LAPD Blog

Hit and Run Leaves Pedestrian in Critical Condition

February 29, 2016
UPDATE

The pedestrian was later pronounced dead while at the hospital.

 

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Central Traffic Area detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision, which left a 35-year-old man critically injured.

On Sunday, February 28, around 3:05 a.m., the suspect was driving northbound on San Pedro Street at the intersection of 7th Street. and collided with the pedestrian. The suspect failed to stop and render aid to the victim as required by law. The suspect vehicle was described as a bluish-green Chrysler 300 depicting California license plate number 5YGJ105.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld at this time until next-of-kin have been notified.

The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the hit and run driver.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Central Traffic Detectives at (213) 833-3713, or Detective M. Kaden (213) 486-0750, or Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 486-8344. 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 stabbed in North Hollywood Area

North Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department Operation 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 26-year-old Roberto Herman Lopez.

On Thursday, February 25, 2016, around 6:50 a.m., North Hollywood Area patrol officers responded to a radio call which indicated that a victim had been cut. When officers arrived they found Mr. Lopez suffering from a stab wound.

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

There is no information on the suspect or suspects at this time.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department, Operation Valley Bureau Homicide Detectives, Detective Gutierrez or Detective Plourde, at (818) 974-9550. 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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13-Year-Old Missing Boy

Los Angeles: The family of George Espinoza and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public's help in locating him.

George was last seen today around 5:00p.m., in the 3200 of Inez St, in the city of Los Angeles. His family is extremely concerned that he has not returned home.

George is described as a 13-year-old, Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes.He stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 115 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hat with "Dopest" on it, black T-shirt and gray checkered shorts.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of George Espinoza please contact Lt. Hom, Hollenbeck Division, at (323) 342-4185. 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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12-Year-Old Missing Girl

Los Angeles: The family of Ashley Bernal and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public's help in locating her.

Ashley was last seen in the Ramona Gardens Housing Development today around 7:20 p.m., in the 2800 block of Lancaster Avenue, in the city of Los Angeles. Her family is extremely concerned that she has not returned home.

Ashley is described as a 12-year-old, Hispanic female with black hair and black eyes. She stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black and white striped sweater, blue pants, and black and white shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Ashley Bernal please contact Sergeant Lopez, Hollenbeck Division, at (323) 342-4185. 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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Notes from the February 23, 2016 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Commissioner President Matt Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established.  There were no commissioner comments; so the meeting proceeded to the Consent Agenda Items, all of which (1A through 1C) were approved with no discussion.

The next item of business was the Report of the Chief of Police.  Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger was sitting in for Chief Charlie Beck.  He thanked Dr. Rev. Fred Price, Jr. for allowing the LAPD to hold the recruit graduation ceremony at the Crenshaw Christian Faith Ministry Center. This event was well attended by more than 500 people and the 26 new police officers were welcomed into the Department.  Assistant Chief Paysinger provided a crime report overview with statistical data.  

LAPD introduces Obtaining a Traffic Collision Report Online

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department today unveiled a new online service for community members involved in a traffic collision to obtain a copy of their report. By going to www.LAPDOnline.org, the public will be able to purchase and download a copy of their report instead of having to send a letter to the Department requesting a copy. The LAPD strives to provide excellent service to the community. This new service will help to reduce processing time, postage, and retrieval costs associated with the traditional method of requesing via United States mail.

The LAPD has partnered with LexisNexis to provide a secure online web portal that will allow the public involved in a collision, their attorneys, and insurance companies to obtain collision reports in a more timely manner. Managing the current dissemination of Traffic Collision Reports is at a substantial cost to the Department. Approximately 85 percent of the Traffic Collision Reports requested each year will be available through this service. This new service significantly reduces the costs, allowing the Department to focus on other high priority tasks, while at the same time reducing the fee for reports purchased via the online service. Reports purchased via the service will incur a fee of $7 for community members and $10 for commercial entities.

For Traffic Collision Reports that meet the specified criteria, issued on or after February 1, 2016, visit www.LAPDOnline.org to obtain a copy of your report.

Any questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

76-Year-Old Missing Woman

Los Angeles: The Family of Aneesah Rasheed and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in locating her.

Ms. Rasheed was last seen on February 23, 2016, in the 3500 block of 63RD Street in the City of Los Angeles. Ms. Rasheed suffers from Dementia and the family is concerned for her safety.

Aneesah Rasheed is described as a 76-year-old female Black with grey hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. She was last seen wearing a green scarf on her head, a red outfit, and black shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Aneesah Rasheed please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Guevara 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.

Son Arrested for Attempt Murder of his Mother

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Area detectives arrested 25-year-old, Angel Hernandez for the brutal stabbing of his mother.

On February 22, 2016, around 12:10 a.m., the victim (suspect's mother) and her son Hernandez were inside their residence located in the 3700 block of Lee Street. The mother was upset with her son for an incident that occurred earlier in the day. Hernandez's sister heard the mother pleading with her son, that what he was doing wasn't necessary and to just leave. Hernandez's sister then heard what sounded like Hernandez physically assaulting their mother. Looking through a kitchen window she saw her brother retrieve a large kitchen knife.

When the officers arrived they found the mother with multiple stab wounds to her neck, arms and legs. She was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Hernandez fled the location prior to the to the officers' arrival.

On Thursday, February 25, 2016, Hollenbeck detectives conducted a follow-up interview with the mother at the hospital. She is still listed in serious but stable condition.

On their way back to the police station, the lead detective on the case recognized Hernandez walking in the area of Huntington Drive and Soto. Although Hernandez did not attempt to flee, detectives requested a back-up due to the violent nature of his assault on his mother.

Hernandez was taken into custody without incident. He has been booked on "Attempt Murder". The case will be presented to the District Attorney's Office for filing.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Kevin Gonzales, Los Angeles Police Department, Hollenbeck Division, at 323-342-8900. 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.

Off-Duty Officer Exchanges Gunfire after Witnessing Drive-by Shooting

**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 facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

San Pedro:  An off-duty Los Angeles Police officer was involved in an officer involved shooting early Saturday morning, after he witnessed a drive-by shooting and was then fired upon as he followed the suspects.

On Saturday, February 20, 2016, around 2:15 a.m., an off-duty LAPD officer was driving in his personal vehicle on Gaffey Street near 12th Street, when he witnessed a drive-by shooting.  The officer, who is assigned to Central Area, and his passenger called 911 as they followed the suspect’s vehicle.  

The officer provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, a dark-colored SUV, possible Ford Explorer, as it continued northbound on Gaffey Street to Cabrillo Avenue.  As the suspects turned westbound onto Santa Cruz Street the vehicle suddenly stopped.  The suspect pointed a gun towards the off-duty officer, through the open driver’s window.  The suspect fired several rounds at the officer and the officer returned fire.  

The suspect’s vehicle sped away westbound on Santa Cruz Street.  The officer remained at the scene of the officer involved shooting.  It was unknown if the suspects or their vehicle were struck by the gunfire.  The officer and his passenger were not injured, but the officer’s vehicle was struck by gunfire.     

The victim of the initial drive-by shooting died at scene.  Harbor Area detectives responded and are investigating the homicide.  The victim’s name has not been released due to the rapidly evolving homicide investigation.

Force Investigation Division detectives responded and recovered numerous shell casings from the officer involved shooting scene in proximity to where the suspect shot at the officer.  The detectives are investigating the officer involved shooting and the crimes against the officer and his passenger.  The suspects and their vehicle are outstanding.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a thorough investigation of the officer involved shooting which will be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and tactics employed by the officer complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures.  The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:
•    During business hours at 213-486-5230;
•    During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247);
•    Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637                   (C-R-I-M-E-S); or
•    Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.

Chief Beck Hosting “Annual Crime Fighter’s Conference” and the Violence Reduction Network

Los Angeles: Chief Charlie Beck's "Annual Crime Fighter's Conference" will bring 30 law enforcement executives and United States Department of Justice officials from across the Country to collaborate on this year's theme "Building Trust and Improving Effectiveness in 2016". The two day conference provides intensive training and technical assistance particularly to agencies that have experienced violence levels that far exceed the National average.

The law enforcement executives and their agencies are part of the Justice Department's Violence Reduction Network (VRN). The VRN includes law enforcement from Baltimore, Camden County (NJ), Detroit, Flint (MI), Little Rock, Milwaukee, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (Compton), New Orleans, Newark, Richmond (CA), West Memphis (AR), and Wilmington (DE). They represent jurisdictions in diverse geographic regions with distinctive characteristics, such as multiple Federal initiatives or a unique law enforcement structure.

Joining the group will be Department of Justice officials from the United States Attorney's Office, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the COPS Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Chief Beck said in preparation for his annual conference "law enforcement agencies should collaborate with community members to develop policies and strategies, build trust, create partnerships, listen to the community, and then work together to make those things happen."

One of the key purposes of the VRN visit is to hear and see the evidence-based programs of the LAPD. The agenda includes remarks from The Honorable Mayor Eric Garcetti, Chief Beck discussing "Trust and Effectiveness as Measures of a Police Department", the success of the data driven policing strategies of "LASER" and "Predpol" (predictive policing), the value of Community Surveys, Body Worn Video, Community Engagement, Media Relations, COMPSTAT, Building Public Trust, among other classes and demonstrations.

In addition to Department personnel facilitating and instructing, Chief Beck has also invited outside experts to impart their unique knowledge. Inspector Andre Ramsey of the London Metropolitan Police will provide a keynote address on Community Surveys and Predictive Analytics, Dr. Jeff Brantingham will instruct the value of Predictive Policing, Dr. Craig Uchida will present findings from Justice and Security Strategies, and LASD Sheriff Jim McDonnell will give an overview for the conference.