LAPD Blog

Officer Involved Shooting Follows Apparent Robbery Attempt of Undercover Officers

Los Angeles: An 18 year-old male suspect confronted undercover officers with a gun in an apparent robbery attempt.  

On October 16, 2024 at about 11:10 p.m., two on-duty undercover officers were seated in a plain police vehicle  in the area of 70th Street and Flower Street, when they were approached by a male black adult.  The suspect displayed a gun in an apparent robbery attempt of the undercover officers.  An officer involved shooting occurred.  The two officers each fired multiple rounds striking the suspect.  The officers were not injured.

The suspect was transported by ambulance to the California Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.  His condition is described as serious but stable.     

The involved officers are Police Officer II Judith Castellanos, 4 years, 6 months with the Department and Police Officer II Steve Sainz, 3 years, 10 months with the Department.

Force Investigation Division is responsible for conducting the investigation.

Persons with any information related to this incident are requested to call the 24 hour tip line at 1-877 LAWFULL (529-3855).  Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellular phones and text to “CRIMES” or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on “webtips.”  When using a cell phone always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD.  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.

Suspects Arrested in School Burglaries

Los Angeles:   Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Division burglary detectives recently arrested two individuals involved in a series of burglaries at local schools.

Between August 29, 2008, and Sept. 2, 2008, a burglary occurred at Marshall High School, in which the property stolen included several computers and electronic equipment.

Between Oct. 2, 2008, and Oct. 3, 2008, a burglary occurred at Thomas Starr Middle School and King Middle School. Thirty-two Apple Mac Book laptops valued at approximately $50,000 were stolen from Thomas Starr Middle School.

On Oct. 10, 2008, LAPD Northeast Division detectives developed leads from the King Middle School burglary. As a result, 22-year-old Stepan Chakhoyan of Glendale was arrested for commercial burglary and his bail was set at $20,000. Thirteen of the stolen laptops from King Middle School and property taken from the Marshall High School burglary were also recovered.

In the days following Chakhoyan’s arrest, detectives recovered an additional 13 laptops taken from King Middle School, and a 17-year-old minor was also arrested for the burglaries.

Detectives have recovered 26 of the 32 stolen Mac Books and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the six additional laptops.

Anyone with information regarding these laptops is asked to call LAPD Northeast Division detectives at 213-485-2566. After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).  Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click “Web Tips.” All tips are anonymous.

Attempt Child Abduction

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspects who attempted to abduct a teenage girl.

On Wednesday, October 8, at about 5:20 p.m., the 15-year-old victim was walking to a friend’s house in the area of Cabrillo Avenue and 14th Street, when a 2005-2008 dark blue pick-up truck with tinted windows pulled up beside her.  The occupants in the vehicle attempted to engage her in conversation, but when the victim refused to engage in conversation, the passenger in the pick-up truck got out and grabbed her in a bear hug.  A passerby saw what was happening and told the suspect to release the girl.  The suspect let the girl go, got back into the vehicle, and drove away.

The passenger of the vehicle is described as a 20-30 year old male Hispanic with a dark complexion and a shaved head.  He stands 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 250 pounds.  The driver of the car is described as a male Hispanic.  The witness is described only as a male.

A sketch of the suspect is available through Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

Anyone with knowledge about this case or information regarding the witness is asked to call Harbor Area Detectives Brian Gasperian or Maria Orta at 310-522-2035.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on Web Tips.  When using a cell phone always begin the message with “LAPD.” All calls and contacts are anonymous.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics October 11, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**             2007**          % Chg

Homicide                             291*                316             -7.9%
Rape                                    611                 718            -14.9%
Robbery                            10254             10524             -2.6%
Agg Assaults **                    9556             10174             -6.1%
Total Violent Crimes       20,712          21,732             -4.7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14749              15409            -4.3%
BTFV                                 22974               23810           -3.5%
Personal/Other Theft         21033               21440           -1.9%
Auto Theft                         17316             18348             -5.6%
Total Property Crimes     76,072          79,007            -3.7%
Total Part I Crimes          96,784        100,439            -3.9%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

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

Officer’s Gun Fires Accidentally at His Home

Los Angeles-  An off-duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer was cleaning his gun on August 4, 2008, when it accidentally fired.

LAPD Sergeant Ken Santolla was cleaning his gun at home, in a location outside of the City of Los Angeles, when it inadvertently fired. He has 29 years with the Department.

There were no reports of injuries or property damage. The Department’s Jail Division is investigating the incident.

Motorist and Pedestrian Die in Collision

Los Angeles:  A tragic traffic collision has resulted in the deaths of two people.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2024 at about 5:00 p.m., a 2005 Kia Rio was being driven westbound on Ventura Boulevard, at Kelvin Avenue, when it struck a pedestrian crossing southbound Kelvin Avenue in the east crosswalk.  The Kia continued into the intersection and collided with a 1998 Buick Centry that was traveling southbound on Kelvin Avenue.  The force of the collision pushed the Buick in a southwestly direction causing it to collide with a 2008 Lexus ES350 that was being driven eastbound Ventura Blvd. 

The pedestrian, a 15-year-old young man from Winnetka, was pronounced dead at scene.  The Kia driver was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries. The other involved parties received only minor injuries.

The identities of the two victims are being withheld until their families can be notified.

Anyone who may have witnessed this accident or may have any information related to this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Detective Daniel Menesez at 818-644-8026.

After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on Web Tips.  When using a cell phone always begin the message with “LAPD.” All calls and contacts are anonymous.

Attacked Dog Fatally Wounded

Los Angeles: An LAPD officer shot a dying dog after a plea from the dog’s owner.

On Friday, October 3, 2024 at about 11:55 a.m., officers from the 77th Street Division responded to a “vicious dog chasing people” radio call at the 5900 block of 5th Avenue.

When officers arrived, they met with the residents who were frightened and stated that there was a loose pit bull terrorizing the neighborhood.  The officers could not find the vicious dog. Officers heard a loud, agonizing cry coming from a black dog that had been mauled by the pit bull.  However, the owner of the dying dog pleaded with the officers to euthanize the dog who was crying in agony.  Officer Jeffrey Wolman used his semi-automatic handgun to shoot the dying dog in order to save the dog further pain and suffering.

There were no injuries to the officers.

77th Division is handling the investigation.

Dog Attacks Officers

Los Angeles: An LAPD officer shoots an attacking dog.

On Friday October 10, 2024 at about 9:00 p.m., officers from the North Hollywood Division responded to a residential burglary call in the 12700 block of Magnolia Boulevard.

When officers arrived to investigate, a dog aggressively charged at them from within the home.  Officer Moises Cervantes, 5 years with the Department fired rounds from his handgun striking the dog in order to stop its attack.

There were no injuries to the officers.

North Hollywood Division is handling the investigation.

Fire Related Traffic Advisories

The Marek Fire is nearing total containment.  Fire watch and mop up efforts will continue in the area north of the 210 Foothill Freeway and between the Golden State Freeway and Sunland Boulevard.  Long-term street closures are not expected and any delays should be intermittent only.  All mandatory evacuation orders associated with the Marek Fire have now been lifted. 

The Sesnon Fire has crossed into Ventura County.  Commuters planning to use the Santa Susana Pass Road or any of the Canyon Roads west of Chatsworth should postpone trips or plan alternate routes.  Intermittent closures should be expected on the 118 Ronald Reagan Freeway.  Commute times on the 101 Ventura County Freeway may be increased due to re-routed motorists, emergency vehicles, and possibly fire related closures. 

Formal Evacuation Orders have been issued for Browns Canyon, Twin Lakes, Box Canyon, Woolsey Canyon, Dayton Canyon, Lake Manor, Bell Canyon, and City of Los Angeles neighborhoods north of Bell Canyon and west of Valley Circle Boulevard. Nearby residents not subject to mandatory evacuation are encouraged to prepare for evacuation.  Significant delays should be expected near evacuation areas. 

In the event that mandatory evacuations become necessary for the area west of Valley Circle Boulevard, traffic on Valley Circle Boulevard will be restricted to southbound only.  If necessary, the evacuation route will be southbound on Valley Circle Boulevard and then eastbound on major streets including Ingomar Street, Saticoy Street, Vanowen Street, Victory Boulevard, and Burbank Boulevard.

Motorists and residents should stay tuned to mainstream media outlets for up-to-the-minute traffic alerts and evacuation information.  Smoke may limit visibility and distract other drivers, causing hazardous driving conditions.  Conditions can change rapidly and it is vitally important to obey all orders issued by uniformed public safety personnel. 

Residents in need of specific evacuation, sheltering, reunification or animal kenneling information should call 1-800-439-2909.

Notes for the October 14, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•    The Police Commission extended an invitation to the public to join them for a community meeting at Southwestern Law School at 6:30 pm on October 20, 2008.

•    Commenting on the Marek and Sesnon wildfires, the Police Commission commended the Department for its efforts to preserve public safety during these difficult times and acknowledged the work of Command Staff and the City’s partner public safety agencies.  The Police Commission extends its hopes and thoughts to those who have lost property or who have been affected by the fires.

•    The Police Commission announced the Los Angeles City Council’s approval of the Department’s purchase of 9,300 additional ASTRO replacement radios for distribution to each officer.  They noted a purchase order for 4,650 radios has already been placed.  The Commissioners also commented an excellent job was done in negotiating the contract.

•    Police Chief William Bratton informed the Commission that he was a guest speaker at the Police Executive Research Forum National Violent Crime Summit in Washington, D.C. last week.  He also attended a meeting of the FBI’s Compstat system which oversees 50 Bureau offices.  In addition, Chief Bratton attended briefings with the National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center and National Counterterrorism Center.  He informed the Commission Commander Joan McNamara will be assisting with the implementation of the national Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) system.

•    Police Commission Executive Director Richard Tefank announced in light of next week’s Police Commission community meeting, the October 21 Commission meeting has been canceled.

•    The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Harbor Area was continued.

•    The Inspector General’s report, dated October 2, 2008, relative to the Office of the Inspector General’s Training Evaluation and Management System II Audit, Phase I, was approved.                   

•    The Department’s report, dated September 23, 2008, relative to the Los Angeles Police Department Donation of Used Kevlar Helmets and Expired Ballistic Vests to the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 29, 2008, relative to the City Council Actions Relative to Gang Reduction and Youth Development Zone Needs Assessments, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated October 3, 2008, relative to the Proposed New Records Retention Schedule for the Topanga Area, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

•    The Department’s report, dated October 10, 2008, relative to the Request for Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Internet Auctioning Services for Unclaimed Personal Property, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

•    The Department’s report, dated October 8, 2008, relative to the Devonshire Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (AD No. 08-089), as presented by Devonshire Lieutenant Michael O’Donnell was approved.  The Police Commission acknowledged their good work and commended them for their efforts.

•    The Department’s report, dated October 8, 2008, relative to the Central Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (AD No. 08-086), as presented by Captain Joan Wakefield was approved.                              

•    The Department’s report, dated October 6, 2008, relative to the Recommendation for the Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal and the Police Commission Distinguished Service Certificate, was approved.