LAPD Blog

Trust Funds Established for Police Officer III+I Robert “RJ” Cottle

Los Angeles:  Due to overwhelming support for LAPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Officer Robert “RJ” Cottle, blue ribbon trust fund has been established in his name for his wife and 9-month-old daughter through the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU).

To make a donation, please go to: www.lapfcu.org.  Donations may also be received by mail.

LAPFCU
Blue Ribbon Trust Fund/Officer Robert “RJ” Cottle
Acct. 2030077-product code S4.38 and BLU (first three letters of account name).
P.O. Box 10188
Van Nuys, CA 91410
(800) 872-2843

For additional information, please call Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Officers Rescue Mother, Children from Gang Members

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police officers rescued a terrified mother and her four daughters from two gang members who burst into their South Park apartment while running from police early this morning, March 25, 2010.

“Quick thinking and officers’ tenacity rescued this family from the gang members,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, who is over detectives for the downtown Central Police Station.  “The officers did not fall for a gang member’s bluff when he answered the door, demanding to see a warrant.”

The incident began just after midnight when residents in the neighborhood called police, reporting a gang group with guns in front of the apartment at 916 Georgia Street, just north of the LA Live.  Officers assigned to patrol the LA Live area arrived quickly.  “They saw the group of a dozen or more scatter, many running into the apartment,” Lt Vernon said.  “While none of the gang lives in the apartment, they somehow claim it as their own, marking the neighborhood with gang graffiti.”

Officers rounded up five men, ranging in ages from 18 to 25, and two women, 17 and 18, from inside the apartment building, most running for the basement and other familiar hiding places in common areas.  “The officers called out the two girls from a narrow crawl space,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “But something didn’t feel right to the officers so they began knocking on apartment doors to make sure everyone was OK.”

The officers found a small, occupied room in a secluded part of the building.  After persistently knocking on the door, 18-year-old Pablo Giron opened the door and challenged the officers by demanding to see a search warrant.  One officer noticed mud and dirt on his clothing and his shirtless torso revealed a gang tattoo.  The officers grabbed the man then entered to find a young mother and her four daughters, ages 2 to 12, huddled on one bed.  The officers found Evasto Islas, 25, hiding in the bathroom under laundry.  “This little family had been terrified when these two gang members came in through the bathroom window to evade the officers,” Lt. Vernon explained.

Giron and Evasto were booked for false imprisonment and their bail was set at $50,000.  The remaining suspects were booked for trespassing and their bails were set at $1000 each.  The minor girl was cited for trespass and a curfew violation.  Police discovered she had been reported missing.  They returned her to her mother.  A car was reported stolen in the area soon after the arrests, so police suspect one of the gang members may have taken it to escape.  “Chances are it will turn up somewhere near 42nd Street and Central Avenue, in the vicinity of where several of the arrestees live.”  Lt. Vernon added.

The public is encouraged to report any kind of gang activity to police.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800)-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.

Jewelry Store Robbers Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) North Hollywood Area Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying three armed bandits who stole $200,000.00 worth of jewelry.

On March 25, 2010, at around 11:45 a.m., two male black suspects entered a jewelry store located in the 12600 block of Ventura Boulevard posing as customers.  The suspects engaged in conversation with the victim for several minutes then produced handguns and ordered the victim to the floor.  The suspects then restrained the victim using zip ties and continued with the robbery.  Shortly after subduing the victim, the suspects opened another door to the location and allowed a third suspect to enter the jewelry store.  The three suspects then ransacked the store, took jewelry from the display counters and safe within the jewelry store.  The suspects drove off in a dark grey vehicle in an unknown direction.  

Suspect #1 is described as a male Black with black hair and brown eyes, about 25 years-old, 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing about 190 pounds and last seen wearing a black/brown button hooded cardigan.

Suspect #2 is a male Black with black hair and brown eyes, about 30 years-old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 198 pounds and last seen wearing dark jeans with earrings on both ears.  

Suspect #3 is described as a male Black, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 200 pounds and last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to call LAPD’s North Hollywood Area Robbery Detectives Mahoney or Hammer at 818-623-4061.  During non-business hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts. 

South Los Angeles Man Killed in Gang Related Shooting

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are searching for a gunman who shot and killed a 39-year-old man in South Los Angeles early this morning.

At around 5:50 a.m., a patrol unit was dispatched to investigate numerous shots fire calls in the 1700 block of West 60th Street. When they got to the scene, they found Che Yusef Grady lying in the street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Paramedics responded to the scene and rushed the victim to a local hospital where he later died.

According to investigators, a suspect confronted Grady and open fire on him.

Detectives have yet to determine what prompted the shooting.  There is no suspect description and the motive of the shooting appeared to be gang-related.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to call Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Man Shot on Bicycle: Gang Related

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Area detectives are investigating an 18-year-old man who was fatally shot while riding his bicycle last night in Pacoima.

The shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m.  According to investigators, a gunman approached Sebastian Caldera while he rode his bike near Pierce Street and Laurel Canyon Boulevard and shot him several times. Paramedics responded to treat the victim, but he died at the scene.

Detectives have not obtained any suspect description.  The motive of the shooting appeared to be gang-related.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Foothill Division Homicide Detectives at 818-834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1 -877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

80-Year-Old Man Critical Missing

UPDATE

According to Mission Area detectives, today, at around 8:50 p.m., Tomas Garcia was found in LAPD’s Wilshire area.

Los Angeles:  The family of Tomas Garcia and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Garcia, who has been missing since this afternoon.

Today, at around 12:45 p.m., Garcia was last seen having lunch at Shakey’s restaurant in the 13700 block of Foothill Boulevard in LAPD’s Mission Area.  Since that time, he has not returned home or has not been in contact with his family.  Garcia’s family is concerned about his mental state and fear for his safety.  Garcia is a resident of Valencia and in the past, he was located in the 200 block of South Parkview Street in the city of Los Angeles.

Garcia is described as a male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands about 5 feet 6 inches and weighs approximately 150 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue pants.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Garcia is urged to contact LAPD Mission Division at 818-838-9800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Public’s Help Needed to Identify Suspect(s) Wanted for Injuring Three People and Killing Young Woman

Los Angeles:  On March 23, 2010, at around 10:00 p.m., officers working Foothill Patrol and the Gang Enforcement Detail responded to a radio call of an “ADW shooting in progress”  in the area of Pala Avenue and Pinney Street  in Pacoima.

When the officers and Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived, they met four victims suffering gunshot wounds.  The paramedics transported the victims to local hospitals where they were treated for their injuries.   On the night of the shooting, one victim was listed in stable condition, two were listed in critical condition and on Wednesday, March 24, at around 3:55p.m., Vanessa Rankins, a 21year-old female who lived in Pacoima, died as a result of her injuries.

To date, the investigating detectives have determined that an unknown number of male Hispanic suspects approached a group of people in the 13000 block of Pinney Ave.  The unknown suspect(s) shot multiple rounds in the direction of the victims, striking them.  The motive for the shooting is unknown and the weapon is still outstanding.  It is also unknown if the shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Foothill Area Detectives Jones and Farell at 818-834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Media Reminder: Chief Beck Not Related to Burbank School Teacher

This is a reminder that the Burbank school teacher who was arrested for sexual assault is not related to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Charlie Beck.  Several media outlets have reported that the woman was related to Beck.  This information is inaccurate.  The accurate information is that the woman’s husband is an LAPD officer.  The officer is not Beck’s son nor is he a relative.

After 30 Years, Cold Case Detectives Make an Arrest

Los Angeles: On April 9, 1979, Sandra Faith Phillips, 33 years of age, was found dead inside of her West Los Angeles residence.  Phillips’ death was attributed to strangulation and the apparent motive for the crime was of a sexual nature.  Although an extensive investigation was conducted, no viable suspects were identified during the original investigation and the case remained unsolved for over 30 years.  

Pursuant to the advances of DNA identification, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department submitted a request to have biological evidence recovered from the Sandra Phillips’ crime scene analyzed for the presence of DNA.  Subsequently, foreign DNA was tested and genetic profile was uploaded into California’s Department of Justice CODIS databank.

In December 2007, cold case detectives received notification that from this submission, a convicted offender, Leonard Alex Dominquez, was identified via a “cold- hit” CODIS match.  Detectives learned that in 2007 Dominquez had been arrested for a narcotics offense and pursuant to Prop 69, Dominquez’ DNA reference sample was collected, which was then uploaded into the Department of Justice CODIS databank.  This “cold-hit” investigative lead caused detectives to re-open the Phillips’ murder investigation.  After conducting an in-depth investigation, detectives developed additional evidence implicating Dominquez’ culpability in this heinous crime.  

On March 23, 2010, cold case detectives arrested Leonard Dominquez, near his Los Angeles home pursuant to a Probable Cause arrest warrant.

On March 24, 2010, this cold case investigation was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Anyone with inquires or information regarding this murder can call detective L. Compton or P. Lee , Cold Case Special Section, at 213-846-6910.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.  

Young Man Shot While Walking with Friends

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department, 77th Division detectives are searching for a shooter who approached a group of people and shot at them.

On Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at around 9 p.m., 20-year-old Daniel Smith and friends were walking northbound in the 7000 block of Raymond Avenue when a black male suspect exited from a grey vehicle and began to shoot at the group.

Daniel Smith’s friends were able to run and were not struck by the gunfire.  However, Smith was struck and fell onto the sidewalk.  The suspect then re-entered the vehicle and drove off.  The vehicle was last seen westbound on 70th Street from Raymond Avenue.  

Smith died of his wounds at the scene, and the suspect and the weapon used are still outstanding.  It is unknown if this incident is gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to call 77th Homicide Squad Detectives at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1 -877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.