LAPD Blog

Notes from the October 25, 2016 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

PC 10-25-16 Report of the COP

Commissioner President Matt Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established.  Commissioner Johnson mentioned that the Chief Charlie Beck and Commissioner Cynthia McClain-Hill were currently attending the funeral of Detective II Nadine I. Hernandez-Fox, Serial No. 33919, this morning.  This week Chief Beck had attended “Building Bridges through Basketball”, which was a great success, and Chief Beck along with other command staff had attended the funeral for Sheriff Steven Owen in Lancaster, California.  The meeting proceeded to the Consent Agenda Items, all of which (1A through 1G) and Regular Agenda Items, all of which (2A through 2F) were approved with no discussion.
The next item of was the Report of the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief Michel Moore, Director of Office of Operations, reported on behalf of Chief Charlie Beck.  Assistant Chief Moore reported on having attended the funeral of three fallen officer’s of southern California.  Police Officer Lesley Zerebny and Police Officer Jose Gilbert Vega of Palm Springs Police Department, and Sheriff Sergeant Steven Owen in Lancaster, California. “This would be a total of 46 officer’s fallen by gunfire this year,” noted Assistant Chief Moore.   The Chief of Police also attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), in San Diego this week.  There was an officer involved shooting over the week in Northeast.  Crime stats were given.  There are 9,853 sworn, 2,741 civilians, 422 reserve officers, 284 specialist reserves, 58 chaplains, and 7,861 cadets.  
This concludes the Chief’s report.

Double Shooting in Winnetka

Winnetka. Los Angeles detectives are investigating the double shooting of a man and a woman in their 20s, who were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds at a home in the 7800 block of Oso Avenue, October 24, 2016.

"We understand from family that the dead woman lived at the home, and the man was a recent acquaintance," explained Capt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Topanga Patrol Division. "Preliminary information would lead us to believe the shooter knew one or both victims."

Neighbors began calling 9-1-1 after hearing multiple gun shots around 11 AM. Witnesses described a man running north from the house, after the shooting. He was described as Hispanic, thin, medium height, wearing a white hoodie, green shirt, and shorts.

Police led paramedics to the victims, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Victims' names will be released once they are confirmed.

"In cases like these, information and tips from friends and family often provide the clues that solve the case," Capt. Vernon added. "Detectives will also canvas the neighborhood for cameras, which are becoming more commonplace."

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. David Peteque, Valley Bureau Homicide Unit, at (818) 374-1934. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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Teen Crawls to Front Porch After Being Shot

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Bureau Homicide detectives are seeking the public's assistance for any information in identifying the person(s) responsible for the death of a man found on a front yard.

On October 22, 2016, around 11:30 p.m., West Valley Area uniformed patrol officers responded to a radio call of a "Assault with A Deadly Weapon Shooting," at the 6400 block of Woodley Avenue in the city of Van Nuys.

When the officers arrived, they began canvassing the area for victims and evidence of a shooting. The officers found the victim, a male Black in his late teens' lying on the ground near the front door of a residence. The victim was unconscious and not breathing.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and attempted emergency medical aide with negative results. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced at scene.

Los Angeles Police Department Operations-Valley Bureau Homicide detectives responded to the scene and assumed investigative responsibility. The investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) shot the victim multiple times on the sidewalk. The victim managed to retreat to the front porch area of a residence where he collapsed and succumbed to his injuries. The suspect(s) immediately fled the area.

The victim's identity is not being released currently pending next of kin notification.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Dave Peteque, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1934. 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 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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Burglary Caught On Security Video

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

On Sunday, October 16, 2016, around 5:50 a.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 800 block
of Plymouth Boulevard. The suspects entered the locked main door of the condominium complex and attempted to open locked mail boxes inside the common area. They proceeded to enter the parking garage, whereupon they attempted to enter multiple vehicles. Suspect 1 then successfully entered the victim's vehicle, removed property from inside the vehicle, and fled the location with suspect 2.

Suspect 1 is described as a male Hispanic, about 28-35 years old, black hair, and brown eyes. He stands about 5'8" feet tall and weighs around 190 pounds. Suspect 1 was wearing a red t-shirt with a black "Nike" emblem, black pants, and red shoes.

Suspect 2 is described as a female Hispanic, about 28-35 years old, brown hair, and brown eyes. She stands about 5'8" feet tall and weighs around 140-150 pounds. Suspect 2 was wearing a grey hoodie, black tank top, faded blue jeans, and brown ankle boots.

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

Anyone with information is urged to contact Wilshire Auto Detective Bret Banachowski at 213-922-8247 or 213-922-8205. 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."

Dodgers Vs. Cubs

LAPD Police Chief and Chicago Police Superintendent Bet on Dodgers Vs. Cubs

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck and Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson have made a friendly wager on the upcoming playoff series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

The battle for the National League Championship will come down to more than just baseball victory and bragging rights for the winning team's fans.

If the Dodgers win, Superintendent Johnson will be sending Al's Italian Beef sandwich from Al's Chicago.

If the Cubs win, Chief Beck will be sending lunch from Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant, featuring their world-famous hot pastrami considered to be the best anywhere.

At stake are more than just which team is better and will head to the World Series later this month. It's about which city has the most beloved food.

Chief Beck previously made a similar bet with former New York Police Department Commissioner William J. Bratton.

Media Contact: Jim Bunte (310-497-7536) media@langersdeli.com

Hollenbeck Detective 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**

Los Angeles: Hollenbeck detective and officer transported an arrestee to a medical building within the Los Angeles County Medical Center. The arrestee ran from the detective and officer and carjacked a woman in a SUV. The detective and officer arrived at the location and as the arrestee attempted to flee in the vehicle, an officer involved shooting occurred.

On Wednesday September 28, 2016, around 3:30 p.m. Detective David Meza, Serial No. 27325, a 26-year veteran of LAPD, and a police officer partner, had transported 36-year-old Freddy Bailon to a medical building located within the Los Angeles County Medical Center for a medical examination. While in the reception area of the building, the handcuffs were removed from Bailon so he could complete some required forms. Bailon suddenly ran from the building, pursued by the detective and officer. When Bailon reached Zonal Avenue, he opened the front passenger door and entered a SUV which was stopped on the roadway. Bailon punched the woman driving the SUV and demanded she drive him from the location. The woman was able to escape her SUV and run from Bailon. Bailon climbed into the driver seat of the SUV and intentionally collided twice with a construction vehicle which had pulled into the roadway to block Bailon's path. Detective Meza, who knew the violent acts Bailon had recently committed and saw he had carjacked a woman in his attempt to escape, feared if Bailon was able to flee the area he posed a serious danger to the community, fired one round at Bailon. Bailon was still in control of the SUV and reversed; at which time, Detective Meza fired another round at Bailon. Bailon accelerated and struck a parkway where he collided with several trees.

The officers immediately requested Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, who responded to the scene and transported Bailon to a local hospital where he received medical treatment for a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and right forearm.

Bailon has a lengthy criminal history which includes several convictions for violent offenses.

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.

Suspects Steal from 92-Year-Old Woman

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Hollenbeck Area Burglary Unit detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying two grand theft suspects.

On Sunday, July 3, 2016 around 4:00 p.m., Hollenbeck Area officers responded to the 4000 block of Via Marisol for a grand theft radio call. The officers met with the victim, a 92-year-old female who explained to them how two suspects had followed her and taken her money.

The victim went to a grocery store located in the 1700 block of Garfield Avenue in South Pasadena, she parked her car and went inside to buy groceries. A male suspect followed the victim while she was inside the store and watched until she finished shopping. While the victim was loading her groceries into her car, the male suspect got into his vehicle, where a female passenger was sitting waiting for him. The suspects positioned their vehicle directly behind the victim's vehicle. When the victim pulled out of the parking lot, the suspects followed her. While the victim was driving on Huntington Drive, the female suspect signaled the victim to pull her vehicle to the curb. When the victim pulled over, the male suspect got out of his vehicle and told the victim that she had hit his vehicle at the grocery store parking lot. The victim told him there were no signs of damage to either of the vehicles but she became concerned and did not want to argue with the suspect. The victim was in fear and decided to offer to pay the suspect with a check. The suspect refused a check and demanded cash. The victim then offered to go to her home and pay him with cash. The suspects followed the victim home where she paid them some cash. The male suspect gave the victim a hand written receipt while the female suspect then created a distraction by asking for a glass of water. While the victim was in the kitchen with the female suspect, the male suspect went into the victim's bedroom and took approximately $6,000. Both suspects then left the home.

The first suspect is described as a male Hispanic, with black hair and brown eyes weighing around 190 pounds. He was seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and black work boots.

The second suspect is described as a female Hispanic with black hair wearing a flowery dress.

The suspects' vehicle is described as a 2015-2016 White Mazda-CX3.


Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call LAPD's Hollenbeck Burglary Detective Di Rosario or Officer Wilson at (323) 224-0108. 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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Murder at Pico and Alvarado

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Rampart Division Homicide detectives are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a murder suspect.

On July 23, 2016 around 8:20 p.m., victim and the suspect were in the area near Pico Boulevard and Alvarado Street. The suspect was walking on the south sidewalk on Pico Boulevard from Alvarado Street toward Westlake Avenue when the victim approached him from behind. They then engaged in an argument for an unknown reason. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation and during the confrontation the victim was stabbed once in the chest with a sharp metal object. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.

The suspect was last seen running westbound on Pico Boulevard towards Alvarado Street.

The suspect is described by witnesses as a male, Hispanic, 20-25 years-old, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, and thin build.

We are releasing a portion of video surveillance of a male that detectives are attempting to identify because we believe he was a witness or possibly involved.

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

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Rampart Homicide Detective's Detective Martinez at (213) 484-3642 or Detective Chung at (213) 484-3643. 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 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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55-Year-Old Critical Missing Woman

Los Angeles: The family of Nancy Paulikas and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in locating her.

Nancy was last seen on October 15, 2016, around 9:30 p.m. in the 5900 block of Wilshire Boulevard. Nancy suffers from Alzheimer's Disease and needs medical care.

She is described as a 55-year-old female White with gray hair and blue eyes. She stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing a red, black, and white patterned shirt, blue jeans, and navy blue sandals.


If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Nancy Paulikas, please contact Detective Mercado, LAPD Missing Persons Unit, at (213) 996-1800. 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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LAPD Chief Charlie Beck Honored as One of the Best in American Policing

 

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck was honored Saturday morning with the highly coveted Leadership Award at the Annual meeting of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Beck was described by his peers as an innovator, collaborator, and true leader. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti nominated the chief and said, "Chief Beck demonstrated an unflinching commitment to long term community engagement strategies."

He also celebrated the chief's approach to policing which includes, "consistent efforts to forge meaningful alliances with our most vulnerable neighborhoods; the steady earnest endeavors by his police officers to build trust; and an inclination to walk in neighborhoods rather than run through them."

Charlie Beck was appointed Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department in November 2009. He oversees the third largest police department in the United States leading nearly 10,000 sworn officers and 2,700 civilians who serve an area of 473 square miles, with a population of 3.8 million people.

During his tenure Chief Beck has been an innovative leader instituting reforms that emphasize de-escalation and preservation of life. Earlier this year the department handed out for the first time the Preservation of Life Medal, which is one of highest honors an officer can receive. It recognizes officers who respond to situations when lethal force may be appropriate, who were able to deescalate the situation and, thereby save a life.

He also created the Community Relationship Division in order to place officers in key neighborhoods where distrust of police is highest.

Under Chief Beck's leadership, Los Angeles and the LAPD continue to be the bench mark which other cities hope to reach when it comes to policing, community engagement, and protecting a vibrant and dynamic city.

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