LAPD Blog

From a Skid Row COP

OFFICER NEEDS ASSISTANCE

Hello Los Angelinos.  I am Senior Lead officer Deon Joseph, of the Los Angeles Police Central Community Police Station.  As many people know, I have been engaged in a mentor program for at risk youths for the past two years called the “Just like U” program.  The program is designed to encourage and uplift teenagers who have the highest potential to fall into the trappings of the criminal lifestyle via talking to them about numerous topics that directly affect them.  The core facet of this endeavor is the mentor aspect, which consists of me bringing in professional people who have life paths that mirrored the lives of these children, yet in spite of their surroundings, they rose up from the ashes and became a success in their chosen professions.  These children desperately need to see that someone who looks “just like them” can be a success regardless of their upbringing, and environment, and need them to show them how it happened, and make them believe that anything is possible if they just put for the effort, and stay the course of bettering themselves.

I am looking for passionate African American and Latino speakers, in various professions (i.e. doctors, lawyers, athletes, scholars, activists, radio or T.V. personalities).  It does not matter what you do for a living, as long as your have been successful at it and have a story that can identify with these youths.  The only thing I need from you is 15 to 30 minutes of your time to share your story, so that we can plant a seed in these young minds that will encourage them to think beyond their current circumstance.  These kids desperately need to know that we value their lives, and want them to live long and productively.

If you are interested in being a part of this program, please call me at (213) 793-0740, or email me at 32511@lapd.lacity.org, so I can add you the pool of speakers.

Police Seek Burglar Caught on Tape Stealing Cell Phones

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police are asking for the public's help in identifying a burglar whose image was caught on tape stealing $5,980.00 worth of cellular phones from a Boost Mobile store in South Los Angeles on July 13, 2009.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m., in the 11100 block of South Avalon Boulevard when the suspect entered a shopping center and cut the telephone lines where the Boost Mobile store was located.

Detectives say the man returned to the store at 6:40 a.m., pried open the front doors and cut the lock off the interior security gate.  Once the suspect gained access to the business, he walked to a back storage room, grabbed a mop handle and knocked down all of the security cameras off of the inside walls of the business. Afterwards, the suspect returned to the storage room, stuffed the cellular phones into a trash bag and left out the front door.

The suspect is described as a Black male, 25-30 years old, and 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall.  He has black hair, brown eyes, and weighs between 200 and 230 pounds.  The suspect was last seen wearing a long sleeve black hooded sweat jacket, tan shorts, black sneakers and orange and tan work gloves.

Investigators believed that the suspect may be responsible for another burglary at a Boost Mobile store located in the 400 block of East El Segundo Boulevard currently being handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Anyone with information regarding this burglary is asked to call Southeast Burglary Detectives at 213-972-7846.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Detectives Need Public's Help in Identifying Lotto Lady

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Detectives seek the public's help in identifying a woman captured on video tape redeeming lotto tickets taken in two separate smash and grab burglaries. On June 26, 2009, between 1:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. unknown suspect or suspects smashed a glass door to a liquor store in the 4400 block of Woodman Avenue.  The property taken in the burglary was approximately 3,100 "Scratcher" Lottery Tickets, currency and a bottle of Crown Royal liquor.   Between July 12 and July 13, 2009, an unknown suspect or suspects smashed a glass door at a convenience store in the 18800 block of Nordoff Street.  Approximately 3,200 "Scratcher" Lottery Tickets were taken in the burglary.   On the same day of each of the burglaries, a female adult was captured on surveillance videotape redeeming stolen tickets at up to seven different locations in the City. Detectives are requesting the public's help in identifying the female adult in the video clip which can be viewed at www.lapdtv.org.  There are several people seen in the video.  The Detectives would like to identify the woman standing to the right of the store clerk, facing the camera, and wearing what appears to be a grey sweater and a small light colored pendant.       Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Devonshire Area Detective Shannon Smith at(818-832-1194.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org . All tipsters may remain anonymous.

 

Man Dies after Being Arrested for Drinking in Public

Los Angeles: Last month, a man who developed breathing problems after he'd been arrested for drinking in public was transferred to a local hospital where he later died.

On June 5, 2009, at about 12:45 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Division officers who were part of a vice unit task force arrested 60-year-old Fredrick Johnson in the vicinity of San Julian and 7th Streets for drinking in public.  He was then transported to the LAPD's jail at Parker Center where he was booked and incarcerated.

The next day, June 6, at around 10:30 a.m., Johnson complained of difficulty breathing, so he was taken to the jail dispensary for medical treatment.  However, his condition worsened, and a Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance was summoned to transport him to the Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center where he received additional medical attention. 

On July 13, after being continuously unconscious on life-support systems for over a month, Johnson was pronounced dead. 

The LAPD Force Investigation Division had responded to the inmate at the jail on June 6 and initiated an in-custody death investigation.  In their findings, investigators determined that no reportable force was used while decedent Johnson was in police custody.

Homeless Man in Park Dies from his Injuries

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in searching for a suspect who hit the victim over the head with a bottle on July 13, 2009, in Hollenbeck Area.

At around 1:30 p.m., a 40-year-old Hispanic man was drinking in the park near Lacy Street and Avenue 26 with other transients when he became involved in a fight with one of them who hit the victim over the head with a bottle.

The victim was transported to a local hospital by the Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics.  At the hospital the victim suffered a cardiac arrest and immediately had open heart surgery, but died a short time later.

According to detectives the incident does not appear to be gang related,  The identity of the victim is being withheld until verification from the Los Angeles Coroner's Office.

At this time there is no suspect description.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Marin or Rios at 323-342-8961.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Devonshire Volunteer Surveillance Team…They are Watching

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Area is honoring and applauding the Volunteer Surveillance Team (VST) as it celebrates its 17th year of service to the many communities within the San Fernando Valley.

VST's are made up of trained community members who work with the LAPD during crime suppression operations.  Members utilize surveillance vehicles, police radios, night vision monocular and high tech video cameras to catch criminals in the act of committing crimes.  They have been instrumental in catching suspects in the act of stealing cars, committing burglaries, selling drug, committing acts of vandalism, truancy and curfew violations to name a few.

The Devonshire VST was organized in 1992 and over the next 17 years has racked up an incredible 52,784 volunteer hours; translating into and estimated savings of $5,383,968 to the City of Los Angeles.  The group is credited with assisting in over 4,612 arrests, during 1,594 operations, without a single injury. 

Their efforts have made an undisputed impact on crime and have improved the quality of life for all of the residents in the area.  Additionally, other benefactors of the team's efforts include surrounding schools, parks, and businesses of the North San Fernando Valley.

Among the accolades Devonshire VST has received for their service are awards from the Los Angeles Police Departments Chief of Police; the California State Senate; the California State Attorney General; California State Assembly; Special Congressional Recognition; and from former President of the United States, George Bush. They were the Volunteer Organization of the Year in 2008.

Devonshire Area Command Staff, Devonshire Area Officer's, and local citizens join together in thanking the Volunteer Surveillance Teams for their outstanding efforts and look forward to the continued partnership that has been so instrumental in making the community safer for all. 

Notes from the July 14, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the Office of Operations gang enforcement initiative “Project Horizon” was given by Deputy Chief Albanese and Southeast Area, Captain Tingirides. The Captain informed the Commission that Southeast Area conducted a task force on July 6th and 7th in conjunction with probation and parole. The task force was a success and a total of four search warrants were served.
• The Department’s verbal update, relative to the status of the new Police Administration Building, Metropolitan Jail, and other Police construction projects was continued for one week.
• The Department’s report, dated June 26, 2009, relative to the Audit Recommendation Status Report, Fourth Quarter, FY 2008/ 2009, was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated June 22, 2009, relative to the Hunter-La Ley 4th Quarter Report- Covering Deployment Periods 4-6 Fiscal Year 2008-09, was approved.
• The Inspector General’s report, dated June 29, 2009, relative to the Review of the Department’s Complaint, Form 1.28, Investigations Audit, Phase II, fiscal year 2008/ 2009 (BPC No.. 09-0178A), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated July 7, 2009, presented by Deputy Chief Mac Arthur and Commander Webb, in regards to the Department’s Use of Force Police-Revised, was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated June 29, 2009, relative to the Vehicle Pursuit Management Inspection (AD No. 08-025), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated June 29, 2009, relative to the Supervisory Performance Evaluations Inspection (AD No. 08-023), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated June 30, 2009, relative to the Non-Categorical Useof Force Investigations Audit (IAID No. C08-004), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated June 30, 2009, relative to the ConfidentialInformant Control Package Audit,  (IAID No. C08-006), was received and directed to the Office of the Inspector General.
• The Department’s report, dated June 19, 2009, relative to the Transmittal of theReport for Funding for the 2009/10 Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA)Program, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.
• The Departments Report, dated June 24, 2009, relative to the Transmittal of the Grant Award Agreement for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.
• The Department’s report, dated June 22, 2009, relative to the Hunter-La Ley 3rd Quarter Report – Covering Deployment Periods 1-3 Fiscal Year 2008-09, was approved.
• The Inspector General’s report, dated June 29, 2009, relative to the Review of the Department’s Gang Enforcement Detail Selection Criteria Audit, (Fiscal Year2008/2009), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated July 2, 2009, relative to the Board of PoliceCommissioners Quarterly Report 2nd Quarter 2009 (April – June), was approved.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics July 11, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             150*              201           -25.4%
Rape                                    407               431             -5.6%
Robbery                              6393             6618             -3.4%
Agg Assaults **                    5911             6375             -7.3%
Total Violent Crimes       12,861          13,625            -5.6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                               9437              9910           -4.8%
BTFV                                  14983            15761           -4.9%
Personal/Other Theft           13984           14496           -3.5%
Auto Theft                           9654            11628          -17.0%
Total Property Crimes     48,058          51,795          -7.2%
Total Part I Crimes          60,919          65,420          -6.9%

* 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

Assault Victim Dies from his Injuries

Los Angeles: A 34 year-old Granada Hills man who was injured during an argument with another man on Friday, July 3, 2009, has died from his injuries.

On July 11, 2009, at about 1:10 p.m., Bryant Matute died from injuries he sustained a week earlier after being punched during a dispute while at a party in the 1100 block of North San Fernando Road.

Edgar Garcia, 21 years of age from Los Angeles, was arguing with Matute over an incident that had occurred earlier in the evening.  The argument escalated and Garcia punched Matute.  Matute was severely injured and had been hospitalized in critical condition since the time of the incident.  

Garcia was arrested on July 11, 2009, and was booked for murder.  He is being held on $1 million bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Homicide Detective Jose Carrillo or Helen Lim at 213-847-4261.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Gang Member Wanted for Murder

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in searching for Daniels, Brandon who shot a security guard on October 1, 2008, in Wilshire.

Detectives were able to determine that four Rollin-30s gang members attempted to rob a marijuana clinic in Wilshire Area.  The attempted robbery turned into a murder when the victim, the security guard, intervened and the suspects shot him to death.  Two of the suspects were immediately arrested and two guns were recovered.  However, Daniels and another suspect known only as "Trey" escaped and are at large.

One of the suspects has been identified as Daniels Brandon, AKA: Stanton Brandon, Harlem Rollin 30s Crips, known as “Bronx” with a fake moniker of “Trey”.  A 27-year-old, Male, Black, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 195 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes.  Daniels Brandon should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Wilshire Homicide Detective John Shafia at 213-473-0446.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.