LAPD Blog

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Benefits Paralyzed Officer

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition took Southern California by storm Oct. 11 when its crew joined forces with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The nationally televised reality-show features families facing arduous circumstances.

Led by Special Weapons And Tactics (S.W.A.T) officers, a crew of some 250 volunteers prepared Oct. 13 to rebuild the home of paralyzed Officer Kristina Ripatti. Extreme Makeover, which airs weekly on ABC, will refurbish Officer Ripatti’s home—at no cost—to accommodate her physical disability.

The home’s transformation will be revealed Oct. 18 to Officer Ripatti and husband Tim Pearce, also an LAPD Officer. The "Ripatti Family" episode is tentatively scheduled to air Sunday, Nov. 26. Extreme Makeover sent the couple and their 19-month-old daughter, Jordan, on a weeklong vacation to Mexico while their home undergoes construction.

The new home will be wheelchair accessible and consist of an additional bedroom for Officer Ripatti’s mother-in-law who will provide home health care. Some 2,000 volunteers—plumbers, tile setters, and drywall and siding installers, among others—are expected to assist with the seven-day endeavor. Cornerstone Construction Group of Redondo Beach will spearhead the project.

Extreme Makeover, back-to-back Emmy Award winner for Best Reality Program, features a weekly project that would ordinarily take a minimum of four months to achieve. The show’s crew includes a team of designers, contractors, and several hundred workers who rebuild an entire house and revamp the exterior and landscaping.

Four months ago, an armed robber gunned down Officer Ripatti. Her partner, Southwest Area Officer Joe Meyer, returned fire, killing the assailant on the scene.

Since then, the 33-year-old officer spends most days in physical therapy and rehabilitation, learning how to adjust her life, home, and family to her injury.

/ Additional photographs can be seen by visiting Flickr located in the right column.

Convicted Felon Arrested for Clerk's Murder

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police officers arrested a 33-year-old felon for the murder of an AM-PM store clerk early this morning in the San Fernando Valley.

Police officers from the Devonshire Police Station found Frank Kaatz on the roof of the Denny's restaurant in the 20000 block of Devonshire Avenue. Kaatz directed the officers to the AM-PM store nearby, where they found Rohan Rameukwella, 41, lying on the floor, bleeding from the head. Paramedics pronounced Rameukwella dead at the scene.

Kaatz then led the officers to a nearby alley and a baseball bat. Detectives will examine the bat and compare the blood and hair on it to the victim's.

Police officers became aware of Kaatz when his family called 9-1-1 around 1:45 AM, reporting a man was smashing furniture in the house with a baseball bat. When officers arrived in the 10000 block of Oso Avenue, the family members told them Kaatz had left. They described him as disturbed, and that he wanted to commit "suicide by cop."

The officers found Kaatz 15 minutes later on the roof of the Denny's restaurant. The officers were able to talk Kaatz down from the roof without using force.

Kaatz was booked for the murder, and he was placed on a no-bail hold due to his parole status.

Kaatz was convicted of attempted murder in 1994, after he nearly stabbed to death a 7-11 store clerk in an attempted robbery in the West Valley area of Los Angeles. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but was released in seven. His parole was violated in 2004, but he was released again and arrested several times in 2005. His parole was violated a second time, and according to his family, he was released in July of this year.

Rohan Rameukwella was a native of Sri Lanka. He had worked the night shift at the AM-PM for the last five years. He had no family in the USA.

Detectives have release Kaatz's photograph as they are concerned he may have been involved in other crimes since his release. The photograph will be forwarded to outlets when it is available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Devonshire Homicide detectives at 818-832-0556. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

L.A.P.D. Motorcycle Officers Shine at State-wide Competition

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle team captures gold and bronze medals at the California Police Motorcycle Rodeo and Skills Competition.

On Wednesday, October 11, 2006, six officers from the LAPD motorcycle team participated in a statewide competition hosted by the Orange County Traffic Officer's Association.  More than 30 teams comprised of 200 male and female officers from California and Arizona participated in this event which was held at Huntington Beach State Park.

The team competition categories included Technical Cone Patterns, The Slow Box, which requires the rider to balance in a straight, narrow line without using the brakes, and the Top Gun Overall Rider Event.  A tremendous amount of skill and strategy is required to win the overall rider event as officers go head to head in a 4-way intersection with many obstacles to maneuver around.  The overall scores were based on Cone Patterns and the Slow Box. 

Officers Joanna Needham and Lori Sanchez, both assigned to West Traffic Division along with Officer Lawrence Henderson from Central Traffic Division won the team gold medal.  Officers Brain Brown and Bridgette Robinson from South Traffic Division and Officer James Wallace from West Traffic Division captured the team bronze medal.               

For more information, results and photos from this event, please visit www.octoa.org.    

Drug Store Robbery Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: Detectives are asking the public's help in identifying two men who robbed a Wilshire-area drug store on September 3, 2006.  The robbery was captured on a surveillance tape.

A Black man walked into the Rite Aid drug store on Crenshaw Boulevard just after 9 PM, armed with a gun.  He met up with another Black man, already inside, who was posing as a customer.  Both men took over the store.  The man who posed as the customer, ordered the customers to the floor while his accomplice ordered the manager to open a safe in a back room.

The suspects got way with $4,000 from the safe and the cash registers.  No one was injured in the robbery.

Both suspects were over 6 feet tall.  The heavier one was about 24 years old, and the second suspect was about 18 year old.

One suspect wore a black shirt that read on the back:  "HUSTLE; GET PAID; LIFE."

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call Wilshire Detectives at 213-922-8217.  After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Media Relations Section has DVD copies of the robbery available, or outlets may record the robbery footage from a monitor at the Media Relations office.

Detectives Looking for Witnesses of Fatal Traffic Accident

Los Angeles: Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding witnesses who saw a traffic collision that killed a North Hills man on October 11, 2006.

Francisco Rodriguez, 20, was struck by a white Ford F-150 pick-up truck as he was driving on Sepulveda Boulevard and Raymer Street officer Douglas Larkin said.  The victim was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.

According to investigators, the driver that struck and killed Rodriguez did stop and detectives need more leads to complete their investigation.

So far, no one has come forward with information and police are looking for witnesses who may have been near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Raymer Street, which is south of Roscoe Boulevard, near the train over-crossing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Valley Traffic Division officer Douglas Larkin at 818-374-8391.  On weekends and off-hours, call the toll free 24-hour hot line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Accidental Discharge; No Injuries

Los Angeles:  An off-duty Los Angeles police officer reported an accidental discharge at his home.

On October 8, 2006, at around 7:40 a.m., Officer Michael Wells, assigned to Pacific Area, was putting away his duty weapon after arriving home from work.  He accidentally discharged a round into the floor of his home.  No one was hurt as a result of the accidental discharge. 

Officer Wells is 27 years old and has been with the Department for 14 months.

Pacific Area detectives are handling the investigation.  Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Police Seek Murder Suspect

Los Angeles:  The LAPD is asking for the public's help in locating a murder suspect.

On September 25, 2006, the victim, Victor Manuel Lopez, 43, a resident of Hollywood, was shot to death inside an apartment unit. Investigators have identified the shooter as Reynaldo Rosario, a.k.a. Woody, a local street gang member. Rosario is a Hispanic, 38 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a shaved head and weighs about 185 pounds. Rosario shot Lopez during an argument.

On October 3, 2006, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed Murder charges and issued an arrest warrant for Rosario. To date, Rosario has not been arrested. Rosario is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Rosario's whereabouts is asked to contact Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 213-972-2910 during normal business hours. On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Gunmen Shootout, Interrupted

Los Angeles: Officers assigned to Southeast Detectives, in an unmarked vehicle drove up on a gunfight.

On Monday, October 10, 2006, at 4:40 p.m., officers were westbound on 108th Street approaching Stanford Avenue.   As they approached Stanford Avenue, two gunmen on foot were firing either at each other or towards unknown victims south of 108th Street.  The officers confronted the gunmen as one of them ran northbound.  The other, later identified as Jerome Stephens, Jr., turned on the officers while holding a handgun, leading to an officer involved shooting. Stephens fell to the ground critically wounded and was taken into custody.  A subsequent extensive search, failed to locate the other gunman.

Stephen was taken to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition.  Stephens will face charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW) on a Police Officer and ADW on John Doe victims.   

The Officers are Detective Todd Burns, 40, 11 years, 7 months with the Department and Police Officer Timo Illig, 30, 3 years, 5 months with the Department, assigned to Southeast Detectives.

Force Investigation Division is investigating both officer-involved shootings.  For further information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Knife Wielding Suspect Assaults Salon Patrons

Los Angeles: An off-duty LAPD officer shot and wounded a man who was wielding a knife at a local hair salon.

On October 10, 2006, at 1:25 p.m., an off-duty officer was getting a haircut at a salon in the 4600 block of Pico Boulevard.  A man in his 50s, armed with a knife, walked in and immediately began to argue with the owner.   Switching the knife from hand to hand, the suspect advanced toward the owner and the officer.  The officer identified himself as such and repeatedly ordered him to drop the knife.  The man failed to comply and came within a few feet still holding the knife. The officer deployed his firearm with the man receiving several gunshot wounds.

The man , identified as Emanuel Lloyd Benjamin, 50, of Los Angeles, was taken to a local hospital where he was listed in serious condition. Detectives' learned that Benjamin was the father of a former employee of the salon.  Benjamin was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. 

The officer is Jared Vann, 28, 2 years, 11 months with the Department, assigned to Southwest Area.

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

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics October 7, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*            2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              370              380               -3%
Rape                                     681              726              -6%
Robbery                            11,034          10,151               9%
Agg Assaults **                  11,086         12,222              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,171        23,479             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,209           16,501            -8%
BTFV                                  22,754           25,318           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,220           23,917           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,682           20,398             -8%
Total Property Crimes      77,865          86,134          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         101,036        109,613            -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

Crime Statistics October 7, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*            2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              370              380               -3%
Rape                                     681              726              -6%
Robbery                            11,034          10,151               9%
Agg Assaults **                  11,086         12,222              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,171        23,479             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,209           16,501            -8%
BTFV                                  22,754           25,318           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,220           23,917           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,682           20,398             -8%
Total Property Crimes      77,865          86,134          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         101,036        109,613            -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                              370              380               -3%
Rape                                     681              726              -6%
Robbery                            11,034          10,151               9%
Agg Assaults **                  11,086         12,222              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,171        23,479             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,209           16,501            -8%
BTFV                                  22,754           25,318           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,220           23,917           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,682           20,398             -8%
Total Property Crimes      77,865          86,134          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         101,036        109,613            -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                              370              380               -3%
Rape                                     681              726              -6%
Robbery                            11,034          10,151               9%
Agg Assaults **                  11,086         12,222              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,171        23,479             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,209           16,501            -8%
BTFV                                  22,754           25,318           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,220           23,917           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,682           20,398             -8%
Total Property Crimes      77,865          86,134          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         101,036        109,613            -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                              370              380               -3%
Rape                                     681              726              -6%
Robbery                            11,034          10,151               9%
Agg Assaults **                  11,086         12,222              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,171        23,479             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,209           16,501            -8%
BTFV                                  22,754           25,318           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,220           23,917           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,682           20,398             -8%
Total Property Crimes      77,865          86,134          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         101,036        109,613            -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                              370              380               -3%
Rape                                     681              726              -6%
Robbery                            11,034          10,151               9%
Agg Assaults **                  11,086         12,222              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,171        23,479             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,209           16,501            -8%
BTFV                                  22,754           25,318           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,220           23,917           -11%
Auto Theft                         18,682           20,398             -8%
Total Property Crimes      77,865          86,134          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         101,036        109,613            -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

Robbers Take Merchandise, Two Arrested

Los Angeles:   Two Hispanic men were arrested Monday after removing merchandise from a liquor store in the Rampart Area of Los Angeles.

On October 8, 2006, at about 8:15 p.m., a group of several Hispanic suspects, one of whom carried a baseball bat, entered the liquor store, located in the 1400 block of West Washington Boulevard.  The suspects left the liquor store with several cases of beer without paying.  Out of fear and intimidation, store employees elected not to stop the suspects.

On the evening of October 9, 2006, Rampart officers developed and initated a survillance plan of the location. During the stake-out, officers saw two Hispanic males enter the store.  A few minutes later these same suspects left carrying several six packs of beer. The officers saw the owner exit the store yelling for help. The officers took one suspect into custody immediately and arrested the other a short time later.

It was later learned through the investigation that both suspects were involved in the robbery on October 8, 2006. The suspects are identified as Joel Sandoval, 21, and a 17 year-old juvenile. Both were arrested for Robbery. Rampart Detectives are reviewing surveillance videotape in an attempt to identify additional suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to Rampart Gang Detectives at 213-207-2117. After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

LAPD Chief William Bratton Announces Promotions

 Los Angeles:  Today Chief William Bratton announced the following  transfers and promotions of the following LAPD Command Staff:

• Commander Mark Perez, currently in charge of Employee Relations Group, will be promoted to Deputy Chief. He will become the Commanding Officer of Professional Standards Bureau which oversees Force Investigation Division, Internal Affairs Group and Special Operations Division. Commander Perez will be replacing Deputy Chief Michael Berkow who has accepted the job of Chief of Police in Savannah, Georgia.

• Commander Terry Hara, who is currently assigned as the Commanding Officer of Training Group, will replace Commander Perez at Employee Relations Group.

• Captain III Sandy Jo MacArthur, who is currently the Commanding Officer of the Consent Decree Bureau's Civil Rights Integrity Division will be promoted to Commander. She will replace Commander Hara at Training Group. As Commander, McArthur will be the first woman in the Department’s history to oversee training.

• Captain I Kevin McClure will be promoted to Captain III and will assume command of the Civil Rights Integrity Division. McClure is currently the Patrol Captain at West LA.

• Lieutenant II Rob Hauck will be promoted to Captain I and will be replacing Captain McClure at West LA. Hauck is currently the Officer-In-Charge of the Advocate Section at Internal Affairs Group.

The transfers and promotions will take effect mid-November.

Biographies and photographs of Perez, MacArthur, Hara, and McClure are available on the Department's web site at www.LAPDonline.org.

Two Attacks on Undercover Officers over Weekend

Los Angeles: Officers conducting undercover operations were assaulted in two separate incidents on Saturday night, October 7, 2006. In each of the assaults, the suspects' actions were unrelated to the officers' undercover operations.

"Armed criminals pose a danger to society out of their willingness to confront persons whom they do not recognize in their neighborhood," said Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "One thing is clear, it is not out of any legitimate effort to protect the neighborhood. Gang members and narcotics dealers often see strangers as a threat to their criminal enterprise. That kind of a response is a threat to everyone."

The first incident occurred in Lincoln Heights, near Broadway and Avenue 19. Two undercover vice officers had just finished a decoy operation regarding liquor sales at a nearby store when they noticed two men standing across the street. Police Officer Werner Flores, 31, and his partner were stopped at a red traffic signal. Flores saw one of the men point a gun at them. Flores fired at the man. Both men ran, but were quickly captured. The man with a gun turned out to be 17 years old. He was booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. No one was injured in this incident.

The second incident occurred about three hours later when members of the Special Investigation Section were conducting a surveillance near Stanford Avenue and 32nd Street. A car, unrelated to the surveillance, parked across the street from the officers' unmarked police car. Two men got out of the suspects' car. One approached the officers directly, said something, then pulled a gun from his waistband and fired at the officers. Detective Jeffrey Nolte, 40, returned fire at the gunman. As Nolte and his partner chased the man, a second suspect fired at them from behind, but neither officer was hit.

The first suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Ronald Parada, was captured after he ran into the yard of a nearby house where a party was going on. Police surrounded the house and brought out about 30 occupants. Detective Nolte was able to identify Parada from among the partygoers. It turned out that Parada was suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. He was treated at a local hospital and booked for Attempt Murder of a Police Officer. Neither officer was injured in this incident. The second gunman was not captured.

Force Investigation Division is investigating both officer-involved shootings.

Officer Flores has been with the LAPD for 10 years.  Detective Nolte has nearly 17 years with LAPD.

Missing 18-Year-Old

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the public's help in locating Adin Rivas, 18, who has been missing since October 3, 2006.

Rivas was last seen on the 5300 block of Hoover Avenue on Tuesday, at 4:30 AM, when he left on his bicycle to go to work. He never made it to work according to his brother, Musi Rivas.

Musi told police that he is worried about Adin's well being, since they lost another brother, Barney Rivas. Barney was a victim of a shooting, on March 31, 2025 on the 1200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Adin is a male, Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 lbs., a thin build. He was last seen wearing a blue backpack, and riding a chrome a BMX GT bicycle.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Adin Rivas, should contact 77th Community Police Station at 213-485-4164. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Suspects in Child's Murder Identified, One Arrested

Los Angeles: Members of the FBI/LAPD Task Force have identified two men they believe are responsible for the murder of 3-year-old Kaitlyn Avila, who was shot and killed on September 24, 2006, in Baldwin Village.  Kaitlyn's father, Cesar Avila, was also wounded in the incident.  One man is in custody, and police are asking the public's help in locating the second man.

Detectives arrested 26-year-old Laron Lee Larrimore on Friday afternoon, October 6, 2006, at a motel in the 4500 block of Slauson Avenue.  Detectives believe Larrimore, an admitted gang member, drove the gray Chrysler Pacifica, described as the getaway car in the Avila shooting.

"We're hoping the proposed $50,000 reward will entice someone to tell us where to find Jonathan Durrel Banks, whom we think was the shooter," said LAPD spokesperson Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "Like his accomplice, he is a gang member, and we consider him armed and dangerous."  The reward offer was sponsored by City Councilman Herb Wesson, and it is pending approval at an upcoming council session.

Police hope that someone knows the whereabouts of Banks, who is 17 years old.  He may be armed with the 9mm handgun used to shoot the two victims.  Banks is Black, over 6 feet tall, and he weighs about 200 pounds.

Witnesses described seeing the shooter walk up to the Avilas' car as Cesar Avila was removing his young daughter from her car seat.  The gunman shot both victims without hesitation.  "Detectives believe Banks is still in the area and someone knows where to find him," Vernon said.  "If he has any sense, he'll turn himself in."

Anyone with information about Banks or this crime should call Southwest Police Station at 213-485-2417.  During non-business hours, please call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  All callers may remain anonymous.

Hit-and-run Driver Kills Two, Injures Two

Los Angeles:  Police arrested a Redondo Beach man on Saturday night, around 10:40 PM, after he killed a man and woman in a traffic collision as he tried to get away from another collision. 

Jose Onesimo Cruz, 37, was detained after he sped through a red light at at Slauson and Hooper Avenues in his red Dodge Durango.  The Durango crashed into a 1991 Nissan 300ZX, which was crossing the intersection. Both cars spun out of control and hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk.

Jimy Guzman, 19, and his 18-year-old girlfriend, Maria Cuellar, were killed instantly by the impact.  Both victims were from Los Angeles.

According to detectives, the fatal collision was set in motion when Cruz tried to get away from the scene of an earlier minor collision with a 1994 Honda at Slauson and Vermont Avenues.  The Honda's driver followed Cruz. 

The driver of the Honda suffered pain to his leg, back and neck in the first collision, while the pedestrian suffered a broken thigh.  Both were taken to the hospital.

Cruz tried to flee from the second collision, but witnesses detained him for police.  Cruz was booked on a charge of Murder.  Detectives' preliminary investigation showed he was driving under the influence of alcohol, for which he has prior convictions in 2001.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Central Traffic Division detectives at 213-972-1825.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man Found Shot to Death

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the murder of 38-year old, Frank Cordova.

On Sunday, October 8, 2006, shortly before 6:00 p.m., officers responded to the 3100 block of Chapman Street in the Glassell Park Community.  Upon the officers arrival they found victim Cordova suffering from multiple gun shot wounds to his upper body.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the location to provide medical aid.  Cordova was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  Police have no suspect leads.  The crime is believed to be gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Northeast Homicide Detectives, Carrillo or Yamada at 213-847-4261. After hours and on weekends, call the 24 hour toll free at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-5293855)

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

16-year-old Boy Fatally Stabbed

Los Angeles: A 16-year-old boy was fatally stabbed to death early this morning in the Rampart Area.

Around 7:15 a.m., police were dispatched to a stabbing call in the 1400 block of West 3rd Street and found Jose Luis Lopez lying on the sidewalk suffering from stab wounds.  Lopez was taken to  University of Southern California Medical Center where he died shortly after.

According to investigators, a man confronted Lopez and began arguing with him.  Afterwards, a fight broke out.  During the fight, the man used a sharp object and stabbed Lopez.  The victim staggered to a nearby business to ask for help.

The motive for the stabbing appears to be gang related and police are asking for the public's assistance in finding a Hispanic man, 16-25 years of age, with a shaved head.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives J. Breuer or M. Arteaga at 213-207-2000.  During off-hours, call the toll free 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Callers may remain anonymous.