LAPD Blog

Northeast Police Station breaks ground

Monday May 5, 2014 – LAPD command staff, civilian personnel and city officials gathered today in the parking lot of Northeast Station for the ground breaking ceremony of the new and much needed police station. Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur presided over the ceremony which included guest speaker council members Mitch O’Farrell, Gilbert Cedillo, Tom La Bonge, Police Commission President Steve Soboroff, Chief Charlie Beck, Northeast Commanding Officer Jeffrey Bert, and Interim City Engineer Deborah Weintraub.

podcast, Northeast Division

“Today we celebrate the birth of a new police station on the same day we mourn the death of two fine police officers,” said Chief Beck with a heavy heart remembering Officer Roberto Sanchez who was killed in a traffic collision while on duty in the Harbor Area and Officer George Nagata who passed away from a heart attack.

The City acquired the building in 1982. In 1983 the LAPD inhabited the property outgrowing the facility a year later.

“Once you leave that station you are no longer safe. Once you leave that station your fate is in your own hands but we need to give you a secure place to work. We need to give you a place where you can feel not only at home but safe, added Chief Beck.”

The construction of the new police station come from Proposition Q, the City wide public safety bond measure for $600 million to improve, renovate, expand and construct Public Safety Facilities.

A Study in How to Get Caught

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Mission Detectives have identified Miguel Luna, 25, as the man who kicked in the front door of a home on Sharp Avenue in Arleta around noon on November 13, 2012.  Police have released his photo, which was retrieved from an IPad left in Luna’s car at the crime scene, in the hopes that someone will alert police to Luna’s whereabouts.

“It’s often said in forensics that we always leave a little bit of ourselves behind anywhere we’ve been,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, Commanding Officer of Mission Detective Division.  “But this guy must have set some record on the variety and amount of evidence he left.”

Luna chose this house despite the several signs posted, warning the premise is under camera surveillance.  He kicked in the door of the home near high noon, leaving his footprint below the door knob.  He began ransacking a bedroom, not realizing the owner was asleep in another room.  When the owner confronted the burglar, Luna begged him not to call police then walked to his car, parked in the resident’s driveway.  Luna couldn’t start the car, so we walked back into the home and begged the owner again not to call police, and claimed that he was a friend of the owner’s daughter.

The owner finally chased him out of the home, picked up a hoe from the yard, and hit Luna over the head.  The owner’s wife called police while Luna lay unconscious for a short time, but he revived and walked away, leaving his car in the driveway, full of electronic items, probably stolen from other homes.

Detectives were in the neighborhood and arrived quickly, but Luna was able to duck away.  “It was a treasure trove of evidence,” Lt. Vernon explained about the 1989 Honda.  Detectives found several IPads and one with Luna’s pictures on it.  They also found a traffic citation from the day before with Luna’s name on it.

“This crime scene was really a study in how to get caught,” Lt. Vernon explained.  Every manner of evidence was present: video surveillance, blood DNA from the hoe, pictures on the IPad, footprint on the door, a traffic citation with signature, a car, finger prints, and eyewitness identification.

“This burglary is typical of drug addicts who are willing to do just about anything to get that next fix,” Lt. Vernon said.  “Imagine how many crimes just one crook like this can do in a day; that’s why it’s so important they serve as much of their jail sentences as possible.”  

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective William Cooper, Mission Burglary Unit, at 818-838-9866.  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.

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High School Soccer Player Killed in Winnetka, Detectives Need the Public’s Help to Identify the Suspect(s)

***UPDATE***

January 17, 2012                                                                                              

During a news conference today at 3 p.m., detectives released the names of two suspects arrested in the shooting death of Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr. on January 11, 2012.  Jason Schumann, 24-years of age, and 19-year-old Elizabeth Ibarra, both of Calabasas, were arrested for murder.  They are each being held on $1 million bail.  The investigation is ongoing and no motive has been released.

Update

 

January 16, 2012

Captain III Tom Brascia, Topanga Area Commanding Officer, will be available for media questions at Topanga Station between 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, regarding the homicide involving Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr.

January 14, 2016

 

***UPDATE***

 

Media Availability to be held in front of Topanga Police Station located on 21501 Schoenborn Street Canoga Park, CA 91304 at 4 P.M. Lt. Storaker, Officer In Charge, Topanga Area Detectives, will be giving an update on the brutal killing of high school soccer player Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr. For more information please contact Topanga Detectives at 818-756-3364 for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles: Topanga Area Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspect(s) responsible for killing a 17-year-old high school student.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at around 6:10 p.m., uniformed officers assigned to Topanga Division responded to an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Shots Fired" radio call in the 6900 block of Cozycroft Avenue in Winnetka.

When the officers arrived, they saw a young man lying in the front yard of a residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  The victim was unconscious and not breathing.  The officers immediately rendered medical aid until Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived.  The victim, Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr., was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

Topanga Division Homicide Detectives are handling the investigation and are following-up on all potential leads.  Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 818-756-3363, during business hours, or 818-756-4800.  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 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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Chief Beck and Lamar Advertising Unveil New Billboards To Help in the Capture of the Suspects responsible for the Dodgers Stadium Beating

Dodger stadium billboards podcast

 

On Tuesday May 17, 2011, at the corner of San Fernando Road and Loosmore Street, Chief of Police Charlie Beck was joined by Captain III William Murphy, Northeast Division, Ray Bake, VP & GM, Lamar Advertising, and command staff to announce the launch of 300 advertising billboards throughout Los Angeles with the composite sketches of the two male suspects who severely beat San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow on March 31, 2011, in the Dodger Stadium parking lot Opening Day. 

Chief Beck announced the total reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction is now more than $200,000.  There are 17 detectives assigned to this case following the 500 various clues that have been developed from the public. 

“This case is one of the top priorities of the Los Angeles Police Department,” said Chief Beck.   He will continue to put additional resources and secure funds for the reward.  Chief Beck also stated they are looking for a female suspect who was seen driving suspects from the scene wearing an Andre Ethier jersey.  “We need the public’s help.”

2009 Northeast Community Police Station Open House

OCTOBER 17, 2009 – On what was a warm autumn day, the men and women of the Northeast Community Police Station opened up their doors for their annual open house.  Members of the community descended upon the station for an inside look at the facility many Department employees, both sworn and civilian, call home.

Booths were set up in the back of the station where people could receive information on the Police Reserve program, the Police Explorers, local healthcare organizations, credit unions and the military to name a few.  Perhaps the most popular booth was the “Pumpkin Patch” where children could design their own jack-o-lantern just in time for Halloween.

Local vendors were on hand and donated food which was given away free at the event.  A stage in the center of the lot showcased performances from local talent which included school children and the Los Angeles City Fire Department had fire trucks on display.

The annual Northeast Open House is designed to bring the community together in an effort to enhance existing relationships and develop new relationships within the community.  The Department would like to thank the volunteers, donors, and community for helping make this event a tremendous success.

Burger King Donation to the Dorris Family

Today the owners of the Burger King, who held a fundraiser for the family of fallen LAPD hero Officer Landon Dorris, presented the proceeds in the form of a check to the Dorris Family. Chief William Bratton, along with the hardworking officers from Northeast Area praised Ralph and Lawrence Cimmarusti, owners of the fast food restaurant, for their wonderful giving spirit.  Also praised for his equally kind heart was John Dutton, Director of Business Development, Sceptre Group of Companies, Inc., who matched a portion of the dontations. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to give a "special thank you" to all of the community members who participated in the fund raising event that was held on November 2, 2006.  This day represented a great day as we as police officers watched  people who represented all walks of life help their police department come to the aid of one of its own. 

Burger King Fund-Raiser

As of mid-afternoon, hundreds of people participated in the fundraiser for fallen Police Officer Landon Dorris .  An event sponsored by Lawrence and Ralph Cimmarusti, owners of Burger King, 700 West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. 

In honor of the loss of our brother officer, those in attendance used the time to reflect, eat and enjoy the camaraderie.  The California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Fire Department and other agencies particiapted in the fundraiser, along with local business and residential community members who generously gave their time and offered donations.  Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Chief William Bratton, and Councilman Tom LaBonge, District 4 also attended the event mingling with the crowd, thanking those in attendance for their contributions. 

Special thank you to Mr. Lawrence and Ralph Cimmarusti for their kind and giving spirit.  And a special thank you to the employees who worked with unbound energy to provide excellent food and customer service. 

Lt. Ruben De La Torre

Burger King Holds fundraiser for a Fallen Officer's Family

Fundraiser benefiting Los Angeles Police Officer Landon Dorris killed while investigating a traffic collision on Sunday October 22, 2006.

Cimm's Inc., a local Burger King franchisee is donating 100% of proceeds from all the sales at their Cesar Chavez location to the family of LAPD Officer Landon Dorris.  Dorris, who was killed while investigating a traffic accident, has a fiancee and two small children ages 1 ½ and 3 who will need assistance in the years to come.    Mr. Lawrence and Ralph Cimmarusti are encouraging everyone to participate in this worthy cause and show support and appreciation for the fallen officer's family.

Thursday, November 02, 2006
6:00 a.m. to Midnight

Burger King Restaurant
700 West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue (Corner of Grand Avenue)
Los Angeles, CA  90012

Mr. Lawrence Cimmarusti - Co-owner of the restaurant
Mr. Ralph Cimmarusti - Co-owner of the restaurant

REFLECTIONS OF A LIEUTENANT

The residents, merchants and visitors to the City of Angels, along with the LAPD experienced a major loss on Sunday, perhaps more than any of us can comprehend.  Those of us fortunate to have worked along side Officer Landon Dorris knew him as a dedicated father, committed law enforcement officer, and good friend.

Before transferring to my present assignment, I was assigned to Northeast Area where I had the good fortune to have Landon work for me on the morning watch. For those of you who don't know, it takes a special kind of person to work this watch. The majority of the time you are racing to calls, battling darkness, under sometimes harsh weather conditions, yet you must remain focused on the primary mission, achieving a society free of crime.

As supervisors we are expected to mentor, train and lead those entrusted to our care. However, sometimes we forget that we too can learn from those younger and less experienced. Landon left me with a lasting impression, which I will never forget and hope to pass on to my sons. Landon was a confident man in both his abilities and training. Reserved and quiet like the wind, but who could erupt for the preservation of peace. Many nights and early morning hours, Landon and I shared conversations about our profession, families, and friends. I came to understand that as a watch commander I was very fortunate to have Landon on our team and Northeast Area was all the wealthier.

It was because of Landon's strong work ethic that I chose him to fill many critical assignments; working a patrol car, policing a major public event, or investigating a serious crime. To Landon the nature of the assignment did not matter, all that mattered to him was that duty called. A character trait we can all learn from. God, I'm going to miss you a lot Landon. My intent was always to work with you again in the future.  When you arrive at heaven look down upon us from time to time and remind us of how you with "dignity and pride" lived up to the LAPD motto; "To Protect and To Serve."

Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre