LAPD Blog

Man Killed in Head-On Crash

Los Angeles: A Van Nuys man was killed in a head-on collision with a vehicle, which had crossed the double yellow line.

On July 24, 2007, at around 4:30 PM, 67-year-old Jin Park, a resident of Los Angeles, was driving eastbound on La Tuna Canyon Drive just west of the 210 Freeway in a 2000 Dodge Caravan. She lost control and crossed the double yellow line and collided head-on into a 1984 brown Chevrolet pickup truck. The pickup truck was driven by Willie Schaffer Jr., 46, traveling westbound.

Ms. Park was transported to Holy Cross Hospital in critical condition. Mr. Schaffer Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. A 13-year-old female passenger who was in the Dodge Caravan suffered minor injuries and was released to family members.

Officers’ preliminary investigation revealed no evidence of DUI on either driver.

The investigation is on going and anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Officer Danny Martinez, Valley Traffic Division, at (818) 374-1938. On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Dog Shot During Police Investigation

Los Angeles: Two Los Angeles police officers assigned to Hollenbeck Police Station shot and injured a Rottweiler while they were investigating an Unknown Trouble call.

On July 16, 2007, at around 6:00 p.m., Officer Rogelio Medina, 36, 12 years with the Department, and his partner, Officer Yolanda Flores, 29, 4 years with the Department, had gone to the rear yard of a house in the 3700 block of Siskiyou Street, to investigate a 911 call that came from that location.

Officers were making their way through the backyard when the dog charged them.  In defense of their lives, both officers fired their weapons at the dog, stopping his advance.  He was hit at least two times and died from his injuries.

The Department of Animal Control responded to the scene and took care and control of the dog.

No officers or citizens were injured.

Hollenbeck Area Detectives are conducting the investigation.

Mentally Challenged Man Missing

UPDATE

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 24-year-old Brian Evans.

Brian was last seen on July 24, 2007, at about 8:30 PM, at his residence at the Wright Residential Homes located at 8917 Dalton Avenue in South Los Angeles.  The staff workers went to check on Brian and discovered him missing.

Brian has the mental capacity of a 2-year-old.  Brian does not have his medications with him and is in need to take them.  Brian only way of communications is by clapping his hands. 

Brian has black hair, blue eyes, stands at 5' 09" and weighs about 185 pounds.  He was last seen wearing an orange T- shirt, tan shorts, and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 77th Street Division at 213-485-4164. During after hours and on weekends you can call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at
1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855). 

****UPDATE****

LAPD detectives were notified in the afternoon of July 25 from the Hawthorne Police Department that their officers had located Mr. Evans on July 24, and was taken to Harbor UCLA Medical Center.  Mr. Evans was reunited with his family members.

LAPD Launches Crowd Management Training

 Los Angeles: Today the Los Angeles Police Department invited members of the media to experience the Department's 21st Century Mobile Field Force Training held at the Joint Force Training Base in Los Alamitos, California.

The 21st Century Mobile Field Force Doctrine involves; integrating and applying strategies for crowd management and control, application of human relations skills, public information skills, and the application of Department resources.   Furthermore, officers are introduced to historic perspectives, psychological influences, types of crowds, legal aspects, media relations, and public safety issues as they relate to public assemblies, marches and rallies. 

In addition to the classroom instruction, officers are placed through practical exercises that test their practical skills and re-enforce the information provided to them during lectures.   

Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Michael Hillman, Commanding Officer, Incident Management and Training Bureau, the LAPD is on target to train 5,000 officers by March 2008.  Eventually, every officer, including command staff personnel, will attend the one-day 10-hour course.

For further information contact Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

Mentally Challenged Man Missing

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 24-year-old Brian Evans.

Brian was last seen on July 24, 2007, at about 8:30 PM, at his residence at the Wright Residential Homes located at 8917 Dalton Avenue in South Los Angeles. The staff workers went to check on Brian and discovered him missing.

Brian has the mental capacity of a 2-year-old. Brian does not have his medications with him and is in need to take them. Brians only way of communication is by clapping his hands.

Brian has black hair, blue eyes, stands at 5' 09" and weighs about 185 pounds. He was last seen wearing an orange T- shirt, tan shorts, and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 77th Street Division at 213-485-4164. During after hours and on weekends you can call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

A photo of Brian is available from Media Relations Section.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics July 21, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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

Homicide                                209               266              -21%
Rape                                      427               541              -21%
Robbery                                 7441              7905            -6%
Agg Assaults **                      7186              7902             -9%
Total Violent Crimes           15,263         16,614           -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 10,716          10,995          -3%
Auto Theft                             13,073          13,492          -3%
BTFV                                      16,988         16,532            3%
Personal/Other Theft              14,630          15,622           -6%
Total Property Crimes           55,407         56,641          -2%
Total Part I Crimes                70,670         73,255          -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 Found Lying in Hallway, Dies from Multiple Stab Wounds

Los Angeles: A 25-year-old Panorama City man was found suffering from multiple stab wounds in the hallway of a three-story apartment building.

On July 22, 2007, at around 5:20 a.m., officers were dispatched to a cutting call in the 8900 block of Tobias Avenue.

David De La Cruz was discovered lying on the floor of the apartment building's second story hallway with stab wounds.  Police said they didn't know what sharp object killed the victim.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he later died. 

Detectives have no witnesses or suspect information and the motive is undetermined. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Mission Area Homicide Detectives Terence Keyzer or Enrique Gutierrez at 818-838-9810, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or 818-838-9800, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour, toll free anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man On Bicycle Dies in Gang-Related Shooting

Los Angeles: Police are investigating a gang-related shooting that killed 24-year-old Juan Montenegro on July 22, 2007, in East Los Angeles.

At about 5:00 p.m., Montenegro was riding his bicycle in the 3600 block of Lifur Avenue when he stopped to talk with two Latino men in a black Honda.  One of the men pulled a handgun and fired on Montenegro, police said.  The suspects drove off.

The victim was taken to USCMC Hospital where he later died.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detective Scott Smith at 323-526-3679.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Top-10 Gang Member Arrested

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department announced the capture of one of the Top-10 Most Wanted gang members, 27-year-old Jonathan Christopher Blackwell

"This capture is the 5th since announcing our Top-10 Most Wanted Gang Member list back in February 2007, said Sergeant Lee Sands, LAPD Spokesperson. The arrest of Blackwell over 1,100 miles away in Oklahoma City is proof positive that there is nowhere these gang members can hide where we won't find them."

On July 16, 2007, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Jonathan Blackwell was arrested in Oklahoma City after being caught in a prostitution sting operation. At the time of his arrest, he provided officers with the name 'Marco Lee' and was transported and booked into jail under that name, but later bailed out.

On July 17, 2007, detectives received the results of a fingerprint check and learned that 'Marco Lee's' true identity was in fact Jonathan Christopher Blackwell who was wanted in connection with a double homicide that occurred back in December 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Detectives returned to the area were Blackwell was arrested and passed out flyers of his photograph.

On July 18, 2007, Blackwell was seen at a motel in the 3800 block of North I44. Police were called and Blackwell was taken into custody without incident. Detectives in Los Angeles were notified and are arranging Blackwell's transportation back to Los Angeles.

Back on December 31, 2006, around 5:00 a.m., Jonathan Blackwell and Matthew Koontz armed with a firearm, forced their way into a residence in the 700 block of Harvard Boulevard. Three individuals were inside at the time when Blackwell opened fire killing two and wounding one. Koontz was found approximately two hours later and was arrested.

The replacement on the Top-10 Most Wanted gang member list will be announced on a separate news release.

Juvenile Gang Member Shot by Police

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police officers encountered and stopped a shooting in progress Thursday evening on Venice Boulevard in West Los Angeles.

On July 18, 2007, around 9:45 p.m., Police Officer Harry Cho, 38, 10 years with the Department, and his partner, Officer Dennis Argueta, 36, one year with the Department, assigned to West Los Angeles Area Station, were on routine patrol driving westbound on Venice Boulevard approaching Cattaraugus Avenue.

The officers heard several gunshots, which drew their attention to a suspect who was firing a handgun into a crowd of people. When officers arrived, the suspect pointed his gun in their direction. Both officers fired their weapons.

The suspect, Victor Garcia, 14, of Los Angeles, sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he later died. The suspect's weapon, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, was recovered at scene. Neither officer was injured.

The investigation later determined that Garcia was himself a documented gang member and that he had been shooting into a group of rival gang members. Two of his intended victims were injured by gunfire; their injuries were not life threatening.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene and are investigating the Officer-Involved-Shooting. Detectives from West Los Angeles Area are investigating the ADW on police officers committed by the suspect, as well as the shooting on rival gang members.

Anyone with information about the ADW on the police or other victims are asked to call 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Man Sleeping on Porch Dies in Gang-Related Shooting

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are investigating the shooting death of Raymond Estrada, 31, who was gunned down early Sunday morning while sleeping on a front porch in South Los Angeles.

The shooting happened at 5:00 a.m., in the 200 block of East 75th Street.

According to police, a gunman walked up to Estrada while he was sleeping with his girlfriend on a front porch and shot him several times.  The suspect ran from the location.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

Estrada's girlfriend was not injured.

The motive appears to be gang related.

Investigators have few leads and are asking for anyone with information to call 77th  Division homicide detectives Armando Bernal or Rocky Sato at 213-485-1383.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

San Pedro Man Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: A 20-year-old San Pedro man was shot and killed early Sunday morning in the 500 block of West 18th Street.

Jesus Valencia, was standing on the sidewalk in front of a residence talking to a friend.

According to police, a Hispanic man and his female passenger in a dark truck pulled into a nearby alley.  The two got out of the vehicle and approached Valencia.  The man pulled out a handgun and shot him.  The suspect's drove off through the alley.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

The male suspect was in his 20's and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt. 

The motive is undermined and investigators have no vehicle description.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harbor homicide detectives Isidro Rodriguez or Michael Falvo at  310-522-2036.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Man Found Lying in Hallway, Dies from Multiple Stab Wounds

Los Angeles: Officers find a man with multiple stab wounds in the hallway of a three-story apartment building.

Around 5:20 a.m., on Sunday, July 22nd, Mission Area Officers responded to an "ADW Ambulance Cutting" radio call in the 8900 block of Tobias Avenue in Panorama City. 

When the officers arrived, they saw a male Hispanic, approximately 30 years old, lying on the floor of the apartment building's second story hallway.  The victim, suffering from multiple stab wounds was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. 

The Mission Area Detectives handling the investigation have not yet identified the victim, motive, suspect/s or instrument used in the crime, and are asking for the public's help.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Mission Area Homicide Detectives at 818-838-9810, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or 818-838-9800, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour, toll free anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).