LAPD Blog

Murder Suspect Shot in Officer Involved Shooting

** The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation that 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 December 27, 2015 a homicide occurred in Hollywood Division and LAPD detectives quickly identified a suspect. It was believed that the suspect who fled the scene used a firearm and was considered armed and dangerous.

Working with a Joint LAPD-FBI Fugitives Task Force, the investigators obtained search and arrest warrants for the suspect who was found in his parent's home on the 3500 block of Strang Avenue in Rosemead, California.

Later that afternoon, LAPD officers surrounded the home and ordered the suspect to exit the house and surrender but the suspect refused. LAPD's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel responded and used its crisis negotiators in an attempt to get the suspect to surrender.

Several hours later, after attempting to contact the suspect and the suspect continuing to refuse to surrender, SWAT personnel introduced tear gas into the house. At some point, however, the suspect entered the rear yard and then eventually climbed onto a storage shed with an object in his hand. Officers assigned to the rear containment team ordered the suspect to surrender but he turned and pointed the object toward the officers. A SWAT officer then fired his rifle striking the suspect who then fell from the storage-shed roof into the rear yard. LAFD's Tactical Emergency Medical Service personnel accompanying LAPD SWAT immediately rendered medical aid but he failed to respond and was pronounced dead at the scene. A hand-held torch lighter and cell phone were found next to the suspect.

LAPD's Operations West Bureau Homicide Unit executed the search warrant and collected additional evidence at the home and from the suspect as part of its ongoing murder investigation.

LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the incident and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic and other evidence. FID's ongoing investigation will include interviews of additional witnesses, statements from the involved officers, information from the Coroner's investigation including the autopsy results and toxicology analysis, collection and analysis of any video evidence, examination of the weapons, ballistics comparisons, analysis of clothing, and DNA comparisons.

The Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners will determine whether the use of force complied with LAPD's policies and procedures after the investigation is completed. In addition, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to determine whether any of the officers' actions violated California criminal statutes.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call LAPD's 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.

Man Shot Dead in North Hills

North Hills: Los Angeles Police Department Operations-Valley Bureau homicide detectives are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspects responsible for the murder of a 37-year-old man.

On December 30, 2015, around 7:20 p.m., Mission Division uniformed patrol officers responded to a radio call of a "Shooting Just Occurred" at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Plummer Street. When officers arrived they found a male Hispanic, near a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The initial investigation revealed that unknown suspects were involved in a possible "road rage" incident with the victim. One of the suspects used a firearm to shoot the victim. The suspects then fled the location

The victim's identity is not being released at this time pending notification to family. He was a resident of Winnetka, California.

Anyone with information about this murder is urged to call Detective Dave Peteque, Valley Bureau Homicide, at 818-374-1934. After hours, please call 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."

Mark Salling Arrested for Possession of Child Porn

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Internet Crimes against Children detectives and special agents from Homeland Security have arrested 33-year-old Mark Wayne Salling for 311.11(A)PC.

Yesterday, investigators executed a search warrant in the 9900 block of Helen Avenue after receiving a tip that he was in possession of child pornography. Images and video of child pornography were recovered on Salling's electronic media devices.

Salling was booked at LAPD, Metropolitan Detention Center, with bail set at $20,000.00.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Lt. Grossman, LAPD ICAC at (562) 624-4027. 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.

Celebrating the New Year with Gunfire can be Deadly and will Not be Tolerated in the City and County of Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Every year, a significant number of people throughout the City and County of Los Angeles engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) have embarked upon an awareness campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that, while on the decline, has continued to be a deadly tradition in our County and in our City.

Today, LAPD Commander Robert Arcos and LASD Sheriff Chief Anthony La Berge held a news conference to publicize their concern about holiday-related celebratory gunfire. The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the County and City of Los Angeles.

California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms. Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime.

In the early morning hours, on January, 1, 2014, a male adult was outside in the 6800 block of Figueroa Street when he was struck in the face by a bullet, which fell from the sky. He was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The incident is a reminder of the dangers of a stray bullet.

The public is also reminded that toy replica guns that resemble real weapons are also a concern for law enforcement officers and that playing with replica guns is strongly discouraged.

Together, the proud men and women of LAPD and LASD ask the public to STOP the senseless act of firing weapons into the air and CELEBRATE SAFELY.

In addition, should a shooting occur, members of the community are encouraged to call 9-1-1. To report information regarding a crime, please call 1-877-LAPD-24-7. 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.

For more information, please call LAPD Media Relations Section, at 213-486-5910, or the LASD's Public Information Officer, Nicole Nishida, at 323-810-1973.

27-Year-Old Man Killed in the Hollywood Area

Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department West Bureau Homicide detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) who killed 27-year-old Henry Estrada.

On Sunday, December 27, 2015, around 8:38 p.m., Hollywood patrol officers responded to a radio call of a "shooting just occurred", in the 2000 block of Sycamore. When officers arrived they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

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

The suspect was only described as a male who left in a white or silver sedan eastbound on Camrose Drive.

The circumstances and motive for this homicide are unknown.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department 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(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 Killed in the Valley Area

Winnetka: The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Bureau Homicide detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) who killed a 37-year-old man.

On December 25, 2015, around 1:08 p.m., Topanga patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon Shooting", in the 20300 block of Cantara Street in the Winnetka area. When officers arrived they found the victim inside the residence on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound.

It appears unknown suspects were involved in a verbal dispute with the victim, which resulted in a physical altercation. One of the suspects produced a handgun and the victim was struck by gunfire. The suspects left the location in an unknown direction.

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

The victim is described as a male White and a resident of Winnetka. The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of the family.

There is no suspect information.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department Valley Bureau Homicide Detective Dave Peteque, at (818) 374-1934. 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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2-year-old Missing Little Girl

December 28, 2015                            NR15934rmh

Update

 

Jack Perry

 

 

 

Van Nuys: Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Detectives are asking for the public's help in locating Lucia Perry.

On December 24, 2015, around 5 p.m., Lucia Perry was having a supervised visitation with her father, Jack Perry. The person supervising the visitation lost sight of Lucia and her father while in the 100 block of The Grove.

Jack Perry is described as a 31 year-old Caucasian male with brown eyes.

Lucia Perry is described as a female Caucasian with blond hair and blue eyes. She stands 2 feet 6 inches tall and has a small build. She was last seen wearing pink sweatpants a yellow t-shirt and "Hot Pink Nike Shoes."

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lucia Perry, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Detectives, Detective K. White or Detective M. Santana at (818) 374-1913. 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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36-Year-Old Critical Missing Man

December 26, 2015                              NR15931rh

UPDATE

On December 25, 2015 Mr. Lash was found safe, reunited with his family and returned to his care home.
 

 

Los Angeles: The family of Justin Lash and the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Area detectives are asking for the public's assistance in locating him.

Justin was last seen on December 23, 2015, in the 9500 block of McLennan Avenue, around
3:00 p.m. in North Hills. Justin suffers from a brain injury and his family is concerned for his safety.

Justin is described as a 36-year-old male Caucasian with brown hair and green eyes. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 155 pounds. Justin was last seen wearing a black shirt, gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and white boots. He also has tattoos covering both arms.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Justin Lash, please contact the LAPD Devonshire 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.

Class 7-15 Recruit Graduation

COP Grad Speech 12-23-15

 

December 23, 2015 – A Los Angeles Police Academy graduation ceremony was held this morning at the LAPD Administration Building plaza.  

Today’s ceremony featured 42 graduates.  Thirty-eight officers were sworn for the LAPD and four were for Los Angeles World Airports.  All recruits have completed 920 hours of training over the course of 24 weeks.  The recruits proudly stood before Chief Charlie Beck, Department command staff, city officials and hundreds of spectators.   

A special feature of Chief Beck’s presentation at the graduation ceremony was a speech within a speech from Deputy Chief Jose Perez, who was retiring with over 32 years of service.  As part of his speech, Chief Perez said there should be three things one walks away with when leaving the LAPD, regardless of rank, to symbolize a successful career with the Department: good health, family and integrity.   

Chief Beck returned to the podium and continued speaking.  He thanked the family members and friends in attendance for instilling the right kind of character in the recruits, which was needed to be a successful LAPD officer.  He continued his address, talking about a question he always asks recruits during his inspection of the graduates near the beginning of the ceremony.  As he walks through the rows of new officers standing at attention, he asks each of them why they decided to become an LAPD officer.  “They all had an answer,” said Chief Beck.  “That answer is pure. That answer shows their character.”

In closing, he told the recruits they were entering a “fragile” profession with many pitfalls and temptations.  “You can never allow your actions, as [Deputy Chief] Jose said, to tarnish that badge,” said Chief Beck.  As always, the chief told the family and friends in the audience that while your loved ones protect and serve the City of Los Angeles, he would promise to protect and serve them.

Recruits will be expected to start their new jobs almost immediately, as many will be deployed in the field at their respective LAPD divisions beginning as soon as Sunday, December 27.  In keeping with tradition, at the end of the ceremony, recruits recited their class chant and tossed their caps high into the air, celebrating their achievements at the academy and the prospects of success as LAPD’s newest officers.       

Officer Involved Shooting in Harbor Area

** 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 December 19, 2015 at approximately 8:00 a.m., members of the public saw a suspect throwing glass bottles at an apartment complex in the 1600 block of West 207th Street.  Several individuals attempted to stop the suspect from vandalizing the building, but when they attempted to intervene the suspect began physically fighting with them.  A bystander contacted LAPD's 9-1-1 emergency call center and Harbor Area patrol officers were dispatched to the scene.

Officers Christopher Eick and Justin Kravetz arrived at the location when the suspect, later identified as Ruben Herrera, confronted them and punched one of the officers in the face.  The officers then attempted to handcuff Herrera who continued fighting with the officers by kicking and physically resisting.  The officers used a TASER, but were still unable to control the suspect.  Herrera then tried to take away one of the officer’s handguns.  An officer then applied an upper body control hold which enabled the officers to take Herrera into custody.

The officers requested a rescue ambulance and Herrera was transported to Harbor UCLA Medical Center for treatment.  The arresting officers were also transported to a local hospital due to injuries suffered while taking Herrera into custody.

While at the hospital, medical personnel examined Herrera who was handcuffed to a hospital gurney.  When the medical personnel cleared Herrera to be transported to jail, Southeast Area officers Alejandro Downey and Joseph Adragna unlocked his handcuff from the gurney and attempted to cuff him behind his back.  Herrera, however, began punching and kicking the officers, trying to escape.   In addition, Herrera grabbed a heavy metal stool, swung it violently and struck Officer Downey.  Both officers attempted to subdue Herrera with their TASERs but he continued to fight, threw the metal stool at them, and then continued punching and kicking both officers.  During the violent struggle, Officer Adragna fell onto his back and Herrera then jumped on top of him striking Officer Adragna and attempting to take Officer Adragna’s handgun from his holster.  Officer Downey continued to use his TASER on Herrera but Herrera continued to fight and then turned and attempted to take Officer Downey’s weapon.  Officer
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 Downey was eventually able to unholster his weapon and when Herrera attempted to grab the gun again, Officer Downey fired one round from his handgun striking Herrera.  Emergency room personnel immediately began lifesaving measures but he later died.  The officers were also treated for injuries suffered during the violent struggle with Herrera.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to both incidents and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic and other evidence.  FID’s ongoing investigation will include interviews of additional witnesses, statements from the involved officers, information from the Coroner’s investigation including the autopsy results and toxicology analysis, collection and analysis of any video evidence, examination of the weapons, ballistics comparisons, analysis of clothing, and DNA comparisons.

The completed investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the uses of force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures.  In addition, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of both incidents to determine whether any of the officers’ actions violated California criminal statutes.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call LAPD’s 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.