LAPD Blog

Blind Judges Choice

Los Angeles: Blind children judge a special “VIP” Award (Visually Impaired Person) strictly by touch at the LAPD “Cops for Tots” car show.

“The winner was very unpredictable.  The kids judged the vehicles strictly by feel, they were not impressed by expensive paint jobs or extensive chrome,” said Devonshire Police Officer Sean Reinhardt, who created the LAPD Racing VIP Award.  Officer Reinhardt’s blind adopted son, Shain, was one of the judges.

The third annual “VIP” trophy was awarded at the Cops for Tots car show held at the LAPD Elysian Park Academy on October 28, 2007.  The car show is a community event attended by thousands of car lovers.

The panel of judges consisted of youngsters from the Junior Blind of America Foundation and range in age from 10 to 18 years.  A fond thank you to the show’s organizers, the Devonshire Explorers, and the gracious car owners who allowed the kids to touch their personal “Pride and Joy.”

The 2007 VIP Award winner was Darryl Roth with his wild Corvair powered trike.  The trike is a tribute to Darryl’s famous father “Big Daddy” Ed Roth, an icon of the “Kar Kulture” and creator of the “Rat Fink” character.

LAPD Racing displayed their LAPD Police Car/Race Car.  The car is part of the “GOT-YA!” (Get On Track-Youth Alternatives) program, which provides legal alternatives to illegal street racing.

For more information about the award, contact Officer Sean Reinhardt at 818-885-6108, or email at reinsport@yahoo.com

Man Attempting to Disarm Officer Shot

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Police Officer shot a suspect attempting to disarm another officer during a struggle.

On October 31, 2007, at about 10:55 a.m., officers observed a man riding a bicycle holding a possible handgun in his waistband in the 1000 block of East 22nd Street.  The suspect, Gerardo Rojas, 19, refused to comply with the officer’s demands and continued riding eastbound on 22nd Street towards Central Avenue.  Officers requested a back-up as Rojas abandoned his bicycle and began running while still clutching his waistband.  Officers chased and caught Rojas in a yard where he began fighting the officers.   

During the struggle Rojas attempted to disarm one of the officers.  The officer alerted his partner and arriving back up Officer Mark Hyland. Officer Hyland fired one round striking Rojas in the upper right arm allowing the officer to regain control of his weapon. Rojas was taken into custody without further incident.

The officers recovered a loaded .25 caliber chrome handgun from Rojas.

Rojas was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the upper right arm.  The officers involved in the struggle sustained minor injuries and were treated and released. 

Force Investigation Division is handling this incident.

Man Killed While Standing by his Car

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the death of a 38-year-old man.

On Friday, July 27, 2007, at approximately 7:35 a.m., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to a radio call in the 7800 block of Hillrose Avenue, in Sunland.

Detectives believe that Jae Oh went to start his car. Oh then got out for a minute and someone hit him in the head with a hard object.

The officers found Oh lying unconscious on the sidewalk.  Paramedics responded and pronounced Oh dead at scene.

Jae Oh’s vehicle was not stolen and the motive for the assault is unknown at this time.

The suspect is described as a male Black in his early twenties, about 5’7" in height, medium build, and of medium complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Foothill Homicide Detective Heather Gahry or Detective Mario Santana at 818-834-3115. 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).

Children of Fallen Officer Receive Scholarship Check

Los Angeles:  The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation has awarded education scholarship funds to support the family of an LAPD officer.

On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation presented Jessica Selleh and Scott Selleh with scholarships that will pay for their current education expenses to Ventura and Moorpark Colleges.  The foundation will also pay for any future college tuition and expenses.

Jessica and Scott are the children of Mike Selleh, a Los Angeles police detective who passed away on July 29,2007, after a tragic traffic collision. 

The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation was founded in 1995.  Their goal has been to assist and provide funds for the education and development of children with special needs of Marine Corps families and for children of law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty.  To date, the foundation has provided over $27 million in scholarships for 2600 children in need.

We would like to thank the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation for their support and assistance to the Selleh family.

If you have any questions please contact Media Relations Office, at 213-485-3586.

School Security Guard Arrested for Sexual Assault

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police have arrested a school security guard in connection with the sexual assault of an 11-year-old female student at Gompers Middle School. 

The sexual assault occurred on October 26, 2007, inside the school building.  According to investigators, at about 10:30 a.m., a 42-year-old security guard identified as Donald Johnson, aka“DJ,” saw two female students on their way to class and stopped them.  Johnson told one of the girls to go back to class and he told the other that he was taking her to the attendance office located in a different building.  Instead of taking the girl to the attendance office, Johnson took her outside behind the building.  After looking around to make sure no one was in the area, Johnson covered the girl’s mouth with his hand and began touching her under her clothing.  He then threatened to kill the victim if she told anyone about the incident, authorities said.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released following a sexual assault examination.

On October 29, 2007, police arrested Johnson at Gompers Middle School and booked him for Kidnap for the Purpose of Sexual Assault.  His bail was set at $1 million.

Johnson had been employed as a security guard at the school for four years.  He had previously worked as a janitor there.

“Given the nature of this crime, we believe there may be additional victims out there who may have been assaulted by this suspect, and we are asking that they come forward and report it”, said Detective Oscar Gamino.

A photo of Johnson is available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone who has been a victim of Johnson or have information about this incident is asked to call Southeast Sex Crimes Unit Officer Caterino Perez at 213-972-7856.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL. 529-3855.

Motive for Shooting Death Unclear

Los Angeles:   Detectives are trying to determine the motive for a shooting late Tuesday evening that killed a Los Angeles man.

On October 30, 2007, at around 11:35 p.m., Brian Ramos, 20, was parking his car in the 900 block of South Mariposa Avenue.  A witness reported seeing a man walk up to Ramos and ask, "Where are you from?" 

Before Ramos could respond, the suspect fired multiple shots at him. Several of the rounds hit Ramos critically injuring him. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:15 a.m.

Detective John Shafia said, "The motive for this shooting is not completely clear.  Ramos was not a gang member, but we suspect the perpetrator was."

Witnesses described the suspect as a Hispanic man, with very short black hair, 5 ft. 7 in., 170 lbs., in his early 20's.

Wilshire Detectives are asking for anyone with information to call Detectives John Shafia or Mark Holguin at 213-473-0446.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Asian and Pacific Islander Language Public Service Announcement Campaign

Today, the Los Angeles Police Commission and Chief  William J. Bratton heralded the launch of LAPD’s partnership with LA 18/KSCI-TV, the leading Asian language television station in the United States, on the first ever Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Language Public Service Announcement Campaign.  The campaign consists of weekly guest appearances by Department personnel on the station’s Chinese (Mandarin) program LA 18 Evening News, and monthly guest appearances on the station’s Filipino (Tagalog) program, Kababayan LA, and Vietnamese program, Global Report News. 

Through the showcasing of LAPD officers on LA 18/KSCI-TV, Commission President Anthony Pacheco stated the campaign hopes to humanize the image of law enforcement in the API community, and familiarize and assimilate the newly immigrated to local laws and protocol when dealing with law enforcement.  Chief Bratton conveyed the Department’s enthusiasm for working with the API community and noted the campaign is also an excellent venue for increasing recruitment among API candidates.

Notes from the October 30, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•    Chief Bratton thanked the Police Commission for his reappointment, and for the vote of confidence the Commissioners have given him.

•    Current and new recruit classes at the Academy consist of at least 60 cadets.  Previous classes this year have had a maximum of 50.

•    Chief Bratton asked for the support of the Police Commission in an upcoming overtime presentation to be made before the Budget Finance Committee at City Hall.  He stated the Department is indeed managing overtime, and that overtime is a reality in our Department and in our line of work.

•    Next week Chief Bratton will be in Washington, D.C. for two days.  While he is there he will receive the Governing Magazine Leadership Award.  Only one other Chief of Police has received this award.

•    Commissioner Skobin provided an update on meetings with various City department officials regarding preventative maintenance of existing Astro radios and acquisition of new Astro radios for Department personnel.  This is critical for both officer safety and service to the public.  The acquisition of new Astro radios for all officers is a high priority for the entire Police Commission.

•    The Executive Director announced the contract for in-car video cameras, which is currently being appealed by another vendor, will be on the November 20th Police Commission weekly meeting agenda.  By this time the appeal will have taken place.

•    The Inspector General announced that his office’s analysis of the new protocol used in the
Professional Standards Bureau’s Racial Profiling investigations will be presented at the November 20th Police Commission weekly meeting. 

•    The Police Commission presented certificates of appreciation to April Kuan, Eric Olander, Jannelle So, Tracy Bui, Brian Reed, Peter Mathes, Kelly Che, Alice Lee, Joyce Shimazu and Harry Chang of television station LA 18 to acknowledge the launch the Department’s Asian language Asian-Pacific Island media campaign, the first of its kind in the history of the Department. 

•    The verbal presentation and discussion from the Department, relative to the status of personnel investigations of officers involved in the MacArthur Park incident and given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez, was accepted.  The Commission requested a further update and status report be made in the coming weeks. 

•    The Department’s report and discussion with affected employee organizations, relative to the Hunter-La Lay Consent Decree Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2006/2007 and given by Captain Kevin McClure and Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was accepted.

Recruit Address

Monday October 29, 2024

This morning at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center, Chief William J. Bratton addressed two recruit classes: recruit class 10–07, who are two weeks into their academy training, and class 8-07, who began their training in August.

Chief Bratton congratulated the 109 recruit officers for choosing a profession that is dangerous, tough, and unlike any other.  He mentioned the excellent benefits, salary, and rewards that come with a career in law enforcement.  Chief Bratton reminded them that for every recruit officer in the room there were 12 people denied admittance into the Department. 

Chief Bratton shared with the class the experiences he had as a new patrol officer with the Boston Police Department in 1978. He discussed the progression of American policing from the 1970's and onward, and stated that the Department's facilities, technology, and training programs will prepare them for the new challenges police officers face while on patrol and with the threat of terrorism.

Chief Bratton stressed the importance of working as a collective group, looking out for one another during their rigorous training.  "Think of yourselves as a team moving through this.  In everything you do you will have an impact on other people's lives.  In everything you do," he said "strive to be the best."  Chief Bratton closed his address by wishing everyone all the best and looks forward to seeing them again on graduation day.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics October 27, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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

Homicide                               334               395              -15%
Rape                                     692                797              -13%
Robbery                                 11,052           11,797         -6%
Agg Assaults **                       10,747           11,732         -8%
Total Violent Crimes             22,825          24,721        -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,057          16,527          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,275          20,153          -4%
BTFV                                      24,849         24,538            1%
Personal/Other Theft              21,914         23,509           -7%
Total Property Crimes           82,095       84,727           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              104,920     109,448           -4%

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