LAPD Blog

Robbery Suspects Wanted NR21093ti

North Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Area detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying two robbery suspects.

On March 20, 2021, around 4:20 p.m., the suspects followed the victim out of a store and into a parking lot located near Victory Boulevard and Vineland Avenue. Suspect-1 pointed a dark colored firearm at the victim. The victim, in fear, ran to the other side of his car. Suspect-1 opened the victim's driver's side door and took a French Bulldog puppy out of the victim's vehicle. The Suspects then fled location on foot with the French Bulldog puppy.

Suspect-1 is described as a male, Hispanic, approximately 20-years-old with brown hair, brown eyes. He stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds. He was wearing black shoes, blue jeans, camouflage jacket, and red hat worn backwards with a distinctive "Gauge" earring.

Suspect-2 is described as a male, Hispanic, around 20-years-old, with brown hair, brown eyes. He stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He was wearing white shoes, blue jeans, and black sweater.

Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact North Hollywood Robbery Detectives, Detective Kojima at 818-754-8426 or 818-754-8424. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 323-846-6553 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.

Unlawful Assembly Declared at Echo Park NR21095dm

UPDATE

March 26, 2021

 

As of this morning, the streets surrounding the Echo Park area are open for through traffic.

 

Last night, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) continued to deploy officers in the area of Echo Park in support of the announced park closure and to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. Our ongoing operations are the result of intensive collaboration with Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell and his staff, the Mayor's office, Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks, and housing and other service providers at Echo Park.

An unlawful assembly was declared, and several dispersal orders were given in the area of Lemoyne Street and Park Avenue after numerous individuals amongst the protestors within the large crowd used high-powered LED strobe lights directed at officers' eyes causing temporary blindness. Repeated attempts to have the individuals stop their dangerous actions were unsuccessful. Efforts to isolate and remove those individuals were met with hostility and physical resistance from the larger crowd. Once the decision was made to initiate arrests, the crowd was surrounded and individually taken into custody without incidence of force or injury.

There were 182 arrests for 409 PC, Failure to Disperse, last night. During the course of the arrests, three individuals identified themselves as members of the media. Additional individuals identified themselves as members of the National Lawyers Guild. All were released at scene without further action.

Two officers sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment and released.

During the course of the protests there was damage caused to a marked LAPD vehicle and Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell's office on Sunset Boulevard was vandalized.

There were instances where less lethal devices were fired by officers during protest activities in the surrounding community in response to projectiles thrown at officers. Less lethal projectiles used by officers included (3) rounds of 37 MM, (1) round of 40 MM, and (6) rounds of Bean bags.

This morning, the last two individuals remaining inside the park declined repeated offers for housing from the service providers. Both persons were arrested without incident for Los Angeles Municipal Code sections 63.44 (B) (26) (d) Prohibition on erecting a tent in a City park and 63.44 (B) (7) Prohibition on using park areas or facility for a purpose contrary or inconsistent to its specific or designated purpose.

The Los Angeles Police Department thanks the Echo Park community for their patience last night. The Department continues to be committed to supporting our social service partners and elected officials in providing effective shelter and services for those persons experiencing homelessness. Echo Park remains closed to the public as sanitation crews begin clean-up operations.

The department remains committed to facilitating freedom of speech and requests that individuals express their views peacefully and lawfully.

Statement on Detentions of Media Personnel NR21094rj

Echo Park: On March 25, 2021, about 8:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Officers deployed to assist with the Echo Park closure encountered a large group of protestors near Lemoyne Street and Park Avenue in the vicinity of Echo Park Lake. Extraordinary efforts were made to allow for a peaceful assembly and display of 1st Amendment-protected activity. Unfortunately, several instigators in the crowd demonstrated a willful intent to disrupt the peaceful activity and began to use strobe lights against the officers, an activity that has the potential to cause significant injury to the eyes. An unlawful assembly was declared by the Incident Commander after the unlawful activity of individuals threatened the safety of the officers and all those present.

The declaration was announced at least 5 times in a period of at least 30 minutes. Additionally, after each declaration was voiced over loudspeakers, a request was made for each member of the media to identify themselves, remove themselves from the crowd, and walk to the pre-identified Crespo location at Park Avenue and Glendale Boulevard. The protesters failed to disperse, requiring officers to safely establish containment and begin detaining individuals one by one.

As members of the group were being individually detained, the officers learned that several credentialed and non-credentialed members of the media were part of the group. Members from the Department's Media Relations Division were summoned to assist in identifying these individuals and they were released at scene without being arrested.

The Department requests that media personnel follow the lawful orders of officers at the scene of any demonstration which has been declared unlawful, as delineated in California Penal

Code §409. In this incident, it was noted that most members of the media remained at the pre-designated Crespo location as requested.

The LAPD stands with our Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is deeply disturbed by the horrific shootings that occurred yesterday at a spa in Atlanta, Georgia.  There are currently no known threats of shootings or other violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community members in the City of Los Angeles.  Although these events occurred yesterday, the department has been working diligently for years with community leadership within the AAPI community to improve the department’s response to hate crimes and hate incidents.  The department has further expanded this outreach since February in response to the outgrowth of hate.  These shocking shootings yesterday are an example of why it is so important for us to listen to our community partners and work with them on how we can better serve their needs.   

The department has a history in which leadership in the AAPI community and the LAPD have stood side by side in denouncing hate crimes, educating the community about the intolerance of the crimes and how to report them.  Additionally, these relationships have resulted in improvements in training and awareness of hate crimes within the department and an effective response.   

This history with the AAPI community can be traced back over 15 years with bi-annual forums in which the police conducted outreach and made efforts to educate the community regarding crime prevention and increased awareness about reporting hate crimes and hate incidents. The department identified liaison officers and assigned them to various communities, including the AAPI community, to improve communication and outreach efforts.  Over the years, that has evolved into a community led approach in which leadership within the AAPI community have increasingly brought awareness to the LAPD and taken on a greater role of identifying issues, outreach and education within their own communities.   

In February, the department began meeting with leadership and members within the AAPI community to discuss data sharing, current information, and ways to improve reporting.  Valuable input from these community leaders is helping LAPD to better understand how to improve training and an understanding of how to improve the reporting of hate incidents and hate crimes, while building greater trust within the AAPI community.   

The department is grateful for the leadership and insights provided by these community leaders which has resulted in re-evaluation of all aspects of training provided to officers in the field, so they can build the trust needed to give community members in the AAPI community the confidence that their reports will be taken seriously.  The department is currently developing command officer led working groups to create a resource card in partnership with the AAPI community and have it exportable as an app as well as posting on the LAPD website.   

The department has recently collaborated with community leaders and advocacy organizations in the AAPI community through the AAPI Safety Summit held on March 3, 2021, as well as through the Los Angeles General Managers meeting on March 9, 2021.  Thanks to valuable input from these community leaders within the AAPI community, the department began outreach efforts to media outlets using multi-lingual officers in hope of building trust and confidence within the AAPI community.  The department is deeply committed to working with members of the AAPI Community to better protect and serve their needs and the department Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Law Enforcement Association of Asian Pacific (LEAAP) leadership stand united and support the department’s efforts to improve the service we provide to the AAPI community.            

Recent efforts in light of the Atlanta shooting led to an abundance of caution in which the LAPD augmented the deployment of patrol officers and Senior Lead Officers on high visibility patrols on foot and in marked police vehicles in our AAPI communities.  There is also on-going outreach to members of the AAPI community to ensure the sharing of accurate information as we promote vigilance and a shared sense of awareness.  We ask the public to remain vigilant and if you see something, say something—it is everyone’s duty to report unusual activity in our communities and places of business.  Hate crime and hate incidents are a matter of great concern for the LAPD and we ask the members of our AAPI communities to report hate incidents promptly to the police.   

The Los Angeles Police Department proudly stands with our Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities as we denounce the killings that occurred yesterday in Atlanta.  While we continue to work closely, we look to deepen our relationship with the AAPI community and demonstrate our ongoing and enduring commitment to show support.   

Multi-Fatal Traffic Collision

North Hollywood:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division detectives are seeking additional information regarding a fatal traffic collision.   

On Saturday, March 13, 2021, around 6:26 p.m., a  gray 2005 Saturn ION, with three occupants, was travelling southbound Vineland Avenue at Oxnard Street.  The vehicle crossed over onto the northbound traffic, ran off the roadway and collided with a pedestrian and parked vehicles.  Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene of the collision and pronounced a pedestrian and one of the three passengers of the Saturn dead.  The occupants in the Saturn were transported to a local hospital for treatment.       

The identities of the decedents will be withheld pending notification to their next-of-kin.

Drivers are reminded to obey the rules of the road and to be alert and attentive while operating a motor vehicle and to drive at a safe speed.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Detective II Buenaventura at 818-644-8035 or Officer Reyes at 818-644-8114.  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.    

Downtown L.A. Rally

Los Angeles:  During a rally in Downtown an altercation broke out amongst protestors and counter protestors.  

On March 13, 2021, around 11:15 a.m., Central area patrol officers responded to an altercation during a rally at First Street and Spring Street. The suspects and victims were involved in an argument. Two suspects took out OC spray and Bear spray to spray the victims. During the scuffle one victim set his belongings on the ground, when he looked back someone had taken his belongings. Upon further investigation the suspect was found in possession of the victim’s personal belongings.

 

The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and treated both victims at scene for OC spray.   

A total of three protestors were arrested for the following charges:

 

Farah Martin Talab  

DOB: 8/12/94
242 PC Battery

Eric Smith
DOB: 7/9/96
242 PC Battery

Thrashawn Lee
DOB: 12/10/87
484 (a) Theft

The LAPD wants to remind the public that we are committed to ensuring everyone’s First Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech is protected during peaceful demonstrations, while also acting swiftly on any acts of violence.  

Robbery Suspects Apprehended NR21069jl

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested two suspects connected to a series of armed robberies targeting individuals wearing Rolex watches.  

Detectives have recognized a pattern of armed robberies occurring in the west side of Los Angeles. The suspects target individuals wearing high end watches, primarily Rolex watches.  The affected neighborhoods include: Mar Vista, Venice, Mid-Wilshire, Melrose Shopping District, Culver City, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills.  

On March 11, 2021, Los Angeles Police Department detectives from Wilshire and Pacific Areas arrested two individuals involved in the Rolex robberies.  Detectives believe that the suspects are part of an organized crew responsible for committing the series of robberies.  One Rolex watch was recovered and returned to its owner.  Detectives continue to actively pursue multiple leads in an effort to apprehend additional suspects.  Suspect identification and evidence recovered during this investigation is being withheld at this time.  Any further disclosure could compromise the investigation.   

It is recommended the community take the following precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim:  

• Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.  
• Try to stay in well-lit areas.  
• Don’t walk alone at night and always avoid areas where there are few people.  

• Be careful when people stop you for directions. Always reply from a distance, and

   never get too close to the car.  

• If you feel you’re being followed, walk to a well-populated area.  

• Don't resist. Give up your property, don't give up your life.  
• Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately.  
• Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.  

Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact Wilshire Robbery Detectives B. Romero, Serial No. 36287, and S. Villatoro, Serial No. 40882 at 213-922-8266.  During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to (323) 846-6553 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.

Severe Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision NR21070jc

East Hollywood:  Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect or suspects responsible for the Hit and Run traffic collision that severely injured a man.

On February 6, 2021, around 8:05 p.m., a severe injury felony hit and run collision occurred on Virgil Avenue just south of Clinton Street when the victim, a tow truck driver, was in the process of towing a vehicle.  The tow truck’s yellow light bar was activated, and the victim was wearing a reflective vest.  As the victim was completing a tow assignment and was taking photographs of the vehicle he was towing, the suspect vehicle, described as a red sedan, was traveling southbound on Virgil Avenue.  The suspect vehicle struck the victim and launched him into the air.  The victim traveled approximately 35 feet before coming to rest in the bed of his tow truck.  The driver of the red sedan fled without identifying themselves or attempting to render aid to the victim. 

The victim was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit with severe injuries as a result of the incident.

Central Traffic Division detectives obtained video that captured the incident.  That video of the collision and a message from the victim to the driver of the red sedan can be viewed on Central Traffic Division’s Twitter account (@LAPDCTD24) or Central Traffic Division’s YouTube account by visiting https://youtu.be/r0OEtFCJ8zM

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

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 officer G. Diaz or Detective Juan Campos of Central Traffic Division Detectives at 213-833-3713 or email [email protected].  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.

Arrest Made and Charges Filed in Beating of Elderly Man That Caused His Death NR21068jc

Venice: On February 28, 2021, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Pacific Officers were made aware that a Venice resident had died after being assaulted in Venice.  LAPD Officers completed a death report and an investigation was launched into the victim’s death.  The victim was identified as 76-year-old John Decindis.

West Bureau Homicide Detectives’ investigation revealed that on February 8, 2021, Mr. John Decindis had told a hospital social worker that he had been assaulted but that he did not want to make a police report.  The assault had occurred when Mr. John Decindis had been walking his dog and he was attacked by a man he had seen previously in the neighborhood. The attack occurred without apparent motive.  Mr. John Decindis was hospitalized with several fractures and when he was released from the hospital, he had to return some time later due to having difficulty recovering from the injuries.  On February 27, 2021, Mr. John Decindis succumbed to his injuries and died at a local hospital.   

West Bureau Homicide Detectives’ investigation showed that this incident occurred in the 1500 block of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, after Mr. John Decindis had been confronted and followed by the suspect from Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Milwood Avenue. Mr. John Decindis had told others about the assault and had also described the suspect to those same people.

On March 4, 2021, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined this case to be a homicide. On March 9, 2021, Pacific Patrol Officers received information and a description of the suspect from West Bureau Homicide Detectives and observed the suspect in the area of Milwood Avenue and Abbot Kinney Boulevard.  Officers detained the suspect, later identified as  45-year-old Obie Thompson, a person experiencing homelessness. Thompson was subsequently booked for Murder.  

On March 11, 2021, West Bureau Homicide Detectives presented this case to the District Attorney’s office and the District Attorney filed the charges of Murder and Elder Abuse. Thompson was held on two million dollars bail and will be arraigned.  

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact West Bureau Homicide Investigators at 213-382-9470.  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 “P-3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Pedestrian Killed in Fatal Hit & Run NR21067jc

Mid-city: The Los Angeles Police Department's West Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the driver involved in a hit and run traffic collision that killed a pedestrian.

On Thursday, March 11, 2021, around 6:25 a.m., a vehicle was traveling eastbound on Venice Boulevard when it collided with a pedestrian crossing within the marked crosswalk at the intersection of Wilton Place. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and render aid or identify themselves as required by California law.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. The pedestrian's identity will be withheld until next of kin has been notified.

The vehicle is described as a white Chevrolet full-sized pickup truck.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

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 this collision is asked to contact West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0234 or 213-473-0222. 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.