LAPD Blog

Road Rage Erupts Into Violence

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a road rage altercation which resulted in the victim receiving serious head injuries.

On May 26, 2015, around 7:30 p.m., the suspect and the victim were involved in a physical altercation as the result of a traffic dispute that occurred at 4th Street and Ardmore Avenue. During the confrontation, the suspect physically picked up the victim and slammed him onto the concrete sidewalk, causing his head to hit the ground and lose consciousness. Once the victim was on the ground, the suspect slammed the victim's head multiple times onto the concrete sidewalk. The suspect then walked to his vehicle, which was double parked on 4th Street facing westbound, and entered his vehicle. The suspect then fled westbound on 4th Street towards Kingsley Drive.

The victim suffered a skull fracture and internal bleeding during the altercation and required surgery. Due to the seriousness of the victim's injuries, the victim is currently receiving physical therapy and is unable to recall the incident.

The suspect is described as a male Asian, possibly Korean, in his mid to late 30's, with black hair, approximately five feet and eight inches tall, and weighing around 180 pounds. The suspect was wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and a black baseball hat. The vehicle driven by the suspect is described as an off white early model four door sedan, possibly a Volvo, with a non-functioning left brake light.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Police Officer III S. Lee, Serial No. 34792, assigned to the Asian Crime Unit, GND, at (213) 486-4762. 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.

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Phone Extortion Scam Alert

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division is issuing a warning to the public about a recent rash of phone scams involving a threat that a family member is being held hostage, and will not be released until the victim's family wires money.

The victims are contacted by a suspect who states they are holding a family member hostage. The caller then demands money to be wired, or they will kill or hurt the hostage. The suspect advises the victim to go to an ATM to withdraw money, and then send the money via wire services. Other variations of the extortion include the caller contacting miscellaneous businesses for "Protection Money." The phone calls are originating from Mexico.

Below are crime prevention tips to avoid falling victim of this scam:

• Incoming calls made from an outside area code or Country.
• Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line.
• Calls do not come from the victim's phone.
• Callers try to prevent you from contacting the "Kidnapped" victim.
• Multiple successive phone calls.
• Demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer.
• Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited.
• Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers to someone you do not know.

Anyone with information or questions regarding this crime is asked to contact Robbery-Homicide Division Detectives at (213) 486-6840. 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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30-Year-Old Male Killed in West Los Angeles

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one man dead in West Los Angeles.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2015 around 8:30 p.m., the victim was standing outside in the 3100 block of Canfield Avenue when unknown suspect(s) fired several shots injuring the victim. The Los Angeles Fire Department transported the victim to a local hospital where the victim later succumbed to his wounds.

The circumstances and motive for this homicide are unknown. The victim has been identified as 30-Year-Old James Gregory Jackson.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. 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.

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Porch Pirates Snatch Packages

Tazana: Two more porch pirates have hit in Tarzana, stealing a package off a porch in the 5500 block of Beckford Avenue. Detectives have released the video and are asking the public's help in identifying the thief and his getaway driver.

"Porch pirating is a common problem today, in the age of online shopping," said Capt. Paul Vernon, who heads up the West Valley Patrol Division. "We hope everyone takes a look at this video. Jail time and good video like this are about the only deterrents to the growing problem."

The homeowner's video shows a white, late-model BMW pull into view. A White or Hispanic man, with a satchel around his neck, exits the car and boldly walks up the driveway and takes a UPS box. He leaves with his accomplice in the BMW.

"Imagine if this stolen package had an ill person's vital medicine," Capt. Vernon added. "It's galling, especially when we can see it happen like this. When we catch these guys, they're going to walk the plank to jail."
Police offer the following tips to protect residents from Porch Pirates:

• Have packages delivered to locations where a person is home
• Have packages delivered to the vendor's local store for pick up
• Have packages held by the delivery company for personal pick up
• Ask for notification when package is delivered so you can have a trusted neighbor pick up for you
• Add delivery instructions like, requiring a signature upon delivery, or where to place parcels

Police warn that most porch pirating occurs during the day when residents are away, and the thieves are often involved in identify theft in addition to taking parcels. Neighbors working together can harden the target against porch pirates.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Det. William Dunn, West Valley Burglary detectives, at (818) 374-7674. 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.

Man Dies after Assault inside Hollywood Night Club

Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department Detectives are investigating an assault that ultimately became a possible homicide.

On Saturday, August 22, 2015, between 12:15 a.m. and 12:45 a.m. Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to calls of a brawl at the "Cashmere Club". The club is in the 1700 block of North McCadden Place.

Officers arrived and discovered Jose Manuel Silva Nieves, 20, of Maywood, had collapsed after being involved in a physical altercation in the club.

The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived and transported Mr. Nieves to a local hospital where he was declared brain dead on Sunday, August 23, 2015.

The cause of death is pending a determination by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner- Coroner. This case is currently being investigated as a possible homicide.

Anyone with information on this incident should contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to the 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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NOTES August 25, 2015 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

After a quorum was established, Commission President Steve Soboroff made a brief comment about Item 1, the Election of Officers.  He stated the election would probably be during the commission meeting of September 15, 2015.  There were no further commissioner comments; so the meeting proceeded to the Report of the Chief of Police.  Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger was sitting in for Chief Beck.  Chief Paysinger began by mentioning that there are nearly 600 participants currently in the Youth Leadership Program class that began at the beginning of this month. He especially commended Captain Cory Palka of 77th Division for bringing in 50 new cadets. With funds from a grant, the Department will transport the participants to their weekly training by bus. He then provided current crime statistics.

The was no Report from the Executive Director or Inspector General; so the meeting proceeded to the Consent Agenda Items, which were all approved after public comments.

The next orders of business were the Regular Agenda Items.  There were three Regular Agenda Items, the first of which was a verbal report. Commissioner Soboroff made a motion, which was seconded, to approve Item 8B as follows:

    •Item 8B, the Department’s Report, dated August 20, 2015, relative to the Narcotics Analysis Laboratory Trust Fund Expenditure Plan #18, as set forth, was approved.

The meeting proceeded with Item 8A, the Department’s verbal report and discussion relative to the status of the implementation of the Body-Worn Video Program and policies related to the use of and access to video imagery.  Representing the Department before the board were Sergeant Dan Gomez and two others who were not verbally identified.  They proceeded to discuss several aspects of the program, including the Department-wide rollout schedule, training, funding and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.  Commissioner Robert Saltzman had extensive questions and comments that were addressed.  Near the end of the discussion, Commissioner Soboroff stated the commission will revisit this topic in about six months for further updates.

The final segment of the meeting, just before the closing public comments, was Item 8C:

    •Item 8C, the Department’s Report, dated August 12, 2015, relative to the Inmate Welfare Fund Audit (AD# 14-58), as set forth, was approved.

Commission Mtg 8-25-15

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Office Creeper

Tarzana: Detectives have released photos of a man who has walked into several Ventura Boulevard office buildings for the purpose of stealing items like laptops and cell phones.

"We refer to thieves like this man as Office Creepers," said Capt. Paul Vernon, who heads up the West Valley Patrol Division. "They are bold and brazen, and they'll usually have an excuse when confronted."

In this case, the 50-something year old Black man will say, "Oops, I'm lost," or "Can you give me directions?" He has hit two buildings in Tarzana and Encino over a four-week period, starting in late June. He seems to hit around lunch time when employees are away from desks.

The pictures are quite clear of this 6-foot man, who is medium build with thinning hair. Anyone who knows the thief should be able to recognize him.



Here are a few steps to protect your business against office creepers:

• Install a video security system
• Restrict entry to offices with keypads or other lock systems
• Close and lock offices when not in use
• Ensure reception areas are staffed and challenge unfamiliar persons
• Have employees lock up purses and valuables out of sight
• Be leery of persons whom you find walking in areas restricted to customers
• Secure back entries and storage closets

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Officer Steffensen, West Valley Burglary detectives, at (818) 374-7769. 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.

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Critical Missing 23-Year-Old Man

August 26, 2015                                          NR15286ne

Update

Harry Nava has been located and reunited with his family.

 

 

Los Angeles: The family of Harry Nava and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit is requesting the public's help in locating him.

Harry has Down Syndrome and was last seen on August 25, 2015, around 12:50 a.m., in the 3800 block of Monterey Road. His family is extremely concerned for his welfare.

Harry is described as a 23-year-old male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. Harry was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, green sandals and carrying a green backpack.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Harry Nava is asked to contact Detective L. Saiza, LAPD Missing Persons Unit, 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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Critical Missing -79 Year-Old Man

Panorama City: The Los Angeles Police Department Mission Division is asking for the public's help in locating Mr. Audomaro Pech.

Mr. Pech was last seen on August 24, 2015, at about 11:30 a.m. from the 14800 block of Chase Street in Panorama City. The family believes Mr. Pech suffers from early stages of Alzheimer's disease and does not know how to get home.

Mr. Pech is described as a male, Hispanic, gray hair, brown eyes, stands at 5 feet tall, weighing approximately 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white cowboy hat, white T-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

Mr. Pech recently moved to the United States from Mexico and does not drive or have a cell phone at this time.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Pech, please contact Mission Area Watch Commander at (818) 838-9800. 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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Man Dies from Shooting in Koreatown

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one man dead in Koreatown.

On Saturday, August 22, 2015, at about 1:00 p.m., Los Angeles Police Officers responded to a call of a shooting at 8th Street and Saint Andrew Place. Officers arrived and were directed to a victim who was down on the sidewalk. The victim is described as a male, black, 45 years old.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where the victim died from his injuries.

The circumstances and motive for this homicide are unknown.

Witnesses saw a group of male Blacks arguing then heard shots. Four to five male Blacks fled the location and left in different vehicles.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.

Anyone with information on this shooting should contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to the 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 LAPD Online.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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