LAPD Blog

Los Angeles Police Looking for 11 Year-Old Habitual Runaway

UPDATE

On March 26, 2010, missing 11-year-old April Vega was found safe and in good health.  Mission Area juvenile detectives said she was found over a friend’s home in Sylmar around 11:30 this morning.  

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department is looking for an 11-year-old habitual runaway.  Mission detectives said April Vega was last seen at Olive Vista Middle School in the 14000 block of Tyler Street at around 7 AM on March 22, 2010.

Vega is a troubled child.  She is known to frequent Sylmar Park and Sylmar Public Library.

Vega is described as being 5 feet tall and weighs about 100 pounds.  She has brown hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing blue skinny jeans and a black sweater.  

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Vega is urged to call Mission Division at 818-838-9800.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime stoppers 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.

LAPD Mourns Death of SWAT Officer Robert “RJ” Cottle

Cottle was Tragically Killed during Military Deployment in Afghanistan

Los Angeles:  It is with great sadness that we report the death of a respected and valued member of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan while serving in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

The LAPD has learned through family contacts of the death of 45-year-old Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle, United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR).  In the near  future, the Department of Defense and the USMCR will formally release his name and the circumstances related to his death in accordance with military protocols. Cottle had been deployed on active duty since August 2009.  He served with the 4th LAR Battalion, Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.

Cottle was appointed to the LAPD on Sept. 10, 1990.  He had been assigned to Metropolitan Division since February 1996 and his most recent assignment was in “D” Team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) as a Police Officer III+I. 

"This deeply saddens me, especially since I've known RJ for over 20 years,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  “He is a fine man and a great example of the best LAPD has to offer.  He will be missed."

Whether Cottle was serving the people of Los Angeles or serving the people of the United States,  he did so with honor, integrity and commitment.  His death will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and his contributions to the Department will be greatly missed.  He is survived by his wife and a 9-month-old daughter.

We ask that community members keep Officer Cottle’s family members, friends and his extended LAPD family in their thoughts and prayers.

Fight for Life Boxing Event

March 25, 2025 – In a news conference held on the City of Hope campus in Monrovia, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department joined Sheriff Lee Baca and Chief Charlie Beck to kick off the “Fight for Life” Boxing Event scheduled to be held on Friday, March 26 at the Quiet Cannon Banquet facility in Montebello. 

The event, which pits the LAPD vs. LASD, will feature 8 boxing exhibitions in an effort  to raise money for cancer research and other life threatening diseases.  In its 17th year, the Fight for Life Boxing event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, all of which go directly to research.

To purchase tickets to the event or to make a donation please contact the Los Angeles Police Protective League at 213-251-4554, the Sheriff’s Relief Association at 562-946-7801, or the City of Hope at 213-241-7134.  

Officers Serve Several Search and Arrest Warrants Related to Marijuana Dispensaries

Los Angeles:  Yesterday evening, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Gang and Narcotics Division officers served six search warrants and three arrest warrants related to the investigation of two local medical marijuana dispensaries. 

The investigation, which was launched in February of this year, was in response to community complaints of a medical marijuana dispensary operating in proximity to a school.

Investigators were initially directed to the “Medco Organics” dispensary at 326 North Vermont Avenue regarding the complaint.  As the investigation progressed, investigators discovered a second dispensary where the illegal sale of marijuana was taking place.  This second dispensary, known as "The Relief Co." or "TRC" was located at 5669 West Pico Boulevard. 

In addition to the two dispensaries, search warrants were also served at four residences.  The residences were identified during the investigation as being related to the dispensaries and the persons involved in their operation. 

All of the search and arrest warrants were served without incident, and searches of all the premises yielded a substantial amount of cash and marijuana.  One firearm was also recovered during the investigation.

Name of arrestees are the following:
Cruzado, Rinaldo: DOB- 9/2/73
Dolinsky, Stas: DOB- 5/27/69
Kleinman, Noah: DOB- 4/10/75

Bail was set at $20,000 for each of the arrestees.

Kidnap Suspect Composite Released

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives released a composite sketch of a hooded man in the hopes of identifying him as the second suspect in a Kidnap-for-robbery incident that occurred March 5, 2010, in downtown Los Angeles. “Thanks to the victim’s thorough recollection and steady nerves, detectives were able to identify the primary suspect quickly,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, who heads up investigations for the downtown Central police station.  “Detectives got a warrant and arrested Erika Orenday last Friday in her home town of El Monte.” Around 6 p.m., March 5, a 46-year-old jewelry store employee left her job in the Jewelry District.  Orenday waved down the victim in her car and used threats to gain access to her vehicle.  Once inside the car, Orenday beckoned a man into the back seat and ordered the woman to drive. Eventually, the victim was tied up in the backseat while the two suspects drove, apparently to one or more motels.  Orenday and the man held the woman at a motel room, threatening her children and demanding money. Orenday and her partner wanted to hold the victim hostage and demand a ransom from her family, but when the suspects realized the family was not home, they left the victim in the motel room and her car in the parking lot.  “They also left a very ominous warning that they or their friends would be back to get the money or hurt the woman’s children,” Lt. Vernon said. The uninjured victim reported the crime the same night.  After Orenday’s March 19 arrest, detectives were able to get a partial identity of Orenday’s accomplice: a Hispanic man in his late 20s or early 30s, who goes by the name, “Pacho.”  He sports a goatee and crew-cut hair.  He is known to cross over the Mexican border frequently.  According to the victim, the composite sketch is an accurate likeness. “Kidnap-for-robbery does not occur that often, but it’s very serious, and potentially carries a life sentence for the kidnappers,” Lt. Vernon said.  Orenday’s bail was set at over $1 million. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Al Rasch, Central Robbery Unit, at 213-972-1245. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

‘Lifesavings’ Theft Suspect Sought

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Newton Area Burglary detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who used a stolen ATM card and pin number to withdraw a 97-year-old victim’s entire life savings which amounted to over $46,000.

Between August 16, 2009, and November 30, 2009, the suspect used the stolen ATM card at the Bank of America located on the 100 block of Rosecrans Avenue in the City of Gardena, and the Bank of America on the 300 block of E. Manchester Boulevard in the City of Inglewood.  According to bank records, the suspect withdrew $300 to $500 per day between the hours of  1 p.m. and 2 p.m., alternating between the two locations.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 25 to 30-years-old, stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall with black hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 170 to 180 pounds.  The suspect was driving a silver or grey 2000 to 2003 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe.

*A surveillance still photo of the suspect is attached to this   release.                                   

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact LAPD Newton Area Burglary Detective David Gamero at 323-846-6579.  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.

Notes from the March 23, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck said the officer involved shooting that occurred on March 20 was an extremely tragic incident.  He said the OIS was being investigated by the Use of Force review division and the Police Commission will have the final say as to whether the incident was in or out of policy.  Chief Beck added that since 2007, the Department has worked with the Autism Society of America and they have provided training to officers on dealing with Autistic people.

•    The Department’s verbal report relative to the status of the Police Cadet Program was given by Senior Management Analyst Natalie Torrez.  Ms. Torrez informed the Board the uniform switch has been completed with Cadets trading in their old uniforms and patches for new ones.  April 24, 2010, will be the graduation of the first Cadet class and the Department is currently working on developing a website.  Some of the activities planned for the summer are day trips to museums, amusement parks, hiking, a College Day and a Citywide Cadet competition. 

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to the proposed amendments to police permit fees, fees for special services and establishment of a new special service fee for fiscal year 2010-11, was approved and transmitted to the City Administrative Officer and Chief Legislative Analyst.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 4, 2010, relative to the City Council Motion report on graffiti arrest statistics, was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 9, 2010, relative to the Traffic Collision Analysis regarding the Automated Photo Red Light Program, as given by Deputy Chief Richard Roupoli and Sergeant Matthew MacWillie, was approved.  Sergeant MacWillie informed the Board that last November CBS 2 aired a story which claimed the photo red light intersections have increased traffic collisions. He stressed the data which was provided to CBS for their report was limited and the primary collision factor was not provided.  Sergeant MacWillie added that since April of 2006 there have been no fatal car collisions at any of the 32 photo red light intersections.  Chief Roupoli added contrary to recent reports that the system does not generate revenue, according to the City’s Chief Administrative Officer the system generates $3.8 million in revenue with $2.2 million going into the City’s general fund and the remaining $1.6 million going to maintenance.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 17, 2010, relative to the Amendment to Major Crimes Division standards and procedures, was approved and transmitted to City Council, Public Safety Committee.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 17, 2010, relative to the status report regarding timeline for the motor vehicle and pedestrian stops data collection audit, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 3, 2010, relative to Department’s response to the Non-Categorical Use of Force Supplemental Audit, September 28, 2006, was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 5, 2010, relative to Department’s response to the supply procurement and disbursement audit, IAID #08-097, December 3, 2009, was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 12, 2010, relative to the Hunter La-Ley Consent Decree – Coveted Positions Inspection (IAID No. 09-131), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 19, 2010, relative to the 2009 K-9 Platoon Annual Summary Report, was approved.

Investigation and Oversight of Officer-Involved Shootings LAPD

Investigation
Investigations of Officer-Involved Shootings (OIS) are done only by Force Investigation Division (FID), a group of investigators specially trained, equipped and assigned exclusively to investigate serious uses of force by police.  The FID is overseen by Professional Standards Bureau, which also includes Internal Affairs.  The investigation includes recorded interviews of officers involved, witnesses, the collection of all forms of evidence, the assembly of all reports, and presentation of an extensive report (usually much longer than a thousand pages) to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners. 

Oversight
The Office of the Inspector General (IG) answers only to the Police Commission, not to the Chief of Police.  Inspector General investigators respond to every OIS and have unrestricted access to everything being done at the scene.  The IG’s staff not only sees the investigative steps being taken from start to finish, but also reviews each final report and investigation for completeness, accuracy, and any other concerns they may wish to present to the Police Commission.  The IG is an independent civilian oversight authority.

The District Attorney (DA) sends investigators to every OIS where someone is hit.  The DA investigators examine the scene, can interview witnesses and can conduct their own investigation.  The DA determines whether the there will be criminal charges against the involved officers.

The County Coroner sends an investigator to the scene and conducts an examination of the scene, acquires reports from investigators, and later performs an autopsy. The Coroner is responsible for determining the cause of death and producing a report.  A copy of the Coroner’s report is incorporated into the FID report submitted to the Police Commission.

The Board of Police Commissioners reviews the extensive final investigation done by FID, reviews the IG’s report of the investigation, and independently determines whether an Officer-Involved Shooting is “In Policy” or “Out of Policy.” The Police Commission has the authority to require more investigation if they need more information.  The Police Commission is the final authority to declare an Officer-Involved Shooting.  The Police Commission is an independent civilian oversight authority.

LAPD Autism Training

The Los Angeles Police Department prides itself on being the leader in best practices as it relates to working with those who have special needs.  Specific training has been developed and is provided by our Mental Evaluation Section of Detective Support Division.

Specific to Autism training, in September of 2007 the LAPD began working with the Los Angeles Chapter of the Autism Society of America on developing specific training on Dealing with Autistic people for first responders.  As a result of these efforts a one hour training course was developed for patrol officers on dealing with an Autistic person.  And in April of 2008, we announced at a news conference, our partnership with the Los Angeles Chapter of the Autism Society of America.

One of the instructors is from the Autism Society and one is from Mental Evaluation Section of Detective Support Division.  An individual who has been diagnosed with Autism is also part of the Training Cadre.  The training focuses on raising awareness of officers to help them better understand Autism Spectrum Disorders and learn how to deal with an Autistic person in a field situation.

The training has been given on a periodic basis starting in May of 2007.  Over 2,500 members of the Department have received the stand alone one hour class.  The class is provided to those commands that have extensive dealings with the mentally ill, such as Central Area’s Safer Cities, Metro, Jail Division, Communication Division and several patrol divisions around the City.  The class is also part of police officer Academy training, the Crisis Intervention Technique Course, Watch Commanders School, Supervisors School and Senior Lead Officer School.   Officers are also required to take an E-Learning course on Autism. 

The LAPD is a leader in the Public Safety Community on this type of training.  The LAPD is the only Police Agency offering this type of training.  This one hour course has been provided to the following agencies:  General Services Police Department; Beverly Hills Police Department; Redondo Beach Police Department; Pomona Police Department; and the Hawthorne Police Department.

The Autism Community has also asked the LAPD to assist in reviewing a film entitled, "How to Get Arrested."  This will assist in making it easier for the Autism community to understand the process.   The LAPD has also been asked to speak at an upcoming Autism Conference on this subject.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics March 20, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                                47*                 66           -28.8%
Rape                                     144                 170          -15.3%
Robbery                               2413               2790          -13.5%
Agg Assaults **                     1932               2280          -15.3%
Total Violent Crimes             4536              5306          -14.5%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3508             4020           -12.7%
BTFV                                      6178             6466            -4.5%
Personal/Other Theft             5233             6101           -14.2%
Auto Theft                             3811             3922            -2.8%
Total Property Crimes       18,730         20,509           -8.7%
Total Part I Crimes            23,266         25,815          -9.9%

* 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