LAPD Blog

Officer Involved Shooting in Mission

**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 September 15, 2015, around 2:49 p.m., Mission patrol officers responded to a radio call of a "man with a gun" in the 14700 block of Parthenia Street.

When the officers arrived they were unable to locate the suspect. Mission officers from the area Parole Compliance Unit were driving northbound on Willis Avenue, when a citizen advised them of an armed suspect on Parthenia Street east of Willis Street and provided a suspect description.

As the officers negotiated an eastbound turn on Parthenia Street, they observed an individual, later identified as Florencio Chaidez, who matched the armed suspect description. Chaidez proceeded to walk eastbound on the south sidewalk away from the officers.

The officers continued to follow Chaidez in their vehicle, and one officer observed him holding a handgun in his right hand. As the officers exited their vehicle and tactically deployed, the suspect pointed the handgun at one of the officers. This lead to an officer involved shooting involving Police Officer II Patricia Barajas, Serial No. 39954 and Police Officer II Brady Cuellar, Serial No. 38790.

Los Angeles Fire paramedics responded and pronounced the suspect dead at scene.

A handgun was recovered at scene near where the suspect fell. No officers were injured.

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.

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September 29, 2015 Weekly Police Commission Meeting Notes

Click Podcast for COP Media Update after Comm Mtg 9-29-15

A quorum was established, and there were no commission comments. The meeting proceeded to the Report of the Chief of Police, and Chief Charlie Beck began by talking about his concern over a spike in citywide shootings from the previous weekend.  There were 19 shootings, 12 of which were gang-related and four of which resulted in homicides.  Chief Beck continued his report with additional, current crime statistics, including traffic-related data and departmental personnel statistics. 

 There was no report from the Inspector General; so the meeting proceeded to the Consent Agenda Items, which were approved after public comments.  The meeting then proceeded to the Regular Agenda Items.  There were three Regular Agenda Items.  A motion was made to approve Items 4B and 4C, which was seconded and approved as follows:

• Item 4B, the Department’s Report, dated September 9, 2015, relative to the request to negotiate an agreement with selected proposer, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., to provide routine hazardous materials waste management services, as set forth, was approved.
• Item 4C, the Department’s Report, dated September 23, 2015, relative to the grant application and award for the 2015 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, as set forth, was approved.

The meeting proceeded to Item 4A, the Inspector General’s Report, dated September 29, 2015, relative to the investigation of the LAPD’s procurement practices.  Representing the Department for purposes of discussion before the commission were Inspector General Alexander Bustamante, Assistant Inspector General Jim Willis, Special Investigator Dave Baroway and Training Division Deputy Chief Bill Murphy.  The presenters shared some general information about the investigation and then addressed specific questions and issues from the commissioners.  Chief Beck also had some recommendations and comments.  Lastly, Commission President Matt Johnson asked that any changes to the recommendations or additional information about the investigation be reported back to the commission in 30 days.  He also asked Inspector General Bustamante to contact the City Attorney’s Office and General Services Department for assistance in formulating the recommendations that will come back to the commission.

Two Murder Suspects Arrested in Homicide of UCLA Student

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD) detectives have arrested two individuals suspected of murdering Andrea Delvesco, a UCLA student.

On September 21, 2015, around 7:20 a.m., Ms. Delvesco's body was found by firefighters who extinguished a fire at her apartment on the 10900 block of Roebling Street.

Los Angeles Police Department, RHD and Los Angeles Fire Department Arson investigators who responded to the scene suspected that Ms. Delvesco had died under suspicious circumstances. A homicide investigation was initiated.

Investigators examined forensic evidence and witness's statements, which linked 22-year-old Alberto Medina and 22-year-old Eric Marquez to the murder of Ms. Delvesco.

On Saturday, September 26, 2015, RHD detectives arrested 22-year-old Alberto Medina at his residence in Fresno, California. On Sunday evening, 22-year-old Eric Marquez was arrested near his apartment on Strathmore Drive, in Westwood.

Medina was booked at Van Nuys Jail for 187 PC, Murder and is being held without bail. Marquez was also booked at Van Nuys Jail for 187 PC, Murder and his bail amount is set at one million dollars.

The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Major Crimes Division, for filing considerations.

Anyone with information is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Division Detectives, Frank Carrillo or James King at (213) 486-6890. 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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Chief Beck/Mayor Garcetti/community members at news conference to discuss recent shootings in South L.A.

COP News Conf with Mayor 9-25-15

 

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85-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles: The family of Rodney Kissel and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit requests the public's assistance in locating him.

Mr. Kissel was last seen on September 24, 2015, around 10:30 a.m. in the 7000 block of Kenyon Avenue, in the City of Los Angeles and his family is concerned for his welfare.

Mr. Kissel is described as an 85-year-old White male with gray long hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. Mr. Kissel is driving a 4-door 2008 Nissan Maxima black in color, California license plate number 6BAP380.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Rodney Kissel, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit, Detective Carlton, (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.

Search Warrants Yield Arrests of Violent Gang Members and an Arsenal of Weapons NR15331dm

Pacoima: On Thursday, September 24, 2015, personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department conducted a multiple location search warrant related to a recent string of gang related violent crimes that have occurred within the east end of the San Fernando Valley.

Detectives from Foothill Community Police Station Homicide Squad conducted a lengthy investigation over the past several months in an attempt to identify members of a Pacoima based violent street gang. The gang was responsible for almost a dozen homicides, as well as several shootings in the surrounding neighborhoods, that resulted in injuries to a dozen victims. During the course of the operation, eight suspects were arrested for crimes varying from murder to narcotics possession. All of the search warrants were successful in recovering information or evidence related to the violence waged by the members of this notorious gang. Over twenty firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operation.



Community members, from around Foothill Division Area, expressed their gratitude for the efforts of officers addressing this recent wave of violence. The success of the operation is evident by the recovery of so many firearms, and the arrest of those responsible for holding their community hostage in their own homes.

Foothill detectives were assisted by Metropolitan Division's Special Weapons and Tactics team, Gang and Narcotics Division, Major Crimes Division, Commercial Crimes Division, Jail Division, several valley division gang units and parole compliance units.

For further information regarding this incident, please contact LAPD's Foothill Community Police Station detectives at (818) 834-3115. 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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90-Year-Old Man Reported Missing

Los Angeles: The family of John Anz and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in locating 90-year-old man who is missing.

On September 24, 2015, around 2:00 p.m., Mr. Anz was last seen in the 100 block of Arden Boulevard. Mr. Anz is reported to be in good mental condition but his family is concerned because they have not heard from him.

Anz is described as a male White, with receding red hair and hazel eyes. He is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a beige short sleeve shirt and tan pants. He was last known to be driving a four door 1993 Volvo 940 tan in color in color with California license plate number of 3FFN998.

Anyone with information on Mr. Anz's whereabouts is asked to contact LAPD Wilshire Division (213) 473-0476 or 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 Crimes 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) 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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Olympic Homicide

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Olympic Homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting of a male victim.

Early this morning, around 5:12 a.m., officers responded to a radio call of a shooting at 6th Street and Occidental Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

The Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the victim dead at scene.

A witness described the suspect as a male Hispanic fleeing the scene on foot westbound 6th Street.

A second victim informed officers that immediately after the shooting a male Hispanic pointed a handgun at him and took his bicycle.

A possible suspect, who was riding on a bicycle near 5th Street and Virgil Avenue, was detained by officers. The individual had discarded a firearm which was recovered.

The circumstances and motive of the homicide are unknown. The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information on this shooting should contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. 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."

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48-year-old Missing Female

Los Angeles: The family of Gravette Evans and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are requesting the public's assistance in locating her.

Mrs. Evans was last seen on September 21, 2015, around 6:00 a.m., in the 9900 block of Natick Avenue, in the City of Los Angeles. Her family and friends are very concerned for her welfare.

Mrs. Evans is described as a female Black, with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 4 feet 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds. She was last known to be driving a 2003 Toyota RAV4 silver in color with California license plate number of 5AZW095.

Anyone with information on Gravette Evans' whereabouts is asked to contact LAPD Mission Division (818) 838-9800 or 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 Crimes 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) 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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Fatal shooting in Lincoln Heights area

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Homicide detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identity and arrest of the person responsible for the shooting death of 17-year-old, Adrian Shije.

On September 20, 2015, around 2:05 p.m., Hollenbeck officers responded to a radio call of a shooting in the 2800 block of Barranca Street. When officers arrived, they found a male victim lying on the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported Shije to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

There is no suspect description and the motive is unknown. The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information on this shooting should contact Hollenbeck Homicide investigators at (213) 342-8964. 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."

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