« September 2, 2024 - September 8, 2024 | Main | September 16, 2024 - September 22, 2024 »

September 14, 2024

Editorial Comment

To my fellow bloggers,

It has been an interesting journey, one that I have enjoyed tremondously.  When Chief Bratton first proposed the idea of the LAPD Blog, I left his office a bit confused, because I had no idea what a blog was.  However, after a little research, attending a Blogging Conference and a lot of help from Officer Knight and Sean Bonner, together we released the LAPD Blog.  We were one of the first law enforcement agencies in the nation to venture this new road, and we have helped many law enforcement agencies throughout the world to start their own blog. 

It has certainly been fun reading all the various blogger's comments and coordinating the publication of LAPD related articles.  Now my path leads me in a different direction, I have been fortunate enough to  be selected to fill the position as the Department Spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department, an honor that allows me to bring recognition to all the good work the men and women of this Department perform every day. Taking my place as the caretaker of the LAPD Blog is Lt. Mora, who is bringing fresh new ideas and whom I have the most confidence will keep the blog going.

To those dedicated bloggers, please continue to forward your comments. Believe me many people, including LAPD officers and management, read and act upon your ideas, comments, and concerns. 

Lieutenant De La Torre      

September 12, 2024

Child Abduction Regional Emergency Murder Victim's 5-Year-Old Daughter Missing

**CARE ALERT CANCELLED-Child located in Palmdale in good condition**

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a young girl believed to have been abducted by her mother's killer. 

On September 12, at around 1:10 p.m., Southwest Division Officers were called to a residence in the 2800 block of West 42nd Street to investigate a possible murder.  When they arrived they found the victim lying in the bathroom suffering from multiple stab wounds.  Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded and pronounced her death at scene.  Her identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The suspect is believed to be the victim's boyfriend, Damiean Johnson, 27, a Black man with black hair, brown eyes, 6' 2", and approximately 170 lbs. 

Detectives believe that Johnson may have kidnapped the victim's 5-year-old daughter after slaying the victim.  The victim's daughter is Kenyon Elaine Anderson, a female Black, with a medium complexion, black hair, brown eyes, is about 3' 00" tall, and weighs around 50 lbs. Johnson is not Kenyon's biological father.

Detectives also think that Johnson left the location driving the victim's white 2003 Mercury Mountaineer, 4 door, license plate number, 5YPE717.

Detectives are hoping that anyone who has seen this vehicle, Johnson, or Kenyon will call 911 immediately.  They are urged to contact Detective Stanley Evans at 213-485-2582.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Critical Missing Adult

***UPDATE-September 12, 2007***
Missing Person has been located and has been reunited with her family. She was found at a local hospital in good condition where she had been since she went missing.  Authorities had not been able to identify her due to her reluctance and inability to communicate with them.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 75-year-old Leila Zarba-Badalian.

Ms. Zarba-Badalian was last seen on September 6, 2007, at about 5:30 p.m., when she wandered off from her apartment at 850 South Westgate Avenue.

According to her daughter, Ms. Zarba-Badalian is suffering from Dementia, but has never been missing.  She is White, stands 4 feet 11 inches and weighs 105 pounds. She was last seen wearing a floral sweater, blue jeans and slip-on shoes.

Anyone with her whereabouts is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, at 213-485-5381. During after hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

LAPD Ends Temporary Moratorium on Vehicle Impounds

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton today announced to members of the Los Angeles Police Commission his intent to end a temporary moratorium on vehicle impounds. 

On August 21, 2007, the Department announced a temporary moratorium of certain vehicle impounds while awaiting a clarification from the Office of the City Attorney.  The issue was the Department's current policy on vehicle impounds, the 30-day hold, and whether or not the policy constitutes an unreasonable seizure, defined under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution.

Last week the Office of the City Attorney forwarded its opinion as to the constitutionality of vehicle impounds under the provisions of the Fourth Amendment.  After a careful review and in consideration of the Office of the City Attorney's opinion, the Department has made minor modifications to the current policy governing the impoundment of vehicles.

Department employees will continue to enforce the provisions set forth in the California Vehicle Code, and when warranted, impound the vehicles of those drivers who are unlicensed or have a suspended or revoked license.  However, as with any situation, officers will apply  "reasonableness" with respect to the impoundment of a vehicle.  Once a vehicle is impounded and where legally mandated, the 30-day hold will remain in effect.  Discontinuation of the moratorium goes into effect September 12, 2007.   

Public safety and the efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic have been and will remain critical priorities of the Department.   

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

September 11, 2024

ATM Robber Captured on Surveillance Camera

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect caught on surveillance video at an ATM robbery.

On August 26, 2007, at about midnight, a male approached a bank customer at the ATM located in the 6600 block of La Cienega Boulevard. The suspect demanded the victim's money and once it was produced, ran away north bound through an alley. 

The suspect is described as a male Black, 6 feet tall, 150 lbs, in his early 20's.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Pacific Division Detectives at 310-482-6409. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

A copy of the surveillance photo is available at Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics September 8, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                279               337              -17%
Rape                                      569               655              -13%
Robbery                                9246             9922                -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9079             9905                -8%
Total Violent Crimes          19,173        20,819               -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,430          13,776          -3%
Auto Theft                             16,108          16,821          -4%
BTFV                                      20,975         20,696            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,195         19,576           -7%
Total Property Crimes           68,708       70,869           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                87,881       91,688
           -4%

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

Woman Found Shot Dead Inside Apartment

Los Angeles: Detectives are investigating the shooting death of a woman found in her apartment Sunday night.

On September 9, 2007, around 11:30 p.m., Southwest Area patrol officers responded to a domestic violence investigation in the 3800 block of Nicolet Avenue.  When they arrived the officers discovered Carlezette Bryant, 30, died of an apparent gunshot wound.

Detectives believe this may be a domestic violence related crime, but so far no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives Corey Farell or Jim Yoshida, Operations-South Bureau Criminal Homicide, at 213-485-2415. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Man Dies After Assaulting a Fireman

Los Angeles: A 44-year-old man died at a local hospital after being taken from the street of Mid-City where he had assaulted a firefighter.

On Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at around 11:30 PM, Rampart Area patrol officers Joel Miller and Thomas Andreas responded to assist LA City firemen who had responded on a service call of a man down near James M. Woods Boulevard and Carondelet Street.

Upon arrival the officers observed a male, later identified as Mario Aguilar, lying face down in the gutter.  As the firemen approached Aguilar to assess his medical condition, he grabbed the pant leg of one of the firemen, causing him to fall to the ground.  Officer Andreas knelt on Aguilar’s back and was able to remove Aguilar’s hands from the fireman’s leg and handcuffed him, while Officer Miller was holding Aguilar’s legs.  Moments after being restrained, Aguilar stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest.  He was immediately un-handcuffed and transported by rescue ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. 

On September 6, 2007, at 11:05 AM, Aguilar was pronounced dead by hospital personnel.

The cause of death is unknown pending an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Officer Miller is 49 years of age and has been with the Department for 8 years and 11 months.  Officer Andreas is 29 years of age with 5 years 10 months with the Department.

Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating this incident as an In-Custody Death.

LAPD Unveils State of the Art Equipment

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joins Los Angeles Police Department Chief William J. Bratton in unveiling the LAPD’s newest technology and equipment.  Most of the equipment on display was purchased through funding provided by Homeland Security Grants. 

Highly trained experts from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Hazardous Materials Unit, Air Support Division, and Bomb Squad Unit will be on hand with their equipment to provide tours and explain the capabilities of each piece of equipment.  The following vehicles will be on display on the oval track of the Physical Fitness Field: Pierce Bomb Squad Response Truck, Bear Armored Rescue Vehicle, BearCat Armored Rescue Vehicle, Hazardous Material Response Vehicle, and Jail Division Sprinter Transport Vehicle.   

The Public Information Office Response Truck, a recent purchase, will also be on display for the first time.  Equipped with a helicopter wireless downlink system, television-monitoring system with DirecTV, DVD recorder, and other features that will enhance the communications experience amongst the Department, public and media.

Approximate cost of the vehicles, including the specialized equipment nears $3 million. 

Chief Bratton will also present challenge coins to four deserving officers who over the previous weeks demonstrated courage during difficult situations.  On August 24, 2007, Sergeant Christopher Gomez, Newton Area, witnessed a vehicle collide with the center divider of the Harbor Freeway erupting into flames.  Without hesitation, Sergeant Gomez removed the driver from the vehicle and guided him to a safe area.  On July 28, 2007, Sergeant Adrian Moody, Officer John Biondo and Officer Daniel Jara, Southwest Area, during an investigation came across an 18-year-old female experiencing breathing difficulties and ultimately lapsed into unconsciousness.  Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was performed until the arrival of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The 18-year-old female was transported to a local hospital.  Sadly, she passed away several days later due to a life-long illness. 

Part I Crime statistics through September 1, 2007, will be released. 

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

Jack Webb Awards

Los Angeles: On Saturday, September 8, 2007, the Los Angeles Police Historical Society will host its Annual Jack Webb Awards, reception and dinner at the Sheraton Universal Grand Ballroom.

The Los Angeles Police Historical Society’s Jack Webb Awards was in honor of Jack Webb of Dragnet, a long running tevelvision show what featured LAPD investigations.

Every year this event honors extraordinary people who have made a life-long commitment to supporting law enforcement. In doing so, the event raises monetary funds for the Historical Society’s Museum and the many educational, community based programs they sponsor.

This year the honorees are Jane Boeckmann, President of World of Communications and Publisher of Valley Magazine; the producer’s cast and crew of CSI; and legendary LAPD Detective Jack Giroud, aka “Mister Robbery.”

James Ellroy, Author of such books as L.A. Confidential and The Black Dahlia, will Emcee the event, which starts with a 6:30PM reception and silent auction, followed by dinner promptly at 7:30.  The awards ceremony and program will be held from 8:45 to 10:00 p.m.

The evening’s entertainment showcases two beautiful singers, Sky Green, and Sarah Montes, as well as a very talented ventriloquist and former Miss Nevada, Sandy Zanella.

The dinner co-chairs include Danny Staggs and past honoree William R. “Russ” Colvin. Special guests include Chief of Police William Bratton and Robert David Hall, who portrays Dr. Albert Robbins on CSI.

This event is proudly sponsored by CBS Corporation, Galpin Motors, Paramount Pictures, NBC Universal, and CORE Realty Holdings.

For further information please contact the Los Angeles Police Historical Society at 323-344-9445.

Composite of Attempt Kidnap Suspect Released

Los Angeles: West Valley Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who tried to abduct a high school girl at gunpoint.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 6, 2007, at around 1:00 P.M., as the girl, a student at Zane Grey Continuation School, was walking southbound on Reseda Boulevard toward Victory Boulevard. The suspect pulled alongside the girl several times as she walked alone and made comments to entice her into his vehicle. She ignored each advance. As she continued westbound, the suspect pulled over and demanded that she get into his vehicle. When she looked in the suspect’s direction, she saw that he was pointing a handgun at her through the open passenger window.

The suspect’s actions caused traffic to accumulate behind him and an impatient driver began honking at him. The suspect immediately made a U-turn on Victory Boulevard, vanishing in an eastbound direction and out of sight.

The suspect was described as a Caucasian, 50 to 55 years of age, with gray curly hair and gray goatee. He was wearing square-framed clear prescription glasses and a dark business suit with dark necktie. The victim was unable to describe the suspect’s vehicle any further than a dark, possibly black van or SUV. The license plate number was not obtained.

The suspect was armed with an unknown type of handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information that can assist with the identification of this suspect is urged to call West Valley Detective Robert Ward at 818-374-7730. During after hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll-free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529 3955).

September 10, 2024

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Hit & Run Driver

Los Angeles: A man was killed Saturday evening as he tried to cross a busy street in South Los Angeles.

On September 8, 2007, at around 8:00 p.m., a pedestrian, 25 years old, was crossing the street at Manchester Avenue near McKinley Avenue. A vehicle traveling eastbound on Manchester Avenue in the number one lane struck the pedestrian, killing him. 

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene of the accident, but later turned himself in to officers at the 77th Street Police Station.  He was arrested for Felony Hit and Run.  His name is being withheld because he is a juvenile.

The victim's name is being withheld pending notification of his family.

Anyone with questions or information is asked to contact South Traffic Division, Detective Jimmy Render, at 323-290-6063.  During after hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-3855).

Critical Missing Adult

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 75-year-old Leila Zarba-Balalian.

Ms. Zarba-Balalian was last seen on September 6, 2007, at about 5:30 p.m., when she wandered off from her apartment at 850 South Westgate Avenue.

According to her daughter, Ms. Zarba-Balalian is suffering from Dementia, but has never been missing.  She is White, stands 4 feet 11 inches and weighs 105 pounds. She was last seen wearing a floral sweater, blue jeans and slip-on shoes.

Anyone with her whereabouts is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, at 213-485-5381.  During after hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Critical Missing Juvenile and Adult

****UPDATE****
**As was reported earlier, 19-year-old Jose Rodriguez was located at around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon.  He was in good condition and was returned to his group home.

We regret to report that CHP Officers have notified LAPD's 77th Division Detectives that 15-year-old Dalvin Castillo was killed early this Sunday morning after being struck by several vehicles on the 110 Freeway near Manchester Avenue, at around 5:30 a.m. CHP Officers realized late Sunday evening that the unidentified victim from the freeway accident was in fact Dalvin after hearing the LAPD's missing person broadcast.**

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 15-year-old Dalvin Castillo and 19-year-old Jose Rodriguez.

Dalvin and Jose were last seen at about 1:00 a.m., at their group home located at 1720 West 82nd Street.  Caretakers believed that both Jose and Dalvin wandered off during the night through an open front gate.

Dalvin is a male Black, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds, and was wearing a white shirt and blue shorts.  Dalvin has the mental capacity of a 2-year-old.

Jose is a male Hispanic, 6 feet tall, weighs 190 pounds and was wearing dark blue pajamas.  Jose also has the mental capacity of a 2-year-old. 

Anyone with their  whereabouts is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, at 213-485-5381. During after hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

A photo of Dalvin and Jose is available by e-mail from Media Realtions Section.

Woman Stabbed to Death

Los Angeles: On Saturday, September 8, 2007, at about 1:00 p.m., Sophia Broussard, 38, was stabbed to death inside her apartment.  Her 5-year-old daughter was determined to be missing.  An AMBER alert was initiated and an intensive search for her was conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's and the FBI.  At about 10:15 p.m., she was located unharmed in Los Angeles County. 

27-year-old Damiean Johnson, the boyfriend of Sophia Broussard, was found and arrested for her murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Bureau Homicide Detectives Robert Lait and Stacy Szymkowiak at 213-485-2418. During after hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-3855).

Man Shot Walking to His Car

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the shooting death of Morris Moran, a resident of Canoga Park.

On Saturday, September 8, 2007, at approximately 9:45 p.m., 27-year-old Morris Moran, was walking to his car, parked near Wilshire Boulevard and Manhattan Place.  Two suspects walked up to Morris from behind and one of them shot him.

Moran was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and died.

The attack appeared to be unprovoked and the motive is not known.

Suspect 1, is described as a male Hispanic , 5' 8" in height, 160 pounds, wearing a white shirt and dark pants. Suspect 2, is described only as wearing a blue suit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wilshire Homicide Unit, Detective J. Shafia or Officer T. Urena at 213-473-0446. During after hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-3855).

LAPD Disclaimer

  • Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this weblog until the author has approved them. We encourage you to express your opinions about current events through respectful and insightful discussion. The Department reserves the right to refuse to post those comments that contain inappropriate language and/or material. Additionally, hyper-links or E-mail addresses will not be posted. To report or help us solve a crime go to lapdonline.org. To commend an officer or report police officer misconduct - click here.

Search

  • Google

    WWW
    lapdblog.typepad.com

LAPD Photos

  • www.flickr.com

December 2007

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
            1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31