LAPD Blog

Vehicle under Surveillance Pulled Over with Armed Suspects

Los Angeles: A police officer’s weapon accidently discharged while attempting to pull over a vehicle with armed suspects inside on May 26, 2008.

The incident unfolded at around 6:30 p.m., when an undercover police unit working a detail to apprehend career criminals was conducting surveillance on an armed and dangerous vehicle in the 9000 block of Telfair Avenue, in Pacoima.  The plain clothes unit needed uniformed officers to make the stop and summoned for a patrol unit.

After the suspect’s vehicle turned into a driveway of a nearby home, Officer Claudia Avila and her partner pulled behind them exited the vehicle and drew their weapons to conduct a high-risk stop.   While holding her duty weapon with her right hand, Officer Avila attempted to put the vehicle in park with her left hand and accidently discharged her weapon.

Neither the officers nor the suspects were injured. Both suspects were taken into custody and charged for a crime unrelated to the officer involved shooting.

Force Investigation Division will handle the incident. Officer Avila has been with the Department for two years and one month.

Notes for the May 27, 2025 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

The Police Commission held a Special Meeting at Hollenbeck Middle School in an effort to reach out to the members of the Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights and El Sereno community.  Each commissioner took the opportunity to give thanks to the members of the community for allowing them to hold the meeting there and gave a brief overview as to what the duties of the Police Commission encompass. 

After the introductions of the commissioners, City Council Member Jose Huizar, who represents the district, spoke about the strong relationship between the community and the police officers at Hollenbeck Division.  He also introduced Captain Tina Nieto, the first female Hispanic Captain on the Department, to the members of the Commission and the community.

Once Council Member Huizar completed speaking, Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer of Hollenbeck Division, offered an overview of the division.  He stressed the strong relationships his officers have with the members of the community and their commitment to continue working closely with them in an effort to eradicate crime.  He also spoke about the many outreach programs in place and on the new Hollenbeck Police Station set to open in October.

The final speaker of the night was Joe Correa from White Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Correa spoke about the hospital’s role in the community.  He said when ever a gang member is admitted to his facility, in addition to treatment, they are met with a gang counselor in a form of intervention.  He mentioned the importance of educating his staff and working with the families of gang members as well.

Once the speakers were done, the Commission opened the floor up to public comment.  Members of the community were able to speak on the issues that were closest to them.  Many offered their sincere gratitude to the officers who patrol the area and others voiced concern over issues such as graffiti.  The public comment portion of the meeting is the primary reason for holding the Commission meetings at special locations.

The Police Commission holds these special meetings a few times a year and anticipates continuing to reach out to the residents of the City of Los Angeles.

Medal of Valor

Los Angeles: The Medal of Valor is the Los Angeles Police Department's highest award and may be awarded to officers who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of police service.

To be awarded the Medal of Valor, an officer shall have performed an act displaying extreme courage while consciously facing imminent peril.

It is awarded by the Police Commissioners and is presented by the Chief of Police, in the name of the Los Angeles Police Department at the annual Medal of Valor awards ceremony.

Officer Carlos Quintero - Attempted to put out vehicle fire and pull victim to safety.

Officer Ivan Vintamilla - Attempted to pull victim to safety after motor home caught fire.

Officer Thomas Appleby - Used outstanding tactics and communication during a vehicle stop which turned into a foot pursuit with an armed suspect.

Officer Isaac Moreno - Used outstanding tactics and communication during a vehicle stop which turned into a foot pursuit with an armed suspect.

Officer Humberto Franco – Used outstanding tactics and communication during a vehicle stop which turned into a foot pursuit with an armed suspect.

Officer Joel Flores – Pulled a teenager from a burning vehicle after the juvenile driver crashed his parent’s vehicle into a power poll.

Officer Steve Chung – Pulled a teenager from a burning vehicle after the juvenile driver crashed his parent’s vehicle into a power poll.

Officer Scott Burkett – Responded to the scene of a shooting involving an automatic weapon, directly resulting in the sparing of a female’s life.

Sergeant Gregory Hoskins - Displayed tremendous leadership and judgment in the apprehension of a suspect in a hostage situation at an area casino.

Officer Matthew Murray - Was involved in a vehicle pursuit which led to a hostage situation at an area casino. The suspect was apprehended with no bystanders injured.

Officer Brent Riederich - Was involved in a vehicle pursuit which led to a hostage situation at an area casino. The suspect was apprehended with no bystanders injured.

Detective Kyle Remolino – Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Officer Robert Canizales - Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Officer Adam Niebergall - Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Officer Nicholas Rothemich - Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Officer Christian Urbina - Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Officer Osbaldo Ramos - Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Officer Trevor Jackson - Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Officer Richard Ramos - Involved in the third largest shoot out in the Department’s history which led to the apprehension of one suspect and no injuries to the officers involved.

Suspect Fired at Officers

Los Angeles:  Gang members who fired at Los Angeles police officers were taken into custody.

On May 24, 2008, at around 5:00 a.m., North Hollywood patrol officers spotted a possible stolen 2007 Nissan Altima with dealer paper license plates in the area of De Garmo Avenue and Arminta Street. The Altima was occupied by three suspects later identified as Alvaro Aguirre, 25, the driver, Edgar Aguilar, 25, the front passenger and Paulina Lopez, 27, the rear passenger.

The officers attempted to conduct an investigative stop when the suspects refused to stop. A pursuit was initiated and continued through surface streets for approximately ten minutes. During the pursuit, suspect Aguilar fired several rounds at the pursuing officers at three separate locations.

Pursuing officers returned fire as additional North Hollywood units responded. The suspects’ vehicle crashed into a curb at Clybourn Avenue and San Fernando Road and became disabled. Suspects Aguirre and Aguilar fled on foot, Lopez remained in the rear seat.

While the officers chased Aguirre and attempted to detain him, they were fired upon from behind. Officers returned fire and discovered Aguilar firing at them from behind a parked truck. Aguilar retreated to the corner of Lorne Street and Clybourn Avenue where another police unit was approaching. Aguilar then fired at the police car and the officers inside returned fire. Aguilar continued firing, but eventually dropped his gun and gave up.

All three suspects were then taken into custody without further incidents.

Aguilar’s 9 MM Browning pistol was recovered at scene. 

Aguirre received a gunshot wound to the left knee. Aguirre and Aguilar are on parole and documented “Vineland Street” Gang Members.

Officers involved in the shooting are Dontae Phillips, 5 years 6 months, Doug Bowler, 14 years 6 months, Marc Soulema, 11 months, and Kristina Ramirez, 11 months with the Department.

No officers were injured.

Force Investigation Division personnel are conducting the Officer-Involved Shooting.

Attempt Rape Suspect arrested after Foot Pursuit

Los Angeles:  An attempt rape suspect was injured as he was trying to flee from an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer. 

On May 17, 2025 at about 9:10 p.m., LAPD Hollenbeck Division Patrol Officer Jonathan Maldonado, a three year veteran of the Department, was off duty and walking to his car when he heard a woman screaming.

Officer Maldonado went to investigate and saw the suspect, Martin Gonzalez, choking a woman with his hands.  Officer Maldonado drew his service pistol and identified himself as a police officer.  The suspect stopped choking the woman and ran away. 

Officer Maldonado confronted Gonzalez and pushed him to the ground.  The suspect broke free and continued running.  Gonzalez suddenly turned around and grabbed the wrist of the hand that Officer Maldonado was using to hold onto his firearm.  The officer was able to pull free and struck the suspect on the head several times with his service pistol.  On-duty Hollenbeck Patrol officers saw Officer Maldonado attempt to detain the suspect and with their assistance, Gonzalez was taken into custody.

No officers were injured during the incident and the suspect was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

Suspect Martin Gonzalez, 22, was booked and being held on $100,000 bail. 

Force Investigation Personnel are conducting the investigation.

14-Year-Old Girl Becomes Unintended Victim

Los Angeles: A 14-year-old girl sitting in her family’s car became an unintended victim of what Detective’s believe was a gang shooting.

On May 26, 2008, at about 3:10 p.m., the 14-year-old victim was sitting at a red light in her family’s SUV at the intersection of Avenue 64 and York Boulevard.  The driver of the vehicle that was stopped at the same light, next to the family’s car, had become involved in a dispute with the suspect, a 16-year-old juvenile gang member, standing on the sidewalk at the intersection.

The suspect pulled out a handgun and shot at the driver he had been arguing with, a 33-year-old man.  The man was shot multiple times and drove away from the location.  He ultimately stopped a couple of blocks away from the shooting where help was summoned for him.  He was taken to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Tragically, one of the rounds fired by the suspect went through the rear window of the family’s SUV, hitting the young girl in the head as she sat in the left, rear, passenger seat of the SUV.  She had been declared brain dead and died the following day, May 27, 2025 at about 3:00 p.m..  The girl’s 7-year-old brother received minor injuries from flying glass.  He was treated and released.

After the shooting the driver of the SUV pulled into the Rite-Aide Parking lot located at the southwest corner of the intersection.  Within hours of the shooting and after a comprehensive search of the area, the juvenile suspect was taken into custody.  Detectives also believe they have recovered the weapon used in the shooting.  The suspect’s name is not being released due to his age.  He was booked for attempt murder and is being held without bail at East Lake Juvenile Hall.  The charge will be upgraded to murder now that the female victim has died.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northeast Homicide Detectives L. Burcher or
L. Lenchuck at 213-847-4261.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Confrontation Ends in Death

Los Angeles: A man, who was confronted by a stranger while walking down the street, was shot and killed Monday morning.

On Monday, May 26, 2008, at about 8:10 a.m., Sean Maurice Richardson, 24-years of age, was walking in the 800 block of 50th Place.  A suspect confronted Richardson for no apparent reason and shot him multiple times.  Richardson stumbled into the street where he fell to the ground.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported Richardson to a local hospital.  He died about 4 hours later from his injuries.

Detectives do not have any suspect description and are asking for the public’s help.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Detectives Eric Crosson and Chris Barling at (213) 475-1383.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Mentally Challenged Cambodian Man Missing

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a
41-year-old Cambodian man with the mental capacity of a five-year-old. 

On Thursday, May 22, 2008, Phok Lim, began his daily routine of picking up recyclable goods around his neighborhood. He left his home located in 10800 block of White Street in Sun Valley around 5:00 a.m., and has not been seen since.

Mr. Lim has black hair, brown eyes, stands 5’4” and weighs 149 pounds. He is blind in the left eye, walks with a sever limp and has the mental capacity of a five-year-old. In addition, Mr. Lim only speaks Cambodian.

A photograph is available through Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

Anyone with information is asked to call the North Hollywood Division at 818-623-4016, or the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Shooting Follows Night of Karaoke

Los Angeles: Two men were shot early Monday morning in the parking lot of a Karaoke club.

On Monday, May 26, 2008, at about 3:40 a.m., a group of patrons leaving a Karaoke club located near Crenshaw Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard became involved in a dispute in a parking lot to the rear of the club. What began as a verbal dispute quickly escalated to a physical fight that involved a group of men who had been inside the club.

One of the suspects, described only as a male Korean, in his late teens or early twenties, pulled a handgun and fired multiple rounds, hitting two victims, one of them multiple times.  The suspect left in a late model, gray or silver, vehicle with several other male Koreans.

Both victims, also of Korean decent, were transported to a local hospital and were listed in stable condition.  There identities are not being released.

Detectives believe there were a large number of people in the parking lot when the shooting occurred and they would like to speak with anyone who may have information related to this case.  Witnesses may remain anonymous.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilshire Area Homicide Detective Frank Carrillo at 213-473-0446.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

2008 LAPD Essay Contest Winners

In its fifth year, the LAPD Essay Contest was a huge success with hundreds of middle school students participating from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles schools.

In 350 words or less, students were asked to answer, “If you were a Los Angeles Police Department officer for a day, what would you do that would have the greatest impact on the community?”

The men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department salute the ten LAPD Essay Contest winners and congratulate the parents, family, and teachers of each winner who share in their joy.  The Department extends a sincere thank you to our partners and sponsors, without whom this essay contest would not be possible.

(In alphabetical order)   
Miss Samantha Alexander, Grade 8, Nober Middle School
Miss Kimberly Alvarez, Grade 7, Chester W. Nimitz Middle School
Miss Miriam Carcamo, Grade 6, George Washington Carver Middle School
Mr. Matthew Cina, Grade 6, SS Felicitas and Perpetua School
Mr. Philip Fedor, Grade 7, SS Felicitas and Perpetua School
Mr. Gino Gasbarro, Grade 6, Our Lady of Lourdes School
Miss Julia Higgins, Grade 8, St. Joseph School
Miss Yhecenia Mata, Grade 8, Sun Valley Middle School
Miss Vivian Ramirez, Grade 8, St. Linus School
Miss Cynthia S. Rivera, Grade 6, Sun Valley Middle School

2008 LAPD Essay Contest Partner: Univision KMEX 34 Los Angeles

Sponsors:
Safe Moves
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Polaroid Corporation
Universal Studios Hollywood
Aquarium of the Pacific
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Speedzone
Boomers Park
Los Angeles Dodgers