LAPD Blog

Police Seek Man Photographing Little Girls

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police have released a composite sketch of a man suspected in at least 5 incidents of photographing little girls.  In each of the cases, the man has led his victims away from elementary schools in South Los Angeles.

"We think the man has a tie to the neighborhood," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "The composite is quite descriptive, and we think anyone that might know this man will recognize him.  We want to arrest him before he can physically harm any children."

The most recent incident occurred this morning when a father dropped off his 6-year-old daughter at the 49th Street Elementary School around 7 AM.  Witnesses saw a bald Hispanic man take the girl by the hand and walk her away from the school.  The two ended up in the backyard
of 883 East 49th Street, where the man took pictures of the little girl, giving her directions to re-arrange her clothing.

When the man lay on the little girl, fully clothed, two women confronted him.  They chased the man for a block before they lost sight of him. As a precaution, the girl, appearing physically unharmed, was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect left behind a jacket, so police brought in a K-9 scent dog to pick up the suspect's trail.  Detectives are continuing to investigate.

Today's incident represents the fifth similar incident by the same suspect since April 2006.  He may be responsible for a sixth incident related to a school east of the city border in the county jurisdiction.  In each case, he contacts a girl between the ages of 6 and 9, then walks her away from the school to an alley or secluded yard to take pictures of her.

The suspect is Hispanic in his thirties or forties, with a short, stubby physical build.  He is balding, with salt-and-pepper hair.  He was described with a mustache in today's incident.  The five incidents in the City of Los Angeles are:

•April 28, 2006, 7:35 AM – Main Street Elementary School – nearby alley
•May 9, 2006, 7:10 AM – Main Street Elementary School – adjoining street
•August 8, 2006, 7:45 AM – 49th Street Elementary School – nearby house
•August 8, 2006, 8:00 AM – Wadsworth Elementary School – entered school grounds

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Street Detectives at 323-846-6576.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Suspect in Custody, Police Seek Victim

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police believe a woman was sexually assaulted in the women's restroom of a local café and art gallery last Sunday, October 15, 2006.  While the suspect, 19-year-old Kenneth Williams, remains in custody, detectives need to find their victim.

"Until we find the victim, we have her listed as a Jane Doe," said Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "We think the victim was taken by a friend to a local hospital.  We're hoping either the friend, or the victim herself, will come forward."

Witnesses saw the suspect follow the victim into a restroom around 2 AM after the two had danced.  It's believed Williams tried to rape the woman, but he ran from the restroom when the woman resisted.  Security officers held him for police.  The victim was gone when police arrived.

Witnesses described the victim as a Black woman in her mid-twenties. She was about 5 feet 7 inches tall with braided hair.  She was wearing blue jeans, a brown shirt, and black boots at the time of the crime.

"It's a little unusual to hold a person for attempted rape without a victim," Vernon said.  "But we have a very serious crime here, and a judge has agreed with our assessment." 

Williams' bail was set at $100,000.

The assault occurred at the Good Hood Café and Urban Art Gallery, located at 4019 West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Detectives have not released the suspect's photograph out of concern for compromising the victim's identification of the suspect in the event she is located.

Anyone with information about the victim is asked to call Wilshire Detective Roger Klohr at 213-473-0447.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Reactions Extreme at Ripatti Home Unveiling

At dusk on Oct. 18, an electric current of emotion jolted the crowd as Officer Kristina Ripatti and her family rounded the corner toward their newly built craftsman-style home.

Escorted by a motorcade of Redondo Beach police officers, the 33-year-old Southwest Area officer arrived in a stretch limousine with a surfboard fastened atop. In the background, LAPD Bomb Squad shielded the home with a heavy-duty vehicle, similar to a fire engine.

As Officer Ripatti emerged, cheers erupted from some 1,000 supporters—including hundreds of officers from various agencies—lining the street, neighboring yards and rooftops. Southwest Area Officer Joe Meyer, Officer Ripatti’s partner, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Ty Pennington welcomed the family and—in unison with the crowd—shouted, "Move that bus!"

Upon first sight, Officer Ripatti wept and her husband—LAPD Officer Tim Pearce—gasped with awe. Jean Pearce, Officer Ripatti’s mother-in-law, stood next to the couple crying, as she held her 20-month-old granddaughter, Jordan. Pennington then escorted the family into their new, wheelchair-accessible home.

The home’s interior transformation will air Nov. 26 on ABC (check your local listings). Extreme Makeover sent the couple and their daughter to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico while their home underwent construction. Laboring around-the-clock, hundreds of volunteers completed nine months of work in seven days.

Teenage Girls in Crosswalk Hit by Car

Los Angeles: A man driving a blue Honda Civic struck two Fremont High School students Wednesday morning just before 9:00 a.m. in the Green Meadow area of South Los Angeles.

The students, on their way to school, were crossing the street at the intersection of 78th Street and San Pedro Street. A man driving south on Avalon Boulevard did not stop at the crosswalk striking both girls, Detective Dana Wheeler said. One of the girls fell to the ground, the other was thrown onto the windshield. Following the collision the driver slowed just enough to allow the girl thrown onto the windshield to fall off the hood of the car, then fled the scene.

Both victims were taken to local hospitals. One girl is listed in stable condition. The other girl's condition remains critical due to head trauma and internal injuries, but is expected to recover from her injuries.

Moments after the collision, witnesses saw the man driving erratically near Avalon Boulevard and 83rd Street. The man was seen parking his car in a nearby alley, then got out and ran away.

Detectives made a series of inquiries and learned where the suspect lived. The suspect wasn't at home when police arrived, but they were able to positively identify him.

Detectives are in the process of obtaining an arrest warrant for the driver.

Anyone with information regarding this is incident is asked to call South Traffic Detective Wheeler or Ramirez at 323-290-6063. After hours, please call the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

LAPD Requests Public's Help In Locating 82-Year-Old Alzheimer's Patient

Los Angeles: Officers from Van Nuys Area Station are requesting the public's help in finding an elderly Alzheimer's patient who wandered away from her residence in the San Fernando Valley last night.

Katherine Gooley, 82, is believed to have walked away from her home in the 8000 block of Matilija Avenue in Panorama City.  She was reportedly seen around 9:00 p.m. in the area of Woodman Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard.  Mrs. Gooley is White, 5'5" tall, thin build, and has brown hair.  She was possibly wearing a nightgown.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Van Nuys Watch Commander at 818-374-1963.

UPDATE :  At 11:55 a.m., Ms. Gooley was located unharmed and was reunited with her family.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Update

Working day and night for the last week, the pace of construction hastened today, as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition volunteers rushed to complete Officer Kristina Ripatti’s new home.

The newly erected, wheelchair-accessible structure will be unveiled tomorrow, Oct. 18, when Officer Ripatti returns home, with husband, LAPD Officer Tim Pearce, and their daughter, Jordan, from a weeklong vacation in Cabo San Lucas.

South Bay Community members rallied around the construction crew—fetching cold beverages and offering words of encouragement—as the deadline neared. Hundreds of volunteers, including Officer Ripatti’s partner, Southwest Area Officer Joe Meyer, teemed the property racing to surprise the 33-year-old officer.

Four months ago, an armed robber gunned down Officer Ripatti. Her partner returned fire and killed the assailant on the scene. The "Ripatti Family" episode is tentatively scheduled to air Sunday, Nov. 26.

Photographs of the building effort are available on our Flcker feature. 

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics October 14, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                              377               391              -4%
Rape                                     692              750               -8%
Robbery                            11,245          10,385               8%
Agg Assaults **                  11,352         12,510              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,666        24,036             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,578           16,910            -8%
BTFV                                  23,223           25,946           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,727           24,457           -11%
Auto Theft                         19,110           20,880             -8%
Total Property Crimes      79,638          88,193          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         103,304        112,229            -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                              377               391              -4%
Rape                                     692              750               -8%
Robbery                            11,245          10,385               8%
Agg Assaults **                  11,352         12,510              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,666        24,036             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,578           16,910            -8%
BTFV                                  23,223           25,946           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,727           24,457           -11%
Auto Theft                         19,110           20,880             -8%
Total Property Crimes      79,638          88,193          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         103,304        112,229            -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                              377               391              -4%
Rape                                     692              750               -8%
Robbery                            11,245          10,385               8%
Agg Assaults **                  11,352         12,510              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,666        24,036             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,578           16,910            -8%
BTFV                                  23,223           25,946           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,727           24,457           -11%
Auto Theft                         19,110           20,880             -8%
Total Property Crimes      79,638          88,193          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         103,304        112,229            -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                              377               391              -4%
Rape                                     692              750               -8%
Robbery                            11,245          10,385               8%
Agg Assaults **                  11,352         12,510              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,666        24,036             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,578           16,910            -8%
BTFV                                  23,223           25,946           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,727           24,457           -11%
Auto Theft                         19,110           20,880             -8%
Total Property Crimes      79,638          88,193          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         103,304        112,229            -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                              377               391              -4%
Rape                                     692              750               -8%
Robbery                            11,245          10,385               8%
Agg Assaults **                  11,352         12,510              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,666        24,036             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,578           16,910            -8%
BTFV                                  23,223           25,946           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,727           24,457           -11%
Auto Theft                         19,110           20,880             -8%
Total Property Crimes      79,638          88,193          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         103,304        112,229            -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                              377               391              -4%
Rape                                     692              750               -8%
Robbery                            11,245          10,385               8%
Agg Assaults **                  11,352         12,510              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,666        24,036             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,578           16,910            -8%
BTFV                                  23,223           25,946           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,727           24,457           -11%
Auto Theft                         19,110           20,880             -8%
Total Property Crimes      79,638          88,193          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         103,304        112,229            -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                              377               391              -4%
Rape                                     692              750               -8%
Robbery                            11,245          10,385               8%
Agg Assaults **                  11,352         12,510              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        23,666        24,036             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             15,578           16,910            -8%
BTFV                                  23,223           25,946           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          21,727           24,457           -11%
Auto Theft                         19,110           20,880             -8%
Total Property Crimes      79,638          88,193          -10%
Total Part I Crimes         103,304        112,229            -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

Gunmen Target Undercover Officers

Los Angeles: For the third time in two weekends, a pair of undercover officers were shot at by assailants.  The most recent incident happened early Sunday morning.  The two prior incidents occurred the weekend before on October 6, 2006.

"We don't think this incident is connected with any of the prior assaults on undercover officers," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "But what it does speak to is the propensity for armed assailants to confront persons on the street.  By good fortune, the bad guys are in custody and the officers were not hurt."

This weekend's shooting took place on October 15, 2006, near 12th Street and Alvarado Street, around 3:45 AM.  Two patrol officers were in plain clothes and driving a plain car, working a crime suppression detail.  As they drove pass a group of four men, one of the men made a comment, then pulled a gun and fired at the officers. 

Officers Thomas Loera, 34, and Joesph Getherall, 27, fired at their assailant from their car.  The four suspects scattered in several directions, and additional officers contained them in a perimeter.

After several hours of searching with K-9 officers and SWAT members, officers arrested Cruz Ajanel, 25, and Alejandro Mendoza, 24.  Both were booked for attempted murder of a police officer.  Officers were unable to locate the suspects' weapons.

Force Investigation Division will complete the investigation of this incident.

Parolee Arrested after Attempted Car Jacking

Los Angeles: Two Los Angeles police officers arrested Carlos Pantoja, 30, after they saw him trying to steal a small truck from a person near Central Avenue and 53rd Street.

The incident occurred Friday evening, around 9:00 pm when Newton Police Station officers Timothy Galli and his partner were patrolling the area.  As the police car turned the corner, the truck drove away from Pantoja.  Pantoja, who was on a bicycle, rode from the scene with the officers following in their police car.

During the following the officers witnessed Pantoja reach for his waistband several times as he rode away.  His actions led the officers to form the opinon that Pantoja was armed. Nearing mid block 1100 East 52nd Street, Pantoja tried to draw the gun from his waistband. Officer Galli used the police vehicle to pin Patoja against a fence.

Pantoja worked himself free and ran from the officers.  The officers followed and apprehended Pantoja.  Recovered at the scene was a nail gun, believed to have been the weapon Pantoja used in the attempt robbery.

The truck owner, possible robbery victim, could not be located.  Pantoja was booked on charges of resisting arrest and violation of his robbery parole status.  Pantoja was not seriously injured, but was treated for a cut lip, abrasions, and complained-of pain. 

Officer Galli, 48 years old, is a 17 year veteran of the Department.  Force Investigation Division is handling the Use of Force investigation.

7-Year-Old Girl and 3 Siblings Abducted by Parents

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Children and Family Services are asking for the public's help in locating a 7-year-old girl who has been abducted by her parents along with her 3 siblings.

On September 22, 2006, Dana Pineda, 7, was picked up from her foster care residence by her mother and stepfather during an unsupervised visit.  Dana was to be returned on September 24, 2006, but the parents failed to return her to the foster care residence.  Upon receiving the report of the abduction, Foothill Area detectives checked the parents' residence in Sylmar.  The parents had vacated the home and abandoned their car at the location.  The detectives' investigation indicates that the parents have possibly fled to Texas or to Mexico.   

In the past Dana has sustained serious injuries that are suspected to be at the hands of her parents.  They are currently facing misdemeanor charges of Child Abuse.  Initially Dana and her 3 other siblings had been taken away from the parents.  Since then all but Dana were awarded back to them.  Dana and her siblings, Karla, 10, Manuel, 4, and Briza, 2, are considered to be in danger.

The mother is 26-year-old Lizabeth Hernandez.  She has brown eyes, brown hair, 5' 1", and weighs 200 pounds.  The stepfather is 30-year-old Victor Pena.  He has brown hair, brown eyes, 5' 5", and weighs 220 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Foothill Juvenile Detectives at 818-834-3124 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).

Gang Shooting Leaves One Dead and One Injured

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding any witnesses who may have seen the shooting of two men in Cypress Park on Sunday morning.

On October 14, 2006, at about 1:15 AM, Christopher Fragoso, 22, and Jose Velez, 19, were sitting with some friends outside of Velez's residence in the 2800 block of Macon Street.  Two unidentified men approached the group and asked them where they were from. The group responded that they were not gang members.  At that time, one of the men pointed a high powered rifle at the group and began shooting. Fragoso and Velez where both shot once.  After shooting, the two unidentified men ran from the location. 

Both shooting victims were transported to a local hospital.  Fragoso died a short time later.  Velez was treated and later release.  The motive for this murder appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northeast Homicide Detectives at 213-847-9998.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

79-Year-Old Woman Raped in Her Own Home

Los Angeles: A man whom the victim had previously hired to do work for her, returned to her residence on Saturday to rape and rob her.

On October 14, 2006, at about 3:00 AM., the victim heard a noise to the rear of her residence. When she went to investigate the source of the noise she discovered the suspect standing there.  The suspect threatened the victim with a pair of scissors, then bound and assaulted her.  After the assault the suspect left with some of the victim's personal belongings.

The suspect has been identified as Johnny Aguilar Irias a male Hispanic, 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, black eyes, short brown hair with a ponytail, between 23 to 27 years of age, from Arleta.

Anyone with information is asked to call Foothill Area Detective Garrett at 818-834-3124. On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Rape at an Art Gallery

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying a rape victim.

On October 15, 2006, at about 2:00 a.m., the victim was attending an art gallery event at 4019 Pico Blvd in Los Angeles. 

The unidentified victim was dancing with a Black male suspect, who followed her to the restroom.  While in the restroom, the suspect raped her and ran from the location.   He was chased by security guards, who took him into custody; however, when the police arrived, the victim was gone.

It is believed that a friend transported the victim to a local hospital.  The victim and her friend have not been identified, and they should contact authorities.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilshire Area Detective Luis Corona at at 213-922-8266. On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Ex-boyfriend Identified as Suspect in Triple Murder

UPDATE:  October 16, 2024 – Detectives revised the want on Tai Zhi Cui's Toyota Sienna. Detectives are looking for a dark gray 2006 Toyota Sienna, model CE.  The minivan has paper plates with red writing, which reads "Southbay Motors."

Los Angeles: Detectives assigned to Robbery Homicide Division believe they have identified the person responsible for the triple homicide discovered in Korea Town Saturday morning.  Tai Zhi Cui, 55, is the ex-boyfriend of the woman found shot to death, along with two other men, at the Cinyuya Restaurant.

All three victims were discovered by the restaurant owner around 11:15 AM Saturday morning.  Hae Chang Cho went to the restaurant looking for her husband, Jae Woong Cho, 46, after she became concerned when he did not come home overnight.  She found her dead husband, along with another Korean man, and a 45-year-old waitress at the restaurant.

Robbery Homicide detectives worked throughout the day and night sifting through clues.  They were able to eliminate robbery as a motive for the murders.  By Sunday morning, their investigation pointed toward Tai Zhi Cui as a possible suspect.  He has not been seen since the estimated time of the murders, and his current whereabouts is unknown.

"Detectives would like to speak to Tai Zhi Cui," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "We recommend he contact local police, where ever he might be, and make himself available to answer questions."  Tai Zhi Cui is nearly 6 feet tall and weighs 190 pounds.  His black hair is cut in a flat-top style. 

The names of the second man and the woman found dead in the restaurant have been withheld pending notification of their families.

Anyone having contact with Cui should consider him armed and dangerous.  Detectives are encouraging anyone with information about Cui to call Robbery Homicide Division at 213-485-2129, or during non-business hours, call the toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

A DMV photograph of Tai Zhi Cui is available from Media Relations Section.