LAPD Blog

Pedestrians Severely Injured in Hit and Run Traffic Collision

UPDATE:
A Juvenile, accompanied by family members, surrendered to LAPD Valley Traffic Division as being the driver in the collision. The Juvenile was interrogated and subsequently arrested for 602 WIC/20001(A)VC, Felony Hit and Run, with no Bail, and will be transported to Sylmar Juvenile Hall.

The Victim continues to be treated at a local hospital and is still listed in critical condition.

Granada Hills: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision that severely injured two pedestrians.

On Friday, May 27, 2016, around 9:50 p.m., a dark colored compact vehicle collided with two pedestrians who were crossing Chatsworth Street, midblock, between Balboa Boulevard and Genesta Avenue. Immediately after the collision, the driver of the vehicle, described only as a male, yelled at the victims and simultaneously stuck out his left arm and made an obscene gesture with his hand. He fled the scene, westbound on Chatsworth Street, without stopping to render aid or identify himself. The vehicle is believed to have front end damage as a result of the collision.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported both victims to a local hospital. One of the pedestrians, a female victim in her 50s, suffered serious injuries and is listed in critical condition. The other pedestrian, a female teenager, suffered moderate injuries and is listed in good condition.

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender's identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective William Bustos at (818) 644-8021 or Officer Marie Tucker at (818) 644-8114. 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 @LAPDOnlinenNews	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

 

Armed Gang Member Shoots at Officer Resulting in Officer Involved 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**

Hollenbeck: Officers pursued a gang member on foot who was armed with a handgun. The suspect shot one of the officers; at which time, the partner officer shot the suspect.

On Friday, May 13, 2016, around 8:25 p.m., Hollenbeck Area Gang Enforcement Detail officers were in the area of 7th Street and Lorena when they saw the suspect, who was identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office as 28 year-old Robert Mark Diaz, standing with a group of several males. As the officers neared the group, Diaz separated himself, drawing the attention of the officers. As Diaz ran north on Lorena, the officers chased him on foot. Diaz ran east on Lee Street and the officers were able to close the distance. Diaz then produced a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and fired six rounds at the pursuing officers, striking one of them in his right arm. The partner officer fired at Diaz, striking him, stopping the deadly threat.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene to provide medical treatment. Diaz died at the scene. A first responder officer arrived and applied a tourniquet to the injured officer. Both officers were transported and admitted to a local hospital. One of the officers was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm. The second officer was treated for pain to his neck, shoulder and hand. Both officers have been released from the hospital.

Investigators recovered the handgun used by Diaz. Diaz is a documented gang member with a lengthy criminal record.

Chief Charlie Beck responded to the scene of the officer-involved-shooting and the hospital where the officers had been transported. Chief Beck said "Tonight was a vivid example of the danger officers face. We are fortunate that we didn't lose a Los Angeles police officer and a family didn't lose their husband, son and father of a young daughter."

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 officers 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.

Follow @LAPDOnlinenNews	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

 

Burglary Suspect Caught on Video at Hollywood Recording Studio

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood Area burglary detectives are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a burglary suspect.

On May 21, 2016, around 3:45 p.m., the suspect entered a recording studio located in the 6600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. When challenged by an employee, the suspect claimed to be a repair man, picked up a large sound board and placed it in his vehicle. The suspect drove away before the employee could verify his claim.

The suspect is described as a bald male Black in his 30's, standing 6 feet tall and weighing around 250 pounds. He was driving a dark colored four door sedan.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Hollywood Burglary Detective Martinez at (213) 972-2929 or Detective Ramirez at (213) 972-2931. 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 @LAPDOnlinenNews	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

 

Notes from the May 24, 2016 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Commissioner Vice President Steven Soboroff opened the meeting and a quorum was established. All Consent Agenda items were unanimously approved.  

Commissioner Vice President Steven Soboroff reflected on his actions regarding one specific comment he said at last week’s police commission meeting and said he wouldn’t do it again and offered an apology.

Chief Beck reported the LAPD helped deliver the space shuttle fuel tank to California Science Center immediately on time with minimal disruption. On Saturday Chief beck attended the cadet graduation, LAPD youth program between ages of 14 and 21 at the USC Galen center. Almost 500 cadets graduated, bringing the total to 7,861. Chief Beck said the cadet program is 90% Hispanic, 50% female, an excellent representation of the Department’s outreach. This was Chief Paysinger’s last graduation as a full time employee as he will retire soon. Chief Beck thanked Chief Paysinger for transforming the Cadet program over the past seven years when the program had less than 500 cadets.  Chief Beck thanked Chief Paysinger for changing the curriculum, purpose and magnitude of the Cadet program. There are 9,900 sworn police officers, 33 recruit officers in the academy, 2,714 civilian employees, a little more than 400 LAPD Reserve officers, 283 specialist volunteers, 60 chaplains, and 7,861 LAPD Police Cadets.  Chief Beck closed his report by saying the officer who was shot a week ago this past Friday in Hollenbeck is recovering well at home.

Inspector General Alex Bustamante provided a verbal update and discussion on the relative to the status of the recommendations contained in the Ten-Year Overview of Categorical Use of Force Investigations, Policy, and Training.

Executive Director’s Report, dated May 18, 2016, relative to the recommendation of qualified vendor to provide Official Police Garage Towing and Storage Services for Service Area 3 was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Department’s Report, dated May 24, 2016, relative to the recommendation for the Police Commission Unit Citation for individuals involved in the Community Safety Partnership for the period of October 1, 2011, through February 1, 2015, for outstanding service to the City, was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Department’s Report, dated May 19, 2015, relative to the Supplemental Police Account first Quarterly report (January through March 2016), was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Department’s Report, dated May 18, 2016, relative to the reprogramming of funds for the 2014 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program Grant, was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.
Department’s Report, dated May 18, 2016, relative to the grant application and award for the National Institute of Justice FY 2015 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program, was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Department’s Report, dated May 19, 2016, relative to the Vice Command Accountability Performance Audit, approved the Department’s report and Executive Summary.

Department’s Report, dated May 19, 2016, relative to the Narcotics Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit, approved the Department’s report and Executive Summary.

Police Commission Mtg. May 24, 2016

Follow @LAPDOnlinenNews	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

Man in Van Kills Small Dog

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the killing of a small dog.

On May 14, 2016, around 1:30 p.m., a witness reported that he observed a small dog jump out of a Dodge Caravan in the 1600 block of East First Street, in the City of Los Angeles.

The driver of the vehicle exited and chased the dog. When the driver caught the dog, he punched it then threw it onto the sidewalk several times, until it died. He then returned to his vehicle and fled the location leaving the dog behind. A witness was able to take a photograph of the vehicle involved in this crime.

The suspect is described as a male White, with balding gray hair, between the age of 50 to 60 years of age, weighs around 280 pounds and stands between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall.

The vehicle appears to be a 1996 to 2000, Dodge Caravan. It is silver/gray in color and appears to have an off color rear bumper.

The ACTF was established in 2005 and consists of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Animal Services. This partnership facilitates a comprehensive approach to the prevention, intervention, detection, and prosecution of acts of animal cruelty. The success of ACTF is achieved through the investigative expertise of the task force members, the use of veterinary forensics, and the prosecution efforts of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The City of Los Angeles aggressively investigates and prosecutes acts of animal cruelty. There is a strong correlation between those who commit acts of animal cruelty and those who commit acts of violence against humans, and the goal of the ACTF is to break the cycle of violence through aggressive prevention, intervention, detection, and prosecution of acts of animal cruelty.

If anyone should see the above vehicle, do not confront the occupants, please notify the Los Angeles Police Department, Animal Cruelty Task Force Detective Alfredo Reyes at 213-486-0450. During non-business hours, 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 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 @LAPDOnlinenNews	LAPD on Facebook
Follow @lapolicefdtn

 

34-year-old Julio Cesar Pena Shot to Death in Wilmington

Wilmington:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating the person responsible for the shooting that claimed the life of 34- year-old Julio Cesar Pena.

On May 22, 2016, around 11:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Area Patrol officers responded to the 400 block of Gulf Avenue in Wilmington and found Julio Cesar Pena suffering from gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced Mr. Pena dead at the scene.

Detectives responded to the crime scene and the investigation revealed that Mr. Pena was riding his motorcycle home when he was approached by an unknown suspect at a 4 way stop. The suspect stepped off the curb and shot Mr. Pena several times. Mr. Pena lost control of his motorcycle and laid it down just west of D Street.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Harbor Area Homicide Detectives Maffei or Romulo at (310) 726-7882, or (310) 726-7880.  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.”

Attempt Murder Suspect Sought

Los Angeles: Robbery detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's 77th Street Area are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for several robberies and an attempt murder of homeless victims.

On May 19th, 2016, around 6:40 a.m., an attempt murder occurred in an empty lot at 83rd Street and Vermont Avenue. The suspect approached a homeless encampment and threw a flammable liquid on two victims and lit them on fire, causing serious injuries.

The suspect's name is Phillip Darryl Cole. He is a male Black with black hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds. The suspect is transient and believed to be in the area where the crime occurred.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department, 77th Street Robbery detectives at 323-786-5420. 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.

Robbery Homicide Division Seeks the Public’s Help in Identifying Bank Robbery Suspects NR16175ma

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division is requesting the public's assistance in identifying three suspects who have been involved in 24 bank robberies.

Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division detectives have partnered with investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Alhambra Police Department, Pasadena Police Department and Long Beach Police Department to identify suspects involved in a series of bank robberies which began in November 2015. The most recent robbery occurred in April 2016. The suspects enter the location and pass the teller a note. They demand money and claim to be armed while threatening violence if their demands are not met. In recent robberies, the suspects have become increasingly brazen and have jumped over the teller's counter. Law enforcement is greatly concerned that the level of aggression the suspects are displaying is increasing as the bank robberies continue.


The suspects are described as male Blacks, approximately 25 to 30 years of age. Two of the suspects are between 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 170 to 190 pounds. The third suspect is between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 140 to 160 pounds. All the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is urged to call Robbery Homicide Division Detective Koman or Detective Geiger at (213) 486-6890. 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."

Missing 75-year-old Man

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

Mr. Giles was last seen on May 18, 2016, in the 1400 block of West 84th Place, in the City of Los Angeles. Mr. Giles suffers from dementia and is in need of medical treatment. The family is extremely concerned for his well-being.

Mr. Giles is described as a 75-year-old male Black with gray hair and black eyes. He stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 210 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red/black/white checkered shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and a black baseball hat.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jimmie Giles, please contact Missing Person's Unit Detective K. Thomas: 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.

53-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles: The family of Antonio Moreno Aguilera and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help to find him.

On May 12, 2016, around 11:15 p.m., Mr. Aguilera was last seen at 800 World Way (LAX Airport) in the City of Los Angeles. His family is extremely concerned for his welfare.

Mr. Aguilera is described as a male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and beige hat.

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