LAPD Blog

Critical Missing 24-Year-Old Female

Los Angeles: The family of Veronica Vargas and the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollenbeck Division are asking for the public's assistance in locating her.

On July 25, 2018, around 1:30 p.m., Veronica was last seen near the 2600 block of North Figueroa Street, in the City of Los Angeles. Veronica has recently been the victim of Domestic Violence and based on the contact prior to her missing, has caused alarm in her disappearance. Veronica has not been seen or heard from and her family is concerned for her safety.

Veronica is described as a 24-year-old female Hispanic with shoulder length black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She was wearing a black dress.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Veronica Vargas, please contact, Hollenbeck Area Detectives, Detective Juarez at 323-342-4100. 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.

Store Robbery Suspects Caught on Video

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Newton Area are seeking the public's assistance in identifying two violent robbery suspects.

On June 21, 2018, around 6:30 p.m., a robbery occurred at a store located near the 4700 block of Broadway. Suspect-1 entered the business and pointed a handgun at the employees while suspect-2 removed the tray from the cash register. During the robbery, the suspects took US Currency and personal items belonging to the employees. Both suspects exited the business and fled on foot.

First suspect is described as a 25 to 30-year-old male Black with medium complexion. He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 130 pounds. He was wearing a Green Bay Packers baseball cap, navy blue Puma zip-up jacket with "BMW Motorsport" on left chest, Puma logo on right sleeve, and black jeans. The suspect also has a tattoo of unknown writing on the right side of his neck and chest

Second suspect is described as a 25 to 30-year-old male Black with possible braids or cornrows in hair. He stands five feet eight inches tall and weighs around 180 pounds. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, and red shoes with white soles.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Walden, Newton Area Detectives at 323-846-6572. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact 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.

“Street Racing” Causes Fatal Hit and Run Collision

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 of the suspect involved in a fatal hit and run traffic collision.

On July 22, 2018, just after 1:30 a.m., the driver of a 2009 BMW and a white sedan were racing southbound on South Central Avenue in Newton Area. As the two vehicles were about to reach the 5000 block of South Central Avenue, the driver of a 2002 Ford SUV pulled out from the west driveway of a business directly in the path of the two oncoming vehicles. The driver of the BMW was unable to stop and collided with the driver’s side of the Ford SUV. The force of the violent impact launched the Ford SUV approximately 175 feet in a southbound direction. The BMW continued out of control in a southbound direction and came to rest after colliding with two other vehicles. There were no injuries to the occupants of those last two vehicles. Witnesses stated the two racing vehicles were traveling at speeds of more than 90 mph. The driver of the white sedan fled the scene, failing to stop and render aid, as required by law.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the male and female occupants of the Ford SUV to a local hospital. The female suffered head and body trauma and is in critical condition. The male occupant also suffered head and body injuries and was immediately rushed to surgery. Despite the lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The driver of the BMW was also transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.

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 about the incident or the white sedan is asked to contact Central Traffic Division detectives at (213) 833-3713, Officer Erie Poss at (213) 486-0760, or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 486-3713.

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.

Man Robbed and Kidnapped at Gunpoint

***UPDATE***

Detectives need the public’s help in identifying the kidnapped victim. The crime was not reported by family, friends, or people who would otherwise know him. He is described as a male Black, weighing approximately 200 pounds. He was wearing gold necklaces, a black shirt and black pants. If you have any idea who this victim is, please contact Foothill Division detectives at (818) 834-3115, or (818) 756-8861.

Pacoima: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects involved in the robbery and kidnapping of a man.

On Saturday, July 21, 2018, around 10:35 a.m., Foothill Division officers responded to a “Kidnap/Robbery” radio call at Paxton Street and Dronfield Avenue in the City of Pacoima.

Officer’s investigation determined the victim was confronted, on the sidewalk, by a suspect who exited the passenger door of a vehicle. A second suspect remained in the driver’s seat. The suspect produced a handgun and took the victim’s property, as the second suspect backed the vehicle into a driveway. The suspect pointed the gun at the victim’s head and forced him into the vehicle. The suspect re-entered the vehicle, and the vehicle fled north on Dronfield Avenue, then west on Paxton Street.

Suspect-1 is described as a male Black with a slim build. He was wearing a black mask, black hoodie and black pants.

Suspect-2 is described as a male Black.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a late model, 4-door, grey Chevy Impala.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Foothill Division detectives at (818) 834-3115, or (818) 756-8861. 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 onlinetip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

LA POLICE COMMISSION INVITES PUBLIC TO SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSION MEETING

 The Board of Police Commissioners will hold a special meeting - click for more info

Unprovoked Brutal Assault

 Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Area Robbery Detectives are seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted for assault.

On June 30, 2018, a 28-year-old male victim was standing outside a fast food restaurant located in the 9200 block of Venice Boulevard, when an unidentified male suspect, punched the victim without warning. The victim fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious. The victim suffered significant and severe head injuries and was admitted to a local hospital. The suspect was seen fleeing the scene with a male and female companion in a white four door sedan.

The suspect is described as an 18 to 21-year-old male Hispanic with brown curly hair, unknown eyes. He stands between 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 190 to 200 pounds. The suspect was last seen wearing a white tee shirt, gray pants, white socks with red and white sandals.

The first companion is described as a 17 to 20-year-old male Hispanic with dark hair, unknown eyes. He stands between 5 feet 6-inches tall and weighs around 140 to 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with design on front, blue jeans with holes in the knees and black tennis shoes.

The second companion is described as a 17 to 20-year-old female Hispanic, with glasses, dark hair, in a ponytail. She was wearing a gray and black jacket, gray shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes with black stripe.

Anyone with information or can identify the suspect is urged to contact Pacific Area Robbery Detective Saucedo 310-482-6421. During non-business hours or on the 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.

 

Attempt Jewelry Store Robbery Suspects Wanted

Studio City: The Los Angeles Police Department and North Hollywood Robbery detectives are seeking the public's help in identifying two persons responsible for an attempted robbery.

On May 25, 2018, around 4:30 p.m., North Hollywood patrol officers responded to a radio call on Ventura Boulevard in the Studio City.

After entering the business, the first suspect produced a large canister of pepper spray and sprayed the store owner and two customers, with the intent to incapacitate them. Both suspects also had hammers and began breaking glass display cases to steal the jewelry. The first suspect also swung his hammer at the store owner.

In fear and in defense of her and the customers' lives, the owner used her legally owned and registered handgun and fired one round at the suspects. Neither suspects were hit and they immediately fled the location without any property.

 

First suspect is described as a male Hispanic or White, 30 to 40-years-old with closely shaved receding dark hair. He stands around 5 feet 7 inches tall weighing around 150 pounds. He was wearing a blue, long sleeved button-down shirt, khaki pants, black tennis shoes, sunglasses, and a watch on his left wrist.

Second suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 40 to 50-years-old with dark hair, mustache or goatee. He stands around 6 feet tall weighing around 175 pounds. He was wearing grey pants, a white long-sleeved button-down shirt, bow tie, fedora, sunglasses, and an earring in his left ear.

If you have any information, contact Detective Hammer or Detective Mahoney, North Hollywood Area Robbery Detectives, at (818) 754-8424. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact 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.

Critical Missing 71-Year-Old Man

Los Angeles: The family of Carlos Muniz Vasquez and the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Los Angeles Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Mr. Vasquez was last seen on July 9, 2018, at around 1:30 p.m., walking outside to get some fresh air from his residence in the 1900 block of South Shenandoah Street in Los Angeles. Mr. Vasquez was last seen leaving the residence walking a white poodle on a red leash.

Mr. Vasquez has Alzheimer and does not take any medications, and does not carry a cell phone.

Mr. Vasquez is described as a 71-year-old male Hispanic, with grey hair, brown eyes, standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing 120 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Carlos Muniz Vasquez, please contact West Los Angeles Area Watch Commander at 310-444-0701, as well as 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.

LAPD Announces Historic Promotion

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Chief Michel R. Moore has announced the promotion of the Department's first female African American Deputy Chief. Commander Regina Scott was the first female African American to achieve the rank of Commander, and with her new promotion, Deputy Chief Scott will become the LAPD's first female African American to achieve the rank of Deputy Chief.

"Regina embodies the spirit of the Los Angeles Police Department with a balance of determination, excellence and heart," said Chief Moore. "In her new role as Deputy Chief, she will undoubtedly continue that quality work with an emphasis on building bridges, creating healthy communities and fighting crime."

Deputy Chief Scott joined the LAPD in July 1987. She has held numerous positions and worked a variety of assignments within all Bureaus of the Department. Deputy Chief Scott was the Commanding Officer of Information Technology Bureau; in charge of the design, development and ongoing innovation of the Department's automated computer systems. With her new promotion, Chief Scott will take Command of Operations Central Bureau which oversees Central, Central Traffic, Northeast, Rampart, Hollenbeck and Newton Community Police Stations. Central Bureau is home to over 900,000 residents and encompasses 65 square miles. Central Bureau's population is the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the City.

Of the appointment, Deputy Chief Scott said: "I am both honored and humbled by this historic promotion. This promotion is more than just me, it is for those who paved the road before me, and those who dare to dream big. I want to thank Chief Moore for having the courage and insight for real change and reform. I am ready to help build trust and help bridge the gap between the police and communities we serve."

Deputy Chief Scott is a New Jersey native who started her career of service as she joined the United States Army after high school. Deputy Chief Scott is a proud military-mom of a daughter currently serving in the United States Air Force and her son works for the Department of Transportation. In her spare time, Chief Scott enjoys playing with her three grandchildren, golf and plays the blues on her guitar.

Any questions may be directed to Media Relations Division at 213-486-5910.

Missing 22-Year-Old Man

Los Angeles: The family of Bo John Jones and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's assistance in locating him.

On July 8, 2018, around 4:30 p.m., Bo was last seen near the 1100 block of 6th Street, in the City of Los Angeles.
Bo is described as a 22-year-old male White with brown hair and blue eyes. He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. He was wearing a red USC t-shirt, grey shorts, and sandals.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Bo John Jones, please contact Missing Persons Unit at 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.