LAPD Blog

Officer Involved Shooting of Armed Suspect in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  A man who pointed a gun at police results in an officer involved shooting in south Los Angeles.

On June 11, 2006, at about 1:40 AM, California Highway Patrol Officers Armando Gaona and Daniel Max parked their marked black and white police vehicle in front of a restaurant at 2805 S. Figueroa Street.

As Officer Max exited the vehicle he observed two male Blacks inside of the restaurant, one armed with a handgun. The suspect with the handgun observed Officer Max, pointed his handgun at Officer Max and fired at least one round.

Officer Max armed himself with his department issued service pistol and fired multiple rounds at the suspect, striking him. The suspect ran out of the restaurant and collapsed in the parking lot. The second suspect ran out the back door from the restaurant and was taken into custody by responding officers.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Rescue Ambulance responded and transported the suspect to California Hospital where he died from his injuries.

The names of the suspects are being withheld due to the on-going criminal investigation.

No officers were injured.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section.

7-Year-Old Boy Abducted by Estranged Father; Headed to Mexico

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating 7-year-old Anthony Sanchez who was abducted by his father, 42-year-old Efren Bugarine.

On July 31, 2006, at around 9:00 AM, Anthony's mother dropped him off at her mother's home in the 7400 block of Denny Avenue in North Hollywood. At about 9:30 PM on the same day, Bugarine came and took Anthony and fled in a vehicle.

Officers interviewed the mother, Maria Sanchez, who said she and Bugarine have had a relationship for 7 years and had Anthony in common. Maria told the officers that Bugarine called her shortly after the abduction and said he was not going to bring Anthony back.

On August 3, Bugarine called and said he was going to take Anthony to Mexico.

Anthony is described as a heavy build with black hair, brown eyes, 4' 1", 70 lbs. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue shorts.

Bugarine has black hair, brown eyes, 5' 7", 140 lbs. His vehicle was described as a black 1987 Chevy Pickup with California plate of 3G23535.

Anyone with information is urged to call North Hollywood Division at 818-623-4065. On weekends and during off-hours, the public may also call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

IT'S NOT LIKE THE MOVIES 472.2

I was honored to deliver an invocation at the Los Angeles Police Academy.  As I shook the hand of each graduate, I could feel their earnestness and eagerness to begin their careers protecting and serving the community and being worthy of the pride and confidence of their families, instructors and classmates.

I don't think many citizens realize how complicated, demanding and dangerous policing is in today's world.

Media sterotypes depict high-speed chases, shoot-outs, fistfights and roughing up bad guys. We see "one-man-army" avengers who take on incredible odds, and "rules-are-made-to-be-broken, make-my-day" rebels who flaunt laws and disobey orders.

In fact, professional and communications skills (often in two languages), self-discipline and unwavering respect for the law.

There's simply no room for irresponsible, insubordination, or emotionally self-indulgent individuals. Most of the famous movie cops would be fired or imprisoned in real life. The job has changed so much that professional policing associations have changed their designation from "law enforcement officers" to "peace officers" to better reflect the array of tasks the modern officer performs.

Law enforcement - chasing criminals, interrogating suspects, making searches and arrests and testifying in court - represents only a fraction of what peace officers do. Most of their time is spent helping people in other ways, including resolving disputes, dispensing advice, taking reports, regulating crowds and traffic, and aiding persons in danger or distress.

Yet despite this commitment to service, these fresh-faced newbies will have to endure physical dangers, verbal abuse and continual criticism. It's a very tough job and they deserve our appreciation and support

Michael Josephson, Creator of Character Counts

EXCELLENCE IS ACHIEVABLE

    As I watched nearly five dozen eager graduates of the Los Angeles Police Academy throw their hats in the air celebrating of their achievement, I knew these were the survivors of a rigorous training and their journey is not over.

    Ahead of them is a full year of supervised field training and it’s unlikely all of them will make it through their probation.

    It’s difficult to cut hard-working and hopeful probationers, but if an organization wants to create a culture of excellence, its gatekeepers (those in charge of hiring, training, retention and promotion) must exercise clear-eyed objectivity and demonstrate unflinching courage weeding out those who are unwilling or unable to be excellent.

    In policing, and many other fields, the stakes are simply too high to knowingly accept less.  No one want a surgeon, teacher or cop with marginal or mediocre skills or shaky character.

    Yet everywhere we see signs of declining standards.  Public and private organizations regularly lower their expectations due to political expedience, misplaced loyalty, forced diversity, or perceived necessity.  Adequacy has become the shifting standard defined as “the best we can get.”

    Two results are inevitable when we lower standards: the quality of service continually sinks as fewer people strive for the best within them, and mediocrity becomes the norm as good people move up and out leaving behind a growing proportion of so-so performers.

    Two results are inevitable when an organization insists on excellence.  First, performance increases as everyone does better that they otherwise would.  Second, some people will be asked to leave.

    Management can avoid its responsibility but it can’t avoid the consequences of avoiding it responsibly. Excellence is achievable but not without sacrifice and discipline.

Michael Josephson Creator of Character Counts. 

Public's Help Needed to Solve Shooting

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding any witnesses who may have seen the shooting of a Los Angeles man on Tuesday.

On August 1, 2006, at about 10:05 p.m., 21 year old Sterling Jerome Williams and a 20 year old friend got into a fight with local gang members in the 8700 block of Belford Avenue.  One of the gang members pulled out a gun and shot both Williams and his friend.  The suspects then fled on foot.

Williams was transported to a local hospital where he died.  His friend was also transported to a local hospital and was treated for a gunshot wound.

The suspects are only described as male Black.   

Anyone with information is asked to call Pacific Detectives at 310-482-6313.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Two Robbery Suspects Caught on Camera

Los Angeles: Two men are shown on surveillance tape robbing a Harbor Area restaurant, after ordering dinner and sitting in the establishment for almost an hour.

On Wednesday, July 19, 2006, around 11:15 p.m., the suspects, two male Blacks, entered the Del Taco at 18604 South Western Avenue in Los Angeles.  They approached the counter and ordered food.  After receiving their order, the suspects remained inside of the restaurant for over fifty minutes seated at one of the booths.  When there were no other customers, one of the suspects jumped over the counter and held an employee at gunpoint.  His companion joined in and took money from the cash register and from employees.  The suspects entered a dark colored foreign vehicle and fled southbound on Western Avenue.

The suspects were described as Black men, about 5' 7" to 5' 8" tall, 180 to 200 pounds, each.  They are between 18 to 21 years of age.

Anyone with information or recognize the suspects is asked to call Harbor Area Robbery Detectives Pat Guerra or Officer Williams at 310-522-2029.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Angelenos Celebrate National Night Out

National Night Out, a crime and drug prevention initiative observed on August 1, drew hundreds of community members to LAPD events citywide.   

Among the locations where people rallied was Mac Arthur Park where locals and officers gathered before setting out on a community walk.  The mile-long walk culminated at Rampart Community Police Station, where a block party awaited.

Block party-goers enjoyed an evening of festivities alongside officers, including complimentary food, music and games. 

Spearheaded by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out began in 1984.  The initiative is traditionally commemorated the first Tuesday in August.

As of 2001, some 33 million people in 9,700 communities worldwide participated in National Night Out cookouts, parades, festivals, and fairs.  The initiative celebrates
police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and public-safety successes.

Gang Violence Claims the Life Of a Teenager

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding anyone who may have witnessed the shooting death of 16-year-old Gary Ortiz on Sunday, July 30,2006.

At around 11:20 a.m., Ortiz, along with two male occupants were sitting in his car in the 4000 block of McLaughlin Avenue.  Two Hispanic men drove up next to his car and made  confrontational remarks and started shooting into Ortiz' car. 

Ortiz and his passengers were shot multiple times.  All three victims were transported to a local  hospital.  Ortiz died as a result of his injuries and the other two victims are hospitalized.  One is in critical condition.

The suspects are two Hispanic gang members driving a burgundy or reddish, four door, older model car.         

Anyone with information is asked to call Pacific Homicide Detectives at 310-482-6313.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).
Witnesses who wishes to remain anonymous is encouraged to call.

23rd Annual National Night Out 'America's Night Out Against Crime'

Los Angeles: On Tuesday, August 1, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department, the National Association of Town Watch, and communities around the nation will participate in "National Night Out."

In 1984, the National Association of Town Watch introduced the idea of National Night Out to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie.

Traditionally, "lights on" and front porch vigils have been ways to participate in the annual event, however, activities have expanded to include block parties, cookouts, parades, police station open houses, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, contests, rallies and meetings.

Attached is a matrix of LAPD sponsored activities associated with National Night Out.

Suspect Who Aimed Rifle at Police Is Shot and Killed

Los Angeles:  A man who pointed his rifle at police during a routine traffic stop was shot and killed by officers Friday night.

On July 28, 2006, around 9:30 p.m., 77th Area Officers Timothy Wunderlich and Gary Verge were conducting a traffic stop on 79th Street east of Broadway.  The suspect, later identified as Esteban Pacheco, 41, was driving an older model white Jeep Cherokee.  As the officers began their investigation, Pacheco, holding a rifle, stepped out of the vehicle's driver seat and aimed in the officers' direction.  The police fired, resulting in an officer involved shooting.

Pacheco fell to the ground and was taken into custody without further incident.  Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics arrived to render emergency medical aid, but Pacheco failed to respond to treatment and died at the scene.

The officers were not injured.

Pacheco's weapon was an air rifle carbine replica equipped with an extended magazine.

Approximately three minutes after the shooting occurred, LAPD Communications Division broadcast to 77th Area officers that a citizen had reported being followed by a man with a shotgun in a truck.  The suspect vehicle was described as a white Jeep, traveling in the vicinity of 79th Street and Broadway.

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation.  Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.