LAPD Blog

Officer-Involved Shooting with Gunman

Los Angeles: LAPD officers shot and wounded a gunman on Wednesday evening, October 4, 2006, at around 8:45 p.m. 

Seventy Seventh Area Gang Impact Team Officers Sean Kinchla and Robert Quiroz were on patrol in a marked police car in the area of 60th and Hoover Avenue.  They heard a broadcast of a shooting call a couple of blocks away.

Shortly after, the officers saw a man matching the description of the suspect, later identified as Allen Darra, and stopped to investigate. When Darra saw the officers, he ran away from them, dropping a jacket that was concealing a handgun he was holding in his right hand.

The officers ordered Darra to stop and drop the gun.  Darra did not obey the officers' commands and turned and pointed the gun in the officers' direction.  Fearing for their safety, Officer Kinchla fired 2 rounds hitting Darra in the arm.  Darra dropped the gun and continued running for a short distance before falling down.  He was taken into custody without further incident.

Darra was transported to a local hospital and treated for his wounds. He was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a police officer. Darra is 40 years old and he is a resident of Los Angeles.

Officer Kinchla, is 29 years old, with 6 years and 4 month on the Department. Officer Quiroz, is 33 years old with 9 years and 4 months on the Department

Investigations revealed that Darra was in-fact the person involved in the original shooting call.  He had fired a shot at a woman who was sitting at a bus stop in the 5900 block of Vermont Avenue.  Domestic violence may have been the motive for the shooting.

Force Investigation Division is conducting the investigation.  For further information please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Victim Shoots and Kills Robbery Suspect

Los Angeles:  A 22-year-old would-be robber was fatally shot by a store clerk during an armed robbery Wednesday.

On October 4, 2006, at around 1:00 p.m., Lonnell Davison went to the "U Save Variety Store" in the 5100 block of South Western Avenue and posed as a customer. Davison picked up some merchandise and walked to the counter. He then pulled out a handgun and demanded money. Davison took the money from the clerk and fired one round as he left. The clerk fired back, and Davison dropped his handgun and ran away.

Shortly thereafter, around 1:45 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to Slauson Avenue and La Brea Boulevard to meet Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies regarding a shooting victim. The deputies had just picked up the wounded Davison after hearing shots in the area of 54th Street and Van Ness. Davison was transported to local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators interviewed the store clerk who told them that he had shot Davison in self-defense during the robbery. The clerk positively identified Davison as the robbery suspect.

Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383. After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man Shot Walking Near NightClub

Los Angeles: Authorities are searching for a woman who shot a Los Angeles man walking near a nightclub in the 3100 block of Florence Avenue.

Early Thursday morning, on September 28, 2006, Efrain Navarro-Salazar, 36, was shot several times by an unidentified suspect who police only described as a Black woman.  According to detectives, the shooter apparently targeted the man, shot, then walked away.  The incident happened near Charlie's Nightclub, but detectives were not sure if the victim had been a patron there.

The victim was taken to California Hospital where he died five days later on October 3, 2006.

The motive has not been determined, and police have few leads.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383.  After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Skid Row Drug Dealers New Target

Intent on restoring lawfulness to skid row, Chief Bratton and Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley have partnered to implement an interagency plan that targets skid row drug dealers. The Chief and the District Attorney made the announcement on Oct. 3. The aggressive new strategy seeks to ban convicted drug dealers from the heart of skid row.

Persons arrested and convicted for narcotics-related crimes under the new initiative will be subject to a condition of probation that prohibits them from returning to the area. Those who violate this "stay away" order—effective for as long as five years in felony cases—will face incarceration. This type of injunction has also been successful in combating gangs and prostitution.

The Chief called this measure imperative to regaining control of skid row where most of the homeless population faces drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health issues. Drug dealers fuel drug use, and play a significant role in the commission of violent and property crimes. The District Attorney said the success of this initiative will be tracked, and may be implemented in other parts of Los Angeles County.

The "stay away" initiative focuses on a narcotics hot spot known as the 5^th Street Corridor, including 4^th and 5^th Streets, between Broadway and Central.

Confident in the potential of this creative, new legal tool, Chief Bratton called the "stay away" plan a dose of radiation to break up a form of cancer. He has mobilized 50 additional police officers to assist with enforcement. To further abate skid row crime, officers have regained the legal power to arrest transients sleeping on skid row between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Chief Bratton stressed that the condition of homelessness is not a crime in and of itself. Those seeking shelter and rehabilitation in skid row will not be pursued. Instead, the Department’s focus is on those who carry out unlawful behaviors, such as illegal drug sales and use, and prostitution.

The LAPD remains committed to achieving its public safety goals in the skid row area. The Chief’s latest approach to curtailing skid row drug sales is part of a strategic plan, endorsed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics September 30, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*            2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              365              372               -2%
Rape                                     667              700              -5%
Robbery                            10,785           9,895               9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,803         11,898              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        22,620        22,865             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,792           16,090             -8%
BTFV                                  22,220           24,691           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          20,641           23,295           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,213           19,939             -9%
Total Property Crimes      75,866          84,015          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           98,486        106,880            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*            2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              365              372               -2%
Rape                                     667              700              -5%
Robbery                            10,785           9,895               9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,803         11,898              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        22,620        22,865             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,792           16,090             -8%
BTFV                                  22,220           24,691           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          20,641           23,295           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,213           19,939             -9%
Total Property Crimes      75,866          84,015          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           98,486        106,880            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*            2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              365              372               -2%
Rape                                     667              700              -5%
Robbery                            10,785           9,895               9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,803         11,898              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        22,620        22,865             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,792           16,090             -8%
BTFV                                  22,220           24,691           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          20,641           23,295           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,213           19,939             -9%
Total Property Crimes      75,866          84,015          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           98,486        106,880            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*            2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              365              372               -2%
Rape                                     667              700              -5%
Robbery                            10,785           9,895               9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,803         11,898              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        22,620        22,865             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,792           16,090             -8%
BTFV                                  22,220           24,691           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          20,641           23,295           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,213           19,939             -9%
Total Property Crimes      75,866          84,015          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           98,486        106,880            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*            2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              365              372               -2%
Rape                                     667              700              -5%
Robbery                            10,785           9,895               9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,803         11,898              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        22,620        22,865             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,792           16,090             -8%
BTFV                                  22,220           24,691           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          20,641           23,295           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,213           19,939             -9%
Total Property Crimes      75,866          84,015          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           98,486        106,880            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Police Use Control Hold to Subdue Subject

Los Angeles: Officers responding to a radio call of a man with a mental illness exhibiting bizarre behavior used a control hold to subdue him Sunday afternoon.

On September 24, 2006, shortly after 3:00 p.m., Harbor Area Officers Dana Lovato and Jesus Ruiz responded to the radio call in the 1400 block of West Carson Street.  When they arrived, police saw Ronald Manosa, 21, standing in front of an apartment building.  Officers attempted to make verbal contact with Manosa but he was unresponsive. Based on Manosa's strange behavior, officers waited several minutes before deciding to approach him.

While police were attempting to handcuff Manosa, he resisted and began to fight.  Officers wrestled him to the ground and requested assistance from other units.  The fight continued for several more minutes increasing in intensity and bringing the two officers to the point of almost complete exhaustion.  Finally, Officer Ruiz, in a last ditch effort to control Manosa, used his hands and applied a Carotid Restraint Control Hold. This proved effective stopping Manosa's aggressive and violent behavior.  Additional units arrived and assisted in taking Manosa into custody.

Department policy allows for the use of a Carotid Restraint Control Hold for self-protection or the protection of others from immediate serious bodily injury or the threat of death.

Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics responded and transported Officers Lovato and Ruiz to Torrance Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained during the fight.  Ruiz received a hairline fracture to his right forearm; Lovato suffered numerous abrasions.  Both were treated and released.

Manosa received treatment for several abrasions.  He was then taken to Twin Towers Correctional Facility where he was booked for resisting arrest.

Force Investigation Division is handling the inquiry.

Driver Sought in Fatal Collision

Los Angeles: The police department is seeking the public's help in identifying the driver of a car who caused a fatal collision, killing the passenger and critically injuring the other occupants. 

On September 30, 2006, at 11:10 p.m., LAPD traffic officers responded to a felony hit and run collision at Blythe Street and Van Nuys Boulevard. 

According to witnesses, a black Toyota Celica GT carrying five passengers was travelling northbound Van Nuys Boulevard when a white Toyota Corolla made a left turn in front of the on-coming Toyota Celica. The impact caused the driver of the Toyota Celica to lose control and collide with a tree. 

The front passenger a male in his teens died at the scene.  The driver of the Celica, a female and two of her passengers where transported to a local hospital in critical condition.  A 13-year-old girl, who had been ejected from the car, was transported by a medical helicopter to Children's Hospital where she was listed in critical condition. 

The driver of the Corolla was described as a male Hispanic approximately 30-40 years old, and was last seen running from the scene.  Detectives have seized the suspect's vehicle. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Valley Traffic Detective Section at 818-374-1937. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Arrests Made on Burned Body Found in Studio City

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives have made three arrests in the murder of a 21-year-old man whose body was found shot and burned in Studio City last week.

On September 20, 2006, Jose Alfredo Morales was found shot to death in a stolen pickup truck in the 4100 block of Farmdale Avenue in Studio City.  The initial call was of a vehicle fire which Los Angeles Fire Department personnel had responded to and extinguished the fire.  Morales was in the driver seat with multiple gunshot wounds and burned.   

On September 25, 2006, homicide detectives arrested Analissa Mendoza, 38, Sevastian Uribe, 26, and Rebecca Harding, 25, for the murder of Morales.  It appears the suspects torched the truck to cover up the murder.  Detectives believed all three suspects are affiliated with a street gang in East Los Angeles.  All three are being held at Van Nuys Jail on $1,000,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4045.  After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man Arrested in Washington State for Killing Girlfriend in Reseda

Los Angeles: The suspect wanted in connection with an unidentified body found in a shed in Reseda, was arrested in Port Orchard, Washington.

On September 21, 2006, around 4:00 p.m., a former resident of the house, located in the 7900 block of Lindley Avenue, returned to the location to speak with the current owner.  No one was home, but a strong odor was emanating from the backyard.  The man followed the odor and found a decomposing body in a shed behind the house.

The body was identified as 36-year-old Dina Ellen Canale, who was reported missing by her sister on September 5, 2006.  Ms. Canale's sister stated that she had not heard from her sister since August 13, 2006. 

On the same day the missing persons report was filed, Mark Ellen Steffen, the 57-year-old homeowner and former boyfriend of Ms. Canale, left to the State of Washington.

Homicide detectives from the LAPD West Valley Division contacted Pacific Northwest Fugitive Apprehension Task Force for assistance in locating Mr. Steffen in Port Orchard, Washington.   The task force, with the assistance of Port Orchard Police Department, located Mr. Steffen on September 28th and took him into custody without incident. 

Mark Allen Steffen is being held on $1,000,000 bail, on a fugitive murder warrant in the Kitsap County Jail in Washington.  An extradition hearing will be conducted to determine if he will be returned to Los Angeles to stand trial. 

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Area Detectives at 818-374-7730.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).