LAPD Blog

Violent Struggle Lead to Officer Involved Shooting

Los Angeles: An officer shot and killed a violent man during a struggle when the man choked out her partner.

On Thursday night, August 9, 2007, at around 8:45 PM, Hollenbeck Area patrol officers Jeanette Flores and her partner responded to a directed call for service regarding domestic violence at 5243 Huntington Drive in El Sereno.

Upon arrival, the officers met with a pregnant woman and established that she was the victim of a spousal battery and the suspect had fled the scene.  While conducting the investigation, the suspect, John Anthony Rico, 30, returned to the scene and a violent struggle ensued involving the officers and the suspect.  During the altercation, Rico applied a chokehold to Officer Flores’ partner and he was incapacitated and unable to defend himself.  An officer-involved shooting occurred in which Officer Flores fired one round from her service pistol at the suspect.  Rico received a single gunshot wound to the head.

Rico was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Flores’ partner received a head injury and was taken to the Los Angeles County USC Medical Center where he was treated and released. Officer Flores received an injury to her right hand and was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where she was treated and released.

Officer Flores is 32 years of age.  She has been with the Department for 8 years and 10 months.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.

Narcotics Suspect Dies in Police Custody

Los Angeles: A woman who was arrested for being under the influence of narcotics died a few days later at a hospital.

On August 3, 2007, at 4:15 PM, Central Area patrol officers Leroi O’Brien and Eduardo Bermudez, responded to a directed call for service regarding a disorderly woman at 201 East 8th Street.

As the officers arrived at the location, they saw a nude woman, later identified as Kathy Michelle Tayeri, 36, near the intersection of Los Angeles Street and 8th Street. The woman entered a clothing store at 808 South Los Angeles Street.  The officers followed her in an attempt to detain her.  A struggle ensued between aggressive Tayeri and Officers O’Brien and Bermudez.  With the assistance from additional officers Tayeri was subdued. 

The officers believed Tayeri was possibly suffering from mental health issues and requested paramedics.  Shortly after the arrival of paramedics, Tayeri went into cardiac arrest.  The paramedics revived her and took her to California Hospital. 

On August 5, 2024 Tayeri was pronounced dead. 

Force Investigation Division personnel initially responded on August 3, to conduct the In-Custody Death investigation.  When Tayeri was revived, Force Investigation Division personnel documented the incident and released the involved officers.  On August 8, a delayed notification of Tayeri’s death was received from the hospital.

Security Officers Save Victim from Stabbing

Los Angeles.  Homicide detectives have made remarkable progress in solving the stabbing death that occurred this morning in the 500 block of Seaton Avenue (refer to LAPD news release from earlier this morning.).

One significant piece came to light once detectives returned to the police station.  They learned that a woman, 43-year-old Paula Chatman, had been arrested  for the earlier stabbing, which occurred at nearly the same spot as the later murder.  That stabbing occurred around 4 PM.  While Chatman could not have been present later at the 1 AM stabbing, the knife she used was never found.

"We also have to acknowledge the superior job done by two security officers from the Arts District Business Improvement District (BID)," said Lieutenant Paul Vernon, in charge the downtown LAPD detectives. "Were it not for these two BID officers’ intercession, Chatman would have escaped and the man she stabbed would have died."

In addition to holding Chatman for police, the two security officers provided first aid to the victim, no doubt ensuring his survival.  The man is recuperating at a local hospital, while Chatman is behind bars. Police officers booked her on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.  Her bail was set at $30,000.   It appears the dispute between the man and Chatman was over $5.00.

Ms. Estela Lopez is the executive director of the Central City East Association, which manages the Arts District BID.

Business Improvement Districts are private organizations formed by local merchants to provide services in a cooperative fashion.  The BID members self-tax to pay for their services, which include street cleaning, private security, and installing security systems like video cameras.

Central Police Station offers work cooperatively with the BIDs.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is looking for witnesses that could provide information on the identity of a hit and run motorist Thursday afternoon.

On August 9, 2007, at 2:50 PM, a motorist travelling on White Oak Avenue in a Honda Civic, partial license plate number of "4W-----", failed to stop for two pedestrians crossing the street.

The pedestrians, 20 year-old Peter Martinez and his brother Alex Martinez, 18, were entering the center median when the suspect came close to hitting Alex.  As the suspect drove by, Alex yelled at him. The driver then made a U-turn and drove toward Peter at a high rate of speed hitting him.  The suspect drove off without rendering aid or identifying himself.

The suspect's car is described as a 1995-1996 black 4 door, Honda Civic with tinted rear windows.  The car would have sustained major damage to the front end and possibly the windshield.

The victim was taken to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. For more information concerning this incident, please contact West Valley Homicide Detectives at 818-374-7730.  After hours please contact the toll-free 24-hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Armed Kidnap Suspect Shot by Police

Los Angeles: Three suspects led police on a chase through Pacoima Streets late Sunday night.  One suspect was shot by police and two others were taken into custody for Grand Theft Auto. 

On August 5, 2007, at about 10:30 PM, Officer Ken Snyder and his partner were working crime reduction in the area of Chatsworth and Arleta. 

The officers were in full uniform driving a marked black and white police vehicle.  The officers saw a green Toyota, occupied by several male Hispanics, driving recklessly and almost running two cars off the road.  The officers attempted to stop the Toyota for traffic violations, but the driver of the Toyota refused and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was terminated in the rear alley of 10901 Laurel Canyon Boulevard where the Toyota crashed into a wrought iron gate. 

Three suspects got out of the Toyota and one of the suspects, Nestor Martinez, 22, arm himself with a handgun and point it at Officer Snyder’s partner.  Officer Snyder fired his duty weapon at Martinez. Martinez fell to the ground and was taken into custody.  The other two suspects ran away, but were arrested later during a search.  They are 21-year-old David Soto and 22-year-old Carlos Barrera.  Both were booked for Grand Theft Auto. 

Martinez received gunshot wounds to his neck and leg.  He was taken to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.  He was booked for Assault with Deadly Force on a Police Officer. Martinez’ handgun was recovered at the scene.

Officer Snyder is 26 years of age and he has been with the Department for 2 years.

Robbery-Homicide Division personnel are investigating the Grand Theft Auto and Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating the officer-involved shooting.

Activation of New Photo Red Light Equipment in West Bureau

Los Angeles: Today, the Los Angeles Police Department announces the activation of a Photo Red Light (PRL) system at the intersection of Manchester Avenue and Airport Boulevard  This is the sixth activation within Operations-West Bureau (23rd in the City) with a new PRL monitoring system, which records vehicle license plates that run red lights.  In the near future, 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 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.

81-Year-Old Woman Missing

*Missing woman found at 4th & Broadway early this morning and was in good condition…she was reunited with her family.*

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 84-year-old Tsuruko Morita.

Ms. Morita left her home on August 8, 2007, at about 2 PM, at her residence at 4668 South Huntington Drive.  She is missing after failing to return home.  Ms. Morita’s son who currently lives with her officers that she is suffering from Alzheimer’s and taking medication. 

She is 4 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 90 pounds, and was wearing a white shirt with flower prints and black pants with red polka dots.  She has grey hair and brown eyes.

A photo of Ms. Campos is available by e-mail from Media Relations Section.

Anyone knowing of her whereabouts is asked to contact Hollenbeck Division at 323-266-5965. During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

LAPD Investigation of possible Sexual Assault

Los Angeles: On Monday August 6, 2024 Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department began an investigation related to a report of a possible sexual assault at the Playboy Mansion in West Los Angeles.  For reasons of law and confidentiality that are critical aspects in investigations of this type, no additional information will be released at this time. 

This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

Robber Armed With AK-47 Caught on Video

Los Angeles:  A robber armed with an AK-47 assault rifle took cash from a donut shop in South Los Angeles.

On July 21, 2007, just before 5:00 AM, the robber walked into Donut Express, located at 425 East Imperial Highway.  The robber got hold of a patron while holding the rifle on his right side and placed his left arm around the shoulder of the patron.  The robber walked the patron to the cashier’s counter, pointed the rifle and demanded she open the cash register.  In fear for her life, the cashier complied with the robber. The robber reached into the open cash register and removed cash.

The robber then placed the rifle at the patron’s chest and demanded his wallet.  The patron was reluctant to give up his wallet.  The robber struck the patron in the left eye and walked out the business. 

The robber is a male Black and stands about 5’ 10” and weighs 200 pounds.  He fled the location in a newer model tan or silver GMC Yukon or a Ford Expedition.

The patron received swelling to his left eye.

The surveillance video clips of the robber are available at the Media Relations Section. 

Anyone with information is requested to call Detective Carlos Bedolla, Southeast Robbery Detectives, at 213-972-7932.  On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-2855).

51-Year-Old Man Missing

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 51-year-old Michael Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was last seen on August 6, 2007, at about 2:30 PM, at his residence in the 19800 block of Ingomar Street in Winnetka.  He left the house and has not been seen since.  He usually walks around the neighborhood and returns home.

Family members told officers that he suffers from schizophrenia and is a diabetic.  Mr. Thomas needs to take his medication, which was left at home.

Mr. Thomas is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, and was wearing a white/green shirt and blue shorts.  He has brown hair and brown eyes.

A photo of Mr. Thomas is available by e-mail from Media Relations Section.

Anyone knowing of his whereabouts is asked to contact Missing Persons Unit at 213-485-5381. During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

L.A. Attorney Arrested for Child Porn

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Attorney was arrested after pornographic photos of children were discovered at his home and on his work computer.

On August 2, 2007, at around 7:00 a.m., Detectives from the Los Angeles Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, arrested Robert Charles Fishman, 53, of Agoura Hills, for Possession of Child Pornography.

In March of this year Detectives received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that pornographic images of children were being uploaded from his work to a Yahoo! INC. group web site.  A search warrant was obtained in order to identify the individual uploading the photographs. 

The information led investigators to a law firm in the 500 block of South Figueroa Street.  After discovering the suspect was Fishman, Detectives obtained an additional search warrant for Fishman’s home and the law firm.  Numerous items of evidence were recovered from both locations and Fishman was taken into custody.

Fishman is free on $20,000.00 bail.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Shannon Geaney at the Los Angeles Police Department, Juvenile Detectives, Internet Crimes Against Child Task Force at 213-847-5358.  On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Thai Temple Employee Arrested

Los Angeles: A man employed as a janitor and photographer at a local temple has been arrested for sexual assault on 7 of the children who attend a summer school program there.

On July 31, 2007, at around 11:40 p.m., Chalearmchai Nopthaisong, 41, was arrested for charges of Kidnapping and Lewd Acts on a Child. Nopthaisong was employed as a janitor and photographer for the Thai Temple in North Hollywood.

Investigators learned of the assaults when one of the students, a 7-year-old female, told her mother that Nopthaisong had locked her in a room and taken inappropriate pictures of her body. The victim's mother alerted the Thai Temple Head Monk as well as the police.

During the course of the investigation it was discovered that there were six additional victims, ranging in age from 4 to 8. Investigators believe that there may be additional victims that have not yet been identified.

Nopthaisong is in custody and being held on 9 million dollars bail and immigration hold due to this arrest.

Anyone with information should contact Officer Alma Mercado at the Los Angeles Police Department, Juvenile Detectives, Sexually Exploited Child Unit at 213-485-2883. On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Van Nuys Man Shot to Death

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the death of a 39 year-old man shot and killed Tuesday afternoon.

On August 7, 2024 at about 1:00 PM, Officers responded to a shooting that had just occurred in the 5700 block of Halbrent Avenue.  When they arrived at the location they found Luis Arturo Velarde, of Van Nuys, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. 

Witnesses at the scene stated they heard a shot and observed the victim stumble and fall to the ground.  Velarde was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. 

No suspects or vehicles were seen and the motive is unknown at this time. 

Anyone with information regarding the murder or the identity of the suspects, are requested to call the Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-374-0040, during business hours.  After hours and on weekends, please phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-2855).

Notes from the August 7, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•Commissioner Ordin requested as a future agenda item a status report on all investigations pertaining to the May Day incident at MacArthur Park.

•The Department's goal for crime reduction for the year 2007 remains 5%, as confirmed by Chief Bratton.

•The Chief reported the second recruit class for fiscal year 2007-2008 has 51 recruits, with the ethnic breakdown of 2% African American, 51% Hispanic, 8% Asian, 4% Filipino, and 35% Caucasian.  12% are female and 88% are male. 

•There are currently a total of 398 recruits in the Academy.  On August 17, 2007, 60 recruits will graduate.

•The Department hiring goal for fiscal year 2007-2008 is 780 recruits.  The Department hired 731 recruits in fiscal year 2006-2007 and 545 recruits in fiscal year 2005-2006.

•At the August 14, 2024 Police Commission weekly meeting, the Department will make a presentation on deployment, including a section featuring deployment in the San Fernando Valley.  Chief Bratton stated that, if the Valley were viewed separately from the rest of Los Angeles, it would rank #11 on the list of the nation's biggest cities.  Furthermore, it would rank #2 on the list of the nation's safest big cities.  The Valley, which is similar in size to Chicago and has far less police officers, is actually safer than Chicago. 

•The Executive Director reported that negotiations with IBM for the in-car video cameras are still in progress. 

•The Executive Director reported that a representative from the City Attorney's office will make a presentation on the Safer Cities Initiative at the August 14, 2024 Police Commission weekly meeting.

•The Department's report, relative to approving a $480,000 grant award entitled, "Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) Program," for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2008, was approved.

•The Department's report, and the Inspector General's report, relative to the Complaint, Form 1.28, Investigations Audit-Phase II, Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, was approved.

•The Department's report, and the Inspector General's report, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, First Quarter 2007, in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, was approved.

Police Imposters Invade Home in Sun Valley

Los Angeles:  Five suspects posing as police officers tied up residents and took various properties and cash.

On Monday, August 6, 2007, at around 9 AM, the suspects approached one of the residents, a 40-year-old male Hispanic, in the 8600 block of Sharp Avenue.  They told the man that they were police officers and ordered him to step back into the residence at gunpoint.  Once inside the suspects tied up the man, a 33-year-old woman and two children, ages 10 and 11.  They ransacked the residence and took a plasma TV, computers, a microwave oven and other properties along with some cash. The suspects fled the location in the man's car, a 4-door black 1996 Nissan Maxima, California license plate number of 4RIF738.

The suspects were described as male Hispanics, 40 to 50 years of age, well dressed.  The suspects' vehicle was described as a brown 84-85 Chevy full size van.  The van has two 10" orange stripes on the side on both sides and it has a rear ladder.

No one was injured during the robbery.

Anyone with information is requested to call North Hollywood Detectives at 818-623-4045. On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-2855).

LAPD Officer Arrested for Theft

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles police officer was arrested earlier this morning for fraud.

On August 6, 2007, around 10:30 AM Police Officer David Hance was arrested when he appeared for his arraignment at the Criminal Courts building located at 210 West Temple Street.  Hance was appearing on embezzlement and receiving stolen property charges filed by the District Attorney's office.  It is believed Hance used Department funds for his personal use.

Hance is 38 and a ten-year veteran of the Department.  He was last assigned to 77th Station.

Hance was booked on a felony warrant for 487 (A) PC Grand Theft and Receiving Stolen Property.  His bail was set at $20,000.

After appearing before a judge he was released on his own recognizance.      

Any question, please contact Media Relations Section, at 213 485-3586.

Los Angeles Man Dies in Go-Cart Collision

Los Angeles:  A man died Saturday from injuries sustained when his go-cart collided with a car backing out of a driveway.

On August 4, 2007, around 10:20 p.m., Troy Lamont Taylor, 45, was riding a motorized go-cart in the 100 block of West 79th Street.  The driver of a car backing out of a driveway did not see Taylor riding the go-cart in the roadway and backed into his path. 

Taylor was unable to avoid the vehicle and crashed into it.  He received serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he died several hours later.

South Traffic Division Detectives are handling the investigation as a tragic accident and not as a criminal matter.  Anyone with information related to this accident are asked to call Detective Jim Render at 323-290-6093.  During off-hours and weekends call the toll free number 1-800-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Man with Rifle Shot by Officer

Los Angeles: An officer shot a man who was armed with a rifle.

On August 2, 2007, just after 4:00 A.M., Pacific Area Officer David Kater responded to a call of a group drinking in the area of 3900 Moore Avenue in Venice.  Upon arrival the officer did not see the group, but was directed to a parked SUV by a person who had called. 

Officer Kater approached the SUV and saw a man asleep in the back seat with what appeared to be a rifle in an upright position leaning against the back of the front seat.  Officer Kater backed away and requested additional officers to respond. When the additional officers arrived, Officer Kater and three officers approached the SUV and ordered the man out.  The man opened his eyes, but continued to ignore the officers’ commands, which were given in both English and Spanish.  The man suddenly leaned forward and placed both of his hands on the barrel of the rifle.  Officer Kater saw the man attempt to arm himself and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The man has been identified as 28-year-old Norberto Estrada.  He received a gunshot wound to the right forearm and was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released. 

Officers recovered a rifle style BB gun from inside the SUV.

Estrada was arrested for Assault without a Firearm on a Police Officer.  He is being held on  $50,000 bail.

Officer Kater is 38 years of age and has been with the Department for one year and eleven months.  None of the officers were injured.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.

Dog Attack Leads to Man's Death

Los Angeles: Two dogs attacked and mauled a man earlier this morning in West Los Angeles.

On August 3, 2007, shortly after 7:00 AM, West Los Angeles patrol officers received a radio call of a dead body in the 12900 block of San Vicinte Boulevard in Brentwood.  When they arrived, a man, approximately 40 years of age, was lying in the front yard.  He appeared to have suffered a number of injuries as a result of a dog mauling.  Paramedics were called and pronounced the man dead. 

Several dogs were on the property, but Animal Regulations personnel took four of the dogs into custody pending further investigation and they are now in quarantine.  Three of the dogs are Bull Mastiffs and one is an English Bull Dog.

The man worked as a caretaker at the residence and was employed there for the past two years.  He resides on the property and was one of the persons responsible for taking care of the dogs.

The exact cause of death will be determined by the Coroner's Office investigation.   

The caretaker's name is being withheld pending notification to his family.   

Anyone with information is asked to call West LA Homicide Detectives 310-575-8408.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Suspect in Sexual Assault Arrested

 Los Angeles: Detectives have announced the arrest of a suspect in the sexual assault of an 8-year-old boy in Van Nuys this past June.

On Saturday, August 4, 2007, at around 4:20 p.m., Amilcar Duran, 26, of North Hollywood, was arrested for the sexual assault of a young boy that occurred on June 13, 2007, as the boy walked home from school.

Several days after the assault the victim recognized the suspect while he was in a market near Victory Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue in North Hollywood. The police were notified but the suspect had left the location before they arrived.

Based on the victim's statements, police searched the stores surveillance video and were able to capture an image of the suspect and his vehicle. The victim identified the image as the same suspect that assaulted him.

On August 4, 2007, security personnel at the market observed a vehicle and driver leaving the market parking lot, who matched the composite drawing and video images of the suspect's vehicle. The police were again notified and this time Duran was taken into custody without incident.

He was arrested for kidnapping and sexual assault and is being held on $1,000,000.00 bail. Detectives are awaiting DNA results to confirm Duran's involvement in this crime.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Robbery Homicide Detectives John Wong or Jesse Alvarado at 213-485-2921. On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Composite image is attached.

Officer-Involved Shooting

Los Angeles: An officer-involved shooting occurred during an undercover operation.

On August 2, 2007, at around 9 PM, Northeast Area Narcotics Enforcement Detail plain-clothes officers were conducting a narcotics investigation in the 4900 block of Echo Street.  They were being assisted by Northeast Area patrol officers. 

Both plain-clothes and uniformed officers had arrested two suspects for possession of a firearm and narcotics when they saw four more possible suspects leaving the area.  As the uniformed officers attempted to detain them, one of the uniformed officers saw a male suspect walking toward him holding what he believe to be a handgun.  The uniformed officer fired one round at the suspect.  The suspect, later identified as a plain-clothes narcotics officer, was not stuck by the round.

No other officers or suspects were injured.

The uniformed officer involved in the shooting is Officer Oscar Martin, 31 years of age.  He has been with the Department for one year.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.