LAPD Blog

East Hollywood Robbery Suspect Caught On Camera

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Division are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a robbery suspect.

On August 27, 2017, around 11:00 a.m., a robbery occurred at a gas station located in the East Hollywood area at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. The suspect entered the store at the gas station and asked the cashier for two dollars in change. When the cashier opened the cash register, the suspect forcefully pushed the cashier away and grabbed the money from the cash drawer. The suspect then fled on foot.

The suspect is described as a male Black, he stands about 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighs about 200-220 pounds, had a full beard, and is approximately 25-35 years of age. He was wearing a long-sleeved gray dress shirt, red pants, and white shoes. There was no suspect vehicle seen.





Anyone with information is asked to call Northeast Division Detective Korn at (323) 561-3471. 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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Chief Beck Statement Regarding Fatal Freeway Crash

DUI Crash on 605

 

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department has learned that one of its off-duty police officers was involved in a traffic accident on the 605 Freeway late last night, that resulted in the tragic death of three people. According to the California Highway Patrol, who is investigating the crash, our officer was arrested for suspicion of DUI. The Department sends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims in this horrific collision. The LAPD has initiated an administrative investigation and will work with the CHP as they continue their investigation, however, the Department has no tolerance for driving under the influence and holds its officers to the highest standards of professionalism both on and off-duty. The LAPD understands the significant danger innocent drivers face when any person gets behind the wheel while they are impaired, which is why we conduct random sobriety checks throughout the City. It is particularly troubling when one of our own police officers violates drunk driving laws, which is why a drunk driving offense always results in a personnel complaint which can lead to dismissal. In instances where nobody has been injured, employees often receive suspension days and employees sign a contract in which an individual will submit to randomized testing, treatment programs and abstinence from alcohol as a condition of continued employment.

 For any further details about the traffic accident, please contact the California Highway Patrol.

 

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Notes from the September 26, 2017 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

September 26

 

Commissioner President Matthew M. Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established. Leadership elections were held today. The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners unanimously elected Commissioner Steve Soboroff as President, and Commissioner Matthew Johnson as Vice President.

All Consent Agenda items were unanimously approved.

Department’s Report, dated September 21, 2017, relative to the recommendation for the Medal of Valor for bravery to Officer Oscar Cordoba, Serial No. 37022, Officer Edwin Rocha, Serial No. 38526, Officer Henry Merin, Serial No. 38755, and Officer Bryan Waggener, Serial No. 41143, of Southwest Area, as set forth. [BPC #17-0371] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated September 21, 2017, relative to the recommendation for the Medal of Valor for bravery to Officer Ramon Lomeli, Serial No. 39226 and Officer Rodolph Ledesma, Serial No. 37792, of 77th Street Area, as set forth. [BPC #17-0372] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated September 21, 2017, relative to the recommendation for the Medal of Valor for bravery to Sergeant Joseph Morrison, Serial No. 26894, of Pacific Area, as set forth. [BPC #17-0373] was approved.

Verbal presentation and discussion by the New York University, School of Law, Policing Project relative to their report to the Los Angeles Police Commission Summarizing Public Feedback on LAPD Video Release Policies. No action required.

Department’s Report, dated September 20, 2017, relative to the response to the Office of the Inspector General’s review of National Best Practices, as set forth. [BPC #17-0370] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated September 20, 2017, relative to the Quarterly Discipline Report, Second Quarter, 2016, as set forth. [BPC #17-0366] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated September 20, 2017, relative to the Quarterly Discipline Report, Third Quarter, 2016, as set forth. [BPC #17-0367] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated September 20, 2017, relative to the Quarterly Discipline Report, Fourth Quarter, 2016, as set forth. [BPC #17-0368] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated September 20, 2017, relative to the Biased Policing and Mediation Update – 2nd Quarter 2017 Report, as set forth. [BPC #17-0369] was approved.

Chief Charlie Beck began his report mourning the loss of LAPD officer John Gasparyan, Valley Traffic Division, who was killed this past Thursday in an off-duty crash in Porter Ranch. He is survived by his wife and 6-year-old daughter.

Chief Beck commented the Community Safety Partnership has its strongest presence in the South East area where the clearance rates for gang related homicides is entirely solved on public statement and public cooperation. Last year, particularly in Watts, Chief Beck stated the clearance rate for homicides was 82%. This year the clearance rate for homicides is 94%. Chief Beck emphasizes how much of a change that is in policing. Chief Beck compared it to the time when he was Detective Captain of South East area when the clearance rate was well below 50%. This speaks about what the heart of what the Police Commission is after.

Chief Beck provided a year to date update on Part I crime. Chief Beck reports total sworn personnel on payroll at 9,992 that includes this Friday’s graduating class; civilian personnel are at 2,855, about 400 reserve officers; and 2,172 police cadets.

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Chief Beck Statement Regarding Fatal Freeway Crash

 

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department has learned that one of its off-duty police officers was involved in a traffic accident on the 605 Freeway late last night, that resulted in the tragic death of three people. According to the California Highway Patrol, who is investigating the crash, our officer was arrested for suspicion of DUI. The Department sends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims in this horrific collision. The LAPD has initiated an administrative investigation and will work with the CHP as they continue their investigation, however, the Department has no tolerance for driving under the influence and holds its officers to the highest standards of professionalism both on and off-duty. The LAPD understands the significant danger innocent drivers face when any person gets behind the wheel while they are impaired, which is why we conduct random sobriety checks throughout the City. It is particularly troubling when one of our own police officers violates drunk driving laws, which is why a drunk driving offense always results in a personnel complaint which can lead to dismissal. In instances where nobody has been injured, employees often receive suspension days and employees sign a contract in which an individual will submit to randomized testing, treatment programs and abstinence from alcohol as a condition of continued employment.

For any further details about the traffic accident, please contact the California Highway Patrol.

Investigators Seeking Additional Victims of Kidnap/ Sexual Assault

North Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division, Special Assault Section, is investigating a Kidnap/Sexual Assault of a 24-year-old female.

During the early morning hours of June 23, 2017, a female entered an UBER vehicle in the Downtown area of Los Angeles, and requested a destination in the Hollywood Area. The victim was unconscious, when the suspect drove her to a motel in the San Fernando Valley and sexually assaulted her.

On June 23, 2017, around 9:15 p.m., Detectives arrested 46-year-old Alaric Spence of North Hollywood, for kidnapping to commit a sex crime. A search warrant was served at Spence’s residence, and evidence was collected. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office on June 26, 2017. Spence is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims of other unreported incidents and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating them.

Anyone with information about additional victims is asked to call Robbery Homicide Division, Special Assault Section, Detective Carla Zuniga, at (213) 486-6910. 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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Seeking the public’s assistance in solving a homicide

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's South Bureau Homicide detectives are seeking the public's assistance in locating a vehicle possibly taken in a homicide.

On September 12, 2017 around 2:00 a.m., the victim, Philip Osby, was in the 2700 block of Vernon Ave, where he was shot and killed. The victim has no ties to the area and it is unclear why he was there. Detectives believe the suspect(s) may have taken the victim's vehicle.

The victim's vehicle is described as a 2016 black Hyundai Accent, four-door sedan, license plate 7TYD871. Detectives believe the victim had paper plates on the vehicle with the letters "WIN." The victim's vehicle may also have an Uber sticker on the front and rear windows.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact South Bureau Homicide, Sergeant Funicello or Officer Jamieson at (323) 786-5110. 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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Possible Kidnap Victim

Los Angeles: 77th Area detectives are requesting the public's help in identifying and locating the victim of a possible kidnapping.

On September 24, 2017 around 11:50 p.m., witnesses in the 100 block of West 79th Street heard someone yell for help. They saw a light gray four door sedan drive westbound on 79th Street, reverse and stop facing westbound. A male Hispanic in his 20s exited the front driver's side door and approached a female Hispanic who was walking eastbound on the south sidewalk of 79th Street. The male grabbed the female and carried her to the vehicle he had exited. He opened the front passenger door and put the female inside. The male closed the door and walked around the rear of the vehicle and entered the driver's side again. The front passenger door opened and the female exited the vehicle, but was pulled back inside. The vehicle drove away westbound on 79th Street.

Witnesses told the police the vehicle had a Texas license plate, the first three numbers were possibly "763".


The suspect is described as a male Hispanic in his 20s, 6 feet tall, about 200 pounds. Witnesses believe there may have been a second suspect in the vehicle.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the identity of the female or male in the video, please contact 77th Area Detectives at 323-786-5447. 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.

Critical Missing 17-Year-Old Female NR17275ne

 

Update

Dexian Chen was found in the city of Gardena in good health and is reunited with her family.

Los Angeles: The family of Dexian Chen and the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollenbeck Division are asking for the public's help in locating her.

Dexian was last seen on September 21, 2017, around 3:00 p.m., in the 2200 block of Parkside Street. She told family members she was traveling to her father's place of business in the 700 block of North Broadway, in Chinatown Los Angeles. Dexian has experience traveling on buses in the area. She never arrived at her father's business.

Dexian is described as a female Asian with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. Dexian primarily speaks Cantonese, but does speak limited English. She was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray legging style pants.

She is 17-years-old but has the mental capacity of a 6-year-old. The Chen family is very concerned for her safety.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Dexian Chen, please contact Hollenbeck Division Watch Commander at (323) 342-4101. 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.

First Responder Fund

Thursday, September 21, 2017 – From the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Air Support Division heliport, LAPD Reserve Officer Lance Ordin, Air Support Division, opened a news conference to announce the First Responder Fund. This fund will support the police and fire first responders who have provided lifesaving water rescues while having suffered loss and damage. To donate you can text “HELP911” to 41444 or visit FirstResponderFund.com.

Assistant Chief Wendy Baimbridge, Houston Police Department, said their officers were pre- mobilized before the arrival of Hurricane Harvey. Officers were assigned to working 12 hour shifts and quickly switched to working 24 hours shifts for 5 days straight, which they had never done before. Houston Police Department officers saved 6,000 individuals who were trapped by the high water in their homes. Sadly, 600 police officers would return to their homes that had severe or total damage. 60 officers lost their personal vehicles they parked in city lots while they were on patrol and were unable to return to their homes. The Houston Police Department lost two police stations due to flooding and had to relocate four divisions while mobilizing officers conducting high water rescues.

Unfortunately, Houston Police Department suffered a tragic in the line of duty death. Sgt. Steve Perez died when his patrol vehicle entered high flood waters as he was enroute to the closest police station. Sgt. Perez couldn’t make it to his own station because it had been damaged by the hurricane. Houston Police Department officers continued their duty despite the loss of their colleague and damage to their homes.

On behalf the men and women of LAPD Support Division and Air Support Angels Foundation, Reserve Officer Ordin presented a 10,000 dollar check to Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department to kick off the First Responder Fund.

Audio - First Responder Fund

 

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Residential Burglary Suspects

Los Angeles/Harbor Area: On August 31, 2017 at approximately 12:30 pm, two suspects entered an apartment located in the 1500 block of Pacific Coast Highway by smashing the rear patio window door. They removed jewelry and other items with an approximate value of $2800.

Security camera footage captured the suspects movements and descriptions. One of the suspects wore a dark colored security polo shirt with an emblem on the front and 'Security' in white letters on the back. He was armed with a handgun. The second suspect was wearing a white tank top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both suspects are described as two male Blacks, black hair, brown eyes, approximately 5'7", 160 pounds, and appeared to be in their 20's. They should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact LAPD Harbor Burglary Detectives at the following phone numbers: Detective Higa 310-726-7845, Detective Guevara 310-726-7855, or Officer Baran 310-726-7856. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. 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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