LAPD Blog

Critical Missing 12-Year-Old NR19265ml

Los Angeles: The family of Benjamin Morales and the Los Angeles Police Department's Olympic Area are asking for the public's assistance in locating him.

On September 28, 2019 at 8:30 p.m., Benjamin was last seen leaving his home located at the 500 block of South Gramercy Place in Los Angeles.

Benjamin is described as a 12-year-old, male Hispanic, with black hair, and brown eyes. He stands at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 115 pounds. Benjamin was seen wearing a red shirt, blue shorts, no shoes.

Destiny Gonzalez

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Benjamin Morales, please contact, Olympic Area at 213-382-9027. 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.

Detectives Seeking Additional Victims of a Latin Lotto Scam NR19263dm

 

Los Angeles: On September 26, 2019, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Commercial Crimes Division, Major Theft Task Force (MTTF), arrested three suspects for 487(A) PC, Grand Theft. The suspects had just completed a complex "Latin Lotto" scam on an unwitting 65-year-old victim. The suspects traveled through neighborhoods in the city of Long Beach looking for elderly female Hispanics walking alone. Once a potential victim was spotted, a female suspect would walk up and engage the victim in conversation. The suspect asks for help cashing a winning lottery ticket. A second suspect then walks up from the other direction and joins in the scam. The male suspect usually remained out of sight of the victim and would act as the "lottery commissioner" on the phone who would "validate" the winning lottery ticket. The suspects would convince the victim to retrieve money and jewelry from her house or bank as "good faith" money needed to cash the winning ticket. After leaving the bank, the suspects would then find a ruse to get the victim out of their vehicle and drive away with her money.

MTTF officers surveilled this crew for several days as they traveled through numerous cities including Pacoima, North Hollywood, San Fernando, El Monte, Ontario, Pico Rivera, and Long Beach. In each city they circled neighborhoods until they observed an older female Hispanic walking alone, where they would then start dropping off suspects at either end of the block to approach the intended target. This scam is purposely complicated, designed to keep the victim confused until they can talk her into retrieving money or jewelry to get the "big winnings," from which the victim is promised to make a large sum of money.
The male suspect in this crew, Tito Lozada, is suspected in another lotto scam in the city of San Diego, where the victim was held against her will for a period of time in the suspect vehicle before being released. This crew worked several days a week from late morning to early evening. It is highly likely there are more victims of their scam that we have not yet identified.


Mercedes Montanez
Booking #5757651

Luisa Camargo
Booking #5757594

Tito Lozada
Booking #5757640

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Carol Mosher, Commercial Crimes Division, Major Theft Task Force, at (213) 486-6963. 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.

 

 

Critical Missing 65-Year-Old Female NR19260ml

Van Nuys: The family of Maria Lopez and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Division are asking for the public's help in locating her.

Lopez was last seen on September 25, 2019, around 3:00 p.m., walking away from the care facility where she resides. The facility is located on the 15200 block of Sherman Way in Van Nuys.

Lopez is described as a 65-year-old female Hispanic with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black skirt with horizontal white stripes and blue jeans.

Lopez's is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and her family is concerned for her safety. She stands 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds.

Maria Lopez

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Maria Lopez, please contact Van Nuys Watch Commander at (818) 374-9500. 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.

Arrest Made In Encino Assault NR19258jc

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department's West Valley Area Sexual Assault Unit Detectives have arrested a suspect for Assault with a Deadly Weapon in connection to an attack that occurred on September 22, 2019. The attack occurred when the victim, a 51-year-old realtor, was approached by the suspect during an open house and was violently struck and knocked to the ground. The suspect was also arrested for multiple counts of Sexual Battery related to additional crimes already being investigated.

Thanks to critical information received from the public, investigators identified the suspect as Alen Karaboghosian, a 45-year-old resident of Encino. On September 25, 2019, plain-clothes investigators from Gang and Narcotics Division assisted in a surveillance operation which ultimately led to the detention and arrest of Alen Karaboghosian. Since his arrest, additional victims have recognized Alen Karaboghosian and have come forward to report being the victim of additional physical or sexual assaults. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney later this week.

Anyone with information, including possible additional victims, are urged to call Detective Katherine Gosser, Los Angeles Police Department, West Valley Area Sexual Assault Unit, at (818) 374-7717 or (818) 374-7730. 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.

Suspect 1: Alen Karaboghosian Booking No.: 5755884 - Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Hollywood Detectives Investigate Cell Phone Thief NR19257ti

Hollywood: Los Angeles Police Department, Hollywood Burglary detectives announce the arrest of 22-year-old, Nicolas David Jaramillo-Carbon for grand theft.

On Sunday, September 22, 2019, around 6:20 p.m., Hollywood patrol officers arrested Jaramillo-Carbon near the area of 6000 block of Hollywood Boulevard for receiving stolen property after he was discovered with five cell phones, two of which had just been stolen from patrons of a Hollywood area club.

The Hollywood area is home to numerous bars, cocktail lounges and nightclubs. Oftentimes, customers are distracted by their surroundings and find themselves easy prey for thieves, pick-pockets and other criminals. The Los Angeles Police Department strongly encourages club guests to maintain their situations awareness and to always monitor their possessions.

Detectives are seeking additional information from possible victims and other establishments that may have been victimized.

Anyone with information is urged to call Hollywood Burglary Detective Denise Vasquez at (213) 972-2926 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). 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.lapdonloine.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.

Missing 27-Year-Old Female NR19256ll

Los Angeles: The family of Endya Williams and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Detective Support and Vice Unit are asking for the public's help in locating her.

Williams was last heard from on January 12, 2019, in the Los Angeles Area. Williams is a graduate from USC and is originally from St. Louis and has not had any contact with her family since August of 2018.

Williams is described as a 27-year-old Female African American with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds.

Endya Williams

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Endya Williams, please contact Missing Person's Unit detectives 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 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 47-Year-Old Male NR19254dm

Los Angeles: The family of Sung Kim and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Detective Support and Vice Unit are asking for the public's help in locating him.

Sung was last seen on September 17, 2019, around 8:00 a.m., walking away from the care facility where he resides. The facility is located on the 1300 block of South Vermont Avenue. Sung's mental condition is poor, and his family is concerned for his safety.

Sung is described as a 47-year-old male Asian with black hair and black eyes. He stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds.

Sung Kim

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Sung Kim, please contact Missing Person's Unit detectives 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 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.

Homicide in Tarzana NR19255dm

Tarzana: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Bureau Homicide 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 murder of a 24-year-old man.

On September 21, 2019, at 10:40 p.m., West Valley Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Ambulance Shooting" on the 18200 block of Sugarman Street in Tarzana. Upon arrival, the officers observed the victim, laying on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he later died.

Detective's preliminary investigation determined the victim and his friend arrived at the location when they were approached by three male Black suspects. The suspects demanded their property and, in the process, shot the victim multiple times. The suspects fled in an unknown vehicle.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Steve Castro, Valley Bureau Homicide,
at (818) 374-1925. 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.

Arrest made in Granada Hills Murder NR19250ll

Los Angeles: On September 12, 2019, Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Operations Valley Bureau served a series of search warrants in Simi Valley, Granada Hills, and Mission Hills in conjunction with the July 22, 2019, murder of 24-year-old Cheyenne Brown.
Brown had arrived home from work at the 16600 block of Chatsworth Street in Granada Hills, when she was gunned down next to her vehicle. Witnesses described a full-size truck fleeing the location after the shooting. Brown left behind a two-year-old daughter.

Detectives arrested 24-year-old Javier Flores at his residence on Jefferson Way in Simi Valley.
On September 16, 2019, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed murder charges on Flores. He is due to be arraigned in Superior Court.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Jay Haggis, Los Angeles Police Department, Operations Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-9550. 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.

Suspect who Murdered and Set Victim on Fire Wanted NR19249ti

Encino: The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division is seeking the public's help in identifying both the victim and the suspect of murder.

During the early morning hours of September 10, 2019, detectives assigned to Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section were notified of a fire-related death investigation that occurred within the Los Angeles River Basin adjacent to 6400 Balboa Boulevard. A badly charred body had been placed in a shopping cart and left abandoned. In addition to the burned body, detectives were informed that Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel had responded earlier in the morning to a reported brush fire that was a short distance east of where the decedent's body was later recovered. The assigned Robbery Homicide Division investigative teams, along with Los Angeles City Fire Department Arson investigators created two independent crime scenes, both were within the large perimeter of Balboa Park.

On September 13, 2019, the decedent's remains were examined at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's Office. The results of which determined the decedent died as a result of homicide. The decedent's identity remains unknown and will remain identified as John Doe #225 until further.

It is not known if the victim was a transient, or if he came into the area for another reason and was murdered. This incident has no apparent connection to any other recent arson related incidents or homicides in the City.

Anyone with information, please contact Detective II Matthew Casalicchio, or Detective III Tim Marcia, Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, at (213) 486-6890. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (323) 421-2577 or 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.