LAPD Blog

35-Year-Old Man Murdered

Reseda: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Bureau Homicide are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect, or suspects, responsible for killing a man.

On August 30, 2016, around 12:53 a.m., West Valley Division patrol officers responded to a radio call of a possible shooting in the 7400 block of Eitiwanda Avenue in the City of Reseda. When officers arrived, they discovered a male victim on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and rendered aid to the victim. He was pronounced dead at scene.

There is no suspect description, but a light colored vehicle was seen leaving the scene.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Steve Castro, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1925. 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 the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips" under the "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

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Westlake Murder Suspect Wanted

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Rampart detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the murder of Bulmaro Guerrero Martinez.

On June 1, 2016, around 8:40 a.m., Bulmaro Guerrero Martinez, a 29 year old male Hispanic, was driving in the area of 201 S Alvarado when he collided with another vehicle. As Martinez exited the vehicle, the person in the other vehicle noticed Martinez was suffering from a gunshot wound. This person then called the paramedics. Martinez was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. No witnesses have come forward concerning the incident. The investigation has led detectives to believe that the shooting occurred in the area of Temple Street and Alvarado Boulevard between 8:40-8:47 a.m. It is believed because of the time of the incident and the day of the week, someone had to have seen what happened and has knowledge that can help detectives in their investigation.

Martinez was a hard-working man, who at the time of his murder was working as an independent taxi driver. Martinez was working to send money to his children who currently live with their mother in Mexico and was very active in his church. He has three brothers who are desperately looking for answers and detectives have exhausted all leads with difficulties in obtaining information from residents in the area due to fear of retaliation.

The death of Martinez is a tragedy of the greatest proportion and cries out for justice. The Los Angeles Police Department is dedicated to the task of apprehending those responsible for murder. It is the opinions of this Department that a $50,000 reward offered by the City Council would serve to greatly enhance the probability of a swift and accurate identification and arrest in this case.

Anyone with information of this incident is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives S. Chung or R. Martinez at (213) 484-3642. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips" under the "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

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Registered Bicycle Returned To Owner

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's West Los Angeles Division completed an investigation resulting in a felony arrest.

On August 10, 2016, detectives arrested a suspect on felony weapons charges. The suspect had a bicycle in his possession, which officers believed to be stolen. In an attempt to identify the rightful owner of the bicycle, officers searched "Bike Index." Bike Index is a free bicycle registration website where bicycle owners enter descriptive information of their bicycle.

Officers were able to determine the bicycle had been recently stolen. They contacted the bicycle's owner, Daniil Sharou, who verified the bicycle was stolen two days earlier on his birthday. Sharou was overjoyed to be reunited with the bicycle he thought he would never see again.

The LAPD strongly encourages bicycle owners to register their bicycles on Bike Index, whether already stolen or not. To register your bicycle, visit www.bikeindex.org. Bike Index is a free resource and takes only minutes to register.

For further questions on bicycle theft or registration please call LAPD's West Los Angeles Theft Detectives at (310) 444-1521. Daniil Sharou is available for interview.

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Struggle for Officers Gun Results 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**

Hollywood: Officers responded to a radio call and were involved in a violent confrontation with the suspect. The suspect placed one officer in a choke hold and attempted to disarm another officer; resulting in an officer involved shooting.

On Tuesday, August 2, 2016, around 1:15 a.m., Hollywood Patrol Division Police Officers Eui Joung, Serial No. 39150 and Raina Foster, Serial No. 40721 responded to a business dispute radio call at a business in the 5400 block of West Sunset Boulevard. The officers met with the manager at the business and were told the suspect, 29-year-old Daniel Mast, was trying to use a fraudulent check to purchase items. With the intention of handcuffing Mast, the officers approached him near the cash registers. As the officers prepared to handcuff Mast, he turned and charged at the officers, at which time they all fell to the floor. During the altercation, Mast struck Officer Joung several times about the face and head, dazing Officer Joung. Mast continued to fight with Officer Joung, at which time Officer Joung, fearing for his life, armed himself with his weapon and fired twice at Mast. Mast was struck at least once. Mast subsequently turned his attention to Officer Foster and placed Officer Foster in a choke hold, wrapping his right arm around her throat, and was saying that he was going to kill her. As Officer Foster broke free from the choke hold, Mast grabbed Officer Joung's handgun, which was unholstered, and was trying to take the handgun from Officer Joung. As Officer Joung and Mast were struggling for control of the handgun, Officer Foster fired one round at Mast, striking him in the right leg. Mast continued to be combative with the officers. Additional patrol officers arrived and a TASER was needed to take Mast into custody.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene to provide medical treatment. Mast was transported to a local hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to his right leg and a graze wound to his left torso. Officer Juong was transported to a local hospital and treated for a fractured left orbital, concussion and laceration above his left eyebrow. Officer Foster received medical treatment for pain and abrasions to her left knee and neck pain.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office filed two counts of Attempted Murder on a Police Officer, two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer and one count of Forgery.

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.

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During a Traffic Stop Armed Suspect is Shot

**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**

Los Angeles: Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for vehicle code violations. During the traffic stop the driver exited the vehicle armed with a handgun, at which time an officer involved shooting occurred.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2016, around 1:00 a.m., Northeast Patrol Division Police Officer Enrique Meraz, Serial No. 41215 and his partner were in the area of the 5400 block of Nordyke Street. They saw a black Honda Accord commit several traffic violations and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle stopped and during the course of the investigation the officers discovered a female passenger had an arrest warrant for a narcotics violation. The female was handcuffed and placed in the rear of the police vehicle. The officers approached the vehicle where the driver, 34-year-old Joseph Hatami, was still seated in the driver's seat. Officer Meraz was on the passenger side and his partner on the driver's side of the vehicle. Looking through the open passenger door, Officer Meraz saw Hatami looking in the direction of his partner, arm himself with a handgun and begin to step out of the vehicle toward his partner. Fearing for his partner's life, Officer Meraz fired twice at Hatami, striking him once.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported Hatami to a local hospital. Hatami was treated for a gunshot wound to his buttocks.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and filed one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

This is the 15th incident in 2016 where a suspect used a firearm or replica firearm to threaten an LAPD officer resulting in a use of deadly force. In 2015, there were 19 incidents involving a suspect with a firearm and 6 additional incidents where the suspect used a replica firearm or pellet gun.

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.

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Home Invasion Robbery in Sun Valley

Sun Valley: Robbery detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Foothill Division are investigating an early morning home invasion robbery.

On Sunday, August 21, 2016, around 4 a.m., the victims were inside their residence in the 8700 block of Bradley Avenue. They were alerted to sounds outside and exited the residence to determine the nature of what they were hearing. One of the victims was immediately attacked and physically assaulted. The suspects forcibly entered the victims' residence, armed with guns. The victims were tied up, and property was taken from their person and from the residence. The suspects fled on foot.

The victims suffered minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital.

All suspects are described as male Hispanics or Armenians and should be considered armed and dangerous. No vehicle was seen.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Foothill Robbery Detectives Piantanida or Rodriguez at (818) 834-3115. 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 the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips" under the "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Man Murdered in Skid Row

UPDATE
On August 26, 2016, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office filed one count of murder and a special allegation for the personal use of a firearm on Stephen Blaxton in connection to this case. Blaxton is being held in leiu of $3,030,000.00 bail.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Central area homicide detectives are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a murder suspect.

On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, around 10:25 p.m., Central area officers responded to a shooting call at 5th Street and San Pedro Street. Upon arrival, the officers found a male Black, around 50-year-old victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Central area homicide detectives at (213-996-1879). 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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Pedestrian Fatal Hit and Run

Los Angeles: A fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred in the area of San Fernando Road north of Loosemore Street.

On August 25, 2016, around 2:15 a.m., the victim was crossing San Fernando Road outside the marked crosswalk when she was struck by two vehicles traveling northbound. The driver of the primary vehicle left the scene failing to stop, render aid and exchange information as required by law. The second driver involved in the accident stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local area hospital where she died as a result of her injuries.

The hit and run vehicle is described as white box truck.

The hit and run driver and vehicle remain outstanding.

Notification to next of kin is pending.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact LAPD Central Traffic Division Detective Meneses or Officer Yamamoto 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 the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit ww.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips" under the "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

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Notes from the August 23, 2016 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Commissioner President Matt Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established.  The meeting proceeded to the Consent Agenda Items.  Commissioner Matt Johnson pulled Consent Agenda Item #1H.  The remaining Agenda Items all (1A through 1O) were approved with no discussion.

Following Consent Agenda Item #1O the Commission went into a recess.

Police Commission resumed with the Report of the Chief of Police.  Chief Beck reported meeting with presidential candidate Hilary Clinton in New York City, last Thursday, regarding policing issues.  He also met with New York City Police Department Commissioner Bratton, New Jersey and Arizona Law Enforcement to increase community trust and safety.  Chief Beck reported on three officer involved shootings that had occurred.  There currently are 9,827 sworn officers, 2,742 civilian personnel, 400 reserve officers, 284 specialist reserves, 57 chaplains, and 7,861 cadets in the Department.

Commissioner Matt Johnson commended Chief Beck for attending the Commission meeting while he is on vacation.  He is aware the Department is under the same constraint as the commission is with the public.  Commissioner Johnson met with Chief Beck during the past week and briefly discussed a Family Liaison program that will be implemented.  This program will create a centralized point of contact for the family members involved in serious categorical use of force or in custody deaths.  The role of the Liaison unit is to reach out to the next of kin and provide information to family members and be the point of contact between the Department, District Attorney’s Office, and family members.  This concluded the report of the Chief of Police.

Police Commission Meeting 8-23-16

Residential Burglary Suspects Caught on Video

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Division are seeking the public's assistance in identifying two burglary suspects.

On August 8, 2016, around 11:45 a.m., two suspects entered an apartment located in the 14300 block of Riverside Drive in the city of Los Angeles. Both suspects walked to the side of the complex where they gained access to the victim's apartment by climbing into the patio area and prying open the sliding door. The suspects stole jewelry and fled on foot.

Suspect-1 is described as a male Hispanic, 20-25 years old. He stands around 5 foot 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 180-190 pounds. He was wearing a baseball cap with the letters "LA" on the front, gray shirt, khaki shorts and black shoes.

Suspect-2 is described as a male Hispanic, 30-35 years old. He stands around 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot
9 inches tall and weighs approximately 190-200 pounds. He was wearing a straw hat, white shirt, jean shorts and brown boots.

***To view the video of the suspect please go to www.lapdonline.org.***

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Van Nuys Burglary Detective Diamond at (818) 374-0029 or Detective O'Connor at (818) 374-0024. 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."