LAPD Blog

More than Just Stolen Property

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detectives made a surprise discovery during a search warrant yesterday in South Los Angeles.

On July 20, 2006, detectives served a search warrant at a single-family residence in the 800 block of East 112th Street.  The location was known as the neighborhood "candy store."  According to Detective Mike Hansen, "the location was more than just a candy store.  It was a neighborhood department store with stolen and illegal property inside of it."

When investigators walked into the backyard, they saw a small department store type setup with isles of tools, fake designer clothing, televisions, stereos, video games and other electronic equipment.  In addition, a shelved snack bar stocked with candy and chips had liquor and 50 small plastic bags of marijuana displayed for sale.

Although the investigation is still on going, police have arrested one man for sales of marijuana.

Over 200 stolen items were recovered, including 25 televisions and over 170 stereos.  Detectives will review prior burglary reports on file, in hopes of finding victims and returning their property.   

Anyone with information is asked to call Southeast Detectives Fournier and McArthur at 213-972-7843.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Citizen Commendation

The below comments were originally mailed to Officer Rios' Commanding Officer.

I was a jury member in a trial lask week where Officer Rios was called to testify.  It goes without saying that this young officer carried the weight of Rampart Division on her shoulders as she sat on the witness stand in a trial dealing with drug possession.  The defense attorney made certain her credibility was on the line because of past events that were beyond her control.  The defense attorney was unscrupulous, dogmatic, rude and disrespectful to Officer Rios.  She, on the other hand, was the utmost professional.

Understandably nervous given her first time to testify, she was composed, forthright and honest.  Her partner who had actually discovered the drug evidence was not available to testify and the defense attorney attempted to rattle her by implying there was a dishonest reason why he did not appear (he was on vacation).  Officer Rios truly did the department proud by holding her own.

Unfortunately one juror could not get past a particular point in the instructions we were given by the judge which led to a hung jury.  All jurors unanimously believed Officer Rios and with eleven opinions of guilty, her actions went a long way to sending a message to the defendant and his attorney.

One may ask why an every day citizen would be so impressed by the process of what the media and others would regard as a small case that probably should have not gone to trial, but this experience did turn into an opportunity for this citizen to appreciate the everyday details of how officers are trained and how those small things lead to the safety and security of our communities. 

Officer Rios should be commended for not only the credence she contributed to this case, but the credence she contributed to the entire department.

All officers have such a tough job amist tough critics and every day you carry the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt more on your shoulders than anyone. While Officer Rios's individual integrity stood out to this citizen this week, I am certain that her performance also speaks volumes for her mentors in the LAPD.  As a citizen of Los Angeles County and one who spends a good deal of time in the City of Los Angeles I appreciate the efforts of the LAPD to raise the standards and expectations of law enforcement everywhere.

Most citizens go to jury duty and come away uninspired, but this week was different because one of the LAPD rose above her call.

Respectfully,

Julie Root                                                                         

Research: A Practitoner's Perspective, From the Streets

Given at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Annual Conference July 17, 2025 by Chief William J. Bratton

Good afternoon and thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to address this exceptional gathering of scholars, researchers and criminal justice professionals. Like all of you I enjoy and appreciate these conferences in that they give us an opportunity to look at where we have been, where we are, and most importantly, where we might be going and to be intrigued and inspired about the possibilities the future holds. Unlike most of you I am first and foremost a practitioner, a cop, and have been for 36 years. But I am also a consumer and strong advocate of research. As the current president of the Police Executive Research Forum, the foremost practitioner- research partnership organization in policing, I am a proponent of more intimate partnerships and collaboration between practitioners and academics – partnerships that helped to shape successful problem solving and community policing philosophies of the 20th Century and can lead to a better understanding of the complexities of the rapidly expanding paradigm of crime and Criminal Justice in America in the 21st Century.
(To view the entire text, please click here...)

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics July 15, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES             2006                2005            CHANGE

Homicide                          253                  270               -6%            

Rape                                 490                  505               -3% 

Robbery                           7570                7096               7%

Aggravated Assaults         7693                8514             -10%

TOTAL VIOLENCE            16006              16385          -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                          10424            11531               -10%

GTA                                12937           14520              -11%

BTFV                               15746            18345              -14% 

Personal/Other Theft       14437            16891              -15%

TOTAL PROPERTY            53544           61287              -13%

TOTAL PART I                 69550            77672             -10%

MEDIAN RESPONSE TIME IN MINUTES

City                      6.9 minutes               

Some of you have inquired about police response time.  Response time is measured between the time the call is created to the moment the assigned police unit arrives at the locaton.  The above figure represents the response time to all urgent or life-threatening radio calls.         

Joint Operations Field Training Exercise

Los Alamitos: Local law enforcement and fire agencies took part in a joint exercise with a San Diego contingent of United States Marines, Marine Air Group 46, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Mirimar.  The three-day exercise started on July 18 and finished today.

"In California, we are always under threat of natural or man-made disasters, said Colonel Stephen Ganyard of Marine Air Group 46.  "The Marine reservists who make up my command want to make sure that if state or local officials ask for our help, we are ready to respond within hours.  Now is the time to learn how best to support local public safety, not after the disaster strikes."

Police officers and deputies from the Los Angeles police and county sheriff's departments took part in the exercise, along with firefighters and paramedics from the Los Angeles city and county fire departments. 

The exercise simulated the aftermath of an 8.0 earthquake in Los Angeles.  The reservists assigned to Marine Air Group 46 represented federal military called in to support local police and fire.  The goal is to quickly stabilize the impacted area and provide medical support, search and rescue, logistics like food and water distribution, and even aircraft refueling.

"The military can provide resources local police and fire don't have," said Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell.  "Today's exercise let us practice together to make sure our communications worked across agencies.  We wanted to make sure our equipment was compatible, right down to the nozzles used to refill the helicopters.  After today, we'll be even better prepared to respond to a disaster."

The exercise included approximately five scenarios that allowed the Marines and local agencies to test their ability to work together. Marines distributed food and water, and even showed how they could convert contaminated water to potable water.  The Marines conducted search and rescue and triage with paramedics.  Police demonstrated how they could respond to quell an unruly crowd at a Marine run food distribution center.  The Marines demonstrated their ability to refuel police and fire helicopters in support of local rescues and medical evacuations.

"It's important for everyone to realize that our response to a situation like this is purely humanitarian," said Colonel Ganyard. "This is not a matter of  'the Marines have landed.'  We are here in support of the local authorities, completely subordinate to their orders and the missions they assign us."

23rd Annual National Night Out

Los Angeles: Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles Police Department present the 23rd Annual National Night Out.

National Night Out is an annual and national event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles Police Department and several nation-wide law enforcement agencies. This year's National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2006, between 3:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

All Los Angeles Police Department Community Police Stations and communities throughout the City will be participating in National Night Out to voice support for safer neighborhoods and to speak out in opposition of criminal activity. Some National Night Out events include cook-outs, block parties, candlelight vigils, peace marches, porch lighting vigils, open houses, street fairs, neighborhood clean ups and community meetings. Various events will be held at each of our 19 Community Police Stations.

The ultimate goal of this event is to bring law enforcement and the communities together to provide a crime free environment throughout the City. Please check with your local Community Police Station for upcoming National Night Out events.

For further information regarding National Night Out, contact Lieutenant Fred Booker, LAPD Community Relations Section, at 213-485-4102.

50-year-old Gang Member Killed

Los Angeles:  A Los Angeles gang member was shot and killed last night as he stood in front of a store located at 2700 West Pico Boulevard, authorities said.

On July 18, 2006, around 6:00 p.m., police were dispatched and found Francisco Gutierrez, 50, lying on the ground in front of the Deli Liquor store.  He was suffering from gunshot wounds to his upper body and was taken to California Hospital where he later died.

According to investigators, two armed men confronted  Gutierrez and shot him multiple times. Witnesses told police that the two gunmen ran toward 15th Street and Fedora Street where they entered a late 90's burgundy 4-door Honda Civic.

The motive for the shooting appears to be gang related.   Police have few leads and are asking for the public's help in finding three male Hispanic men in their early 20's.  One of the men was wearing a black T-shirt with blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives Erwin or Arteaga at 213-207-2060.  During the weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

71-Year-Old Man Suffering From Alzheimer's Missing

UPDATE
On 7-18-06, at 7:00 p.m., a good samaritan saw Mr. Alvarado walking along the 11800 block of Eldridge Street.  Alvarado appeared disoriented and confused.  Foothill Area police officers responded and returned Mr. Alvarado to his family.  To the good samaritan, Thank you for your help and caring attitude.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public's help in locating Ladislado Alvarado, also known as "Lalo" who left his home in the 14000 block of Paddock Street, Sylmar on Tuesday July 18, 2025 and has not returned.

Mr. Alvarado is suffering from dimentia brought on by Diabetes and Alzheimer's.  He is about 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weights 140 pounds.  He has thinning gray hair and a full gray beard.  He was wearing a tan T-shirt, a black windbreaker and dark trousers.

Due to his medical condition, Mr. Alvarado is often unfamiliar with his surroundings.  Although he has wondered off from his home on prior occasions, he was always found in the Sylmar and Arleta areas of the San Fernando Valley.         

Anyone who may see Mr. Alvarado is asked to call the Mission Area Watch Commander at 818-838-9800.

Gang Shooting Leaves One Dead and Six Injured

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are investigating an apparent gang related shooting that occurred yesterday evening, leaving a 22-year-old man dead.

On July 17, 2006, around 10:00 p.m., a gunman in a dark-colored car, fired a shot into group of people standing in front of the 3300 block of West 8th Street, a busy business area of Koreatown.

According to detectives, pellets from a shotgun blast, killed one bystander and injured six others, including a seven-year-old boy. According to Detective Barry Tellis, " The intended target was another Hispanic gang member who was among the group and critically injured."

All six victims were taken to area hospitals, including the man who died. His name was not released pending notification to his family.

The seven-year-old boy's parents took him to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

The gunman is still at large and police are looking for a 20-25 year old male Hispanic, who is bald and stocky. He drove away in a 4-door Honda Accord along with three other Hispanic men.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilshire Homicide Detectives Telis or Hernandez at 213-473-0446. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free hotline at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Arrestee Found Dead in Jail Cell

Los Angeles:  On July 16, 2006, a 39-year-old woman failed to respond to life-saving efforts and died in a jail cell at the 77th Street Regional Jail Facility which is  part of the City of Los Angeles jail system.

At 11:28 AM, Schalanda Auston's cellmate told detention officers, who were conducting their every-30-minute custody checks, that Auston did not seem to be moving.  When a detention officer checked the woman, she was motionless and did not respond to commands. 

Detention officers and the jail's medical staff provided medical intervention, but the woman did not respond.  Despite additional help from Fire Department paramedics, Auston was pronounced dead around 12:15 PM.

Auston had been arrested on a felony narcotics warrant just before 11 PM on July 14, 2006, by officers assigned to the Newton Street Police Station.  The warrant was related to a charge of transportation and sales of cocaine.

Investigators assigned to the Force Investigation Division will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of Auston's death.

Gang Member Shoots Children at Play in Boyle Heights

  Los Angeles: Hollenbeck homicide detectives are looking for a known gang member who shot and critically injured two small children who were playing outside Saturday night.

On July 15, 2006, around 9:35 p.m., the suspect, Mauricio Alejandro Jimenez, 26, was standing outside an apartment building in the 400 block of North Saint Louis Street in Boyle Heights.  Jimenez, who had been drinking, suddenly pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired. 

In a nearby driveway, 3-year-old Jeremy Hernandez and his 6-year-old brother, James, were struck by the gunfire.  Jeremy was hit in the wrist and James was shot in the stomach.  A third child, the boys' cousin, was unharmed.  It is not known whether Jimenez intentionally targeted the children.  The suspect then ran from the scene.

The boys' grandfather rushed them to White Memorial Medical Center, where both received emergency treatment for gunshot wounds.  Jeremy is listed in stable but guarded condition; James' condition remains critical.

Mauricio Jimenez, a male Hispanic, is a member of the Tiny Boys gang and goes by the moniker "Spyder".  He is still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.  A photograph of the suspect is available by request from Media Relations Section. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detective Ruiz or Preciado, at 323-266-5949, during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Hotline at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855). 

Any person with information who wishes to remain anonymous is encouraged to call.

Toddler Dies from Fatal Traffic Accident

Los Angeles: On July 15, 2025 at about 12:20 PM a 20-month-old female toddler was hit by her uncle's vehicle while he was backing out of his driveway at the 1300 block of West 251st Street in Harbor City.

The uncle told officers he was just about to back the vehicle out of the driveway when he saw the child run out of the house towards the alley.    The uncle knew the child's father was standing in the alley and assumed the child was clear of the vehicle.  The child's father watched as his daughter was struck by the vehicle and attempted to warn the uncle but was unable to stop him in time. 

The child sustained major head trauma and was taken to Harbor UCLA hospital where she died from the injuries she received.

Detectives advised Department of Children and Family Services for a referral of possible child neglect.

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

Korean Man Stabbed to Death

Los Angeles: Homicide detectives are asking for the public's help in solving a brutal murder that occurred Saturday in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.

On, July 15, 2006, around 1:45 a.m., Brian Chin, a 27-year-old Korean, was socializing with friends at a cafe in Koreatown, when they were confronted by a group of rowdy male and female Asians. 

The confrontation became physical, causing Chin and his friends to walk away.  The group of suspects, comprised of 9 male Asians, followed them to a parking lot at Chapman Plaza located at 6th Street and Alexandria Avenue.  The suspects, armed with mace and knives, attacked Chin and his friends.

Several of the Chin's associates were sprayed with mace, while Chin was assaulted and stabbed by multiple attackers.  The suspects ran from the scene. 

The victim was taken to USC Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact The Asian Gang Unit, Gang Information Division, Detective Solomon or Detective Yueng at 213-847-1620.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  Contact may be made anonymously if so desired.

Man Found Shot in His Car

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help for information on the shooting death of 36- year-old Raul De La Barcena, a resident of Los Angeles. 

On Friday, July 14, 2006, at approximately 8:45 P.M., Hollenbeck patrol officers responded to an "Ambulance Shooting" radio call at the 5900 block of Monterey Road.

Upon arrival of the officers, they discovered Mr. Barcena lying in his car which was parked on the street.  Mr. Barcena had multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics arrived and pronounced the death of Mr. Barcena.

No suspect(s) nor motive for this crime has been determined.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is requested to contact Hollenbeck Area Homicide Detectives, at 323-526-3009.  On weekends, and during off hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number, Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).