LAPD Blog

LAPD’s Community Engagement Initiative

Los Angeles: Today, November 15, 2007, Chief William J. Bratton, and members of his command staff met with several leaders of the Los Angeles Muslim community to begin the initial efforts of the Community Engagement Initiative.

Those in attendance from the Muslim community included:

•    Salam Al Marayati, Muslim Public Affairs Council
•    Hussam Ayloush, Council on American-Islamic Relations
•    Shakeel Syed, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
•    Sadegh Namazikah, The Iranian-American Muslim Network
•    Dr. Mohammed Khatibloo, Westwood College
•    Dr. Greg Esteban, Westwood College
•    Dr. Maher Hathout, Muslim Public Affairs Council
•    Affad Shaikh, Civil Rights Coordinator, Council on     American-Islamic Relations
•    Ranjana Natarajan, American Civil Liberties Union
•    Peter Bibring, American Civil Liberties Union
•    John O’Brien, National Association of Muslim Lawyers
•    Dafer Dakhil, Omar in Khattab Foundation
•    Abdul-Kareem Hasan, Bilal Islamic Center
•    Naim Shah, Ilm Foundation
•    Najee Ali, Project Islamic Hope
•    Ahmed Ali, Council of Pakistan American Affairs
•    Zabie Mansoory, Muslim Public Affairs Council
•    Shazia Kamal, Muslim Public Affairs Council
•    Munira Syeda, Council on American-Islamic Relations
•    Douglas Mirell, American Civil Liberties Union
•    Fatma Saleh, Islamic Education Center of Orange County

At the meeting, honest and frank dialogue surrounding the LAPD’s Community Engagement Initiative - and in particular - the mapping of Muslim communities, was shared. Chief Bratton assured those in attendance that the mapping component of the initiative will not and cannot move forward as it would have required shared cooperation between the Department and members of the Muslim community.

“The LAPD strongly embraces the philosophy of Community Policing in all of our daily operations and functions,” said Chief Bratton. “Community Policing is a partnership between the police and the community, whereby the police and the community share responsibility for identifying, reducing, eliminating and preventing problems that impact community safety and order. By working together, we can reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods Citywide. I have said it many times, in many places, and I want to be perfectly clear…We cannot do this alone! We need the working cooperation of all members of our community.”

In a democratic society, the police derive their power from the people. The people are the police. In order for us to do our job effectively, we must actively seek out and maintain the trust and support of the diverse communities we serve.

Eighteen months ago, as part of our on-going Community Policing initiatives - specifically our community engagement initiatives, the LAPD reached out to the many Muslim communities, and their leaders, throughout Los Angeles.

The principal purpose of these engagement initiatives is our desire to learn more about the Muslim communities - their religion, needs, fears and concerns. It is also intended to give them a better understanding of their police department, and how we might better relate and respond to their particular needs and concerns. In effect, to sustain our ongoing partnership based on mutual trust and respect.

We continually seek wise counsel and guidance. The Muslim communities’ united, swift and assertive negative reaction to one element of our engagement strategy initiative, in addition to our quick response to no longer pursue it is, I hope, a clear indication that the relationships, which have already been formed are paying off. Our having frank, transparent and open discussion about a major issue of concern has resulted in what will be a meaningful and satisfactory resolution.

As we move forward, we must continue to build upon the relationships we have fostered. At the same time, we must forge new relationships with all of the diverse communities throughout this great City with the goal being to make Los Angeles the safest big city in the nation.”

Chief Brattons podcast of above events.

A Skid Row Cop's opinion 8

TAKING A STEP BACK?

Hello everyone, I am Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph, Serial No. 32511.  Recently, our City Council made an agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union to allow homeless people to sleep on the sidewalk at night Citywide.  It is unknown what the impact of this decision will be.  In my opinion, it will be a negative one, but not for the reasons people would stereotypically believe would come from a police officer.

Yes, increased crime and poor quality of life issues are a "realistic" concern.  This is counter to our "idealistic" detractors, however, my worries and fears are not only for the homeless individuals that will begin to take refuge on the streets Skid Row, but the rest of the City as well.

My concern is mainly for their individual safety.  Before the Safer Cities Initiative (SCI), people were allowed to sleep and camp on the sidewalks, which created a form of chaos.  The chaos led to the victimization and self-destructive behavior amongst the homeless.  This congestion of criminality made it very difficult to serve the homeless members we protect from crime.

It also created an atmosphere, amongst many homeless individuals, which allowed them to cater to their addictions and illegal trades.  Furthermore, they did not have to change their lives.  This attitude not only led them to become victims of their own vices, but also was compounded as they became victimized at the hand of others on a frequent basis. 

On many occasions during my tour of duty as a night patrol officer, I would respond to incidents of violence that had occurred against people who sought the streets of Skid Row as a place to rest.  In the morning, they would awake battered and or raped, as they would lie next to a pool of theirs' or someone else's human waste.

One of the saddest examples of this, that has effected me personally for years, was when a homeless friend of mine affectionately named "MiMi" was brutally strangled to death as she slept in the street.  MiMi was a special lady to me.  Yes, she was a drug addict, but she had a light inside of her.  We became fast-friends after she flagged me down one day just to chat.  We would speak honestly with each other about my job and her addiction.  When she was bingeing on crack, she would let me know by stating, "Joe, it's not a good time to talk right now.  Can't let you see me like this."  Then she would sadly walk away from me.  However, in rare moments of sobriety, she expressed a strong desire to put her life together so that she could one day reunite with her two children.  She would tear up and come to the realization that the temptations around her and the environment she was "allowed' to live in would never make that change a reality for her.  I would pray with her and counsel her, as she did for me on the nights the tragedies I witnessed on this job would shake my faith in humanity.

At the time, I did not have an answer for her.  I was a young cop who thought my sole responsibility was to crush crime and fill my patrol car with as many criminals as possible.  I did not really take the time to familiarize myself with the programs in the area.  I was just too busy.  MiMi, along with many other wonderful people I've met over the years, changed my perception of the people of Skid Row.  I began to realize that they deserved better, and needed a push to help get them together.

My "super cop" mentality began to morph into a tough love approach for the people of Skid Row.  My efforts were fueled by the thought that MiMi did not have to die the way she did.  Years after, we fought crime diligently in Skid Row without support or resources, the mediocrity surrounding our efforts kept us from making any lasting change.

For years I did my job, placing violent criminals and drug dealers who exploit the homeless in jail, and counseling drug addicts.  Unfortunately, the lack of support from other agencies, lack of officers, and constant battles with agenda-based groups, who exploit the homeless for funding masked under the banner of "civil liberties," ultimately led to these criminals being released into an environment that allowed them to continue to plague the community.  I compared my first seven years at Central to a loyal guard dog forced to eat a generic brand of dry dog food, and then someone comes along and allows me to take a small bite into a T-bone steak, leaving me craving for more.

In October 2006, the resources we needed to curb this historic trend arrived in the form of the Safer Cities Initiative (SCI).  With dedicated leadership, officers from Central Division with additional fifty energized officers took a 33 percent bite out of crime.  As I watched, the streets transformed from a place of squalor and hopelessness, to a place of sanity and community.  I was not satisfied, I craved more.

I watched as people began choosing the shelters over the streets, as a result of the efforts of officers that gave them that push.  There was less human waste, and waste of lives due to overdosing.  There were less syringes and other forms of paraphernalia on the sidewalk for addicts to reuse and spread infection.  More people benefited from drug programs and dedicated service workers in the area.  The people that still chose to remain on the streets or could not find shelter at night were behaving themselves.  Social groups who were skeptical of our motives at first were now coming to the table to discuss how they could be of assistance. 

How this ruling will affect all of our efforts has yet to be seen.  I do not struggle with this as much as I struggle with the thought that there are groups who have never been to Skid Row on a consistent basis to see what I have seen.  Or maybe they have a couple of times, but really could care less; for their overall agenda far outweighs the individual lives affected by this ruling.

My overall fear for the homeless is they will be an easier target for the increase in crimes against them not just in Skid Row, but City-wide.  However, this decision will not deter our Division and Department from doing our best to combat this ugly trend.

The positive I see in the ruling is that maybe those outside of the Skid Row realm might get an understanding of what it was like down here, and finally step-up to the plate and speak out for more services outside of the Skid Row area.

Sincerely,

Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph

32511@lapd.lacity.org.

30-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: Rampart Homicide Detectives are investigating the murder of Walter Vega, 30, a resident of Los Angeles.

On November 12, 2007, at around 4:15 PM, Rampart Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 700 block of South Berendo Street. Upon arrival the officers observed the victim down on the sidewalk, suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest.  The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation revealed the victim was standing at the location when two suspects approached him.  A confrontation occurred at which time one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and shot the victim numerous times. The two suspects ran southbound towards 8th Street and entered a van with several other occupants. 

The two suspects were described as Hispanics.  One suspect was wearing a white shirt with his collar pulled up to his face and the other suspect was wearing unknown colored shorts.  Their van was described as a possible blue Toyota. 

The motive for the shooting is believed to be gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives at 213-207-2060.  During off-hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Detectives Save Man from Pitbull Attack

Los Angeles: Two Los Angeles Police Detectives rescued a man early Monday morning from a savage mauling by a Pitbull.

On Monday, November 12, 2007, at around 7:00 a.m., South Bureau Gang/Homicide Detectives Mark Hahn and Andy Moody were in the area of 97th Street and Hoover Street on an unrelated matter. As they sat in their car they heard screams and cries for help.

Their attention was quickly drawn to a 53-year old man who was down on the ground and being attacked by a Pitbull. The man was attempting to escape the dog's attack by crawling under a parked vehicle nearby. Both Detectives began running toward the man and to their shock and horror watched as the dog locked his teeth into the mans leg and drug him out from under the car, only to begin mauling the man once again.

One neighbor came out and threw a bucket of water on the dog in an attempt to divert its attention, with no affect. Out of concern for the welfare of the nearby residence both Detectives ordered everyone back into their homes.

Detective Moody grabbed a metal shovel that had been lying on the sidewalk and used it to hit the dog in the head. The dog seemed unfazed and continued to bite the face and head of the victim. A second strike with the shovel momentarily diverted the dog's attention, allowing Detective Hahn to position himself between the dog and the man to protect the victim from further injury and attack.

Within seconds the dog charged towards Detective Hahn and the downed victim and Detective Hahn fired one round from his handgun, striking the dog in the chest. Wounded, the dog ran into the residential neighborhood and crawled under an abandoned pickup truck about a mile away.

Detectives Moody and Hahn provided aid to the victim until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted for severe bite injuries to his head, face, arms and legs.

It was learned that the victim had been pet sitting for the dog's owner and was attacked for no apparent reason as he left for work. Los Angeles Animal Control Officers responded and took custody of the injured dog.

South Bureau Homicide is investigating this incident. Anyone with questions or information can contact Detective Sal LaBarbera at 213-485-4341.

Penny Wise and Crime Foolish

Penny Wise and Crime Foolish
National Review Online - New York,NY,USA
... that then-Mayor James Hahn wisely chose not to retain Bernard Parks as chief of the LAPD, ousting him in favor of hiring current chief William Bratton. ...

Notes from the November 13, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•    There are currently 349 recruits in the Academy.  With the recent signing bonuses made available to recruits, and the slowdown in attrition, the Department aims to have 9800 sworn officers by year’s end.

•    Commissioner Shelley Freeman’s last day with the Commission will be next Tuesday, November 20, 2007.  Immediately preceding the weekly meeting on the 20th, there will be a reception in her honor in room 618. 

•    Robert Saltzman, the nominee to replace Commissioner Freeman, was present for this week’s meeting.  Mr. Saltzman will appear before City Council for confirmation on Tuesday, November 20, 2007.  If he is confirmed, his first day with the Commission will be Tuesday, December 4, 2007.

•    Commissioner Skobin reported that he participated in several meetings regarding the replacement of the ASTRO radios and feels that there is now a viable plan, including funding, being developed.

•    The Department’s report, relative to a status report of the comprehensive action plan to correct deficiencies identified in the Command Accountability Performance Audits, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, in response to Board query, relative to the feasibility of the City’s Department of Transportation investigating all reportable City property-involved traffic collisions, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, relative to a request for approval of the Digital In-Car Video System agreement with International Business Machines, was approved. 

•    The Department’s report, relative to the Training Evaluation and Management System (TEAMS) II Audit, Phase I, Fiscal Year 2007/2008, was approved.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics November 10, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Homicide                               345               411              -16%
Rape                                      733              836              -12%
Robbery                                 11,574          12,302          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,281          12,316          -8%
Total Violent Crimes             23,933         25,865         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,846          17,268          -2%
Auto Theft                             20,114          21,130          -5%
BTFV                                      26,004         25,621            2%
Personal/Other Theft              22,984         24,630           -7%
Total Property Crimes           85,948       88,649           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              109,881     114,514           -4%

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

Man Threatens Officers with Handgun

Los Angeles:  A Los Angeles man was arrested after threatening officers with what was later determined to be an imitation handgun.

On Saturday, November 10, 2007, at around 10:40 p.m., Officers from the Crime Reduction Enforcement of Warrants (CREW) Task Force, were working a plain clothes detail in the area of Budlong Avenue and 95th Street. 

Police Officer Sarah Slavid and her partner saw Donald Thompson riding a bicycle after dark, without lights, in violation of the California Vehicle Code.  As the officers were preparing to stop Thompson to investigate the vehicle code violation, Officer Slavid saw that Thompson was armed with a handgun and an officer involved shooting (OIS) occurred. 

Thompson ran from the officers, but they quickly set up a perimeter with the assistance of other responding units.  Once the perimeter was established, and just prior to beginning a search with a K9 unit, Thompson was seen by officers attempting to walk out of the perimeter near 93rd Street and Vermont Avenue.  He was immediately taken into custody without incident. 

During the perimeter search a weapon was located and determined to be the one Thompson had been seen carrying by Officer Slavid and her partner.  The weapon was later identified as a 9mm-replica air pistol. Thompson was arrested for 417.4 PC-Drawing/Exhibiting an Imitation Firearm. 

None of the Officers, or Thompson, was injured in the OIS. 

Force Investigation Division personnel responded to the incident and are conducting an investigation into the OIS.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision Kills Motorcyclist

Los Angeles: A 27 year old, resident of the city of Arleta was killed by a hit and run driver.   

On Sunday, November 11, 2007, at around 12:00 a.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred involving a car and a motorcycle.  The motorcycle was traveling northbound on Lankershim Boulevard just north of Saticoy Street.  A Sport Utility Vehicle, described as a newer model, Jeep Grand Cherokee, dark colored, conducted a U-turn.  The motorcyclist attempted to avoid the collision by laying down the motorcycle, but still collided with the Jeep.  The Jeep's driver completed the turn and sped away, southbound Lankershim Boulevard and turned eastbound on Saticoy Street.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel pronounced the victim dead at scene.

The identity of the motorcyclist is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin.

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking additional witnesses to identify the hit and run driver and the vehicle used.   The jeep was a newer model with dark tinted windows on all sides and damage to the vehicle should be to the lower portion of the driver's side front door.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives at 818-374-1930.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Stabbing Leaves 14 year-old Dead, 2 others injured

Los Angeles: A fistfight leads to the stabbing of three victims. 

On Sunday, November 11, 2007, at around 12:25 a.m., a fistfight occurred at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Orange Avenue, on the sidewalk outside of a business where a dance was being held.  Several males were involved and during the altercation, three males were stabbed.  One victim, Lawrence Rhodes, male black, 14 year-old resident of Los Angeles was pronounced dead. The other two victims were treated at a local hospital.  One was released and the other remains in fair condition.

The motive for the crime appears to be from an earlier argument. 

The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in seeking possible witnesses to the crime. Several vehicles were seen leaving the area. The suspect's are described as a group of male blacks that left the scene along with witnesses and others involved in the fight.   No further information or vehicle description is available at this time.

Anyone with information or who might have been at the dance is asked to contact Wilshire Homicide Detectives at 213-473-0446. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

12-Year-Old Runaway Needs Medication

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating 12-year-old Anthony Buelna.

On November 6, 2007, Anthony ran away from a group home in the 15300 Block of Runnymede Street in Van Nuys.  Anthony attends Fulton Middle School but has not attended since.  An on-going search by the Los Angeles Police Department over the past three days has failed to locate him.

He is in need of medications and may be suicidal.

Anthony stands 5 feet 5 inches tall, and weighs about 150 pounds.  He has black hair; brown eyes. 

His photograph is available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Anthony is asked to contact Van Nuys Area Police Station at 818-374-9500.  During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).