LAPD Blog

Missing Companion Dog Named “Maximus”

UPDATE
April 1, 2015

Updated: On March 31, 2015 around 10 a.m., a "Good Samaritan" called the Los Angeles Police Department and informed officers she had turned in a dog matching the description of "Maximus" into the Los Angeles City Department Animal Regulation after she found "Maximus" roaming the streets. On April 1, 2015, Newton Area Detectives along with victim responded to the The Los Angeles City Department Animal Regulation and "Maximus" was reunited with his owner in good condition.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Newton detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible for the theft of "Maximus".

On March 21, 2015, around 3 a.m., the victim parked her vehicle in a parking lot in the 600 block of East Washington Boulevard, in the City of Los Angeles. She left her dog, a male Shitzu named "Maximus" inside of her vehicle and entered into a local restaurant.

A few minutes later, a male Hispanic peers inside the victim's vehicle, opens the right front passenger door and peers in and closes the door. The two other males get in a white vehicle and pull alongside and stop. The first suspect opens the door of the victim's vehicle a second time, reaches in, takes the dog and joins his male accomplices and leaves the location with the victim's dog.

The victim works one on one with Special Needs children and uses the dog as a companion animal. The dog enjoys the company of children and is able to calm and soothe the children.

The loss of the dog is painful not only for the owner, but for the children who ask for Maximus and are especially saddened by the dog's loss.

The first suspect is described as a male Hispanic, stands between 5 feet 7 inches tall to 5 feet 9 inches tall, stocky build, with close cropped hair with a widow's peak and a mustache. He is wearing an oversized black shirt with script logo on the front and back, with what appears to be the state of California icon, along with baggy grey Dickies pants cut below the knee, white knee high socks and white tennis shoes.

The second suspect is described as a male Hispanic, stands between 5 feet and 8 inches tall to 5 feet 10 inches tall, stocky build, shaved head, and is wearing an oversized blue checked shirt with white stripes, baggy black pants and black tennis shoes. He also has a mustache.

The third suspect is described as a male Hispanic, stands between 5 feet 8 inches tall to 5 feet 10 inches tall, slim build with combover hair and close cropped sideburns. He is wearing a black or dark blue polo short sleeved t-shirt, grey pants and white tennis shoes. Suspect has a neatly trimmed goatee.

Suspects left in a white vehicle described as a newer sedan, possibly a 2008 to 2012 Chevy Malibu, 4 doors. Maximus has not been seen ever since the incident.

Anyone with information on the suspects or the dog may contact Newton Detectives at
(323) 846-6592. During non-business hours or on the 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.LAPDOonline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

 

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LAPD DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols

What: DUI Saturation Patrol

When: Friday, March 27, 2015
5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Southwest Area
_________________________________________

What: Sobriety & Driver's License Checkpoint

When: Friday, March 27, 2015
7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Where: Century Boulevard at Central Avenue
Los Angeles, California
_________________________________________

What: Sobriety & Driver's License Checkpoint

When: Saturday, March 28, 2015
7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Where: Vermont Avenue at 29th Street
Los Angeles, California
_________________________________________

What: DUI Saturation Patrol

When: Sunday, March 29, 2015
5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Topanga Area
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Note: Checkpoints are subject to change or cancellation.

Why: Over the past three years, there have been 7,048 DUI-related traffic collisions in Los Angeles, which have resulted in 60 fatalities and 2,818 injuries.

The Los Angeles Police Department reminds everyone that they can assist in preventing this crime from ever occurring. If you are planning a gathering or celebration with alcohol included, or if you are out on the town, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking sober driver. A DUI or drug-impaired arrest can costs up to $10,000 or even more, including time in jail, the loss or your driver license and high insurance rates.

The aforementioned enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, everyone is encouraged to help keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers - Call 911!

MEDIA NOTES: To schedule an interview regarding the Los Angeles Police Department traffic safety efforts, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at (213) 486-0690.

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Improving Motorcycle Safety Aim of a Los Angeles Police Department Operation

Careless motorists as well as riders get special scrutiny

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on March 29, 2015, in an effort to lower traffic-related fatalities and injuries. Extra officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle collisions occur. Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle collisions, such as those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns, or committing other dangerous violations.

During the time period of 2008 to 2010, motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37 percent. However, in 2012 the number of motorcycle fatalities increased dramatically by 23 percent. Operations like these are focused on reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:
•Ride with lights on during daylight hours
•Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room
•Match your speed to surrounding traffic
•Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:
•Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes
•Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.” For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at (213) 486-0703.

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Female Stabbed to Death in Van Nuys

Van Nuys: Two victims were found stabbed in a pick-up truck early this morning in Van Nuys.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, around 7:50 a.m., Van Nuys patrol officers responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon at Kester Avenue and Le May Avenue. Officers found two victims of stab wounds. A female victim was located in the right front passenger seat of a parked pick-up truck, and a male victim was found next to the truck.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the female dead at scene. The male victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

The motive for the crime is unknown at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident 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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Notes from the March 24, 2015 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Commission President Steve Soboroff opened the meeting and a quorum was established.  During commission comments, Commissioner Robert Saltzman mentioned his appreciation for attending last week’s Women’s Conference and the recruit graduation.  Commissioner Paula Madison talked about recently attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives event where LAPD Deputy Chief Bill Scott was honored.  

For the Report of the Chief of Police, Chief Charlie Beck began by mentioning the recent death of retiree Lieutenant Marion Hellenkamp, the Department’s first African-American lieutenant.  He went on to acknowledge a recent, annual fundraising event where officers had their heads shaved in conjunction with raising donations to assist childhood cancer victims.  Chief Beck continued with his customary crime report overview, including traffic statistics and data on the number of personnel in the Department.  He also mentioned the Department would continue to aggressively recruit African-American applicants as new officers.

The next agenda item was a presentation to the LAPD Scientific Investigation Division (SID) for receiving the International Association of Chiefs of Police August Vollmer Excellence in Forensic Science Award.  Members from the division were in attendance and came forward to be acknowledged and photographed as a group.  The SID received the award for innovations in DNA testing related to crime solving and research.   

Consent Agenda Items proceeded with approval of all items.

Regular Agenda Items proceeded with three items.  All items (8A through 8C) were pulled for commissioner comments and discussion.  

The meeting proceeded with Item 8B, the Department’s Report, dated February 25, 2015, relative to the 2014 Biased Policing and Mediation Annual Report to the LAPD Board of Police Commissioners.  Commander Stuart Maislin from LAPD Internal Affairs Group represented the Department before the commissioners.  The commissioners each had a copy of the report and had various comments or questions.  Commander Maislin clarified a few aspects of the report and addressed a few questions from Commissioner Madison, primarily concerning the “disproportionately high number of complaints” from African-Americans about Latino male officers they have encountered.  Commissioner Saltzman also expressed a need for greater understanding of this statistic.  During the discussion, Chief Beck weighed in on the discourse to remind the commissioners that Hispanics are the largest ethnic group of officers in the Department.  Following the discussion, the report, as set forth, was approved.  

The meeting continued with Item 8A, the Inspector General’s Report, dated March 17, 2015, relative to the Investigation of the LAPD’s Resource Management.  Commissioner Soboroff acknowledged he had requested the report and it “speaks for itself.”  After a few public comments, the report, as set forth, was approved.  NOTE: Commissioner Soboroff also made some additional comments about the report at the close of the meeting before the public comment period.

The final item was Item 8C, the Department’s Report, dated March 20, 2015, relative to the Memorandum of Agreement between the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and the LAPD. After a few public comments, the report, as set forth, was approved.

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Class 10-14 Recruit Graduation March 20, 2015

Download COP Grad Speech 3-20-15

March 20, 2015 – A Los Angeles Police Academy graduation ceremony was held this morning at the LAPD Administration Building plaza.

Today’s ceremony featured 26 graduates. Two will be officers for Los Angeles World Airports, and one will be a University of Southern California public safety officer. All recruits have completed 920 hours of training over the course of 24 weeks. In full uniform, the recruits proudly appeared before Chief Charlie Beck and command staff, City officials and a large crowd of spectators.

Chief Beck greatly values his attendance at recruit graduation ceremonies to thank, inform, and congratulate LAPD’s newest officers, along with the countless family members and friends who have supported them. Chief Beck began his address by talking about the LAPD’s “legacy,” which recruits would inherit with their graduation. He pointed out how part of that legacy is the long list of those who have come before, such as Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur, Commanding Officer of the Office of Administrative Services, who will retire at the end of the month. Thanking Chief MacArthur for her years of dedicated service, he emphasized how much recruits have been her passion. “She has made our training live up to its reputation,” he said.

As always, Chief Beck went on to emphasize the importance of individual character. “Your character is what will keep you safe in this profession,” he said. “Your character is everything; it’s the only thing. And your heart is a shield for that badge.” Chief Beck also talked about the importance of legal authority given to officers by the state, with moral authority as the overarching guidepost. “Be the kind of cop you would want to show up at your house, and do it every day with every contact.” In closing, Chief Beck promised family members he would “protect and serve” the new recruits to the best of his ability.

Recruits will be on patrol in their respective LAPD divisions as soon as this coming Sunday, March 22. As always, at the end of the graduation, the recruits recited their class chant and tossed their caps high into the air, celebrating their success at the police academy and the promise of a rewarding career as LAPD police officers.

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21-Year-Old Shot and Killed in Mar Vista

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department West Bureau Homicide Division are asking for the public's help in providing information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of 21-year-old Tomas Luna Gomez.

On Monday, March 23, 2015, around 8:00 p.m., Pacific Division officers responded to a call of a shooting at the intersection of Inglewood Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard. When the officers arrived a motorist reported he had been rear ended by a pick-up truck that had left the location. Additional calls of a shooting came out and officers located the pick-up truck involved in the accident. Officers found Gomez, a resident of Los Angeles, inside the truck. It appeared that Gomez had sustained gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe that the victim was driving his pick-up truck near Jefferson Boulevard and Inglewood Boulevard when unknown person(s) fired into his vehicle. The victim drove the truck away from the scene and eventually stopped at Slauson Avenue and Braddock Drive.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and pronounced Mr. Gomez dead at the scene.

There is no suspect(s) description at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. 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.

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Death of First Female LAPD African-American Lieutenant

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department extends its condolences for the passing of Marion Hellenkamp, the first female African-American Lieutenant who passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

Hellenkamp joined the LAPD on December 11, 1961, at the age of 30. Hellenkamp worked many assignments, including Wilshire Area as the Watch Commander and Southwest Area detectives. In 1981 Hellenkamp broke the gender and color barrier by becoming the first female African-American Lieutenant. After serving 26 years with the Department, Hellenkamp retired at the rank of Lieutenant on February 14, 1987.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Lieutenant Marion Hellenkamp. We lost a truly remarkable public servant and a champion of equal rights for all, and an example that barriers can be broken. Marion was a true pioneer in LAPD's history. As a female in a male dominated occupation, she displayed tremendous fortitude in overcoming both gender and racial discrimination to forge an exemplary law enforcement career.

-Charlie Beck

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Notes from the March 17, 2015 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Chief of Police Charlie Beck said there were 22,000 participants in the Los Angeles marathon this past Sunday. He said the event went very well due to the organizers and people who policed it. Chief Beck said Robert Durst was arrested for the murder of Susan Berman. Chief Beck looks forward to bringing him to trial in Los Angeles on those charges. Chief Beck intends to process paperwork for the termination of an LAPD Probationary officer wanted in conjunction with a homicide that occurred in Pomona. The probationary officer allegedly shot and killed an individual while he was off-duty, and failed to report work. Carlos Quezada, an LAPD 10 year veteran, was arrested for illegally transporting a Mexican national into the United States. It is a serious charge and if true, may result in his termination. Chief Beck reported two homicides occurred over the weekend in retaliation for a homicide that occurred in Newton Division on March 13.

Department’s Report, dated March 13, 2015, relative to a monetary donation in the amount of $840.00, from Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc., to be utilized to purchase food and/or pay for recreational activities, for the benefit of the Newton Area Cadet Program Department, as set forth, was approved. [BPC #15-0070],

Department’s Report, dated March 13, 2015, relative to the donation of six stanchions, valued at $533.66, from the Valley Traffic Advisory Council, for the benefit of the Valley Traffic Division, as set forth, was approved. [BPC #15-0068]

Department’s Report, dated March 13, 2015, relative to a monetary donation in the amount of $4,000.00, from QE Productions, to be utilized to purchase food and/or pay for recreational activities, for the benefit of the Newton Area Cadet Program, as set forth, was approved. [BPC #15-0069]

Department’s Report, dated March 13, 2015, relative to a monetary donation in the amount of $1,000.00, from the Walmart Foundation, to be utilized to purchase food and/or pay for recreational activities, for the benefit of the Newton Area Cadet Program, as set forth, was approved [BPC #15-0071]

Department’s Report, dated March 13, 2015, relative to a monetary donation in the amount of $690.00, from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc., to be utilized to purchase food and/or pay for recreational activities, for the benefit of the South Traffic Division Cadet Program, as set forth, was approved [BPC #15-0067]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT, dated March 12, 2015, relative to the Write- Off of Uncollectible False Alarm Accounts Receivable – August 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, as set forth, was approved and transmitted to the City’s Board of Review.

DEPARTMENT’S REPORT, dated March 9, 2015, relative to Search Warrant Applications and Supporting Affidavits Audit (IAID No. 14-017), as set forth, was approved.

DEPARTMENT’S REPORT, dated March 12, 2015, relative to the Department’s Quarterly Discipline Report, Fourth Quarter, 2014, as set forth, was approved to receive the Department’s report and DIRECT the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

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Baker-2-Vegas Volunteer to be Honored with Special Van

Mission Hills: He's logged more miles over the 30-year history of the Baker 2 Vegas Challenge Cup Relay than any other volunteer, but he's never run a single step; that's because George Brown has been confined to a wheelchair his whole life, but that's never stopped the 58-year-old from doing what he wants and following his passion.

"This man has a passion for life and a passion for helping others," explained Pastor Martin Morehouse, who is an LAPD reserve chaplain and George's brother in-law. "George inspires all of us to want to do more."

To mark his 30th anniversary as a volunteer team driver for the Challenge Cup Relay, the officers of LAPD's Mission Police Station and George's family, who are also volunteers, have customized George's specially equipped van with a special wrap to commemorate George's tenure with the race and his decades-long commitment to supporting LAPD.

"George's van will serve as our follow vehicle, as it has for many years," said Det. Juan Santa, who is the co-captain of the Mission Station's Challenge Cup Relay team. "It's a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much of his time for us. We wanted him to know how much we appreciate him, and how much he serves to inspire us."

While George's physical condition is such he can no longer drive his van, he will be in the van the entire race as the honorary driver while his sister and Pastor Morehouse take turns as drivers, March 28 - 29, starting Baker, CA.

The surprise unveiling of the wrapped van will occur Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at the Mission Police Station at 4:00 PM, during the last team meeting before the March 28 race. Local media are welcome to cover the event and help to recognize George Brown. His family will be present, along with the station's running team and support volunteers.

Running team captains Det. Juan Santa and Sgt. Julian Munoz can be reached at (818) 838-9952 or (818) 838-9840.

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