LAPD Blog

Missing 66-Year-Old Woman

Los Angeles: The family of Louisa Torres and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public's assistance in locating her.

Louisa Torres was last seen was last seen on June 24, 2018, around 12:30 a.m., near the 14500 block of Tyler Street in the City of Sylmar.

Louisa Torres is described as a 66-year-old Hispanic female with brown hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet tall and weighs around 90 pounds. Torres was last seen wearing a zippered black sweater, black pants and black shoes. She is described as suffering from the first stages of Dementia.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Louisa Torres, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Palmer: (213) 996-1800. 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 onlinetip. 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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Officer-Involved-Shooting in Devonshire Division

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, preview 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**

Porter Ranch: Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in a Porter Ranch neighborhood.

On June 20, 2018, around 10:39 p.m., Devonshire Patrol Division uniformed officers responded to an ambulance cutting radio call at a residence in the 20000 block of Sardinia Way in Porter Ranch. The comments of the call indicated that a female victim was outside and had been stabbed by her husband. As the officers arrived, they observed the victim on the ground, surrounded by community members who were providing her with aid. The officers' attention was then drawn to a male suspect, later identified as Alen Alpanian, who was standing outside the front door of the residence holding a kitchen type knife.

The officers ordered Alpanian to drop the knife; however, he walked away from the front door of the residence toward the officers, still holding the large kitchen knife. The officers continued to give commands to Alpanian to drop the knife, but he failed to comply and began to cross the street toward the officers. The officers deployed two Bean Bag shotguns, followed by two TASER activations, which proved to be ineffective. Alpanian continued to walk toward the officers while holding the knife, which resulted in an Officer-Involved Shooting.

Alpanian was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and listed in stable condition. The female victim was also transported to a local hospital, underwent surgery for her stab wounds and was also listed in critical yet stable condition. No officers were injured during the incident and an 8" kitchen knife was recovered at scene.

Force Investigation Division detectives responded to the scene to handle the administrative and criminal investigations.

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 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 officers(s) 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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Officers Confront Stabbing Suspect in Van Nuys Area

LAPD Officers Confront Stabbing Suspect in Van Nuys Area: Patrol Officers Fire Their Handguns When the Suspect Presses Knife Against Female Hostage's Neck

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 June 16, 2018, around 1:10 p.m., LAPD Communications Division received a 9-1-1 call reporting a man with a large knife assaulting a woman outside a homeless outreach center located on the 6400 block of Tyrone Avenue in Van Nuys.

LAPD patrol officers assigned to Van Nuys Division quickly responded to the outreach center and located a man, later identified as Guillermo Perez, holding a large serrated knife. Perez approached the officers as they emerged from their vehicles and the officers immediately attempted to de-escalate the situation by verbally directing Perez to drop the knife. Perez, however, ignored the officers' directions and continued to approach.

An officer equipped with a less-lethal, beanbag shotgun fired at Perez who deflected two of the rounds using a folding chair and then ran in the opposite direction. As Perez ran from the officers he grabbed a woman standing next to a nearby building. Perez then pushed the woman in between himself and the officers, raised the serrated knife, and pressed it against the woman's neck. At this point three officers fired their handguns at Perez who was hit by the gun fire and fell to the ground. Tragically, Perez's hostage was also struck by gunfire and collapsed.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported Perez and the woman to local hospitals. Perez later died at the hospital and the female victim was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

Officers located the initial stabbing victim who was also transported to the hospital and treated for knife wounds.
LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney's Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the investigation.

The LAPD will have further details regarding this incident in its Critical Incident Community Briefing scheduled for public release on July 31, 2018.

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(s) violated any criminal laws.

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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Former Police Commission President John Mack Dies at 81

 

Los Angeles: Former LAPD Police Commission President John Mack died Thursday evening at the age of 81.

Mr. Mack served as a Commissioner on the City of Los Angeles Planning Commission. Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed him to the Planning Commission in September of 2013.

From 2005 to 2013, Mr. Mack served as a Los Angeles Police Commissioner. He was appointed to the Board of Police Commissioners by Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa in August of 2005. He held the position of President of the Police Commission for two consecutive years, and then the position of Vice President for two years. In 2009, he was re-elected to the President post and served for two years. In 2011, he was once again elected to the Vice President post.

Mr. Mack is a highly respected advocate for equal opportunities in education, law enforcement and economic empowerment for African-Americans and other minorities - and a bridge builder across all racial, cultural, economic, gender and religious lines. The rare combination of his extraordinary experience and expertise in both civil rights and law enforcement garnered him the coveted Flame Award from the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement in 2014.

Mr. Mack fought tirelessly for decades to fundamentally change the culture of the LAPD--through litigation, advocacy, community and political pressure, and civilian oversight. As a member and two-term President of the LAPD Board of Police Commissioners from 2005 through 2014 he played a major role in helping the LAPD develop and implement significant reforms of its policies, procedures, and investigations concerning biased policing, and helped the Department achieve full compliance with the federal consent decree that had been in place since 2001.

Mr. Mack had many honors including the prestigious Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal awarded to him by his fellow Commissioners in August 2013. In 2016, Mr. Mack was honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the 500 most influential leaders in Los Angeles.

Mr. Mack is survived by his sister, brother, son, 2 daughters, and three grandchildren. Further notification will be forthcoming when details about a memorial service are finalized.

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Critical Missing 26-Year-Old Female

 

San Pedro: The family of Haley Downen and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Harbor Area are asking for the public's help in finding her.

Haley was last seen on June 23, 2018, around 5:15 p.m., on the shore line trail between Royal Palms beach and the Trump National Golf Course in the City of San Pedro. Harbor Area patrol officers searched the area and found items of personal property belonging to Haley.

Haley is described as a 26-year-old, White female with blonde hair, green eyes, small build. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately1 138 pounds. Haley has a tattoo on her left leg.

Haley Ora Downen

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Haley Ora Downen, please contact Harbor Area Detectives at (310) 726-7700. 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 onlinetip. 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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Passing of Former President of the BOPC, John Mack

Joint Statement of Chief of Police Charlie Beck and Chief of Police-Select Michel Moore on the Passing of Former President of the Board of Police Commissioners, John Mack

Los Angeles: "The men and women of the LAPD mourn the passing of former Police Commission President John Mack. Commissioner Mack was not only an outstanding commissioner, but an inspiration and personal mentor for thousands of police officers throughout the decades of his service to the community. His thoughtfulness, kindness, grace, and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the LAPD of today. He will forever be missed and never be forgotten."

Cyber Watch Partnership Helps Nab Knock-Knock Burglary Suspect

Los Angeles Police Department's Cyber Watch Partnership Helps Nab Knock-Knock Burglary Suspect

San Pedro: The Los Angeles Police Department's Harbor Area Detectives announce the arrest of 19-year-old Richard Rashad Golden for burglary.

On January 29, 2018 a burglary occurred near the 3400 Block of Anchovy Avenue in San Pedro. The suspect would knock on the door of a residence multiple times. If the resident was home, he would ask to speak with a randomly named person who did not live at the location. The resident would tell the suspect the named person did not live there and the suspect would leave. If the resident did not answer the door, the suspect would then enter the residence and take the resident's property. The suspect was committing these crimes with the assistance of another person who would drive around the area or park and wait until the suspect committed the burglary. The suspect would then get in the vehicle with the stolen property and flee the location. These crimes primarily occurred in the daytime.

An observant neighbor and CyberWatch community member spotted an unusual vehicle (silver mini-van) parked in their neighborhood near where the burglary occurred. The neighbor photographed the vehicle and reported it to the police (see attached). The photo was circulated on social media.

An extensive investigation revealed that the suspect had committed the same exact crime at another residence near the 1300 Block of 26th Street. Last week, Harbor Area officers and detectives arrested the suspect in both cases. The District Attorney filed two counts of first degree burglary against Golden.

The Investigating Officer, Tom Baran, Harbor Area Detectives, was quoted as saying, "Once again, the social media/ CyberWatch efforts paid off. We were able to put together evidence, find the suspect, make the arrest and file the case. If not for the efforts of the community, cases like this would never be solved. I want to thank everyone involved in this effort. Because of them, this arrest was made possible."


Community Photo of Suspect Vehicle from Day of Burglary

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Harbor Detectives, at (310) 726-7900. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may 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 "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

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Critical Incident Video Release

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Charlie Beck, Chief of Police and Alan Hamilton, Commander, Force Investigation Division, held a news conference to introduce the LAPD’s first Critical Incident Video Release “Community Briefing.” The video footage is from officers body worn camera and provides information about a critical incident which occurred on May 6, 2018. The release of video is accompanied by additional information to provide context based on the evidence available at the time of release.

It is the intent of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, through the adoption of this policy, to increase transparency with respect to the operations of the LAPD and in doing so, foster greater public trust. It is the policy of the LAPD that video evidence in the Department's possession of critical incidents involving LAPD officers be released to the public within 45 days of the incident.

Critical Incidents: This policy applies to video imagery concerning the following types of incidents:

• Officer-involved shootings, regardless of whether a person was hit by gunfire;

• A use of force resulting in death or serious bodily injury requiring hospitalization;

• All deaths while an arrestee/detainee is in the custodial care of the Department unless there is no preliminary evidence of any of the following: misconduct, a use of force, or an act committed by an arrestee/detainee that appears intended to cause injury or death; or

• Any other police encounter where the Commission or the Chief of Police determines release of video is in the public interest.

Audio - Critical Video Release

 

Notes from the June 19, 2018 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

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

All Consent Agenda items were unanimously approved.

Verbal presentation and discussion by the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy relative to the Law Enforcement Advanced Development Program. No action required.

Verbal presentation and discussion relative to the 2017 Use of Force Year-End Review Report. No action required.

Executive Director’s Report, dated June 14, 2018, relative to Fiscal Year 2018-19 proposed adjustments to fees for Special Services established by the Board of Police Commissioners, as set forth. [BPC #18-0225] was approved.

Inspector General’s Report, dated June 14, 2018, relative to review of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Jail and Holding Tank Structures and Procedures, as set forth. [BPC #18-0224] will be continued for discussion as a regular agenda item on Tuesday July 17, 2018.

Department’s Report, dated June 13, 2018, relative to the Domestic Violence Audit (AD No. 17-016), as set forth. [BPC #18-0211] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated June 15, 2018, relative to the request for approval on the third amendment with both contractors (Ben Hyatt Certified Deposition Reporters and Lynden J an Associates, Inc.) for court reporter services for the Los Angeles Police Department, as set forth. [BPC #18-0212] was approved.

Department’s Report, dated June 7, 2018, relative to the grant application and award acceptance for the 2018-2019 Operation ABC Grant from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, as set forth. [BPC #18-0226] was approved.

Assistant Chief Beatrice Girmala presented the report of the Chief of Police as Chief Beck was in attendance at a funeral for a retired captain. Chief Girmala provided information on an officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday June 16, at 1:00 p.m. Van Nuys Patrol Division uniformed officers responded to an ambulance cutting radio call at a homeless outreach center, located at 6400 Tyrone Avenue. The officers confronted a suspect, who was armed with a large knife. The officers ordered the suspect to drop the knife and utilized less lethal options including a beanbag shotgun to gain compliance. The suspect then grabbed a female bystander and held the knife to her neck, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Chief Girmala provided Part IA crime statistics and reported there are 10,026 sworn personnel, 2,938 civilian personnel, and 1,799 cadets.

Audio - PC Mtg June 19, 2018

 

Man Stabbed to Death in North Hollywood

 

North Hollywood: Los Angeles Police Department Valley Bureau Homicide Detectives are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for killing a man.

On June 18, 2018, around 2:50 a.m., North Hollywood Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of a stabbing near the intersection of Magnolia Boulevard and Tujunga Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the victim laying on the grass, bleeding from his upper torso.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The victim is described as a 25-year-old male. His identification is being withheld until his next of kin is notified.

Preliminary investigation revealed the victim and suspect were involved in an argument. The argument turned physical, at which time the suspect stabbed the victim and fled on foot. The suspect is described as a male Black with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Valley Bureau Homicide Detective Steve Castro 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 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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