LAPD Blog

LAPD Recruit Graduation Class 7-17

Dec Graduation

On Friday, December 22, 2017, the LAPD honored the 38 men and women graduating from the intensive 24 week training program at the police academy.  The graduates were hosted by Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck, and members of the Police Commission at the Elysian Park Acade

The new officers successfully completed a comprehensive, highly structured, rigorous 920 hour training program over 24 weeks. The training program includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and scenarios to help each officer develop the knowledge and skills to excel in law enforcement.  The ceremony was highlighted by a speech from Chief Beck in which he honored and congratulated the 38 new police officers. Chief Beck began by addressing the concerns of family members of the new officers. The second half of Chief Beck’s address was for the new police officers, and the responsibility they have toward the Department, the community and toward each other. To listen to Chief Beck’s full address please click on the podcast below. 

The newest members of the Department were dispersed to divisions across Los Angeles and will now begin their careers partnering with training officers for the first year of service. For more information on how you can become a Los Angeles Police Officer, please visit www.joinLAPD.com

Former LAPD Cadet Passes California State Bar Examination

Los Angeles: Former LAPD Cadet Gloria Hernandez passes the California State Bar Examination and hosts her swearing-in ceremony at LAPD Headquarters with active cadets in attendance.

Gloria Hernandez attended San Pedro High School Police Academy Magnet (San Pedro Magnet). During her time at San Pedro Magnet, she simultaneously participated in the LAPD Cadet Program (Cadet Program). Gloria achieved the rank of LAPD Cadet Commander as part of the first established Cadet Command Staff in 2008. In 2009, Gloria, due to her extraordinary work ethic and commitment to the Cadet Program, was promoted to the rank of Cadet Chief, the highest-ranking cadet in the Cadet Program, and continued serving in that position until 2012. As the Cadet Chief, Gloria provided guidance and support to all cadets and served as the model of desired behavior for all cadets.

Following her graduation from high school, Gloria attended Mount Saint Mary's University where she earned a B.A. in Political Science, along with a minor in Pre-Law and International Relations. Upon receiving her undergraduate degree, Gloria enrolled in Southwestern Law School where she volunteered at various public interest firms, ultimately finding her niche at Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project (Esperanza).

Gloria worked at Esperanza throughout law school and has continued to work at Esperanza since graduating from Southwestern Law School in 2016. In July 2017, Gloria sat for the California Bar Examination, a two day exam testing both California and Federal law across 13 subjects. Gloria recently passed the bar exam and will now work as a staff attorney for Esperanza representing refugee children and adults, in addition to providing education and legal representation to Southern California's most vulnerable immigrant communities.

Gloria postponed her swearing-in ceremony, to include taking her attorney oath, until it could be performed in the presence of cadets to demonstrate that dreams can be accomplished if a person believes in himself or herself and applies the lessons learned through the Cadet Program. Gloria maintains that the Cadet Program greatly influenced her life and hosting her swearing-in ceremony, in the presence of cadets, is her way of "giving back." Gloria writes, "I always envisioned including LAPD in this important step in my life."

Celebrating the New Year with Gunfire or Fireworks “Will Not Be Tolerated” in the City of Los Angeles NR17383bm

Los Angeles: Every year, a significant number of people throughout the City of Los Angeles engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air and using fireworks to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

In an effort to educate and warn the public, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) wants to remind everyone that celebratory gunfire and the use of fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles.

California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms. Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime. California Health & Safety Code 12677 makes it unlawful for any person to possess dangerous fireworks without a valid permit. Violators of 12677 will be arrested for a misdemeanor crime.

The LAPD encourages everyone to celebrate the arrival of the New Year safely by not discharging firearms into the air and only participating in organized fireworks displays.

To report information regarding a crime, please call 1-877-LAPD-24-7. 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.

Fatal Hit and Run NR17382m

 

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's South Traffic Division are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision that killed 49-year-old Ms. Gloria Eatonbreaux.

On December 25, 2017, at about 9:00 p.m., a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed southbound on Crenshaw Boulevard, collided with a pedestrian, Ms. Eatonbreaux, crossing westbound Crenshaw Boulevard near Coliseum Street with her son.

After the collision, the driver of the speeding vehicle failed to remain at the scene and render assistance. The driver fled southbound on Crenshaw Boulevard driving a black possible early 90's model Nissan or Honda. Ms. Eatonbreaux was transported to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries. Her son was not injured.

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 who may have witnessed, or have information regarding, this collision is urged to call Detective Moreno at 323-421-2500, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact South Traffic Division's Watch Commander at 323-421-2577, or 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 can 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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69-Year-Old Woman Struck and Killed by Hit and Run Big Rig

 

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Traffic Division are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision that killed an elderly woman.

On December 21, 2017, around 9:53 p.m., Cynthia Szukala, 69 years of age and a resident of Los Angeles, was standing outside of her parked motor home located at the 3700 block of Union Pacific Avenue, when she was stuck by an 18-wheel tractor trailer. The driver of the tractor trailer fled the scene eastbound on Union Pacific Avenue without identifying himself or rendering aid to Ms. Szukala as required by law.

Ms. Szukala suffered severe blunt force injuries to her body and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

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 is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Detective Juan Campos at (213) 486-0755. 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 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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Fatal Traffic Collision

 

Northridge: The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Area detectives are investigating a fatal traffic collision which left a 29-year-old motorcyclist man dead.

On December 22, 2017 at about 7:00 p.m., a white 2011 Mercedes SUV, was driven by 30-year-old, Grigor Gevork Nalbandian, resident of Northridge.

Nalbandian was traveling westbound Parthenia Street when it made a left turn to go southbound onto Louise Avenue. As the Mercedes made the left turn, it collided with a 2002 Yamaha motorcycle traveling eastbound Parthenia Street.

The force of the collision sent the motorcyclist in a southeasterly direction colliding with a brick wall before coming to rest on the sidewalk at the southeast corner of Parthenia St and Louise Avenue.

The driver of Mercedes remained at scene and provided his information as required by law. Nalbanian was determined to be driving under the suspicion of impairment and was arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail for Murder, 187(a) P.C with a bail amount of $2,000.000.

The motorcyclist died at scene from injuries suffered in the collision. He has been identified as 29-year-old, Juan Antonio Cueva-Romero, a resident of Winnetka.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Detective III William Bustos at (818) 644-8021or Detective II L. Fuentes at (818) 644-8029. 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.

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Off-Duty Mission Division Officer-Involved-Shooting in Mission

**The following information is based on a preliminary and 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: On December 20, 2017, around 1:00 a.m., officers assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department Mission Division were off-duty in the area of the 8900 block of Orion Avenue. They had just dropped off individuals who live in the area. One of the officers was near an apartment complex when Froilan Rodriguez confronted him and struck him in the head with a metal flashlight; at that time there was an officer-involved-shooting. The officer entered the vehicle he had arrived in and both officers drove to the corner of Nordoff Street and Orion Avenue to call and wait for police.

Rodriguez was transported to a local hospital where he received medical treatment for a gunshot wound. The officer was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a contusion to his head and released. Rodriguez was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. A metal flashlight was recovered at the scene by investigators.

LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with the LAPD's policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer was reasonable.

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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Metropolitan Division Officer-Involved-Shooting in Mission

**The following information is based on a preliminary and 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: On December 19, 2017, around 11:15 p.m., officers assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department Metropolitan Division were in the 8400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. They were in their police vehicle when they heard gunshots in the area. They exited their vehicle to try to locate where the gunshots were coming from and saw a man in a motel parking lot holding a rifle and a revolver. At that time, there was an officer-involved shooting. The man, later identified as Damon Seymour, was not struck by the gunfire and was immediately taken into custody by the officers.

Seymour was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

No officers were injured during this incident. A rifle and handgun was recovered in the crime scene. LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with the LAPD's policies and procedures.

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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Notes from the December 19, 2017 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Commissioner President Steve Soboroff opened the meeting and a quorum was established.

All Consent Agenda items were unanimously approved.

Department’s Report, dated December 6, 2017, relative to the Supplemental Police Account Third Quarterly Report (July through September 2017), as set forth. [BPC #17-0479] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated December 6, 2017, relative to the grant application and award for National Institute of Justice’s FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program, as set forth. [BPC #17-0480] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated December 13, 2017, relative to the Biased Policing and Mediation Update – 3rd Quarter 2017 report to the Board of Police Commissioners, as set forth. [BPC #17-0491] was approved.

Chief Beck reported on one significant incident from last week. A LAPD patrol officer was severely injured during an early morning vehicle stop on the San Diego (405) Freeway. The officer’s patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a drunk driver, cutting off one of the officer’s leg. Chief Beck has been visiting the officer at the hospital. The officer is recovering well, in good spirits, and will be undergoing rehabilitation. He is receiving strong support from the Department and his family. Chief Beck asked everyone to keep the injured officer and his family in their thoughts during the holidays. Chief Beck concluded his report with updated crime statistics.

Audio - Police Commission Mtg Dec 19

 

LAPD Is Asking For The Publics Help In Reuniting a found Autistic Boy NR17378sr

 

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a family member or legal guardian of a found child.

On December 16, 2017, a child was observed by Los Angeles Police Department Officers sitting alone on a Metro Purple Line train heading towards Union Station. The found child was not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The child is described around 8-10-years-old male Asian with black hair and brown eyes. He stands 3 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 65 pounds. The child is wearing a red long sleeve shirt, tan pants and camouflage tennis shoes.

Found Child

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of the child please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Officer Carson 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 can 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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