LAPD Blog

Attempt Kidnapping Outside of Elementary School NR19114ml

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Detectives from Wilshire Division released a crime scene sketch illustrating the suspect of a brazen daytime attempted kidnap of a school girl outside of her elementary school.

On Thursday, April 25, 2019 at approximately 7:45 a.m., a single suspect approached the victim as she was walking herself to school in the 1700 block of Vineyard Avenue.

The suspect stood directly behind the victim, causing her to turn. The victim then attempted to continue on her way to school, at which point, the suspect grabbed her backpack and said, "Let's Go". The victim managed to slip out of her backpack and run into the school grounds where she observed the suspect running south bound on Vineyard and out of sight.

Once notified, school staff attempted to check the area for the suspect but were unable to locate the suspect at the time.

The Suspect is described as a male Black, between 30-35 years-old. He stands approximately 6'02"-6'-04" tall with a medium build. The suspect was described as having curly black hair with red tips, and wearing a blue shirt and black pants.

Officers have not yet been able to recover any video footage, however a criminologist responded and created a rendering, with assistance from the victim. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Wilshire Robbery Detective D. Slater at 213-922-8217. 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 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, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Grand Theft Lottery Scam

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Commercial Crimes Division, Burglary Special Section Detectives were investigating a series of Grand Thefts occurring in the Valley, Metropolitan Area and South Los Angeles. After a lengthy investigation, Nickey Yonko was identified as the suspect responsible for the Grand Thefts.

On August 18, 2017 to October 23, 2017, Yonko would enter several liquor stores and request to purchase California Lottery "Hot Spot" tickets. The store employee would print the tickets and place them on the counter. He then would distract the employee's attention from the printed Lottery "Hot Spot" tickets and retrieve expired tickets from his person and swap them out for the new valid tickets.
Yonko placed the new tickets in his pocket leaving the expired tickets on the counter. He told the employee he needed to retrieve additional money from his vehicle and would not return. The employee became suspicious when the suspect did not return and discovered the tickets were expired and not the ones he had printed.

The employees later reviewed surveillance video and discovered that Yonko had switched the freshly printed "Hot Spot" tickets with the older tickets. Yonko then walked out of the location with the stolen lottery tickets. The suspect is responsible for numerous grand thefts in the City of Los Angeles. The suspect is also responsible for similar Grand Thefts in Long Beach, Monrovia and the City of La Verne.

Nickey Yonko (AKA Steven John Adams)

On April 19, 2019, Nickey Yonko (AKA Steven John Adams) was taken into custody.
The District Attorney's Office has filed an arrest warrant for Nickey Yonko in the amount $60,000.00 for the above investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or has been a victim of a similar scam by Nickey Yonko, contact Commercial Crimes Division, Burglary Special Section Detective Prieto at 213-486-6940. 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.

Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested NR19060ml

Update:
On April 19, 2019, Los Angeles Police Officers arrested suspect Davon Thomas, 27-year old, from Perris, California, for a rape that occurred on March 5, 2019 in the 400 block of 11th Street in the City of San Pedro.

On April 23, 2019, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed 7 felony counts against Thomas.

Detectives have provided a photo of Thomas in case there are additional victims who may have been reluctant to report similar crimes, they are encouraged to contact LAPD Harbor Detectives at (310) 726-7861.

Transit Services Division Officer-Involved Shooting at Hope and 7th Street NRF013-19ma

UPDATE: The personnel involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer III Jaime Luna, Serial No. 34651 and Police Officer III Bradley Nielson, Serial No. 36445, assigned to Metropolitan Division.

**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**

Downtown Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department's Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting which occurred in Central Division.

On April 14, 2019, around 2:15 p.m., officers assigned to a detail with Transit Services Division received information that a man who was wanted for carjacking was possibly in the area they were assigned. One of the officers had knowledge of this violent suspect, 47-year-old William Crawford, and saw a man he believed could be Crawford at a kiosk at the Metro Center Station subway. The officers followed Crawford out of the station to the street level on 7th Street near Flower Street. Crawford looked back in the direction of the officers and began running eastbound on 7th Street. Crawford ran southbound on Hope Street, stopped and reached into a backpack he was carrying. He removed a shotgun from the backpack and pointed it at one of the officers, which resulted in an officer-involved shooting.

Crawford was struck by gunfire and determined to be deceased at scene by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. No officers were injured during the incident. A shotgun loaded with two shotgun shells and twelve additional shotguns shells were recovered by detectives at the scene.

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 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.

Attempt Murder Suspect Sought in Morning Road Rage Shooting NR19108ti

 

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Division Detectives are seeking the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of an attempt murder suspect.

On March 25, 2019, around 8:35 a.m., officers responded to a radio call of shots fired near the area of Haskell Avenue and Parthenia Street. The victim was travelling southbound on the 405 Freeway and exited at the Nordhoff Street exit after a road rage incident that occurred on the freeway. The suspect followed the victim who pulled to the curb on Haskell Avenue. The suspect pulled behind, then alongside the stopped victim, and shot the victim multiple times. The suspect fled the location in his vehicle and the victim was hospitalized for the gunshot wounds.

Suspect is described as a male, Caucasian or Asian, 34 to 38 years-old, shaved head, multiple "sleeve" tattoos on both arms and back of the neck.

Suspect was seen in a 1994 to 1998, 2-door, Chevrolet Silverado Z71 pickup truck, black or green with a camper shell.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Devonshire Detective Division Crimes Against Person's at (818) 832-0530. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-247(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.

 

32-Year-Old Critical Missing Woman

Los Angeles: The family of Virginia Martinez Limon and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Person's Unit are asking for the public's help in locating her.

Limon was last seen on April 18, 2019, around 5:10 a.m., near the 200 block of East Vernon Avenue. Limon is non-verbal and her family is concerned for her safety since she has not been seen or heard from.

Limon is described as a 32-year-old female Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, and gray sweatpants. Limon primarily only understands Spanish.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Virginia Martinez Limon please contact Missing Person's Unit Detective Palmer 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 online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Suspect Arrested for Beating His Infant Son

Los Angeles: On April 18, 2019, around 12:05 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department Central Division patrol officers responded to a domestic violence radio call in the 800 block of South Hill Street. At some point during the domestic dispute the father, suspect, grabbed the 9-month-old infant from the mother's arms and ran to a vacant apartment located in the same building. When officers entered that apartment, they located the suspect and infant inside a bathroom. Officers observed the suspect physically assaulting the infant. Officers used less-lethal force options to subdue the suspect and rescue the infant.

The victim was transported to local hospital and is receiving medical treatment for serious injuries. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Michael Freeman, DOB: 05/13/1989, was booked for 664/187 PC and his bail was set at $1,000,000.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department's Abused Child Unit at (213) 486-0570. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-247(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.

Fatal Hit & Run Collision Kills Pedestrian

Sun Valley: The Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Detectives are requesting the public's assistance in locating the driver of a vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run of a pedestrian.

On April 18, 2019, at 8:30 p.m., a pedestrian was crossing San Fernando Road from the north to the south side of the street, outside of a marked crosswalk, when he was struck by a hit and run vehicle traveling westbound on San Fernando Road, just east of Olinda Street.

The suspect's vehicle that collided with the pedestrian was described as a 2-door, red, Dodge RT, with tinted windows and black rims.

Detectives are also investigating an unconfirmed report that a white truck drove over the pedestrian after the initial collision. It is unknown at this time if the white truck made contact with the pedestrian.

A Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance responded to the scene and pronounced the pedestrian dead. The name of the deceased pedestrian will not be released until next-of-kin has been notified.

The public should be aware that individuals who are involved in an injury collision must stop at the scene, provide their identification and render aid. Failing to do so is a felony, and carries the possibility of significant time in prison. Pedestrians are also reminded to utilize crosswalks when crossing the street.

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 $25,000 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 this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Detective Sinclair at (818) 644-8035. 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 CrimeStoppers 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.

Hollywood Fatal Hit & Run Traffic Collision

Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department's West Traffic Division are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification of the driver involved in a felony hit and run collision.

On April 18, 2019 around 1:30 a.m., a felony hit and run occurred at Sunset Boulevard and Formosa Avenue. The suspect was traveling east on Sunset Boulevard and collided with a pedestrian walking south on Formosa Avenue. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, render aid or exchange information with the victim. The hit and run vehicle fled east on Sunset Boulevard.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to treat the victim. However, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the victim's family.

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 $25,000 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 this collision is asked to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. 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 CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact CrimeStoppers 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. The LAPD report number for this collision is DR#19-20-10219.

Topanga Murder Suicide

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Area patrol officers found a female and a male dead inside their residence.

On April 14, 2019, around 4:30 p.m, Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon Shots Fired," at the 9100 block of Foster Lane in the City of Chatsworth.

Officers entered the residence and discovered a male and a female deceased in the upstairs bedroom both due to gunshot wounds. The Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced both dead at scene.

Los Angeles Police Department Operations Valley Bureau Homicide Detectives were notified and responded to the scene. Preliminary investigation discovered that the couple was married with two young children in common. Detectives revealed that the suspect (husband) shot the victim (wife) as she lay in bed.

The suspect then shot himself.

The two young children were not physically injured and were admitted into a local area hospital for observation. The children are in custody of Department of Children's Family Services.
The victim is described as female Asian, 38-years of age. The suspect is described as a male Persian, 46-years of age and both residents of the City of Chatsworth.

Victim and suspect's identities are not being released at this time pending notification to family.
Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Dave Peteque, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, 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.