LAPD Blog

Class 5-15 Recruit Graduation

Click here for COP podcast

October 30, 2015 – A Los Angeles Police Academy graduation ceremony was held this morning at the LAPD Administration Building plaza.  

Today’s ceremony featured 47 graduates.  Three of the graduates were for Los Angeles World Airports and one was for the Port of Los Angeles.  All recruits have completed 920 hours of training over the course of 24 weeks.  Impeccably dressed in full uniform, the recruits appeared before hundreds of spectators, including Chief Charlie Beck, LAPD command staff and city officials.   

Chief Beck places a high priority on attending recruit graduation ceremonies as an opportunity to thank, inform, and congratulate LAPD’s newest officers.  Before he began his remarks, he paid tribute to Captain Michelle Veenstra with her 30-plus years of service to the Department.  He commended her for many accomplishments, including her “great job as the commanding officer of recruit training” and her many other assignments.  “She has been a great human being while doing it…and made a difference in people’s lives,” said Chief Beck.    

Chief Beck went on to deliver the core of his address.  As always, he talked about the importance of support from the many family members and friends of the new officers and thanked them for their efforts.  “Remember,” said Chief Beck, “I understand each and every one of your worries, your sorrows, but also the joy that goes with being a parent and a loved one of a Los Angeles police officer.  So thank you all.”  

Speaking directly to the new recruits, Chief Beck touched on many topics.  Among other things, he reminded them that their badges belong only to the people of Los Angeles.  He emphasized that the individual character of each officer is what protects the badge and represents the positive influence policing has on the community.  In their interactions with the people, he underscored the importance of officers building trust and being fair in how they treat others.  “You cannot only accept the good things about being a Los Angeles police officer,” he said.  “You must accept it all.  Take responsibility for your profession; take responsibility for your own actions [and] be the kind of police officer that makes me proud.”

In closing, Chief Beck returned to addressing friends and family members of the recruits with a promise to protect and serve the new officers as they do the same for the people of Los Angeles.

Recruits will be on patrol in their respective LAPD divisions as soon as this coming Sunday, November 1.  In keeping with tradition as a final note in the ceremony, the recruits recited their class chant and tossed their caps into the air, signifying their exuberance as police academy graduates and the promise of a fulfilling career as LAPD police officers.

Follow @LAPDHQ	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

Stolen Weapons, Ammunition and Narcotics Recovered During Search Warrant

Los Angeles: On Tuesday, October 27, around 4:00 p.m., officers from the Gang and Narcotics Division (GND) Gun Unit began surveillance on a gun trafficking suspect. The suspect was believed to have ties to San Fernando Valley gangs and be in possession of multiple stolen assault rifles and other stolen firearms. It is believed that he was attempting to illegally sell the firearms.

The GND Gang Field Unit began following the suspect before he was ultimately taken into custody without incident at 8:15 p.m. During the time the suspect was under surveillance, a search warrant was written and approved by a judge. At approximately 8:45 p.m., officers from the GND Gun Unit, supported by the GND Gang Field Unit, Foothill Division Gang Enforcement Unit and Devonshire Patrol served search warrants on the 17000 block of Sammy Lane and the 9900 block of Balboa Boulevard in Northridge.

During the service of the warrants, officers arrested a second suspect with a no bail felony warrant. The officers seized 39 firearms, including five assault rifles, thousands of rounds of live ammunition, approximately one pound of methamphetamines, over $2,500 in U.S. currency, and a credit card embossing machine as well as other evidence.

GND Gun Unit detectives are the lead investigative entity on the case. They are continuing the investigation into the source of the firearms to identify their lawful owners if any and identifying possible suspects who were attempting to purchase the stolen firearms. In addition, it is believed that at least one of the suspects may have been involved in multiple burglaries at public storage facilities in the area as well as a credit card fraud scheme.

 

Follow @LAPDHQ	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

Cyclist Sought After Collision with Pedestrian

Los Angeles: On October 15, 2015, Levon Avetisyan, a 77-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was crossing Glendale Boulevard just north of 1st Street when he was struck by a bicyclist riding northbound on Glendale Boulevard. Mr. Avetisyan suffered severe head trauma and was taken to a local hospital by paramedics from LAFD, he remains in grave condition. The unknown bicyclist left the area before he was identified by police.

Anyone with information concerning the bicyclist is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at 213-833-3713. 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

Office Burglary Suspects Caught on Surveillance Video

Topanga Area: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Area Burglary Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying two suspects caught on video burglarizing multiple offices.

On October 19, 2015, Topanga Area had a series of business burglaries take place in the 6300 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The office building primarily houses doctors and dentists. The two suspects in this case were captured on video prying open the door of several offices with a screwdriver and forcing their way inside during off hours. The suspects fled the location after taking property.

One suspect has a distinct tattoo on the left side of his neck. The suspects are described as male Whites' approximately 25 to 40 years of age, 5'10" - 6'0" tall and weighing, 170-200 pounds. Both suspects are wearing dark clothing and black baseball caps.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations is asked to call the Topanga Area Burglary Detectives at 818-756-4820 or 818-756-5850. 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.

Follow @LAPDHQ	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

Missing Mother and Child

Update:

Mission Area Detectives were looking for Joanna Vanessa Rodriguez and her daughter, Sophia Hernandez.  Rodriguez, who was with her daughter, voluntarily came in to Mission Station.  Both are safe and are cooperating with police at this time. 

Update:

Sophia and Johana were last seen on October 29, 2015 around 4:45 a.m.

Mission Hills: The family and friends of Sophia Hernandez and her mother Joanna Vanessa Rodriguez and the Los Angeles Police Department, Mission Area Detectives, are seeking the publics' assistance in locating Sophia and Joana.

During a verbal argument with a previous boyfriend, Joanna became very upset, made threats to possibly harm herself and her daughter. Both Sophia and Joanna were last seen the area of Langdon Avenue and Parthenia Street, in Panorama City. Joana Rodriguez was driving a 1991 Gray Toyota Camry 4-door. This vehicle has been located near their residence. At this time, it is not known if she has access to any other vehicles.

Joanna Vanessa Rodriguez is described as a 29-year-old female Hispanic with brown hair and brown eyes. Joanna stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds. Sophia Hernandez is described as a 7-year-old female Hispanic with brown hair. She stands 4 feet tall, and weighs approximately 55 pounds.

 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sophia Hernandez and Joanna Vanessa Rodriguez is urged to contact LAPD Mission Division at 818-838-9800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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

Illegal Sports Gambling Enterprise Busted

Los Angeles: Detectives assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division have announced the arrest of several southern California suspects accused of operating an illegal sports gambling enterprise.

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, joined by New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton, today announced that a Queens County grand jury has indicted 17 individuals in New York, Nevada, Arizona and California on charges of unlawfully operating a highly sophisticated sports gambling enterprise that stretched across the country and utilized offshore-based gambling websites. The enterprise, which is alleged to have annually booked more than $32 million, is also accused of laundering its criminal proceeds by depositing and withdrawing large sums of cash from various banks throughout the United States.

The defendants are charged in a 124-count indictment with enterprise corruption.  Fourteen others were arrested today in California, Arizona and Nevada and will be extradited to New York to face criminal charges. If convicted, the defendants each face up to 25 years in prison.

The LAPD, along with NYPD, the FBI and Nevada Gaming executed 11 arrest warrants and served warrants at 5 locations throughout Santa Clarita, Downey and Long Beach areas.  9 suspects were taken into custody and large sums of cash and numerous items of evidentiary value.

For further information contact Detective Shannon Hajji, Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division, Transnational Organized Crime Section, at (213) 486-7270.

Follow @LAPDHQ	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

Clear Channel Donates Billboards to Promote Traffic Safety

Today, Chief Beck came together with Los Angeles city councilmembers, Department personnel, actress Anne Marie Johnson, community members and others to acknowledge a donation of 10 billboards from Clear Channel to promote traffic safety throughout the city. It is hoped the billboards will assist the LAPD with public education to provide safety tips focusing on hit-and-run collisions, distracted driving reminders and bicycle safety.

News Conf- Clear Channel Billboard Donations 10-28-15

Follow @LAPDHQ	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

 

 

Attempt Rape Suspect Sought

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Hollenbeck Area Sex Crimes detectives are asking the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identity and arrest of the suspect involved in an attempt rape.

On September 29, 2015, around 12:45 a.m., a male suspect approached a female in the 1500 block of 1st Street. The suspect followed the victim on 1st Street to Pecan Street where he attempted to sexually assault her. The suspect was scared off when a bystander ran toward the victim to render aid. The suspect fled west on 1st Street.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic with a black "flat top" style haircut. He stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. The suspect appears to be young, possibly in his early 20's.



Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact Detective Lopez, Hollenbeck Area Sex Crimes, at (323) 342-8997, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m). 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

Man Stabbed while Riding Local Bus

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Crime Against Persons detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying or providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for stabbing a good samaritan inside the bus.

On October 22, 2015, around 5:20 p.m., Hollenbeck patrol officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon investigation in the intersection of Grande Vista and Washington Boulevard in the Hollenbeck Area. A 60-year-old Hispanic woman was riding the local bus when she was assaulted by a male suspect, who threw a chrome metal ball (trailer hitch) that nearly struck her.

Immediately after the suspect threw the metal ball, a good samaritan intervened and was stabbed several times by the suspect with a sharp object in the upper and lower torso area. The suspect then exited the bus and ran away in an unknown direction.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported the good samaritan to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition. The woman was not injured.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic with a mustache, between 25-35 years of age, stands between 5 feet 6 inches tall to 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighs between 165-175 pounds. The suspect was wearing a black and orange baseball hat, black t-shirt and grey pants. The suspect attempted to conceal his face with another black t-shirt that he wrapped around the lower portion of his face.



Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Hollenbeck Crimes Against Persons Detective K. Gonzales at (323) 342-8973. 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."

Follow @LAPDHQ	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

Elderly Woman Missing from Facility

October 26, 2015

Los Angeles:  The family of Claudette Bohaty and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Person’s Unit are asking for the public’s help in locating Mrs. Bohaty.

On October 23, 2015, around 11:30 a.m., Mrs. Bohaty was last seen in the 300 block of 45th Street in the City of Los Angeles. She is missing from a facility and they are concerned that she has not been found.

Claudette Bohaty is described as a 64-year-old female white with grey hair, blue eyes, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 130 pounds. She was last seeing wearing a grey shirt, grey pants and black shoes.     

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Claudette Bohaty, please contact Missing Persons Unit, Detective L. Saiza (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.