LAPD Blog

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics April 19, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              122                 114           7.0%
Rape                                    213                 243         -12.3%
Robbery                              3730               4007           -6.9%
Agg Assaults **                      3573               3610           -1.0%
Total Violent Crimes           7638              7974           -4.2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 5587               5830          -4.2%
BTFV                                      8821               9624          -8.3%
Personal/Other Theft               7560               8181          -7.6%
Auto Theft                              6438               7210         -10.7%
Total Property Crimes          28,406           30,845          -7.9%
Total Part I Crimes               36,044           38,819          -7.1%

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              122                 114           7.0%
Rape                                    213                 243         -12.3%
Robbery                              3730               4007           -6.9%
Agg Assaults **                      3573               3610           -1.0%
Total Violent Crimes           7638              7974           -4.2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 5587               5830          -4.2%
BTFV                                      8821               9624          -8.3%
Personal/Other Theft               7560               8181          -7.6%
Auto Theft                              6438               7210         -10.7%
Total Property Crimes          28,406           30,845          -7.9%
Total Part I Crimes               36,044           38,819          -7.1%

“24th Annual Challenge Cup/Baker to Vegas Relay Race April 19-20, 2008”

Twenty-four years ago, 19 running teams composed of law enforcement officers gathered at the entrance of Death Valley just north of Baker, California for the first annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay.  The LAPD’s Central Division won the race and received their recognition at an awards ceremony held on the roadside outside of Las Vegas in an impromptu, informal ceremony. 

The Challenge Cup Relay/Baker to Vegas is a grueling 120-mile footrace through the harsh climate and rough terrain of the Mojave Desert and has been held for the past 23 years.  It is the largest law enforcement athletic event of its kind worldwide with over 8,000 runners, support personnel, Chiefs of Police, various outside agency department heads, and family and friends in attendance.  The race is a
non-stop event culminating with an awards ceremony at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. 

Over 240 teams from around the nation and the world participate in this event.  Our special entry for this year is the officers representing the South Wales Police Service United Kingdom.             

On April 19, 2008, over 244 teams will line up and await the starter’s pistol for the start of what promises to be the most competitive run in the race’s history.  Over 4,000 runners and almost the same number of support personnel will descend upon the desert communities of Baker and Shoshone, California and Pahrump, Nevada, awaiting the baton hand-off from their teammate.  The starting point is on Hwy 127, approximately 19 miles north of Baker High School (the assembly point for runners and support personnel).  The runners race over Ibex Pass through Shoshone, then along Hwy 178 into Nevada. Highway 178 becomes Hwy 372, which takes the runners into the mountains, finally leading them into Pahrump, Nevada.  The runners turn onto Hwy 160 up the grueling Mountain Springs Summit and then straight down to the Las Vegas Strip.  Once on the strip, the runners sprint to the finish line located at the
Las Vegas Hilton Hotel Convention Center. 

The race conditions change from year to year. Runners may experience extreme heat in the desert and frigid, blizzard-like conditions in the early morning hours while in the mountains.  Runners never know what to expect during the 20-leg relay race.  While some of the legs are flat, others are steep and others nearly a sheer drop down the mountains.  However, no matter what the conditions one thing remains constant: a fierce competitive spirit!

The Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club (LAPRAAC) host the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay. LAPRAAC also provides a special reception Sunday, April 20, 2008, for all attending Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police and other agency heads attending the race. 

For additional information, contact LAPRAAC at 323-221-1056 or 323-221-5222, extensions
218-221, or visit www.bakervegas.com.

Three Arrested for Murder at Party

Los Angeles:  A party turned deadly when gang members shot and killed partygoers.

On Sunday April 20, 2008, just after midnight, Hollywood Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 500 block of North Oxford Avenue.  Upon arrival, the officers found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds in front of the location.  The officers quickly gathered information and learned the suspects responsible for the shooting had just driven away from the scene.  A crime broadcast was generated and a short time later, Gang Enforcement Detail officers saw the suspects just a few blocks away and took them into custody.

Paramedics responded and transported the two men to a local hospital, Heriberto Osorio, 19, failed to respond to life saving treatment and died a few minutes later.  The other victim, whose name is being withheld was released after being treated for a graze wound.

Preliminary investigation revealed the victims and their friends were at the party when they were involved in a dispute with the suspects.  The victims attempted to leave the party and went to their car, when the suspects drove up and fired at them.   

Jordy Ochoa, 20, Aaron Smith, 19, and Sharlette Mejia, 21 were arrested and booked for murder.  Ochoa’s bail was set for $2.5 million and for Smith and Mejia the bail was set at $1 million.

The motive for the shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 213-972-2910.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL
(529-3855).

Suspect Injured while Struggling with Officers

Los Angeles: A prowler involved in a struggle with officers was injured when he failed to cooperate with them when stopped on the street.

On Friday, April 4, 2008, at around 1:30 a.m., 49 year-old Willie Johns was stopped by officers for a prowler complaint in the 100 block of West 76th Street.  The officers tried to speak with Johns but he was unresponsive and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance.  The officers, Dennis Gonsalves, one year with the Department, and Mario Leonidas, two years, seven months, with the Department each held onto the suspect’s hands to help him to his feet.  Johns began to struggle and pulled away from Gonsalves’ grasp, which allowed Johns to swing his elbow back, striking the officer in the nose.  In order to regain control, the officers brought the suspect to the ground and handcuffed him. 

During the takedown of Johns, his face came in contact with the ground and was taken to a local hospital.  The examination revealed that Johns had a fracture to the nasal cavity and a concussion.  He was admitted into the hospital for treatment.

There were no officers injured during the incident

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation. 

15-Year-Old Killed in Gang Related Shooting

Los Angeles: Police say a young teenager was shot to death amid gang related shooting yesterday evening in North Hollywood.

The shooting happened around 7:15 p.m., in the 7000 block of Ethel Avenue.  When police arrived they found the body of 15-year-old Victor Fajardo lying on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds.

Paramedics rushed Fajardo to Holy Cross Medical Center where he died.

According to investigators, two Latino men confronted Fajardo as he walked along the sidewalk.  One of the men pulled out a handgun and brutally shot Fajardo.  Both suspects drove off in a 2000 or 2004 black Mustang.

Detectives have few leads and described the gunmen only as Hispanic.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact North Hollywood Homicide Detective Richard Wheeler at 818-623-4075.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Fleeing Suspect Subdued, Struck with Police Firearm

Los Angeles:  A suspect who ran from police was subdued and struck in the head by a police officer’s handgun on April 4, 2008.

At about 9:30 PM, Officer Darryl McGreggor and his partner were on routine patrol in the area of Florence and Vermont Avenues, when an unidentified man flagged them down and reported that two men had thrown beer bottles at him.  The victim also told police that the suspects identified as Edgar Munoz, 18, and Cain Hernandez, 21, were nearby and pointed in the direction where the pair was standing.

The officers drove to the location where Munoz and Hernandez stood.  When they exited their vehicle to investigate, both suspects took off on foot.  The officers chased the suspects and lost sight of them.  After a search of the area, the suspects were nowhere to be found and the officers continued to patrol the streets.

Moments later, the officers saw the same suspects walking on a sidewalk near Florence and Kansas Avenues.  Again, the officers got out of their vehicle to investigate.  As the officers approached the men, Munoz fled and Hernandez stayed at the scene and was subsequently arrested. Officer McGreggor chased Munoz.  After a brief foot chase, McGreggor confronted Munoz with his firearm drawn.  When Munoz bent down on his own volition, McGreggor ran into him to subdue him and simultaneously struck him on the head with his firearm.

Munoz complained of injuries and was treated at a jail dispensary.  Investigators said neither officer involved was hurt.

Munoz was charged with resisting arrest and Hernandez was charged with unlawfully fighting in a public place.

Officer McGreggor has been with the Department for 18 years and 4 months.

LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation.

Man Struck by Car and Killed

Los Angeles: A 25-year-old man was arrested for running down 3 persons with a car, killing one of them.

West Valley Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the homicide involving the death of Maziar Tehrani of Encino.  On Sunday morning, April 20, 2008, at approximately 1:00 a.m.,
Mr. Tehrani was attending a party in the area of Hart Street and Mason Avenue with friends.  An argument erupted between partygoers, which turned into a fight.  The fight then spilled out onto the street.  One of the involved, Marquis DeJon Jiles, 25, of Northridge, entered a friend’s car, a blue 2006 Toyota Scion, and drove away from the location.  Jiles then negotiated a U-turn and returned at a high rate of speed, driving directly toward a group of people who were still in the street. 

A total of three victims were struck by the car, which came to a stop in the front yard of a neighboring residence.  Jiles exited the car and ran away, but was taken into custody a short distance away by responding officers in the 7000 block of Delco Avenue.

Mr. Tehrani received massive head trauma and was taken Kaiser Hospital where he died as a result of the injuries.  He was 29 years of age.

The two other victims, a 34-year-old male and a 25-year-old female, received minor injuries and were treated and released at a local hospital.

Marquis DeJon Jiles was arrested and booked for Murder.  He is being held on a $1,000,000 bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Homicide Detectives at 818-384-7721.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL  

Narcotic Suspect Shoots at Officers

Los Angeles: A narcotic suspect was taken into custody after firing at officers.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at around 6:30 PM, Newton Area Narcotics Enforcement Detail units were preparing to serve a search warrant in the 300 block of east 36th Street.  The primary suspect was observed in the vicinity engaged in narcotics activity.  Detective Thomas Penson, 14 years, 8 months with the Department, established an observation position to monitor the residence while seated in his vehicle in plainclothes. 

Shortly thereafter another suspect, later identified as Ricardo Guerra, 18, approached the Detective Penson’s vehicle and pointed a semiautomatic handgun.  An officer involved shooting occurred as Detective Penson and Guerra exchanged gunfire.  Guerra ran away and a perimeter was immediately established by responding units. 

At around 9:00 PM, Guerra was located after an extensive canine search.

Guerra’s handgun was not found 

Evidence including several impacts on Detective Penson’s vehicle clearly established Guerra had fired upon the detective.  Neither Detective Penson nor Guerra were injured. 

The search warrant was not served.

Guerra was arrested and booked for attempt murder on a Police Officer.

Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating the Officer Involved Shooting and the crime against the officer.

Taxicab Driver Killed in East Los Angeles

Los Angeles: A 37-year-old taxi driver was fatally shot while driving his taxicab in Boyle Heights.

The incident unfolded Friday evening shortly after 8:15 p.m., when L A City Yellow Cab driver, Andres Delamadrid was dispatched to pick up a fare in the 200 block of North Chicago Street.  During his route to pick up his passenger, Delamadrid crashed into a parked vehicle in the 3400 block of Gleason Avenue.

Apparently the victim was shot once in the chest.  He attempted to drive himself away and suddenly struck a vehicle.

The victim was taken to University of Southern California Medical Center where he later died.

Although there was money found on the taxi’s floorboard, detectives are still unclear if the victim was killed in an attempt robbery. 

Police have no suspect description and want more details.

Anyone with information about this taxi shooting is asked to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Scott Smith or Ron Chavarria at 323-526-3679.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

83-Year-Old Studio City Man Missing

  Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding 83-year-old, Melvin Van Dyke, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

According to police, he was last seen on April 19, at 11:30 a.m., walking in the 11400 block of Ventura Boulevard, in Studio City. 

Van Dyke is described as a White male, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs 164 pounds.  He has gray hair and blue eyes.  He was last seen wearing black slacks and a gray jacket.

A photo of  Van Dyke  is available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Van Dyke is asked to contact North Hollywood Police station at 818-623-4016.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).