LAPD Blog

City and Department Response to the Thwarted Terrorist Plot

Responding to the thwarted terrorist plot on flights from the United Kingdom to the United States, the City of Los Angeles heightened its alert and increased security at LAX and the Port of Los Angeles.  Extra security measures have been implemented in accordance with the United States Department of Homeland Security raising the national threat level for the aviation sector to HIGH (Orange).

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa  joined by Chief William J. Bratton; Steve Bidwell, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI; Larry Fetters, Federal Security Director with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); and city officials, announced that there is no specific credible threat to the airport, City, or region.

It was announced that five airlines operate 20 flights from the United Kingdom to the United States.  City officials are asking people departing from LAX to allow more time and comply with all screening measures.  Travelers on domestic flights are advised to arrive two to three hours before their flight departure.  Passengers on international flights should allow three to four hours for the screening process.

Items prohibited beyond security checkpoints include liquid and gels such as:
Beverages
Perfume and cologne containers
Shampoo
Sun tan lotion
Creams
Toothpaste
Hair gels
Other items of similar consistency

Additionally, all shoes will be removed for the screening process.  For a complete list of items prohibited beyond security checkpoints and aboard aircraft, please visit TSA.gov.

With the safety of the public and LAX workers in mind, all local city agencies, including LAPD, Airport Police, and Fire Department, will work together implementing extra security measures that may go unnoticed by the public.  Chief Bratton credited the newly opened Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center for the multiplicity of notifications that alerted city, state, and federal agencies of the arrests made by Scotland Yard.

“Are we prepared? Were we prepared? The answer is yes,” said Chief Bratton.

Chief Speaks in Support of New Ballistic Technology

At a news conference August 9, Chief William J. Bratton and other civic leaders expressed support for a bill (AB 352) that would require gun manufacturers to use a new ballistic identification technology called microstamping.

If the bill passes, newly designed semiautomatic handguns would be microstamped—etched with microscopic characters on internal working parts, such as the firing pin—beginning in January 2009. Microstamped weapons imprint bullet casings fired with characters that identify the make, model and serial number.

"Too often, detectives investigating shooting scenes are left with very few leads: no witness, no suspect, no physical evidence," said Chief Bratton. "Microstamping would give police another tool to help track down those responsible for using a firearm while committing a crime. In essence, just as a fingerprint is unique to each person, so is a spent shell casing with microstamping. Many times the only things remaining at a crime scene are shell casings."

This technology, considered nearly 100 percent tamper-proof, would expedite investigations, as detectives would be able to easily link bullets to the weapons from which they were fired. By cross-checking the bullet casings with existing state databases on gun purchases, investigators would quickly determine who owned the gun and where it was sold.

City and state officials believe the public safety measure would reduce gun violence and illegal gun trafficking. The added cost to gun manufacturers for implementing this ballistic innovation would be 16 cents per weapon. 

LAPD Curbs Alcohol-Related Crime with Grant

Forty-one California law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), have received $3 million in grant funds to combat alcohol-related crime from the Department of Aloholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Through its Grant Assistance Program (GAP), ABC partners with the LAPD and others to minimize alcohol sales to minors, while maximizing liquor-law education in the business sector.  The LAPD's grant was increased by $25,000, to total $125,000 this year.

"Since the program's inception back in 1995, the LAPD has experienced great success.  More than 84 problem bars have been shut down, more than 300,000 arrests made, and working with other state agencies, millions of dollars in fines have been issued," said Chief William J. Bratton.

Adding, "Enforcement, although important, is just one component in reducing alcohol-related crimes.  Another is the education of business owners and establishments that sell alcohol."

Programs such as Standardized Training for Alcohol Retailers (STAR), funded by GAP, help the LAPD educate the business community about operating within the confines of ABC regulations.

Last year, 47 STAR training classes were held and more than 1,600 business owners and their employees participated.  By year's end, the LAPD expects that number to increase.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger increased program funding from $1.5 million in 2005 to $3 million this year.  Additionally, the number of participating agencies has more than doubled.  These include the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and police departments in Azusa, Downey, Fullerton, Manhattan Beach, Ontario, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Barbara, among others.

ABC Director Jerry Jolly said, "The governor's leadership on this issue means so much to this state because too many young people are killed in alcohol-related crashes every year.  If we can limit youth access to alcohol, then we can save lives and strengthen communities.

GAP was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and California law enforcement agencies.  Since the program's inception, thousands of incompliant operators have been put out of business, while others have been subject to fines, suspensons and liquor license revocations.  GAP has distributed more than $17.5 million to local law enforcement to combat alcohol-related crime.  For a list of grant agencies, visit www.abc.ca.gov.

Northridge Man Arrested and Charged for Murder of Parents, Sister

Los Angeles:  A San Fernando Valley man was arrested Friday for the stabbing murders of his parents and teenage sister at their home in Northridge.

On August 4, 2006, around 6:00 a.m., officers from Devonshire Area Station responded to a 911 call at the residence in the 17000 block of Stare Street.  When police arrived, they were met by Brandon Christopher Menard, 21, who lived at the house with his parents, brother and sister.

Officers found two bodies, David Menard, 58, and his wife, Tony, 58, inside the house.  The body of their 16-year-old daughter, Ashley, was in the backyard.  All three were victims of multiple stab wounds.

Brandon was questioned by detectives and taken into custody late Friday.  A murder weapon was recovered at the scene.  There are no additional suspects outstanding.  The motive for the crime is unknown.

On Tuesday, August 8, the Los Angeles County District Attorney formerly charged Brandon on three counts of capital murder with special circumstances.  He remains in custody without bail.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Double Murder Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles: A shooting suspect who was wanted for a double murder and critically wounding a third person was arrested around 12 PM in Compton.

On August 9, 2006, at 2:15 AM, three victims were found shot in a residence located in the 800 block of 156th Street in Harbor Gateway.  Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene and the third victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Homicide detectives, acting on information obtained during the course of the investigation, were able to identify the suspect.  Several detectives conducted surveillance on several locations, which led to the arrest of the suspect in the city of Compton.

The suspect has been identified as Mila Johnson, 29, a resident of Lawndale.  He was booked for Murder without bail.

The deceased victims are Sonja Chandirimani, 29, and Duane Baily, 33, of Los Angeles.  The surviving victim is a 29-year-old male and the husband of Sonja.

The motive is unknown, however the suspect was believed to have been an invited guest. 

The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for formal filing of two counts of Murder and one count of Attempt Murder.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sal LaBarbera, Southeast Homicide Section, at 310-522-2029.  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).

LAPD Arrest 7 for Robbery in the Valley

Los Angeles:  Today, Chief Bratton at a press conference announced the great effort made by officers on the arrest of four suspects known as "The Ipod / Cell Phone Bandits" and another three for Robbery and running an Illegal Credit Card Counterfeiting Operation.

On July 28, 2006, Robbery-Homicide Division assumed the investigative responsibility of robberies that had occurred in West, Central and South Los Angeles, which began mid-July.  The suspects in this series were described as male Blacks, 17-25 years old, armed with a handgun.

The suspects would enter a store, pose as customers and inquire about electronic equipment such as Ipods and cellular phones.  The suspects, at gunpoint, would take money from the cash register and from employees and customers.  The suspects were dubbed, "The Ipod / Cell Phone Bandits."

On August 3, 2006, four suspects were arrested after committing a robbery in Van Nuys.  The suspects were two adults and two juveniles, who were subsequently booked for robbery.  Carlton Henderson, 18, arrested for 17 counts of robbery, Jeffrey Blocker, 18, arrested for 11 counts of robbery, a 17-year-old male arrested for 13 counts of robbery, and a 15-year-old male arrested for seven counts robbery. 

Detectives served four search warrants and recovered a total of 127 items of evidence, connecting the suspects to the various robberies.  So far, the suspects have been found responsible for a total of 14 robberies throughout the City of Los Angeles and three robberies outside of the City limit, netting over $30,000.

On August 4, 2006, at 8:30 AM, John Wanes, 30, and Christy Newsom, 30, were arrested for robbery in the 7300 block of Woodley Avenue in Van Nuys.  Wanes and Newsom were nabbed by officers in front of George's Auto Body business.  It was discovered that they were in possession of a drivers license and credit cards that was taken during a robbery earlier that day. 

Upon entering the business to retrieve Wanes identification, officers discovered what appeared to be an illegal credit card counterfeiting operation.  Profiles of people, blank credit cards, a magnetic strip reader/writer, credit card making equipment and other items consistent with manufacturing and altering credit cards were among Wanes' property.  Detectives developed their leads and arrested Robert Bazikyan, 29, for robbery.  He was in possession of a cellular phone, which was taken during Wanes' robbery.

For further information contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Man Sitting in his Car Shot and Killed in Van Nuys

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding anyone who may have witnessed a San Fernando Valley shooting on Monday, August 7, 2006.

Around 10:15 p.m. that evening, Nelson Ramirez, 20, was sitting in his car in the 14900 block of Vanowen Street, in Van Nuys, listening to music.  According to witnesses two Hispanic men, possibly gang members, walked up to Ramirez’s car.  For unknown reasons, they fired several shots and then ran away.

Ramirez, who was not a known gang member, sustained multiple gunshot wounds.  He was transported by paramedics to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys Homicide Detectives at 818-756-9970, during normal business hours.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.

One Man Killed, Another Injured In Gang Shooting

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding any witnesses to a shooting that occurred Monday in the San Fernando Valley.

On August 7, 2006, around 10:00 p.m., Jesus Garcia, 25, and another man, were in an alley in the 20700 block of Hartland Street, in Winnetka.  According to witnesses, two Hispanic men walked up to Garcia and his companion and asked them, "Where you from?"  One of the men pulled a handgun and shot Garcia and his friend multiple times in their upper torsos.  The suspects were last seen running on Hartland toward Vanowen Street.

Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.  The second victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for multiple gun shot wounds.  He remains in critical but stable condition.

The suspects are believed to be gang members.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Homicide Detectives at 818-374-7721, during normal business hours.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.

Man in Custody Dies at Police Station

Los Angeles: A man who was arrested on Friday died while in police custody at Foothill Area Station.

On August 4, 2006, around 2:20 p.m., Foothill Area officers received a radio call of a possible assault with a deadly weapon suspect at 10619 Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Pacoima.  The suspect had been seen lying in the front yard, holding a screwdriver and beer can.

When police arrived, Jerome Antwine, 57, was still holding the screwdriver.  He was ordered to drop the screwdriver and complied. Antwine was handcuffed and briefly placed on the ground.  Narcotics paraphernalia was recovered from Antwine, and he was placed under arrest. 

Officers transported Antwine to Foothill Area Police Station.  Upon arrival there he appeared to go into medical distress.  Paramedics were summoned immediately.  Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and rendered emergency medical aid, however Antwine failed to respond to treatment and died.

Forced investigation Division is handling the investigation.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

LAPD Detectives Arrest North Hollywood Man on Charges of Child Molestation

Los Angeles: On Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at 8:30 a.m., 35-year-old Daniel Craig Kurtz of North Hollywood will be arraigned on three counts of child molestation, in Division M, of San Fernando Superior Court.

Kurtz allegedly molested three girls while working as the Camp Director at the Balboa Park Recreation Center in Encino.  In one case, the molestation occurred during a camp outing to a movie theater, the other two incidents happened during an overnight sleepover.  At the time of the alleged molestations, the victims were all between the ages of 8 and 10.  These incidents are believed to have occurred over a three year period.

Kurtz worked as the Center's Director from December 2002 to August 13, 2005, when he was relieved of his position for pending allegations of sexual abuse.  He was terminated on September 26, 2005. 

Prior to his employment at the Balboa Recreation Center, in November 2000, Kurtz worked as a part-time physical education teacher at Louisville High School in Woodland Hills, an all-girls private school. From September 2004 to June 2005, he was employed as a part time teacher at Our Lady of Grace School in Encino.

"Based on Kurtz's prior involvement with children, we believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.  It is our hope that releasing his photograph will assist in locating any other victims and/or witnesses.  It is believed that he is still working with children in some capacity," said Detective Cynthia Dragun of Devonshire Area station.  In fact, he is currently in charge of the San Fernando Valley Club Volleyball team.

The detectives handling these investigations are Detective Cynthia Dragun or Detective Kathy Haskins.  They can be reached at 818-832-0609, during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Hotline at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).  The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.