LAPD Blog

Fatal Hit and Run at Bus Stop

Los Angeles: A fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred in the area of Figueroa Street and 54th Street leaving one victim dead and two in critical condition.

On September 26, 2016, around 6:35 p.m., a Range Rover vehicle was traveling northbound on Figueroa Street approaching 54th Street when it collided with a Buick Regal. The impact caused the Range Rover to go onto the sidewalk and collide with three people who were at the bus stop. The driver of the Buick Regal abandoned the vehicle at the scene, failing to 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 victims to a local area hospital where one victim died as a result of his injuries and two others remain in critical condition.

The hit and run driver remains outstanding.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact LAPD South Traffic Division, Officer Mendoza or Officer Hernandez at 323-421-2500. 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.

Notes from the September 27, 2016 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

PC mtg Sept 27

Commissioner President Matthew M. Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established. All Consent Agenda items were unanimously approved.  

Vice President Commissioner Steve Soboroff apologized to Commissioner McCalin-Hill, his fellow commissioners, the police officers in the room and the public in attendance for losing his temper at last week’s Police Commission meeting.  Commissioner McCalin-Hill thanked Commissioner Soboroff for his sincere public apology.

Chief Beck stated this is the 11th straight week of crime reduction in the City. At the beginning of summer there was a 16.3% increase in overall violent crime and today there is an 11.8% increase. Chief Beck said the Department has been making steady progress each week.  Chief Beck reported there are 9,844 sworn personnel, 2,736 civilian employees, more than 400 reserve officers, 284 specialist reserves, 57 chaplains, and 7,861 police cadets.
 
Inspector General’s Report, dated September 21, 2016, relative to the Video Inspection, Central Bureau Divisions, approved the Inspector General’s report.

Department’s Report, dated September 22, 2016, relative to the recommendations contained in the Office of Inspector General’s Investigation of the Los Angeles Police Department Metropolitan Detention Center Inmate Inspections and Safety Checks, approved to receive and File the Department’s report.

Department’s Report, dated September 22, 2016, relative to the grant application and award for National Institute of Justice’s FY 2016 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program, approved the Department’s report and will transmit concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

Kidnapping Suspect Wanted

September 28, 2016
UPDATE

Suspect Jose Eduardo Gaxiola Caro was taken into custody by Southwest Division officers.

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Southwest Division Detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the kidnapping of a 28-year-old woman near Denker Avenue and Exposition Boulevard.

On September 29, 2016, around 2:50 p.m., Southwest patrol officers responded to a silent alarm call at a convenience store in the 3900 block of Denker Avenue. Once officers arrived they learned that a kidnap had taken place. The victim was working as a clerk at the convenience store when the suspect entered the store. The suspect, armed with a hammer, grabbed the victim, and dragged her out of the store to his awaiting vehicle. Suspect then forced the victim into the vehicle and fled southbound on Denker Avenue from the location.

The suspect has been identified as Jose Eduardo Gaxiola Caro, a 29-year-old male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds. He was last seen driving away from the location in a red 1995 Honda Civic 4 door, California License Plate 3NOZ420.

The victim has been found and has been taken to a local area hospital for medical evaluation.

The suspect is still outstanding and considered to be armed and dangerous.

Southwest Robbery Detectives are available for an on camera interview upon request. Please contact Lieutenant II Alex Vargas, or Detective III Richard Record at 213-485-2562. 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.

What’s the Cost of Organized Retail Crime?

Canoga Park. Los Angeles Police Department made two arrests of prolific burglars last night. One hit an apparel store at the Topanga Mall, and the other was arrested in the act of hitting his eleventh San Fernando Valley women's intimate apparel store; this one in the 19700 block of Ventura Boulevard.

"We had dubbed this man the Panty Bandit," explained Det. Merrill Dunn, case investigator out of the Topanga Detective Division. "His penchant for breaking into lingerie shops told us this was a matter of organized retail crime, which means he's reselling the merchandise to fences or shipping it out of the country."

The lingerie shop burglaries began January 21, 2016 with the break in of Les Corset Lingerie in Woodland Hills, which has been hit twice since, the last time being September 19. The suspect also hit Romantix Inc twice on Sherman Way and once on Van Nuys Boulevard. All told, the burglaries amount to over $10,000 in loss, not including the damage caused by smashing glass windows and doors to gain entry.

Last night, the owner of Excitement got an alert from his business of an intruder and called 9-1-1. A sergeant arrived quickly and detained Carlos Olivas, 35, outside the store. It was the second time since late August that the Panty Bandit had hit this store. Olivas was booked for commercial burglary and his bail should be set at over $200,000, based on $20,000 bail for each attributed crime.

In an unrelated burglary the same night, officers answered an alarm call at the Hollister Store at the Topanga Mall. They were able to verify a burglary had occurred and got a description of a repeat suspect from the store manager. Officers searched the area and found Marco Naranjo, 21, fitting the description, about a mile away, with his bicycle and stolen loot, already shooting heroin into his arm. "He still had some of the stolen items, but he had already unloaded much of it to a local fence," explained Det. Dunn. "Part of our investigation will be to follow the trail of the merchandise." Naranjo was booked for commercial burglary and his bail was set at $80,000.

"What the public doesn't realize is that organized retail crime amounts to over $30 billion in loss annually," said Capt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Topanga Patrol Division. "Investigations of organized retail theft have led to operations shipping merchandise to South American and the Middle East. It's a problem much bigger and more sinister than just simple shoplifting a sweater. The consequences for property crimes are now so small, there is little deterrence."

Property crime in the Topanga Area is up 8% this year, and nearly 20% since 2014.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Merrill Dunn, Topanga Detective Division, at 818-756-5863. 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.

Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Hit and Run

Venice: The Los Angeles Police Department, West Traffic Division Detectives, are investigating a hit and run collision that left a woman severely injured.

The collision occurred on August 14, 2016 at 9:20 a.m., at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Horizon Avenue.

The suspect vehicle is described as a 4 door older model Chevrolet Impala, 60-70's, cream color top, and blue or green body. Vehicle may have damage to the left front headlight and grill.

The described vehicle was traveling northbound on Pacific Avenue and hit the victim who was walking with her dog eastbound Horizon Avenue, causing the victim to sustain serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, northbound Pacific Avenue, without identifying him/herself and rendering aid to the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department West Traffic Division, Traffic Detective Section, Investigator Velasco at (213) 473-0234 or 473-0238. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text "CRIMES" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on "Web Tips" When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD". Tipsters may remain anonymous. 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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Liquor Store Clerk Shot and Killed

September 29, 2016

UPDATE

On September 27, 2016 Valley Bureau Detectives arrested two suspects responsible for the murder of Mohammed Kalam.  21-year-old Rosa Barrientos, a resident of Los Angeles, and 25-year-old Maria Inzunza, a Hollywood resident were both arrested for murder.  They are being held with a combined bail of 2 million dollars.

 

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives are investigating the murder of a 61-year-old store clerk, shot during an apparent robbery.

On September 24, 2016, shortly before midnight, North Hollywood Area uniformed patrol officers responded to a radio call of a robbery in progress, which was upgraded to a shots fired in the 12600 block of Sherman Way.

When the officers arrived, they found the victim behind the counter near the register, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper torso. Witnesses stated they saw two suspects, a male and female, enter the liquor store. It appeared as if they were demanding something. A gun shot was heard and the suspects fled the store and entered a gray possible four door vehicle and fled south on Bellaire Avenue.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both suspects are described as Hispanic, in their 20's, wearing dark clothing.

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 (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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Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Hit and Run

Studio City: Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Division Detectives, are investigating a hit and run collision that left a 65 year-old man of Studio City severely injured.

On September 23, 2016, at approximately 7:25 p.m., a vehicle traveling eastbound on the 12800 block of Moorpark Street struck and severely injured a pedestrian who was crossing Moorpark Street mid-block.

The driver fled the area in the vehicle without stopping to render aid to the pedestrian.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the pedestrian to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The Los Angeles Police Department is searching for a vehicle of interest, described as a Gold, 1998 Saturn Ion, four-door, California license plate 6HAY595.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Daniel Menesez (818) 644-8028 or Detective William Bustos at (818) 644-8021. 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 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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Robbery of 72-Year-Old Woman Caught On Video

Panorama City: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Division are seeking the public's assistance in identifying two suspects responsible for robbing an elderly woman.

On August 4, 2016, around 1:30p.m., the victim was at an ATM in the 8200 block of Woodman Avenue when she was approached by two suspects, one male and one female. Both suspects are seen, on video surveillance, standing next to the victim at the ATM, talking with her and appearing to assist with her ATM transaction. The female suspect walked away and returned driving a black vehicle. The male suspect snatched the victim's money from her hand and fled to the awaiting vehicle.

Suspect #1 is described as a male White or Hispanic, 18 to 20-years-old, wearing a black baseball cap, black t-shirt, long black shorts and black crew socks with black shoes. He wore black sunglasses throughout the incident.

Suspect #2 is described as a female White or Hispanic, 18 to 20-years-old with long "highlighted" brown hair. She was wearing a black tank top, light colored "leggings" with a red shirt wrapped around her waist.

The suspect's vehicle is described as a four door sedan, dark in color.



Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Mission Area Robbery Detective Gretchen Schultz at (818) 838-9898. 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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Narcotics Officer Shoots at Suspect in Central Division

**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: While part of an undercover narcotics investigation, a plain clothes narcotics officer was assaulted by a man who punched him in the face. After the man reached into his waistband, the officer fired one round from his handgun missing the suspect.

On Friday, September 16, 2016, around 9:05 p.m., Gang and Narcotics Division Police Officer David Lopez, Serial No. 39711 was part of an undercover narcotics investigation which was being conducted in the area of 7th Street and San Julian. A man, later identified as 52-year-old Carl Evans, walked up to Officer Lopez, who was in plain clothes, and tried to reach into Officer Lopez' sweat shirt pocket and punched him in the face. Officer Lopez backed away and saw Evans reach for his waistband. Believing Evans was arming himself, Officer Lopez fired one round at Evans. The round missed Evans and he was subsequently taken into custody by LAPD officers involved in the undercover operation.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and as a precautionary measure transported Evans to a local hospital. Officer Lopez received medical treatment by LAFD paramedics for a contusion to the inside of his upper lip.

The Los Angeles County City Attorney's Office has filed one count of Battery, 242 PC against Evans.

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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