LAPD Blog

2016 OLYMPIC GAMES

At a news conference today, Mayor Villaraigosa and Governor Schwarzenegger voiced their support of Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, while Chief Bratton and elected officials from the region looked on in support.

Speakers included the Mayor, the Governor, Southern California Committee for Olympic Games Chairman Barry Sanders, state Assemblyman Fabian Nuñez, and Gold Medal Winner Peter Vidmar.

Mayor Villaraigosa cited LA’s great institutions, various stadium facilities, previous Olympic hosting experience, and, of course, our climate among the reasons LA makes an ideal hosting city for the summer games. Should the bid proceed successfully, residents and olympians alike can rest assured the LAPD is committed to providing a safe experience for these games. 

Car Thief Crashes and Flees

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding a Hit and Run suspect who was driving a stolen car, crashed and killed a woman.

On December 19, 2006, at approximately 8:10 P.M., Cindy Ziegler, 34, was travelling with her mother and a friend northbound Normandie Avenue. She made a left turn at Adams Boulevard when a blue Ford Explorer crashed into the right rear area of her car. 

Cindy's mother, Cynthia Zeigler, 52, was taken to a local hospital were she died a short time later.  The other passenger was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. 

Detectives' investigation revealed that Cindy Ziegler was driving under the influence of alcohol.  She was arrested and booked for 192(c)(3) PC-Vehicular Manslaughter. 

The Ford was abandoned at the scene. The driver of the Ford was described as a 25-year-old, male Black about 6'1". 

The owner of the Ford had reported his car stolen the day before the crash and he believes that a person of interest, King Solomon, took the keys to his car without permission. Mr Solomon is wanted for questioning regarding the Felony Hit and Run and the stolen car.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact South Traffic Detective, Rodney Jones at 323-290-6063. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Robberies of Personal Electronic Devices Rising

There has been a sharp rise in iPod and cell phone robberies in the Southland; we are urging citizens to become more aware when using their electronic devices in public.  Police statistics indicate that robberies of iPods and cell phones are up 34 percent this year, accounting for about 1,700 of the city’s 8,000 total robberies.  Some victims have reported having their iPods and cell phones stolen several times.  The electronic devices usually cost anywhere from $150 to $500. 

Those items are targeted because they're easy to conceal and carry.  Suspects rob people of these items and walk down the street undetected.  iPod, cell phones and portable GPS device thefts tend to rise during the holiday season.  Electronic devices are highly sought after by thieves because they are easy to sell.  Police statistics indicate that a rash of robberies of iPods were reported earlier this year near local area high schools and the University of Southern California campus.  The crime pattern reveals that thieves target campuses to commit these robberies due to large amounts of potential victims. 

In some areas of South Los Angeles, victims have reported groups of two to three suspects approaching a single individual.  Sometimes the victims are standing at bus stops or just getting out of school.  The suspects are either juveniles or young adults anywhere between the ages of 14 and 25. The suspects tend to commit the robberies around junior high or high schools, and are usually bullies or gang members who target people they can easily intimidate. 

Police and school administrators have urged students to leave electronic devices at home so that they are not easy prey for thieves.  Parents should encourage their children to leave these items at home.  Police have advised the public to conceal cell phones, iPods, and portable electronic devices systems in clothing so that the items are less noticeable.

These unsuspecting victims are often distracted by listening to music or talking on the phone and are not aware of their surroundings. This is an open invitation for thieves. Police suggest that students walk to and from school in groups and arrange for friends or relatives to escort them to the bus stop if possible.

         

Lt. Gregory Allen
Detective Gena Brooks
Southwest Area Detectives