LAPD Blog

Activation of New Photo Red Light Equipment in Valley Bureau

Los Angeles: Today, the Los Angeles Police Department announces the activation of a Photo Red Light (PRL) system at the intersection of Balboa Boulevard and Vanowen Street.  This is the fourth activation within Operations-Valley Bureau (12th in the City) with a new Photo Red Light (PRL) monitoring system, which records vehicle license plates that run red lights.  In the near future, 20 additional locations will be outfitted with comparable machinery, totaling 32 intersections Citywide.

In June 2005, the City’s PRL contract was not renewed after many years because of the poor quality of photographs.  In November 2005, the City Council approved the contract with a new vendor, Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc.  The new system is an improvement over the former system.

The dual-digital video camera system will record violators as they approach and travel through an intersection, after the light has changed to red.  The license plate will be photographed from the front and rear.  It is with the rear-facing camera that officers anticipate will increase the likelihood of convictions.

The digital video system will record 30 still frames per second for each violation, allowing a greater opportunity to get a clear photograph of the driver.

The new system has added features like the ability to monitor and adjust the equipment remotely via a satellite.  It will also provide live photographs from the intersection during a breaking emergency.

A sergeant and four officers will be assigned full time to administer the program.  They will use a laptop computer in court to present the digital evidence during disputed cases.

Media inquiries regarding this system may be referred to Sergeant Matthew MacWillie,
Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-847-1705.

A list of the current and former Photo Red Light intersections is available from Media Relations Section, upon request.

Officer Injured in Struggle with Suspect

Los Angeles:  A Los Angeles police officer was treated for a broken wrist after he struggled with a narcotics suspect yesterday morning.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at approximately 7:15 AM., 77th Area detectives and police officers were checking the area of 7615 South San Pedro Avenue, for a suspect who had failed to register as a sex offender.  During the search, officers made contact with Reginald Williams, 29, of Los Angeles, and began to question him.  Williams became uncooperative and attempted to run from police.

Police Officer Perry Griffith, 43, ran after Williams and wrestled him to the ground.  During the altercation, Officer Griffith applied a carotid restraint control to subdue Williams. 

In the process, Officer Griffith suffered a broken wrist during the struggle to control Williams.  Officer Griffith was treated at California Hospital.  Williams was not injured.

Officers eliminated Williams as the wanted sex offender, but evidence at the scene prompted a narcotics investigation.  Officers found narcotics and a handgun in a search of Williams’ residence.

Protocol requires Force Investigation Division to conduct an investigation whenever an officer uses a carotid restraint control.

Detectives will prepare charges against Williams for the assault on the officers, and narcotics and gun possession.

Officer Griffith has been with the LAPD for 17 years.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section.

Man Arrested after Short Pursuit

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police arrested a man for possession of narcotics for sale on the morning of March 15, 2007, after the man led police on a short pursuit, then resisted arrest.

Officers assigned to the Southwest police station noticed a driver commit a traffic violation near 41st Street and Western Avenue.  When they attempted to detain the car, the driver continued to drive at a slow rate of speed until he stopped in front of 645 West 42nd Street.

The driver, Frederick Shelton, 42, got out of the car and walked toward the residence, ignoring the officers’ commands.  A person came out of the residence just as Shelton approached the door.  Not knowing Shelton’s intentions, Officer Alex Lin, 41, fired several bean bag rounds, striking Shelton in the back and buttocks.

“Given Shelton’s behavior, the officers were concerned that he might pose a risk to the persons inside the home, or try to harm the person who walked out the door,” said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.

Additional officers converged on Shelton and detained him before he could enter the home.

Officers booked Shelton on the narcotics charge at the medical jail ward of the Los Angeles County USC Medical Center for observation after he began to show symptoms possibly related to narcotics poisoning.

Investigators from the Force Investigation Division will conduct an investigation into the use of force.  No officers were injured in the arrest.

Officer Lin is a 13-year veteran of the LAPD.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section.

Hit-and-Run Victim Dies of Injuries

Los Angeles: Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying the driver who struck and seriously injured a 21-year-old Los Angeles man on March 3, 2007.  The man later died from his injuries.

The collision occurred on Saturday, March 3, 2007, around 11:00 P.M., when Zacarias Gerson was crossing the street near Beverly Boulevard and Berendo Street.  One witness described the car that struck Gerson as a white Honda, but the make could be any of several similar designs.

Paramedics took Gerson to a local hospital where he died on March 6, 2007. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Central Traffic Detective Michael Kaden at 213-972-1825.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Teacher Arrested for Lewd Acts, Possibly More Victims

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying any additional victims of a Los Angeles middle school teacher, who is suspected of engaging in unlawful sexual acts with under-age girls.

Antonio Gomez, 35, lives in Downey and teaches at the Stevenson Middle School in East Los Angeles.  In February, detectives began investigating Gomez for acts related to current and former students. So far, five girls have come forward, two of them sisters.  The victims range in age from 13 to 16 years old.

Detectives assigned to Robbery Homicide Division served a search warrant at Stevenson Middle School and Gomez's home on March 6, 2007. Detectives arrested Gomez and charged him with Lewd Acts with a Child under 14.  He posted $100,000 bail the same day.

Detectives believe Gomez may have been involved in other illegal acts with minors.  Detectives noticed items at Gomez's home that suggested he could be involved in coaching local youth sports.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kathie McCarthy, Robbery Homicide Division, at 213-485-2921.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Police Commission 3/20/07

The Police Commission meets regulary every Tuesday to discuss issues relative to the Department.  Starting this week we thought it would be interesting to provide you an overview of the current status of the Department. 

Notes from the March 20, 2025

Los Angeles Police Commission Weekly Meeting

·         Several Commissioners attended and enjoyed the good-natured political roast of Chief Bratton last Thursday evening at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.  The roast was an annual charity event benefitting the American Diabetes Association.

·         31 Fifth and Hill gang leaders were arrested on drug selling and conspiracy charges, the culmination of a major narcotics investigation.  Nearly a dozen guns, 85 pounds of tar heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine and 3 pounds of methamphetamine were recovered.

·         Seven surveillance cameras are now installed and operational at the Jordan Downs housing project in Watts.

·         PO1 Marcos Granillo, Hollywood Area, passed away this week from a head injury sustained in an off-duty motorcycle accident. UPDATE: Hollywood Area is hosting a B-B-Q fundraiser on Thursday March 22, 2007, 11am to 8pm.  All proceeds will go to Officer Granillo's family. 

·         Last week there were 6 restorations and 25 retirements.  There are currently 398 recruits in the Academy.  The total number of police officers currently deployed is up 2.3% from last year.

·         The National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement has honored the Inspector General’s office with an invitation to deliver 2 presentations at their annual conference in San Jose this year.

·         The Department’s request for modification to the Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Service National Internal Affairs Best Practices Grant was approved by the Police Commission.

·         The Department’s report pertaining to the supplemental agreement to Marilyn Droz’s contract to provide composite artist services was approved by the Police Commission.

·         The Department’s report related to the supplement to the 2006 fourth quarter report was approved by the Police Commission.

·         The Department’s response to City Council’s request regarding the Bandit Taxicab Program Status Report was approved by the Police Commission.

·         The Department’s Activity Report for January 2007 was approved by the Police Commission.

·         The Department’s report related to gang enforcement performance audits was approved.  In 30 days, the plan of action will be presented.

·         The selection of IBM to provide digital in-car video cameras was continued 1 week, pending a hearing with another perspective vendor.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics March 17, 2007

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                64                 88              -27%
Rape                                     136               185              -26%
Robbery                               2755             2916               -6%
Agg Assaults **                     2496             2699               -8%
Total Violent Crimes          5,451           5,888              -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                4014            4163              -4%
Auto Theft                            5018            5102              -2%
BTFV                                     6691            6414               4%
Personal/Other Theft             5196            5774            -10%
Total Property Crimes       20,919        21,453             -2%
Total Part I Crimes            26,370        27,341             -4%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

Man Arrested for Selling Drugs Dies In Custody

Los Angeles: A 21-year-old man who led police on a short vehicle and foot pursuit went into convulsions while in custody at the Hollenbeck Police Station last Wednesday morning, March 14, 2007.  Joel Alexander Vasquez died around 4:30 AM at White Memorial Hospital the same day.

“Vasquez was arrested for selling narcotics near Chester Street and Vaquero Avenue,” said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. “Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for drug sellers to swallow drugs as a way to hide it from the police, and doing that can have dire consequences.”

Two police officers from the Hollenbeck Police Station saw Vasquez make a hand-to-hand exchange in the early morning hours.  When they tried to detain him, Vasquez took off in a car.  The officers pursued him for one block until Vasquez abandoned the car and ran.

The officers captured Vasquez after a short foot pursuit.  He gave up without any resistance.

Once at the police station, Vasquez began having seizures and attending officers called paramedics.  Vasquez died at the hospital about half past four in the morning.

Officers found two packages of marijuana and nearly $1,600 in Vasquez's car.

In keeping with LAPD policy, Force Investigation Division will investigate the death.  The Los Angeles County Coroner's office will issue a report after conducting toxicology analysis.

Chief Bratton Honored with Local Community Award

Los Angeles: On Sunday, March 18, 2007, Police Chief William Bratton became the first-ever recipient of the South Los Angeles Community Barber Shop Award.  It was presented at the Bryant Temple AME Church in South Los Angeles.  The Reverend Dr. Clyde W. Ogden, Jr., is the pastor at the church.

"I am honored to be recognized by Mr. Tolliver and his group," said Chief Bratton.  "Tolliver's Barber Shop is an institution in South Los Angeles that has its finger on the pulse of the city."

Several hundred people were in attendance as the Pastor and church members thanked the Chief for showing great concern for South Los Angeles residents.  The Chief and Mrs. Bratton stayed for the entire service and thanked members of the church as they left.

The award was created to recognize public officials who have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for residents in South Los Angeles, making it a better place to live, work and play.

Tolliver's Barber Shop has become a local, informal think tank where politicians, journalists, and community activists drop in to discuss important issues of the day.  The shop is located at 1735 West Florence Avenue.  Chief Bratton was selected as the inaugural honoree by a committee made up of regular barbershop members.