LAPD Blog

Man Soliciting Nannies at Local Park

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who has solicited at least two women to buy babies in their care. Both incidents occurred this week near the swing area of Genesta Park in Encino.

One nanny, who was approached, reported both incidents to police on April 11, 2007.  In the first occurrence, a man in his 40s approached her at the park around 2:30 PM on April 9.  He offered to buy the baby she was watching, but the woman declined.

The next day, April 10, the same nanny saw the same man approach another nanny who was caring for a baby.  After the man left, the first nanny approached the second and asked her what the man wanted.  The woman confirmed that he offered to buy her baby.

“This type of behavior is quite unusual,” said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  “We’d like to identify this man as quickly as possible, and we’d also like the second nanny, or any other person who has had a similar contact, to call police.”

The man, in his 40s, is White with blue eyes.  He is bald and stands about 5 feet 7 inches.  He was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans. 

Parents are encouraged to question their children’s nannies about any similar contacts and report it to police.

Anyone recognizing this suspect in the park should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Detectives are interviewing the nanny to create a composite sketch, which will be released as soon as it is available.

Persons with information should call Detective Moses Castillo, Juvenile Division, at 213-485-4220.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).      

Police Commission Invites The Public To Participate In The Consideration Process of Chief Bratton's Requested Second Term

Los Angeles – On April 2, 2007, Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton submitted his letter to the Board of Police Commissioners requesting his reappointment to a second five-year term.  Pursuant to the Los Angeles City Charter, the Police Commission now has until July 27, 2007, to either approve or deny Chief Bratton's request.

"I believe we can implement this process in an objective and fair manner in the very near future," stated Police Commission President John W. Mack.  "For the benefit of the people of Los Angeles, we should be able to conduct a complete and thorough review of Chief Bratton's past performance and future expectations within approximately one month."

Input from the public is an essential element for the most comprehensive review of Chief Bratton's service to the City of Los Angeles.  In this connection, the Police Commission is inviting community members to participate in a public hearing to share their thoughts on Chief Bratton's proposed second term.

Information on the public meeting is as follows:

Date:
April 30, 2025
6:30pm

Location:                  
Department of Water and Power Auditorium
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90012

Police Initiate Investigation into Possible 'Hospital Dumping' Case

Los Angeles: On Wednesday, April 11, 2007, around 12:30 P.M., an elderly man wearing hospital garments was brought by taxi to the Los Angeles Mission, 303 East 5th Street, in downtown Los Angeles. The man was in possession of paperwork indicating he had just been discharged from Downey Regional Medical Center.

Central Area Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph witnessed the man, who could barely walk, struggling to get out of the taxi. The LAPD has now opened an investigation to determine if any laws were broken.

In recent months the LAPD has heightened its efforts to combat illegal dumping of indigent patients in the skid row area. Investigators will be questioning the taxicab company, hospital personnel, mission employees, and the patient to determine whether this case constitutes a crime.

Video footage made by police officers showing the man when he arrived at the L.A. Mission is available by request from Media Relations Section.

Hospital Dumping Video

FROM A FRIEND/SUPPORTER

William J. Bratton
Chief of Police
Los Angeles Police Department

Dear Sir:

This letter is a long time coming and I apologize for the delay. I want to say "thank you" to all the men and women of the LAPD. I was born and raised in Southern California and moved to the northwest 10 years ago but stay tuned to what is going on in my beloved home state. Your officers have such a dangerous job in an incredibly dangerous city and I don't think they hear enough thank you's from citizens. We certainly hear about the negative from the media but there isn't balanced coverage of the positive things about your department. I want all of you to know that despite what you hear and see on the streets you are very much appreciated. You should be proud of the job you do and the courage and patience it takes to interact with the citizens is inconceivable to me. I know I couldn't do it.

When your officers lay their heads down on their pillows each night please be proud of what you did today. Please wake up knowing you are heroes and without you life would be pretty terrifying. God Bless each and every officer in this country and especially in the LAPD.

Again, thank you so much for the years of protecting and serving me and my family.

Most sincerely,
Elizabeth Cox

Dry Cleaner Robbers Caught on Tape

 Los Angeles: Detectives are asking the public's help in identifying two robbers who tried to rob a dry cleaners on March 23, 2007.  The robbers got away with an armored guard's gun, whose images were captured on videotape.

The robbers surprised two women employees when they arrived at 8AM to open the Laundromax Cleaners, located in the 1500 block of Manchester Avenue, in South Los Angeles.  Detectives suspect the robbers used a passkey to gain entry to an office where they lay in wait for the employees.

"The robbers must have been greatly disappointed when they found out the women did not have the keys to the money drawers," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "The robbers tried every key they could find to open the drawers.  It must have been terrifying for the women."

A 52-year-old Loomis armored car guard showed up unexpectedly to fill the change machines.  Faced with an armed guard, the robbers decided to cut their losses and gave up on the robbery.  They surprised the guard, and took his .380 semi automatic handgun.

The suspects were in the office for about 90 minutes, waiting for the women to arrive.  Video surveillance captured their actions.

"We believe that anyone who knows these men will recognize them," Lieutenant Vernon said.  "We hope someone will step up and tell us who the robbers are.  Thankfully no one was hurt in this incident, but it may be only a matter of time before they up the ante."

The robbers were described as Black men, about 6 feet tall and weighing between 150 and 160 pounds each.  One of the robbers appeared to be in his 20s; the other appeared to be around 40.

A reward has been offered by Laundromax and Loomis, Fargo armored car company for information leading to the suspects' arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information is asked to call 77th Area Detective Ben Fernandes at 213-473-4861.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The surveillance footage and photographs of the suspects are available by request from Media Relations Section.

Violent and Nude Suspect Resists Officers

Los Angeles:  A Rampart Area officer fractured an arm during a struggle with a violent man.

On April 9, 2007, at about 5:30 AM, Rampart Area officers responded to a report of a mentally disturbed man who had threatened a woman in the 2700 block of Hyans Street in WestLake. Upon arrival, the suspect, later identified as Jaime Parra, wearing only a towel, was observed in front of 2728 Hyans Street.  The officers approached Parra and ordered him to get his hands up.  Parra failed to comply and charged the officers.  A TASER, front kick, and baton strikes were used in an effort to repel the suspect without success.  Parra, now nude, ran to Occidental and Hyans Street pursued by the officers.  Parra turned to confront the officers again, but ultimately was taken into custody. 

Parra was taken to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center where he was treated and admitted for a possible fractured right arm.

Involved officers are Jose Sanchez, 33, 8 years with the Department; Matthew Vocke, 30, 4 years with the Department; James Tomeo, 35, 11 years with the Department, and Moses Trejo, 22, 1 year with the Department.

Officer Vocke sustained a fracture to his right arm during the initial confrontation with Parra.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the Categorical Use of Force.  Robbery-Homicide Division personnel assumed investigative responsibility for the crime committed against the officer.

Van Nuys Man Threatening Police with Metal Bar, Fatally Shot

Los Angeles: A Van Nuys man who lunged towards an officer with a metal bar was shot after police responded to a kidnap call shortly after 7:00 p.m.  The man was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

The incident happened Monday evening, April 9, 2025 at a residence located in the 17600 block of Runnymeade Street.  An unidentified caller met with police outside the location and told them that a woman was being held inside against her will by her estrange husband.

Officers door-knocked the residence and tried to reason with the suspect, John Goudeaux, 45, to allow them to enter and check on the woman's safety, but Goudeaux refused.

Concerned that the victim was in danger, officers were able to force their way inside.  Once inside, the man, who was nude, armed himself with a 3-foot metal bar, threatening the officers. 

After officers repeatedly ordered the man to drop the metal bar, Goudeaux advanced towards Officer Timothy Hope, 27.  Officer Hope fired, striking the man.  Goudeaux was taken to Holy Cross Hospital where he later died.

Officer Hope has nearly three and half years with the Department.  He is assigned to the Van Nuys Police Station.

LAPD's Force Investigation Unit is handling the investigation.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics April 7, 2007

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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                                92               114              -19%
Rape                                     170               241              -30%
Robbery                               3553             3668              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3215             3470              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,030           7,493             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,069            5,272            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,344            6,578            -4%
BTFV                                     8,390            8,211             2%
Personal/Other Theft             6,792            7,314            -7%
Total Property Crimes        26,595        27,375             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             33,625        34,868             -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

Notes from the April 10, 2025 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•There are currently 9493 sworn personnel.

•418 recruits are currently training in the Academy.  General Services, Port of Los Angeles and Airport Police cadets are now all being trained together in the LAPD Academy.

•The public hearing pertaining to Chief Bratton's request for reappointment will take place on Monday, April 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.  Location will be announced soon.

•Parker Center has been checked thoroughly and brought up to fire safety codes.  Flooring has been replaced and asbestos abatement has been conducted where necessary.  These are the last major efforts to be undertaken in Parker Center until the move to the new headquarters facility takes place. 

•The new jail is on-track.  Construction crews are preparing to begin forming the roof.

•The new headquarters facility is progressing.  The foundation will soon be poured and construction should be at street level by the end of summer. 

•All of the Proposition Q projects are on time and at 50% completion or more, including the Valley and Metropolitan Bomb Squad facilities. 

•A Citywide furniture vendor is currently being selected.  This vendor will furnish the new facilities.

•The Department's report on the Gang Awareness Training Audit was approved.

•The Department's report relative to the Complaint, Form 1.28, Investigations Audit-Phase II, Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007 was received and directed to the Inspector General for analysis and recommendations.

•The Department's report on the Gang Enforcement Detail Selection Criteria Audit, Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007 was received and directed to the Inspector General for analysis and recommendations. 

•The Department's report on the Categorical Use of Force Systems Audit, Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007 was received and directed to the Inspector General for analysis and recommendations.

•The Department's report relative to changes to the College Tuition Reimbursement Program was continued for one week.

•The Inspector General's report on the Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigations Audit for Fiscal Year 2006/2007 was approved.

•The Department's report and the Inspector General's Report, both relative to the Complaint Form 1.28, Investigations Audit, Phase 1, Second Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, was approved.

•The Department's report and the Inspector General's Report, both relative to the Motor Vehicle and Pedestrian Stops Data Collection Audit, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, was approved.

•The Department's report and the Inspector General's Report, both relative to the Warrant Applications and Supporting Affidavits Audit, Second Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, was approved.

LAPD Arrests Officer on Benefits Abuse Investigation

Los Angeles: Investigators assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau arrested a 12-year veteran today at the Rampart Community Police Station.  The arrest occurred following a 16-month investigation into benefits abuse.

"The taxpayers of Los Angeles provide excellent benefits for police officers,” said Police Chief William Bratton.  "We take seriously any misuse of those benefits and pursue criminal charges when appropriate.”

Detective Gil Barrow, 37, was booked for grand theft and perjury after the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office agreed to file charges and issue an arrest warrant.  Barrow's bail has been set at $30,000.

Barrow was off work recuperating from an on-duty injury.  Supervisors suspected Barrow may have prolonged his off-duty recovery time, so investigators initiated a surveillance.  Investigators observed Barrow working side jobs, while he was supposed to be recuperating from an injury that was otherwise preventing him from reporting for duty.

The grand theft charge stems from receiving his salary benefits from worker's compensation under false pretenses.  The perjury charge stems from statements Barrow made during a deposition given related to his injuries.

Last year, three LAPD employees were fired for benefits-abuse related charges and one employee was suspended for 15 days.  The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office filed one criminal case against an employee last year.  The case against Barrow is the first filed this year.

Barrow has been assigned to the Rampart Police Station since 2003.

Dogs Attack Officers

Los Angeles: Two Rottweiler dogs attacked two Los Angeles police officers March 31, 2007, when they investigated a report of a loud party in South Los Angeles.  Neither the Rottweiler Dogs nor officers were injured in the encounter.

Just before 4:00 A.M. in the morning, Officer Dennis Shaw, 35, and his partner answered a report of a disturbance in the backyard in the 800 block of West 55th Street.  The officers entered the property's outer gate and saw no signs of dogs.  When they reached the back of the house, two large dogs, estimated at 80 pounds each, charged the officers after barking and showing their teeth.

Shaw and his partner backed out of the yard as Shaw drew his sidearm. When one dog closed within a few feet, Shaw fired one round, which caused both dogs to turn and retreat.

Neither of the residents nor the dogs was injured.

Officer Shaw is a six-year veteran of LAPD.

Detectives from the 77th Street Police Station will investigate the shooting.

Man Under Influence, Arrested near Police HQ

Los Angeles: Police arrested 44-year-old Terrence Adkins on April 8, 2007, after he tried to steal a car from an off-duty LAPD detention officer, who had just left work at the Parker Center Jail.

Around seven in the evening, citizens reported a black man causing a disturbance at Temple Street and Judge John Aiso Street, behind Parker Center.  When Officer Joseph Cruz, 25, and his partner arrived, they saw Adkins kneeling on the hood of a passing motorist's car, who was a detention officer at the LAPD jail.

When Adkins saw the officers, he jumped off the car and ran.  The officers cornered Adkins near the bus bench and tried to arrest him. Officer Cruz ordered Adkins to lie down, which he did.  As Cruz approached with his gun drawn, Adkins jumped up unexpectedly, hitting his head on the muzzle of the gun.

Adkins became combative and resisted arrest.  Cruz and his partner used a Taser to stun Adkins, but the officers still had to fight Adkins before he would submit to arrest.

While neither officer was injured, Adkins was treated at the county hospital for minor injuries, related to the arrest, as well as apparent cocaine intoxication.

Adkins was booked for attempted carjacking.  His bail was set at $100,000. 

Adkins is a resident of South Gate.

Officer Cruz has just under 3 years with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police department protocols requires Force Investigation Division to investigate the use of force because Adkins' head was struck by the officer's gun, even though the impact was inadvertent.

Police Fired Upon in the Valley

Los Angeles:  Two Los Angeles police officers were fired upon by a 25-year-old man on March 26, 2007.  One officer returned fire and the gunman dropped his weapon and surrendered.  No one was injured in the incident.

Local residents called police just after 6 o'clock in the morning after they heard gunshots in the area.

Police Officer Osmani Baeza and his partner were dispatched to investigate the gunfire, near Valerio Street and Loma Verde Avenue. 

"As the officers turned the corner in their police car, they could see a man point a gun and shoot at them from among some parked cars," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "I'm sure it took the officers by surprise, but they reverted to their training."

Officer Baeza returned fire at the gunman, who dropped his gun and surrendered.  Baeza and his partner arrested Carey Cahill, a local resident, who is known to have a drug problem.  The officers also recovered Cahill's .22 caliber semi automatic handgun.

It was the sixth time suspects have shot at police officers this year, and it's the eighteenth officer-involved shooting this year to date. In all but two of the officer-involved shootings, suspects were armed with guns.  In the two exceptions, the suspects attacked officers with knives.

Cahill was booked on a charge of attempted murder on a police officer.

Force Investigation Division will investigate the shooting.

Easter Shooting Leaves One Dead

Los Angeles:  A shooting on Easter Sunday claimed the life of a 23-year-old Van Nuys resident.

On Sunday, April 8, 2007, at around 5:40 p.m., Jose Garcia was walking home from a convenience store with his brother and a couple of friends, in the 14400 block of Valerio Street.

The group was confronted by a trio of Asian men, ranging in age from mid-teen to early 20's. Garcia and his companions attempted to run away from the suspects, but the suspects followed and fired multiple shots at them.

Garcia was struck several times.  His brother and friends transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Witnesses reported seeing the suspects flee in a silver or gray Toyota pickup truck.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Van Nuys Homicide Detective James Nuttal or Detective Angel Lopez at 818-374-0040. During weekends and off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).