bureau, Sexual Assault Detail at (213) 473-0447 between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. M-F.  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 "webtips" and follow the prompts.

     
 Follow @LAPDHQ  LAPD on Facebook
 Follow @lapolicefdtn

NOTES September 23, 2014 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Commissioner Paula Madison opened the meeting. After a quorum was established, there were no commissioner comments; so the meeting proceeded directly to the Report of the Chief of Police.  Chief Charlie Beck proceeded immediately to his overview of current crime statistics and had nothing further to report.

There were no reports from the Inspector General or Executive Director, and Consent Agenda Items proceeded with approval of all items.

Regular Agenda Items then ensued with six items, two of which, Items A and B, were verbal presentations. Commissioner Paula Madison pulled Item F for discussion.

Item C, the Department’s Report, dated August 13, 2014, relative to the recommendation for the Medal of Valor, as set forth, was approved.

Item D, the Department’s Report, dated September 11, 2014, relative to the request for payment of a reward offer on City Council File #09-0010-S26, as set forth, was approved.

Item E, the Department’s Report, dated September 11, 2014, relative to the transmittal of the grant application and award for the 2014 Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grant, was approved.

Regular Agenda Item presentations commenced with Item A, which was a presentation headed by Hollenbeck Area Commanding Officer Martin Baeza, along with his Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) Co-Chair Margarita Amador and C-PAB member Lynelle Sanchez. Commander Baeza, with the assistance of his guests and a PowerPoint presentation, gave an overview of the Hollenbeck Area and discussed current crime statistics, community initiated problem solving, crime strategies and other highly effective educational and community outreach programs, goals and related results within the Hollenbeck Area.

Commander Mike Williams of the LAPD Counter Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau gave the second presentation, Item B, which concerned the status of the Department’s traffic safety strategies and included a PowerPoint presentation. Four additional LAPD traffic captains were present and assisted Commander Williams.  The presentation addressed concerns that although crime in the City, in general, has continued to decline significantly in the past several years, there has been a minimal reduction in traffic collisions.  Discussion topics included, but were not limited to current traffic crime statistics and comparisons of those statistics to previous years, creation of the Traffic Impact Team, hit-and-run data, goals to reduce traffic collisions (especially pedestrian-related incidents) and specific collision-reduction education/strategies, including the use of predictive policing.  One of the technical developments Commander Williams highlighted was the introduction of more pedestrian warning crosswalks, which feature flashing lights embedded in the pavement to alert motorists.

Item F, which had been pulled for discussion, was the final discussion item.  It concerned the Department’s Report, dated September 18, 2014, relative to the personnel selection criteria and process audit (IAID #13-059).  Representing the Department before the commission was Jeffrey Phillips of LAPD’s Internal Audits and Inspection Division. Commissioners Madison and Robert Saltzman expressed concern over the audit, in that they found it confusing and incomplete.  This was the second time the audit had been brought before the commission.  Though more information was added to the audit after its initial presentation to the commission, Commissioners Madison and Saltzman requested some additional data be included in one of the audit’s tables.  Consequently, Mr. Phillips said the information the commissioners wanted would be added; so a motion was made to continue Item F to a future date.


Man in a Wheelchair Killed by Hit and Run Driver

Pacoima:  Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian.

On Friday, September 26, 2014, around 8 p.m., Valley Traffic Division Officers responded to a hit-and-run traffic collision that occurred on Terra Bella Street, just east of Cayuga Avenue.  

The suspect’s car, possibly a maroon Cadillac SUV or truck, was traveling east on Terra Bella Street when it collided with a man in a wheelchair crossing southbound Terra Bella Street.  

The suspect dragged the victim for approximately 100 feet and drove away without stopping to render aid or exchange information, in violation of 20001VC, Hit and Run Felony.  

The victim, 40-year-old Manuel Dejesus Segovia Gonzales, a resident of the city of Pacoima, was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect’s car is likely to have front end damage.  Valley Traffic detectives are looking for additional witnesses who may have seen this collision.  

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective William Bustos at (818) 644-88021 or Officer Wong at (818) 644-8036. 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.

 

 Follow @LAPDHQ  LAPD on Facebook
 Follow @lapolicefdtn

Missing Man in Need of Medical Attention

Los Angeles:  The family of Jose Herrera and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Mr. Herrera.

On September 23, 2013, around 3:30 p.m., Mr. Herrera was last seen in the 1700 block of West Olympic in the City of Los Angeles. He has not returned home and has never been missing before.  Jose Herrera is in need of medical care for a medical condition.

NR14364smJose Herrera is described as a 42-year-old male Hispanic, with black hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighs around 166 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black shirt, gray pants and black Vans shoes.   

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jose Herrera, please contact Rampart Division at (213)484-3400. 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.

 

 Follow @LAPDHQ  LAPD on Facebook
 Follow @lapolicefdtn

Los Angeles Police Detectives Make Two Significant Burglary Arrests in Connection to a String in Pacific Palisades

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department West Los Angeles Area Burglary Detectives made two significant arrests of two separate suspects in connection to a string of burglaries in the Pacific Palisades Area.  

West Los Angeles detectives noted a pattern of residential burglaries in the Pacific Palisades Area.  Each of these burglaries were crimes of opportunity, with the suspect gaining entry via unlocked doors and windows during daytime hours.  The crimes began in August and continued unabated.  

The suspect later identified as Jami Burrow, stole various items including credit cards from numerous residents.  Burrow was identified from a store video surveillance attempting to use the stolen credit cards.  Burrow was known in the area as a former landscaper and had ties to the community.  

On September 17, 2014, WLA detectives served a search warrant on Burrow’s residence.  The detectives recovered numerous items of stolen property, including serialized items from the aforementioned burglaries.  Additional items of jewelry, electronics, and designer bags were also recovered.  Burrow was involved in numerous burglaries in the Palisades and Malibu Area. Multiple counts of burglary were filed against her.

Burglary detectives have been working on a series of burglaries in the West Los Angeles Area.  An additional crew of burglars continued to prey on residents in the Palisades Area.  This crew forced open doors and windows when residents were not home and removed various items, which most commonly included jewelry.  The suspects were described as approximately twenty male and female African-Americans using a black Kia sedan with no plates.

On September 13, 2014, a suspect, later identified as Drew Gipson, accessed the interior of a residence by wading through a pool that accessed under the house.  The resident found Gipson on the premises and escorted him off the property.  It was later discovered that Gipson had removed some property. Gipson was last seen leaving the area in a black Kia, leaving his wallet behind with some forgotten clothes he had removed while foraging the pool.  

Later the same day, Gipson was seen rummaging through a second victim’s vehicle in the area.  Gipson fled prior to officer’s arrival, leaving his vehicle behind.  His vehicle was impounded.  Detectives identified Gipson when he came to WLA station in hopes of a vehicle release and he was arrested for the above crimes.  Efforts to link Gipson to other area burglaries are eminent.

“This exceptional work by the LAPD’s West LA Burglary detectives has made the Pacific Palisades neighborhood safer, and demonstrates to would-be criminals that if you commit burglaries here you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted,” said City Councilmember Mike Bonin. “These arrests are another excellent example of the smart, driven and neighborhood-focused police work that families in LA deserve.”

West Los Angeles police continue to work numerous clues to identify additional crews of burglars in the area.  Even with the arrests of two ominous burglars, the Palisades continues to be targeted.  We continue to work in partnership with the public and other governmental entities to assist us in these investigations.  WLA’s Commanding Officer, Captain Evangelyn Nathan said, “Our community is our strongest ally; we need all the support in securing your homes and reporting the unusal.”  We are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects who are linked to burglaries in the West Los Angeles Area.

Anyone with additional information regarding these crimes is urged contact West Los Angeles Area Burglary Detective White at 310-444-1522. 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 "webtips" and follow the prompts.


Hot Prowl Burglary Suspect Captured in Venice

Venice:  On Wednesday, September 24, 2014, Los Angeles Police Department patrol officers assigned to Pacific Division responded to a radio call of a burglary suspect there now.

Upon their arrival, a witness directed officers to the 200 Block of Windward Avenue, where a male Black suspect was seen forcibly entering a house.  The witness then saw a female and the same suspect exit a window that lead to the roof of the house.  

The victim, a 29-year-old female, was asleep upstairs inside her residence. She was awakened by the sound of her front door being forced open.  The victim quickly ran to an upstairs window and escaped onto the roof as she called 911.  The suspect exited the same window leading to the roof, but was unable to see the victim.  No contact was ever made between the suspect and victim.  

Officers saw both the victim and suspect on the roof.  With the assistance of the Los Angeles Fire Department, a ladder was deployed to the roof, allowing the victim to climb down to safety.   Once the victim was safe, officers ordered the suspect to climb down, and he complied with the officer’s orders.  The suspect was arrested for Hot Prowl Burglary, and he was transported to Pacific Area Police Station.  

Through the combined efforts of a community member, the LAFD and the quick response of the LAPD officers, this suspect is in custody, and his case will be presented to the District Attorney for filing consideration.  

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact Pacific Burglary Detective Robyn Salazar at 310-482-6363.  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.


Home Invasion Suspect Turns Himself In After Video is Televised

Los Angeles:  On Tuesday September 23, 2014, officers from Foothill Division received a radio call of a home invasion robbery.

When the officers arrived at the call, they were told by witnesses that the suspect was chased out of the house by a family member with a baseball bat. The home owners had surveillance cameras and captured the incident on video. Detectives were able to put out a crime alert which received extensive media coverage. The video as well as clear images of the suspect were aired during several news cycles.

On September 24, 2014 the suspect’s family members saw the news coverage and called him to tell him that he needed to go to the police station, turn himself in and confess. At first, the suspect refused to turn himself in but thanks to his family’s persuasive arguments; they were able to convince him. The family thought about their best interest as well as those of the community when they took the suspect to Foothill Division, where he turned himself in.

The Los Angeles Police Department continues to work toward building a trusting relationship with the public and this is an example of how the family members trusted the department enough to bring their own to the station to answer for his crime. Thanks to the diligent work of the detectives involved as well as the extensive media coverage, the family members were able to recognize the suspect on the surveillance video and knew that turning him in was the right thing to do.
 
For interviews or comments please contact Captain Malinowski of Foothill Division at 818-756-8860.
 


Photos of West Los Angeles Burglary from Motor Vehicles Suspect Released

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department West Los Angeles Auto Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects who are linked to Auto burglaries in the West Los Angeles Area.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2014, around 12:30 a.m. two suspects entered an apartment building located in the 2200 block of South Beverly Glen Boulevard through the front door. The suspects then went to the underground parking structure and burglarized a vehicle. The suspects left through the front door and drove away in a 2005-2010 Black Ford Explorer.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2014, 2014 around 3:15 a.m., a suspect involved in the South Beverly Glen burglary and another suspect entered an apartment complex through the front door located in the 1900 block of Malcolm Avenue. The suspects went to the parking garage, and burglarized a vehicle. The suspects left through the front door of the complex.

Wla bfmv susp1The first suspect is described as a Hispanic Male, around 25-30 years of age, with a shaved head, light mustache and tattoos on both arms. He wore glasses. He is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic Male, around 25-30 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds.

The third suspect  is described as a Hispanic Male, around 25-30 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.

IWla bfmv susp2f anyone has any additional information regarding this crime contact West Los Angeles Area Auto Detectives, Officer Witzer at (310) 444-1506. 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 "webtips" and follow the prompts.

 

 Follow @LAPDHQ  LAPD on Facebook
 Follow @lapolicefdtn

Pedestrian fatally struck by vehicle in North Hollywood

North Hollywood:  Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the driver who struck a pedestrian in North Hollywood and then drove away from the scene.

On September 21, 2014, around 11:25 p.m., the driver of a black Jeep Cherokee struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Burbank Boulevard and Beck Avenue.  The impact forced the pedestrian into on-coming traffic, where he was struck a second time by a possible 1990’s light-colored 4 door car.  

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where he died from the injuries sustained in the traffic collision.  The pedestrian has not been positively identified, but is a White male, approximately 31-years-old.  

The driver of the light-colored 4 door car fled the scene without identifying themself or rendering aid.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Larkin, Valley Traffic Detectives, at 818-644-8115 or Detective III Bustos at 818-644-8021. During non-business hours or 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 key pads) using a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.