LAPD Blog

74-year-old Man Missing

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public's help in locating Milton Tyler.  He left his home in the 8000 block of Wisner Avenue in Panorama City on November 21, 2006, around 8:30 P.M., and did not return.

Mr. Tyler is suffering from dementia, brought on by Alzheimer's, and is often disoriented. He is black, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, and weighs 180 pounds.  He has grey hair and false teeth.  He was wearing an orange shirt, black trousers, brown jacket and black shoes.  He also has a medical alert tag around his neck.

Tyler has wondered off from his home on prior occasions, and has always been found in the Pacoima area.       

Anyone who sees Mr. Tyler is asked to call the Van Nuys Area Watch Commander at 818-374-9500.

Robbery Duo Caught on Video

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives have released video footage of a robbery that occurred last July at a San Pedro Del Taco.  Detectives are hoping someone will recognize one or both of the suspects.

On Wednesday, July 19, 2006, around 11:15 P.M., two men entered the Del Taco at 18604 South Western Avenue in Gardena, posing as customers. The two ordered food then sat in the dining area for nearly an hour.

"It's hard to say whether this was a planned crime or an impulsive act," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.

When the restaurant was clear of customers the duo made their move. One suspect  jumped over the counter and opened the door for the second suspect.  One suspect held an employee at gunpoint, while his partner took money from the cash register and other employees.

Both robbers were black and less than 6 feet tall. They were between 18 and 21 years old. The suspects left in a dark-colored, foreign car.

Surveillance video is available at Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

Anyone with information or recognizing 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).

Korean Market Robbery, Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives have released video of an armed robbery that took place on the afternoon of November 11, 2006, at the Kings Market, 1266 South Lake Street.

"The suspect looks right into the camera," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "Anyone who knows him will certainly recognize him from the footage.  We'd like any help from the public that we can get."

The video shows a Hispanic man in his thirties who walks into the store posing as a customer.  He pulls a gun from his waistband as he approaches the register. 

The robber took money from the till as well as the cashier’s personal property.  The robber had a thin mustache and a fade-style haircut.

Anyone with information is asked to call Robbery Detective Chris Linscomb at 213-207-2088.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Click here to view video.

Early Morning Shooting Claims Life

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

On November 21, 2024 at about 5:40 A.M., Marcellus Dangello Mizell, 35, was standing at the corner of 57th Street and Western Avenue, when an unknown type of car drove by and fired multiple rounds at him.  Mizell was shot several times. 

Mizell was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.  A few days later he died from his injuries.  The motive for this crime is possibly gang or narcotics related.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives, Shannon Geaney or Frank Alvelais at 213-485-1383.  On the weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll-free, 24 hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics November 18, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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                                423              442              -4%
Rape                                       792              855              -7%
Robbery                              12,559         11,816               6%
Agg Assaults **                    12,695         13,885              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          26,469        26,998             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,491           19,110            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,491           23,629            -9%
BTFV                                   25,993           29,112           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           24,487           27,226           -10%
Total Property Crimes        89,462         99,077           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           115,931       126,075            -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

LAPD Completes Review of Venice Beach Use of Force

 Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department, First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell today announced that the Department has completed its review of a complaint investigation involving a non-categorical use of force arrest that occurred on February 8, 2005, at Venice Beach.

Thirty year-old Benjamin Barker was arrested after store owners on Ocean Front Walk called 9-1-1 and reported that Barker had attacked a store owner and was spitting on patrons and challenging them to fight. After handcuffing Barker, officers tried to put him in the back of a police car.  At one point Barker spit on an officer who then used Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray on Barker.

A person who witnessed the arrest captured it on videotape.  The tape was given to the Consent Decree Independent Monitor.  On August 17, 2005, a copy was sent to Chief William Bratton for his review and to initiate an administrative complaint investigation.  Today Chief McDonnell announced the Department has completed its investigation.

The Department is unable to disclose further information concerning the investigation due to State laws restricting the release of information related to confidential personnel investigations.

Chief Bratton has completed a separate review of Department policies and guidelines as it relates to the use of OC spray and has concluded no changes need to be made.  "OC spray is a highly effective non-lethal tool that is necessary for officers to use when trying to de-escalate a confrontation with an uncooperative and or combative suspect," said Chief Bratton.

Questions can be referred to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Dispute Leads to Fatal Stabbing

Los Angeles: The police department is seeking the public's help in identifying the person, or persons, responsible for the stabbing death of 36-year-old, Wayne Allen Moyer of Canyon Country.

On Sunday, November 19, 2006, at about 9:50 P.M., Moyer argued with a group of Armenian men in the parking lot of a Toys-R-Us store at 16040 Sherman Way in Van Nuys.  The dispute escalated into a fight during which Moyer was stabbed in the chest. 

Moyer's companion drove him toward the hospital, but only made it to the 7200 block of Lindley Avenue in Reseda.  Responding officers found the victim lying in the bed of a pickup truck. 

The suspects were 20 to 25 years old.  They drove away in a white SUV and a black Honda Civic or Accord.

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys homicide detectives at 818-374-0040.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  Callers may remain anonymous.

Driver Arrested After Colliding with Motorcycle

Los Angeles:   Police arrested a Gardena man on Sunday morning after he killed a woman in a traffic collision. 

On November 19, 2006, at around 2:45 A.M., Michael Williams, 46, was driving a 2006 black Dodge Ram pick-up truck when he collided with the rear of a Motorcycle, stopped for a red light at El Segundo Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.  The driver of the motorcycle and the woman passenger, who was identified as Ramona Ortiz-Howell, were thrown off the motorcycle and onto the street. The driver of the motorcycle ran from the scene. 

Ms. Ortiz-Howell was taken to a local hospital where she later died. According to investigators, Williams was driving under the influence of alcohol.  He was detained at the scene and arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter. 

Detectives are looking for the driver of the motorcycle for questioning.  He is described as a Hispanic or Caucasian male, with a beard, 25 to 30 years old, and last seen wearing a black or blue hat. He may be known by the nickname “Lefty”.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact South Traffic Detective Donna Wheeler at 323-290-6063.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Prisoner Found Hanged in Jail Cell

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police are investigating the death of Kirk Horn, 40, who was found hanged in a holding cell at the Los Angeles City Valley Jail Facility in Van Nuys on November 17, 2006.

Horn had been arrested for a domestic-violence-related battery at 1 A.M., by officers assigned to the West Valley Police Station.  Though Horn appeared agitated during his arrest, no force was necessary to detain him.

Jailers placed Horn in a holding cell and conducted routine inspections every 30 minutes, as they do for all arrestees.  During the inspection at 4:25 A.M., jailers found Horn hanging by his T-shirt from the bunk bed.  They performed emergency medical treatment and transported him to Valley Presbyterian Hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead.

Force Investigation Division is investigating the incident.

Police Alert Sylmar Residents

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives have distributed a composite of a man who has grabbed women's buttocks and breasts in four incidents since October 11, 2006.  All four of the incidents have occurred in the Sylmar area, centered near Hubbard Street and Fenton Avenue.

NOTE.  Prior media reports attributing these incidents to Mission College are erroneous.  None of the incidents occurred on the campus, and none of the victims have been college students.

"By putting this information out, we hope the local population will be more aware," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "Thankfully no one has been physically injured, but this man's actions are a serious crime.  We want to identify him before his actions might escalate."

The last incident occurred November 10, 2006.  Each time the suspect has targeted teen-aged girls between 15 and 19 years old who were walking alone.

Victims helped a sketch artist render a likeness of a Hispanic man, between 25 and 35 years old.  He is between 5-feet-7 inches and 5-feet-10-inches tall.  His hair is short and cut in a fade on the sides.  He may be driving a gray Hyundai.

Detectives provided the following safety tips:

• Walk with a partner
• Know your surroundings
• If accosted, make noise and attract attention to your situation
• When walking to your car, have keys in hand
• Car keys and pepper spray are two good defensive strategies
   

Anyone with information is asked to call Mission Area detectives at 818-838-9810.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Dispute Leads to Stabbing, Death of One

Los Angeles: The police department is seeking the public's help in identifying the person or persons responsible for the stabbing death of 21-year-old, Ronnel Alexander Villanueva, and injury to his friend.

Friday evening, November 17, 2006, around 7:00 P.M., Villanueva and a friend were crossing Slauson Avenue at Figueroa Street.  Ronnell and his friend passed a male and female.  Villanueva and his friend made a comment to the female at which time the male suspect became enraged and stabbed Villanueva and his friend numerous times.

Los Angeles paramedic responded and pronounced Villanueva dead at the scene.  The friend was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

The suspect and weapon remain outstanding.  The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 23 to 26-years-old, 5'6" in height and weight of about 230 pounds.  The unidentified female is described as Hispanic, 17 to 21-years-old, 5'8" tall and a thin build.

Anyone with information is asked to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives Paula Chavez or Will Beall 213-485-1383.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  Callers may remain anonymous.

LAPD Motorcycle Officer Victim of Hit and Run by LAX Shuttle Driver

Los Angeles:  A Los Angeles Police Motorcycle Officer was injured in a collision near Los Angeles Airport (LAX).

On Friday, November 17, 2006, at about 7:00 P.M., a felony hit and run traffic accident occurred on Imperial Highway and Imperial Terminal. Anthony Raymond Jones, 37, a resident of Los Angeles, was driving an LAX shuttle. Jones was travelling on Imperial Highway and made a left turn in front of Motorcycle Officer Andrew Vergara of Central Traffic Division. Officer Vergara attempted to avoid hitting the shuttle, crashed and fell onto the road.

Jones failed to stop, render aid and identify himself, as required by law. He was later arrested and booked for Felony Hit and Run.  He is being held on $50,000 bail.  Officer Vergara was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

West Traffic Division Detectives are handling the investigation and can be reached at  213-473-0234.

LAPD Requests Public's Help In Locating 70-Year-Old Alzheimer's Patient

 

UPDATE:  At 6:00 P.M. Ms. Sarhavi was located unharmed and was reunited with her family.

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

Agnes Sarhavi, 70, is believed to have walked away from the 18500 block of Burbank Boulevard in Tarzana. She was last seen around 11:30 P.M. Mrs. Sarhavi is white, 5' tall, thin build, and has brown hair. She is believed to be wearing a red jacket over a blue top, black pants and white slippers.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call Sergeant Cindy Danzek, West Valley Station, at 818-374-7670.

15-Year-Old Killed in Drive-by Shooting

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detectives are investigating a drive-by shooting, which claimed the life of a 15-year-old.

On November 16, 2006, at about 9:15 P.M., witnesses flagged down patrol officers to report a shooting victim down in front of 7230 Lankershim Boulevard.  The officers went to the location and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Despite medical treatment by paramedics, the victim died at the scene.

Detectives’ investigation revealed that the victim was walking northbound on Lankershim Boulevard when a car, which was also northbound, drove by.  The occupants fired numerous shots at the victim.  The victim fell to the sidewalk as the car drove off. 

The victim has been identified as Francisco Garinca, 15, of North Hollywood.

Witnesses described the gunmen as 3-4 Hispanics in a green or silver small foreign vehicle.  The motive for the killing appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information is requested to contact North Hollywood Detectives at 818-623-4045.
During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  Callers may remain anonymous.

Man Dies After Narcotics Arrest

Los Angeles:  A man has died after apparently ingesting narcotics contraband during a traffic stop in Baldwin Village.

On Thursday, November 18, 2006, around 11:40 P.M., patrol officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of lower Baldwin Village, in Southwest Los Angeles.  As police attempted to make contact with the driver, they saw him place in his mouth, what appeared to be, a plastic bag filled with a white substance.  Believing the man to be in possession of contraband, officers detained him, but the man refused to spit out the baggie.

Suspecting the white substance to be narcotics, officers transported the man to Southwest Police Station.  On arrival, the man slumped over as police removed him from the patrol car.  The officers and their supervisor continued in attempts to persuade the man to remove the substance from his mouth.  The suspect refused and began to chew the substance.

After a brief period, the man went into medical distress.  Officers requested paramedics, who rushed the man to California Hospital where he later died.

"These situations are not uncommon, when narcotic suspects swallow their drugs when confronted by police," said LAPD spokesperson Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "What they don't realize is how life-threatening this can be.  It appears this case is one of those situations.  We will have to wait for the results of the toxicology report for confirmation."  Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Kidnap of Woman and Child

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detectives are investigating a kidnapping of a woman and her infant child.

On Tuesday, November 14, 2006, at about 4:20 P.M., witnesses called 9-1-1 and described seeing a man with a shaved head, pushing a woman and her child into a car at gunpoint.  The kidnap occurred at Normandie Avenue and Beverly Boulevard.

“There’s a good chance the suspect knows the woman, but that does not make this any less serious,” said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  “We’re quite concerned for the woman and child’s welfare.”

Witnesses described the man as Hispanic, approximately 20 years old.  He was wearing a baggy white T-shirt and blue jeans.  The suspect drove off in an older model black Honda Civic.  It had primer marks on the front hood and quarter panels.  The car had a loud exhaust system.  The woman was described as Hispanic, 17 to 20 years old with long black hair.  Her child was 1 to 2 years of age.  Witnesses at the scene were unable to get the license plate of the Honda.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hollywood Detective V. Bynum at 213-972-2910 or 213-972-2902.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  Callers may remain anonymous.