LAPD Blog

Officer Involved Shooting in North Hollywood

* The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence.  The Department's understanding of the incident may change as the investigation continues and additional evidence is collected and analyzed. **

Los Angeles:  On July 24, 2015, around 3:20 p.m., citizens observed the suspect firing what was perceived to be live rounds into the air, causing numerous “shots fired man with a gun” radio calls to be generated. 

A sergeant from North Hollywood Division and two uniformed officers from Van Nuys Division responded and tactically deployed on the suspect.  The suspect sat on a brick wall outside of a bank with what appeared to be a semiautomatic handgun between his legs.  The suspect ignored verbal directions and raised the handgun, resulting in an officer involved shooting. 

The suspect was struck and became non-responsive.  Further apprehension of and medical treatment for the suspect was delayed because he was in possession of a potentially explosive device, which was determined to be a facsimile explosive device. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance personnel treated the suspect and pronounced him dead at scene. 

The weapon used by the suspect was recovered at scene. 

No officers were injured during the incident. 

Force Investigation Division investigators responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer involved shooting.  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 Departments 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 is asked 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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Chief Beck holds news conference to discuss recent high-profile incidents and current crime statistics

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Olympic Kidnap Suspect Caught on Camera

UPDATE
Los Angeles: On July 28, 2015, around 7:00 p.m. a 16 year-old juvenile turned himself in for the crime committed on July 22, 2015.

Family members saw the news coverage which included still photographs of the suspect and recognized him.  Family members encouraged the suspect to turn himself him and accompanied him to the police station where he was interviewed by detectives and placed under arrest.

The suspect was booked for kidnapping and is currently being held without bail at a juvenile detention center.

July 28, 2015

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Olympic Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect whose image was captured on surveillance video kidnapping a victim and attempting to rob him.

On July 22, 2015, around 12:35 a.m., the suspect entered the victim’s apartment complex, located in the 400 block of Westmoreland Avenue.  The suspect climbed up to the victim’s apartment unit balcony using a ladder and entered the victim’s apartment through an unlocked sliding door.  Once inside, the suspect went into the victim’s bedroom and brandished a knife demanding money.  The victim responded that he did not have any money.

The suspect then ordered the victim to drive to an ATM and withdraw money from victim’s account.  The suspect escorted the victim at knife point to an underground parking structure where the victim’s vehicle was parked.  

The victim, observing the suspect had put the knife away, saw an opportunity to defend himself and attempted to tackle the suspect.  The victim and suspect wrestled over the knife; however, the suspect managed to break free and swung the knife at the victim several times. The victim then yelled for help and the suspect ran away.

Surveillance cameras caught the suspect loitering in the apartment complex, including the struggle between the victim and the suspect. 

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 18-25 years of age, black hair, wearing a dark t-shirt, black pants and carrying a backpack. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**To view the video of the suspect please contact Olympic Detectives**

Anyone with information or can identify the suspect is urged to contact Olympic Area Robbery Detectives at  (213)382-9391.  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 LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Man Bludgeoned to Death

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Area homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the death of a man found bludgeoned.

On Monday, July 27, 2015, around 3:25 p.m., Northeast Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of “Ambulance Man Down” at the 4700 block of North Figueroa Street in Highland Park. When the officers arrived they discovered a male Hispanic, 40-45 years of age with multiple head injuries in a stairwell leading up to the pedestrian bridge.

Detectives do not have a motive for this brutal crime and there is no suspect information.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead. The victim’s name has not been released pending next of kin family notification.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Northeast Homicide Detectives Dicroce or Watterson at (323) 344-5731. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 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.”

 

Double Homicide in Pacoima

Pacoima: Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division are investigating a shooting that left two men dead.

On Saturday, July 26, 2015, around 5:45 a.m., Foothill Division patrol officers responded to a radio call of a shooting in the 12600 block of Pierce Street. Responding officers found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported both victims to local hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.

The victims have been identified as Mario Muro, a 32-year-old resident of North Hollywood, and Spencer Herrera, a 29-year-old resident of Pacoima.

The circumstances and motive for this double homicide are still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Foothill Homicide Detective Armijo or Detective Robinson at (818) 834-3115. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (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.

Statement of the Los Angeles Police Department on the Sentencing in the Criminal Trial of Officer Mary O’Callaghan

Los Angeles: Earlier today a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge sentenced Officer Mary O’Callaghan to 16 months in state prison.  The sentence comes after she was found guilty of felony assault under color of authority on June 5, 2015.  The charges stemmed from O’Callaghan’s conduct during the arrest of Alesia Thomas on July 22, 2012, while O’Callaghan was assigned to LAPD’s Southeast Division.

Ms. Thomas was arrested by LAPD officers on the evening of July 22, 2012 for child abandonment after leaving her minor children in the lobby of Southeast Area Community Police Station. O'Callaghan responded to the scene of the arrest to assist in taking Ms. Thomas into custody.  An LAPD Digital In-Car Video System recorded O'Callaghan making inappropriate comments and kicking Thomas in the stomach and groin while handcuffed in the backseat of the patrol car.  Thomas later died at the hospital and the Los Angeles County Coroner found that acute cocaine intoxication was the major factor in her death.

LAPD's Force Investigation Division immediately launched an investigation into Ms. Thomas’ death and uncovered O'Callaghan's conduct resulting in her removal from field duties and being relieved of duty without pay by the Chief of Police.  The LAPD also conducted a criminal investigation into her conduct in coordination with the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, Justice System Integrity Division, which filed criminal charges in 2013 for felony assault.

"As I expressed at the time, I was very concerned about this incident when it was first brought to light. It was our investigation that ultimately led to the criminal charges against her and now a prison sentence” said LAPD Chief Beck.  “It should be clear to everyone that the LAPD and the criminal justice system will hold officers accountable for their actions when they operate outside the law.”

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Man Arrested for Possession of Loaded Weapon

North Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Area detectives arrested a man for possession of a loaded weapon.

On July 22, 2015, around 9:15 a.m., officers were posted at the 6900 block of Tujunga Avenue. Larry Ira Estrin, a 62 year-old resident of Los Angeles was stopped at a check point when officers were alerted of a possible firearm in Estrins' vehicle.

A loaded weapon was recovered from Estrins' vehicle. Estrin was placed under arrest for possession of a loaded weapon.

Estrin is currently being held on $35,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Major Crimes Division at (213) 486-7280. 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.

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July 21, 2015 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Election of officers is postponed until the next Police Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 4 when all police commissioner are present. No meeting will be held on Tuesday July 28, after which the regular weekly schedule meetings will be held for the exception of Tuesday after Labor Day.

Chief Beck provided an overview of crime statistics.  He reported there are 9,925 sworn Los Angeles police officers. Currently the Department has 2,678 civilian employees and 599 civilian vacancies. There are more than 400 reserve police officers, 372 specialist volunteers, 61chaplains, and 6,183 police cadets. Chief Beck said a new academy class began this past week with 49 recruit officers. This is one of four classes in the academy.

    •The Inspector General Alexander A. Bustamante announced Craig Jeffrey as a new investigator with the Inspector General’s office. Inspector Alexander A. Bustamante said Craig Jeffrey is a strong addition as he is an accomplished and decorated detective from Scotland Yard, London. Has received awards for bravery and commendations from the FBI and Scotland Yard has a civil rights background and is a tactics and firearms expert.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 7, 2015, relative to the Los Angeles Combined Charities Campaign for LAUSD Student Health Services Support Fund, as set forth [BPC #15-0206] was approved.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 7, 2015, relative to the Los Angeles Combined Charities Campaign for The Children’s Charity of Southern CA, as set forth, [BPC #15-0233] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 1, 2015, relative to recommendation of qualified vendor to provide Official Police Garage Towing and Storage Services for Service Area 11 (RFP #14-980-015), as set forth, [BPC #15-0215] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 14, 2015, relative to how the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) provisions regulating valet parking would apply to on-demand valet parking services, and if any amendments would be needed to effectively regulate on-demand Valet Services (CF 15-0559 Wesson-Blumenfield-Bonin), as set forth, [BPC #15-0216] was approved.

    •Inspector General’s report, dated July 15, 2015, relative to the investigation  of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Homicide Clearance Rates, as set forth, [BPC #15-0214] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated June 16, 2015, relative to the policies and procedures for Statements for Officers Involved in Shootings, In-Custody Deaths, and Use of Force Incidents Resulting in significant Injury, and the Heard Only Witness Form for LAPD Sworn, Form 01.71.02, and the Heard Only Witness Form for Civilians, Form 01.71.03, as set forth, [BPC #15-0205] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated July 2, 2015, relative the Third Amendment to Subleases between the Los Angeles Regional Crime Laboratory Facility Authority, California State University, Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles, as set forth. [BPC #15-0213] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Department’s report, dated June 26, 2015, relative to the Supplemental Police Account First Quarterly Report (January through March 2015), as set forth, [BPC #15-0212] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated June 19, 2015, relative to an agreement with selected proposer, Emergency Response Crimes Scene Cleaning, for emergency crime scene cleanup services, as set forth, [BPC #15-0204] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated July 17, 2015, relative to the selected proposer, LEXISNEXIS Claims Solutions, Inc., to provide a community online reporting service and report distribution service, as set forth. [BPC #15-0220] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Department’s report, dated July 9, 2015, relative to the fourth amendment to contract no. C-123897 with Motorola Solutions, Inc., to install an amplifier system and tactical area communications system for both the Northeast and Metro stations, as set forth, [BPC #15-0231] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated July 13, 2015, relative to the Non-Categorical Use of Force  Investigations Audit (AD No. 15-003), as set forth, [BPC #15-0230] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated June 16, 2015, relative to Operations – West Bureau Narcotics Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (AD No. 14-037), as set forth, [BPC #15-0232] will be held over until the Tuesday August 4 Police Commission meeting.

 

Click here for Police Commission Notes

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Teacher Arrested for Sexual Abuse of 15-year-old

Los Angeles: Teacher from San Pedro High School arrested for sexually abusing her 15-year-old student.

In February 2015, 28-year-old Michelle Yeh assumed a temporary teaching assignment in the Science Department where the minor was a student in one of her classes. At the close of the 2015 school year, Yeh reached out to the victim and arranged private meetings. In July of 2015, the minor disclosed that Yeh sexually abused him on several occasions.

On July 17, 2015, Yeh was arrested and released on $100,000.00 bail. The investigation is still ongoing and detectives believe there may be other cases of unreported sexual abuse with other students. Yeh has held multiple temporary teaching assignments in the surrounding area and also provided tutoring online, allowing her contact with other minors. Anyone with further information is encouraged to come forward.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department's Harbor Area, Detective Division, Sex Crimes Investigation Unit (310) 726-7915. 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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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29-Year-Old Critical Missing Man

Los Angeles: The Family of Oswald Puldon and the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Division is asking for the public's help to locate the 29-year-old Northridge resident.

Mr. Puldon was last seen on July 20, 2015, at approximately 9:30 p.m., in the 10000 Block of Babbitt Avenue in Northridge. Mr. Puldon is diagnosed with schizophrenia and has the mental capacity of a 16 year old. His family is concerned for his welfare.

Oswald Puldon is described as a 29-years-old Male Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 270 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black Hawaiian shirt, blue jeans, and light gray tennis shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Oswald Puldon, please contact Devonshire Area Detectives at (818) 832-0633. 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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