LAPD Blog

Photo Op with Chief Beck

May 6, 2025 – As part of their annual field trip to Los Angeles, the 8th Grade class from Saint Margarets Marys School in Chino joined Police Chief Charlie Beck for a photo in front of the new Police Administration Building. 

With approximately 50 students, teachers and parents in attendance, their trip this year included visits to the historic Bradbury building in downtown, Angels Flight, and the observation tower at City Hall. 

The Department appreciates Saint Margarets Marys interest in including the new Police Administration Building in their field trip and wishes the students in attendance all the best. 

Los Angeles Police Searching for Missing Autistic Teen

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police and a local family are asking for the public’s help in searching for an autistic teenager who was last seen at 2:30 this morning in North Hollywood.

On May 7, 14-year-old Yannick Atangana wandered away from his parent’s home located in the 5300 block of Corteen Place. Atangana suffers from low-functioning autism.  He has a hard time communicating and may not answer if spoken to. Atangana has the tendency to become combative if he’s restrained.  He’s also afraid of dogs.

Atangana is described as an African American male with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs about 115 pounds and was last seen wearing a red, white and black striped shirt and brown shorts.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Atangana is urged to call LAPD’s North Hollywood Station at 818-623-4045.  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.

OpEd – Join Us in Securing Safe Neighborhoods for Every Angeleno By Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck

Over the last several years improving public safety has been the focus of the City’s leadership.  All of our collective efforts have paid off -- we have not seen crime this low in Los Angeles since the Eisenhower Administration.  In fact, crime is down in every division of our City.  We have also been able to stem the tide of gang violence which has historically plagued our City.  Neighborhoods are safer for our residents and streets are safer for our visitors.  All who live and work in Los Angeles are reaping the benefits of our efforts as we all agree that public safety is the foundation for economic development and the creation of jobs.

Despite this progress, Los Angeles continues to breed a significant amount of gang violence with the weapon of choice for most gang members being a firearm.  Families still face violence on our streets, and each heart wrenching tragedy reminds us that our dream of security for all Angelenos is not a reality.  Whether it is an innocent child who falls victim to a stray bullet or the countless gang-on-gang shootings that too often occur in our City, there are regular reminders that we still have a long way to go in our fight against violence.

The pursuit of safer streets must focus on the two primary sources of violence in Los Angeles: gangs and guns.  More often than not, the two are tied; one the misguided enterprise of violence and the other the utility to exact it.

Within every state and local government across the country, elected officials are working around-the-clock to get guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.  We are passing new ordinances, developing new initiatives, and bolstering our police forces to beat back the gun and gang crime on our streets.

We have long realized, however, that we cannot do it alone.  Without the support of the residents and communities we serve, our efforts are futile.

We need help from faith leaders, non-profits, and residents at large.  Everyone must play an active role in developing solutions to the violence that continues to plague many of our communities.  No legislation can replace the unified voice of a community saying no to guns, gangs, and to indiscriminate violence in our neighborhoods.  We also know that when the community is our partner the change is lasting and widespread.

For that reason, we are requesting the help of all Angelenos.

As part of our gun buyback initiative we implore anyone to turn in their guns, rifles, shotguns and assault weapons – no questions asked.   In return, they will receive gift cards ranging from $100 to $200 in value.

On May 8th – the day before Mothers’ Day – individuals can come to one of five different locations across the City to exchange their firearm for gift cards.  Nobody will ask them to identify themselves and no information about the weapon needs to be given.  We simply ask that people transport their firearms unloaded, and in the trunk of their vehicles.

In doing so, Angelenos can make a vital contribution to the safety and security of our entire community.  Last year’s Gun Buyback program resulted in the collection of nearly 1,700 firearms.  If the program kept just one of those guns from being used in a violent attack, it was a success.

This is our opportunity to make a real difference for our children and for our families.  It’s our chance to take matters into our own hands and prevent the next tragic shooting.  It is our chance to make this Mother’s Day a citywide wide commitment to protect all of the children in this city, and make the city safer for all of our communities.

Please join us in this effort.

Hit and Run Driver Seriously Injures Two Children

UPDATE
May 7, 2025

Despite media coverage that included video surveillance footage of the crime described below, identification and arrest of the person responsible has not occurred.  Consequently, the Los Angeles City Council through the office of District 9 Councilwoman Jan Perry has granted a reward of $75,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.  More than ever, anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact LAPD Central Traffic Division (CTD) Detectives Jose De Leon or Josephine Mapson at 213-972-1845 or the CTD watch commander at 213972-1853.  More contact information is below in the original release.   

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect responsible for a hit-and-run traffic incident that seriously injured two girls.

On December 28, 2009, at about 5:59 p.m., a 14-year-old girl and her 3-year-old niece were crossing Main Street just north of 43rd Street when a two-door, white vehicle struck both pedestrians, throwing them about 40 feet.  Both victims suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.  The driver continued driving north on Main Street, failing to stop and identify herself or provide aid to the injured victims.    

The driver was described as a female with no further descriptors.  The hit-and-run vehicle is described as an older two-door, white sedan with a stop lamp on the middle of the back window. It may also have collision damage to the right front headlamp or right front side-light cover.  

Video of the crime and suspect’s vehicle was captured by surveillance cameras and is available at www.lapdtv.org.

Anyone with information of this incident contact LAPD Central Traffic Division (CTD) Detectives Jose De Leon or Josephine Mapson at (213) 972-1845 or the CTD watch commander at (213) 972-1853.  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.

 

Deputy Chief Terry Hara receives Local Heroes Award

May 6, 2025 - As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Union Bank, and KCET honored Deputy Chief Hara for the Southern Californian Asian Pacific Islanders Local Heroes Award.

The Local Heroes Award recognizes the exemplary leadership and dedication of the recipients to serving their community. Union Bank and KCET created the Local Heroes Awards to help celebrate the national commemorative heritage months for the African American, Latino and Asian Pacific American communities. The awards honor outstanding individuals in the community who strive to enrich the lives of others.

“I am honored by the recognition by KCET and Union Bank,” said Chief Hara. “There are many other worthy individuals that are heroes.  I see a true hero as an individual that cares for the community at large.  It’s an individual that gives of one self.”  

Deputy Chief Terry Hara is the Commanding Officer of Personnel and Training Bureau.  He is responsible for overseeing the training of police recruits and the administration of human resources for the Department.  He is the first Asian American to achieve the rank of Deputy Chief with the Department.  Chief Hara is on the board of directors for the Los Angeles Police Historical Society, was a past president of the Nisei Week Foundation and the Japanese American Optimist Club of Los Angeles, and also serves as a board member for the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, the Japan America Society and the “Go For Broke” National Education Center.

Chief Hara was honored with this award because he gives so much of himself to his Department and community.  In 2006, two other individuals from the Los Angeles Police Department received the Local Heroes Award.  Officer Deon Joseph, Senior Lead Officer for Central Area and Pedro M. Muñiz, Principle Public Relations Representative, Public Information Office.  The award was presented at the KCET studios in Los Angeles.

Letter to KCBS2 / KCAL9 Steven Mauldin Regarding Unpaid Parking Tickets

Letter to KCBS2 / KCAL9 Steven Mauldin

On April 29,2025 the Los Angeles Police Department held its annual Recognition Day Awards Ceremony.  Sworn and civilian men and women from the  Department were recognized for their dedication and commitment towards the people they serve in communities throughout Los Angeles.  It was at this ceremony that KCBS2 / KCAL9 reporter David Goldstein ambushed an assistant chief of the LAPD about unpaid parking tickets.  Below is a letter sent to the station's management, on May 4, 2010, explaining the facts as they relate to the citations.

Mr. Steven Mauldin

KCBS2/KCAL9
CBS Studio City
4200 Radford Avenue
Studio City, California 91604

Mr. Mauldin: 

This correspondence is to bring to your attention an investigative report which may contain some incomplete information.  Since the segment is reportedly scheduled to air on Thursday May 6, 2010, the scope of the omissions cannot be fully measured; however, the positive relationship and mutual respect that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has fostered with the media, including KCBS2/KCAL9, dictates that we provide you with critical additional information. 

As you know, Investigative Reporter David Goldstein is preparing a report on the use of “confidential license plates” similar to the April 2008 report in the Orange County Register.

Mr. Goldstein has learned that some agencies responsible for processing parking fines have amassed significant numbers of unpaid citations for vehicles registered under the provisions of a confidential license plate program.  Since the late 1970s, individuals in qualifying occupations may request that their personal information be shielded in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) database.  The program is designed to protect the individual and their families.  In many cases the vehicles registered under these protections are second and third vehicles used exclusively by family members.

Agencies processing citations on vehicles with confidential plates must go through a labor-intensive process of identifying the registered owner, their employer, and a name and address of the person authorized by that employer to receive confidential notifications.  To meet the California Vehicle Code standard, the agency processing the collection must issue a letter or other official notification before a report of non-payment can be made to the DMV for further action such as registration renewal holds. 

According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, in the City of LA, citations issued to vehicles with confidential plates are paid promptly at a rate of 70 percent.  That far exceeds the 45 percent prompt pay-rate of the general public. 

On April 29, 2010, Mr. Goldstein and other members of the media were invited to and attended the LAPD Recognition Day where a number of LAPD command and staff officers were honoring the recipients of the Department’s highest awards.  It was at this event that Mr. Goldstein chose to confront an assistant chief with documents indicating that he had 18 unpaid parking tickets.  

Based on our inquiry into the matter, the assistant chief in question had never been notified about the citations for a vehicle that a member of his family had operated.  Our Internal Affairs Division has begun to conduct an investigation and has thus far determined, that beginning in February 2010, the City of Los Angeles and a vendor issued letters for the first time since 2002, to agencies employing users of confidential plates who have unpaid citations.  It has been determined that the letters received by the LAPD were not forwarded to the concerned employees.  This administrative oversight is being investigated and appropriate action will be taken.                         

Considering the excellent working relationship that we enjoy with KCBS2/KCAL9, I am hopeful that in the future, your reporters and producers will not feel the need to ambush LAPD personnel.  Had your reporter requested an interview in advance, the assistant chief would have spoken to the reporter once he had an opportunity to investigate the facts.

The concerned assistant chief has paid the outstanding fines and two other LAPD officers have been put on notice to make payment without unnecessary delay.  Finally, we are taking steps to ensure that notifications regarding confidential plates are acted upon promptly.     

Very truly yours,

CHARLIE BECK                  
Chief of Police

MARY GRADY, Public Information Director
Commanding Officer
Public Information Office   

Attempted Burglar Caught on Tape

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Los Angeles Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating a suspect who attempted to burglarize a residence in Pacific Palisades.

On Monday, May 3, 2010, at around 2:20 p.m., the owner of a single family home located in the 17000 block of Tramonto Drive, initially heard a knock at the front door and ignored it.  The homeowner was then alerted to the sound of breaking glass and followed the sound to a back bathroom where the suspect was seen attempting to climb through a locked window.   The home owner yelled at the suspect, who immediately retreated from the window and ran out of sight into the backyard.  The suspect was then caught on surveillance video as he ran away through the property of the Getty Villa.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic between 35 to 40 years old with a receding hair line.  He stands about 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 140 to 150 pounds.   He was last seen wearing a green tank top and gray sweat pants.  Detectives believe the suspect was injured during his escape and has a cut of nearly six inches on his right bicep area.  

The still photo of the suspect is attached with this release and also available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call West Los Angeles burglary unit detectives at 310-444-1568.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child Killed in West Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Los Angeles homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who fatally shot a woman while she was seated in her car Yesterday morning.

On May 5, 2010, at around 9:10 a.m., 26-year-old Jana Collins, a resident of Los Angeles, was seated in her vehicle accompanied by two males in the 1900 block of Corning Street in West Los Angeles.  A gunman approached the car and fired numerous shots, striking her in the upper torso.

She was taken to a local hospital by private vehicle and shortly after was pronounced dead at the hospital along with her 18-week unborn fetus.

Detectives believe the woman was not the intended target, and the incident appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call LAPD West Los Angeles Homicide Detective Mike Pelletier at 310-444-1520.  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.

Los Angeles Police Department Memorial Ceremony

Los Angeles: On May 5, 2010, the Department held a ceremony in the courtyard  of the Police Administration Building to honor the 203 men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty. Command Staff, Department employees, family and friends, joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigoza and Chief Charlie Beck in honoring the fallen officers. Chief Beck honored not only the profession but also the men and women in blue who over the years gave their lives while serving their community. Chief Beck stated that 52 out of the 203 officers have perished during his 33 years tenure with the LAPD .

During the ceremony Chief Beck somberly remembered Officer James Choquette the first officer to die during the Chief’s tenure. Officer Choquette and Chief Beck were both assigned to Southeast Division Gang Detail and were on duty, when Officer Croquette was killed during a traffic accident on Central Avenue and 102nd Street. 

 Officer Robert J. Cottle’s name was added to the others, making him the 203rd officer to die in the line of duty. This year also marked the 100th aniversary passing of Officer David Brooks. Officer Brooks was working a plain clothes detain when he came across an armed robbery. A gunfire errupted between the suspects and Officer Brooks, when was shot in the chest and died from his injuries.

Chief Beck commented that law enforcement, military and fireman personnel are pay special homage upon their deaths because “ They died while protecting others from injustice, terrorism,violence, and crime. They did not die by accident, but they intentionally chose this path and made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The formal Memorial Cermony included the “Walk of Heroes” procession, followed by a twenty-one riffle volley performed by the LAPD Honor Guard. Air Division executed a Fly Over in the missing Man Formation. The ceremony culminated with family members of the fallen officers placing a red rose on the nameplate of their loved ones on the memorial wall.

Teacher Arrested for Having Sex with Student

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Unified School District school teacher has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with a female teenage student.

On May 3, 2010, investigators executed a felony arrest warrant at the home of 39-year-old Cesar Fernandez and took him into custody without incident.  Fernandez was charged with unlawful sex with a minor and is being held on a $100,000 bail.  

On January 15, 2010, investigators learned that the sexual relationship appeared to have started during the school summer break of 2009.  The girl was 17 years old at the time of the relationship and is now 18.  The suspect had inappropriate relations numerous times, detectives said.

Fernandez has been a teacher since 1993.  He has been assigned to the 32nd Street USC Math Science and Technology High School since 1996.  The school is located at 822 West 32nd Street in Los Angeles.  He was the athletic director and full-time teacher at the time of the allegation.  He taught various courses and coached basketball and volleyball teams.  Fernandez also taught summer school at Carson High School.  He was administratively assigned to the school district office pending the investigation.  

On April 30, 2010, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office filed four counts of unlawful sex with a minor against Fernandez.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Southwest Sexual Assault Unit detectives at 213-485-2585.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.