LAPD Blog

Police Seek Gang Member in Shooting of 9 Year Old

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives and the mother of 9-year-old Charupha Wongwisetsiri are asking the public's help in locating gang members involved in a shooting last night, December 20, that left Charupha clinging to life in a local hospital.

Around 8:25 PM, a group of men in their teens and early twenties drove up to the front of 831 East Kensington Road, in the Angeleno Heights area of Los Angeles. One Hispanic man, armed with a gun, got out and confronted another group of rival gang members. One or more of the rivals fired at the armed assailant.

While none of the involved gang members were apparently injured, one bullet tore through the house across the street, and struck Charupha in the head as she stood next to her mother in their kitchen at 830 East Kensington Road.

Charupha's mother, Kamaonphorn Maxwell, scooped up her daughter and rushed her to Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

Ms. Maxwell, a native of Thailand, remained at the hospital with her daughter, but she conveyed through her brother that she hoped the involved suspects would step forward and turn themselves in.

Rampart homicide detectives have worked around the clock since the shooting and identified a person of interest, Cesar Zamora, 24. "We have a strong belief Zamora was present at the shooting, and we'd like to speak to him," said Rampart Detective Rick Ramos. "We are pursuing other leads and hope to identify more of the assailants."

Detectives have already questioned and released one man, whom they believe may have been present at the confrontation.

Cesar Zamora is 5' 4" tall and was born on March 24, 1982.  Detectives served a search warrant at Zamora's home this morning.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Rampart Homicide Detectives at 213-207-2060. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

  

Son Arrested for Killing His Mother

  Los Angeles:  A man in his 20s stabbed and killed his own mother during a Wednesday afternoon argument at a residence in Boyle Heights.

On December 20, 2006, at about 2 PM, the mother, Transito Coreas, 43, was at home in the
2700 block of New Jersey Street, when she became involved in an argument with her son,
Daniel Hidalgo, 24.  At one point, Hidalgo became enraged and attacked his mother with a large kitchen knife, stabbing her multiple times in the chest and stomach.  Other family members wrestled the son away and held him for police.

Transito was rushed to a local hospital, but died from her injuries a short time later.  Responding officers took the son and murder weapon into custody without further incident.

Hidalgo was booked for murder and bail was set at $1 million.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Hollenbeck Detective Smith or Marin at 323-526-3009.  On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Traffic Dispute Leads to Shooting

Los Angeles: An off-duty Los Angeles police detective was shot at on December 18, 2006, following a traffic dispute in Arleta.  The detective returned fire, and the assailant was eventually captured.

The incident began around 4:30 PM when Detective Daniel Schmidt, 34, was driving his personal car near Arleta Avenue and Devonshire Street. Schmidt and the driver of a maroon Chevrolet Suburban argued after the driver of the SUV ran a red light, nearly hitting Schmidt's car. 

Occupants of the Suburban began throwing cans and bottles at Schmidt's car.  Schmidt called the Foothill Police Station as he followed the SUV. 

Before uniformed police could arrive, the Suburban stopped mid-block near Pinney Street and Canterbury Avenue.  As many as four or five men ran from the SUV.  One man, John Robert, 30, fired one round at Detective Schmidt as he sat in his car.  Detective Schmidt returned fire, but no one was injured in the exchange.

Police cordoned off the area and eventually captured Mr. Robert and two other passengers.  The passengers were later released, but Robert was booked on a charge of Attempted Murder. Early in the morning, Detectives located a .44 caliber Smith and Wesson in a flower nursery where several of the men hid from police.

The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is investigating the incident. Detective Schmidt is assigned to the Foothill Police Station, and he has been with LAPD for over 10 years.

Car Thief Crashes and Flees

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding a Hit and Run suspect who was driving a stolen car, crashed and killed a woman.

On December 19, 2006, at approximately 8:10 P.M., Cindy Ziegler, 34, was travelling with her mother and a friend northbound Normandie Avenue. She made a left turn at Adams Boulevard when a blue Ford Explorer crashed into the right rear area of her car. 

Cindy's mother, Cynthia Zeigler, 52, was taken to a local hospital were she died a short time later.  The other passenger was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. 

Detectives' investigation revealed that Cindy Ziegler was driving under the influence of alcohol.  She was arrested and booked for 192(c)(3) PC-Vehicular Manslaughter. 

The Ford was abandoned at the scene. The driver of the Ford was described as a 25-year-old, male Black about 6'1". 

The owner of the Ford had reported his car stolen the day before the crash and he believes that a person of interest, King Solomon, took the keys to his car without permission. Mr Solomon is wanted for questioning regarding the Felony Hit and Run and the stolen car.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact South Traffic Detective, Rodney Jones 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).

Give Wisely This Holiday Season and Don't be Fooled by a Fraudulent Charity

Los Angeles – It is estimated that millions of dollars are given annually to fraudulent and unscrupulous charitable solicitors.  During the holidays, solicitations are amplified, preying on the generous nature of people during this time of year.  Of course, most solicitations are from legitimate charities that provide needed and valuable services in the City of Los Angeles.  But, how does a donor know if the organization is reputable?  Learn the Give Wisely Tips, and if in doubt, call the Los Angeles Police Commission's Charitable Services Section.

Give Wisely Tips

1) Know your charity and check it out. 

• Call the Los Angeles Police Commission's Charitable Services Section at 213-978-1144
• Look at the State of California Attorney General's Web site at caag.state.ca.us.

2) Ask questions. 

• Ask the solicitor for their Los Angeles Police Commission Information Card.
• Ask exactly what the money will be used for and what percentage of the donation actually goes to that cause. 
• If you are being solicited over the phone by a law enforcement-related organization, ask specifically which law enforcement agency will benefit from your donation.  Actual law enforcement agencies never solicit over the phone.

3) Know your rights.

•If you agree to have someone come to your home to collect a donation, be aware that the person cannot come to your home before 48 hours has passed.  This time is provided to allow time for you to find out more about the charity and change your mind if you wish.

Often, charities will contract with a fundraising company that is in business for profit.  Solicitations made over the phone are usually conducted by a for-profit fundraising company.  In these cases, the for-profit fundraising company receives the majority of the donation, sometimes as much as 95%. 

The Los Angeles Police Commission's Charitable Services Section regulates charitable solicitation activities such as appeals for donations and charitable events in the City of Los Angeles, in accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 44.00.  This regulatory program consists of receiving and investigating "Notice of Intentions to Solicit Charitable Contributions" to assure compliance with the City's Charitable Solicitation Ordinance. After a successful investigation, an "Information Card," is issued to the charity.  This card provides important facts to be considered by a prospective donor in determining the desirability of making a contribution.  Copies of "Information Cards" must be made available to all potential donors. Upon completion of the solicitation campaign the charitable organization is required to submit a Report of Results of Activity to be reviewed by Charitable Services Section for financial accountability to the public.

South Los Angeles Fatal Hit and Run

Los Angeles:   The police department is seeking the public's help in identifying the driver of a car who fatally struck a man on Tuesday. 

On December 19, 2006, at approximately 5:45 p.m., 62-year-old Leo Shorty Jr. was pushing a shopping cart at 81st Street and Main Street.

A driver travelling westbound on 81st Street struck Shorty walking in the unmarked crosswalk, fatally injuring him.  The driver of the car failed to stop and render aid and identify him or herself as required by law. 

Witnesses described the hit and run vehicle as a four door, 1999 Toyota Corolla, Chevy Malibu or Cadillac Seville, but were unable to provide a description of the driver.

The victim was taken to California Hospital where he died a short time later. 
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact South Traffic Division, Officer Grace Brady or Detective Rodney Jones 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).

Three Die in Tragic Traffic Accident

Los Angeles: Three young men, all 18, were killed, and two younger boys were seriously injured, when their speeding car collided with a tree early Wednesday morning in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles.

On December 20, 2006, around 1:00 A.M., five teenagers were riding in a 2000 Nissan Maxima, heading east at a high rate of speed on Los Feliz Boulevard. The driver lost control of the vehicle when he attempted a lane change to pass a slower car. The Maxima to veered off the road and crash into a tree.

The driver, Matthew Nicolas Hernandez, and his front seat passenger, Matthew Merrill, both of Los Angeles, died at the scene. A third fatality, an 18-year-old man in the backseat, died after a passersby removed him from the wreckage. His identity has not been released pending notification of family.

Two boys, 14 and 15 years old, also seated in the backseat, were rushed by paramedics to local hospitals where they were treated for multiple fractures and burns.

Questions may be directed to Central Traffic Division Detective Josephine Mapson or Michael Kaden at 213-972-1825, or the Central Traffic Watch Commander at 213-972-1853.

LAPD Statement on Pending Lawsuit

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's media relations office issued the following statement today:

The LAPD is aware that a deposition given by former LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Berkow, in a civil lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, was ordered unsealed. Due to the pending litigation and an ongoing internal personnel investigation, the Department is unable to answer any questions or provide any details related to this matter.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics December 12, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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                                450              471              -4%
Rape                                       852              923              -8%
Robbery                             13,378          12,640               6%
Agg Assaults **                   13,483          14,750              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         28,163         28,784             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              18,636          20,464            -9%
Auto Theft                          23,030          25,205            -9%
BTFV                                  27,821          30,937           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          26,041          28,889           -10%
Total Property Crimes      95,528         105,495          -9%
Total Part I Crimes         123,691         134,279          -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

Murder – Suicide in Venice

Los Angeles: A co-worker found an elderly couple dead in their home on December 15, 2006.  Both were shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide.

About 11 AM, a co-worker went to the couple's home, in the 600 block of Vernon Avenue, to check on the couple's welfare.  They had not been seen for a couple of days.  The co-worker called police once he found the couple.

Detectives believe the wife, Hallie D'Amore, 64, shot and killed her husband, Richard, 66, and turned the gun on herself.   The crime probably occurred in the early morning hours of December 14.  The couple had been experiencing recent marital problems.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pacific Homicide Detectives at 310-482-6369.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Gang Related Shooting

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

On December 18, 2006, at approximately 10:35 A.M., Deontye Burks, 23, was standing in front of the apartment building in the 8000 block of Vermont Avenue, when a man walked up to him.  The man pulled out a gun and fired three to four rounds striking Mr. Burks in the chest. The man then ran away from the scene.

Mr. Burks was taken to a local hospital where he later died.  The suspect is described as a male Black, about 23-years-old, wearing a blue beanie and a blue Dodger jacket. The motive for the shooting is gang related.   

Anyone with information is asked to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives Luis Romero or Shannon Geaney at 213-485-1383.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man Shot and Killed During Drug Transaction

Los Angeles: A 41-year-old man was shot to death after purchasing narcotics.

On December 17, 2006, around 8:45 P.M., the victim, a male black went to the Imperial Courts Federal Housing Development at 11500 block of Croesus to buy narcotics.  After making the purchase, he realized the drugs were not real.  He returned to the housing development to demand a refund and an unknown suspect shot him. 

The paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.       

Anyone with information is asked to call Southeast Homicide Detectives J. Zambos or L. Kerchenske at  213-972-7858.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man Found Dead in an Alley

Los Angeles: LAPD 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 early Sunday morning. 

On December 17, 2006, at approximately 12:00 A.M., the lifeless body of 27-year-old, Raul Antonio Romero was found in an alley to the rear of the 1100 block of East 107th Street.  Mr. Romero had a gunshot wound to his chest.

Detectives have no leads and are asking the public for help.   

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to call Southeast Homicide Detectives D. Myers or R. Castaneda at 213-972-7857.  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.

Four Shot, One Killed in Harbor Area Shooting

Los Angeles:  Three adults were shot, and a teenager was killed, while they stood together in a driveway Friday night in South Los Angeles.

On December 15, 2006, around 3:20 P.M., the victims, a man, two women and a female juvenile, all Black, were standing in a driveway in the 20600 block of South Harvard Boulevard.  Two Hispanic men walked up to the victims.  One suspect pulled a gun and fired several times into the group, striking each of them.  Both suspects then fled on foot.

All four victims were rushed by paramedics to a local hospital.  One victim, 14-year-old Cheryl Greene, died of her injuries.  A second victim was admitted to the hospital in stable condition.  The two remaining victims were treated and released.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harbor Homicide Detective Michael Falvo or Frank Weber at 310-522-2036.  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.

Multiple Arrests at Illegal Cockfighting Event

Los Angeles:  Twenty-four people were arrested at an illegal cockfighting event late Friday night in southwest Los Angeles.

On Friday, December 15, 2006, at approximately 9:00 P.M., an anonymous caller notified the LAPD that nearly 50 male Hispanics were gathered in the 700 block of West Washington Boulevard for an animal fight.  The caller also stated that two suspects were armed with guns.

Police officers responded to an abandoned building at the location and saw 80-100 suspects at an illegal cockfighting event.  When the assembled men saw the police, they attempted to flee.  Officers were able to detain 24 suspects, including:

1 Parolee-at-Large, Arrested
1 Released from custody, pending further investigation
22 cited as spectators at an illegal cockfighting event,
597(b) PC

A stolen gun and over $5,000 in cash were also recovered.

Southwest gang officers and the Animal Cruelty Task Force handled the investigation.  The case will be submitted to the City Attorney for filing. 

Questions may be directed to Detective Linda Ortega of the Animal Cruelty Taskforce at 213-847-1417.

A Walk in the Park (Taking Down a Skid Row Stronghold)

Hello again.  I am Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph.  I am the liaison between the LAPD, Central and the Skid Row area it serves.  The Safer Cities Initiative is moving forward. And we have learned a lot since the Initiative began.  This knowledge has assisted us in our efforts to eliminate crime in this neglected area.

As I have stated numerous times, the people that live, work and frequent this area deserve the same protection and quality of life as anywhere else in this great City.  Whether they live in a Single Residence Occupancy, work in the Missions, or dwell in the street, it is our job to ensure that each member of this community is safe and observes the laws of our City. 

Within this community, as in any other community, there are schools, parks, and playgrounds.  The difference is the concentration of the criminal element that has historically poisoned the true potential of this area of the City.  My desire is that our efforts continue to turn the tide on this disturbing trend.  A long-standing stronghold of the criminal element in Skid Row is also one of the potential bright spots, San Julian Park.  Located in the heart of the narcotics trade on 5th and San Julian Streets, the marijuana trades flourished directly under the radar of the police station.  Until recently, officers were unable to tackle the problem due to lack of resources and support.

Since the park’s inception drug dealers saw this area as prime real estate due to the high volume of customers and lack of consequence for their actions.  Additionally, during the last three years, I observed a disturbing trend in the area.  There is an influx of women with small children who are residents in the surrounding shelters.  As with any child, these youngsters would sometimes find themselves playing in this park, while drug dealers sold their product unfazed by their potential negative influence upon these children and the community as a whole.

Under blanket covered tables within this park, illegal contraband and money changed hands as men and women played cards and dominoes.  At times, I received complaints from individuals who were “ordered” to leave the park by the dealers.  This left them no other choice but to sit on the curb as the drug dealers talked street politics and strategized the ins and outs of their trade.

Frustrated, fellow officers and I we would make arrest after arrest within the park, only to see the same dealers released early.  The arrests actually allowed them to strengthen their operations aided by the two or three new faces who replaced them during their absence.  These factors, coupled with the strong aroma of marijuana smoke tauntingly reminding us of our futility.  This was the last straw for me.

With Safer Cities Initiative in play, and the resources we so desperately needed at our disposal, it is now time to remove the grip that crime syndicates have had on this park for years, and give it back to the law abiding members of this community.  This will be done through continuous presence, community outreach efforts, and the aggressive arrest and prosecution of narcotics “dealers.”  Our efforts, if successful will not only be helpful to the park, but to drug programs, shelters, and community members.  Residents have recently gained a new courage, as a result of the Safer Cities Initiative, to give crime information and freely express their wish for a safe drug free community.

Of course we will have our detractors.  A confrontational stance is anticipated from activist groups and their lawyers who claim to be “for the homeless.”  But as I have stated before, (LAPD Blog, September 21, 2024 and November 9, 2024) there are those who profit from keeping things the way they were.  These groups are well aware of the ongoing problems in the park, and other drug torn areas within skid row.  Yet, in their rants and rhetoric regarding police and the homeless, they fail to mention the gangs and illegal activity they bring because it does not benefit them to tell the whole truth about the driving forces which inhibits people in Skid Row from reaching their full potential. Indeed, we will press forward.  They can try to hide behind and distort the First Amendment and the other Amendments to obscure the truth from the public, but we have video footage, extensive evidence and arrests giving just cause for this phase of the
Safer Cities Initiative. 

This park belongs to the community, your community, and we will make our presence felt there until the quality of live improves in Skid Row.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
Senior Lead Officer Joseph
32511@lapd.lacity.org

Woman Killed by Hit and Run Driver

Los Angeles:  The police department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the driver of a car who fatally struck an unidentified woman Sunday afternoon. 

On December 10, 2006, at approximately 12:15 A.M., the victim, a Hispanic woman in her 40’s, was believed to be crossing the street when she was fatally struck by a car travelling westbound Manchester Boulevard near Wall Street.  The driver of the car failed to stop at the scene, render aid and identify himself or herself as required by law. 

The victim was taken to California Hospital where she died a short time later. 
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact South Traffic Division, Officers Grace Brady or Ed Mcgowan 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).

Man Shot and Killed While Walking on Sidewalk

Los Angeles: Police are asking for the public's help in capturing a gunman who shot and killed 21-year-old Mario Rodriguez, a resident of Sylmar. 

On December 15, 2006, around 11:35 P.M., Rodriguez, a non-gang member, was walking on the sidewalk with two friends in the 13100 block of Reedley Street.  Rodriguez and his friends were confronted for unknown reason by three male Hispanic gang members.  One of the suspects yelled out an unknown gang name, pulled out a rifle and shot the victim.  The suspects then ran off.

Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene.  The suspects and weapon are still outstanding.  The shooter is described as a 17 to 19-year-old male Hispanic, 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Foothill Homicide Detectives Jose Martinez or Margaret Brownell at 818-834-3115.  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.