LAPD Blog

Shooting in a South L.A. Courtyard Leaves One Dead and One Survivor

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department 77th Homicide Squad detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) who were involved in a shooting in South Los Angeles.

On May 13, 2025 at around 6:15 p.m., 28-year-old African American Clint Smith and a female friend were standing in a courtyard in the 6300 block of Brynhurst Avenue, when an unknown suspect(s) shot at them and fled from the scene. Both Smith and the woman were struck down by the gunfire.  

The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victims to a local hospital. Smith was pronounced dead at the hospital from his injuries and the second victim was treated for a gunshot wound and later released.    

Detectives say that the motivation for this crime is gang related and there is no description of the suspect(s) at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Division, 77th Homicide Squad Detectives Dean Vinluan and David Ross at 213-485-1383.  During Aon-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 prompt

Armed Robber Sought in Check Cashing Store Robbery

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police wants the public’s help to identify an armed bandit who robbed a check cashing store on April 21, 2025 in the Midtown area of Los Angeles.

Investigators say a man wearing a black ski mask and black gloves walked into the PLS Loan Store at 1570 South Western Avenue just before 2 p.m.  Once inside, the suspect pulled out a handgun and demanded money from the store clerks.  After the employees handed over the money, the suspect escaped on a bicycle with an undisclosed amount of cash.  No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect is described as an African American male between 25 and 30 years old, 6 feet tall and weighing 190 to 200 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a gray, hooded shirt, blue jean pants and white shoes.  

Images of the suspect were caught on surveillance tape.  The photos are attached to the news release and can also be obtained through LAPD Media Relations.

Anyone with information about this robbery is urged to call Olympic Division robbery detectives at 213-382-9460.  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.

Autistic Man Missing from Los Angeles

Update

On May 13, 2010, at around 9:40 a.m., Novarro Showers was found safe and in good condition at a local hospital.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and a local family are seeking the public’s help in finding a 23-year-old autistic man after he failed to return to his Los Angeles home.

Novarro Early Showers walked away from his home on May 5, 2010, in the 200 block of North Lake Street in the Rampart area around 3:30 p.m. and has not been seen since.  He is an autistic adult with the mental capacity of a 12-year-old and his verbal skills are limited, detectives said.

Showers is described as African American with shoulder length black dreadlocks.  He has brown eyes, stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue boxer shorts and black and gold slippers.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Showers is urged to call the Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.  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.

Missing Man Said He Would “Be Right Back”

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and a local family are seeking the public’s help in finding a 54-year-old African American man who left his Los Angeles home shortly after telling family members he was stepping out and would “be right back.”

Vernon Patterson was last seen on January 18, 2010, at around 8 a.m., leaving the 4000 block of Muirfield Road in the LAPD’s Southwest Area.  Since then, he hasn’t contacted his family.  His physical description is as follows: black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 100 pounds.

Anyone who may have seen Patterson or has information on his location is urged to call LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Merrill at 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Those 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.

Notes from the May 11, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission Vice President Alan Skobin attended the Gun Buy Back event held in the San Fernando Valley.  He said it was a good event and he was intrigued by the different people who turned in guns.  He added he was concerned over solicitors positioned near the event offering cash for guns.  Commissioner Skobin instructed the Department to look into the legality of the solicitors and insure they are not present for the next Buy Back event.

•    Police Commissoner Robert Saltzman attended the very first Police Cadet graduation.  He stated there was a lot of excitement amongst the Cadets and offered his appreciation to Assistant Chief Paysinger and others for facilitating the transition into the Cadet program.  Commissioner Saltzman also attended half of the Use of Force training seminar held by the Force Investigation Division.  He added the seminar was very helpful and instructive.

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board the Gun Buy Back event held Citywide over the weekend was a tremendous success and netted 2511 guns.  He said nearly $200,000 in gift cards were distributed as a result and the Department is planning the event again for next year, provided there is funding available.  Chief Beck also said there are 45 recruits in the academy with another class scheduled for June.

•    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 Hollywood Area was given by Captain Beatrice Girmala.  Captain Girmala said their C-PAB has six sub-committees.  They include homeless outreach, youth outreach, police activities league, police cadets, emergency preparedness and a nightclub committee.  Each plays a vital role in community policing goals. In addition the Hollywood C-PAB holds town-hall meetings twice a year and is holding their 2nd Annual Youth Conference this year.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 28, 2010, relative to request for proposals for Equine Farrier Services, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 28, 2010, relative to transmittal of the grant application for the 2009 Law Enforcement Specialized Units Program (LESUP) Grant from the State of California Emergency Management Agency, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council concurrently.

•     The Department’s report, dated April 29, 2010, relative to Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, First Quarter, 2010, as given by Captain Paul Hernandez, was received. Captain Hernandez informed the Board 40 audits were conducted last quarter on unlawful stops, searches and seizures involving 82 employees.  Every bureau in the Department was audited and the results revealed a 92% pass rate.  The Board directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations back to the Board.

•    The Department report, dated April 28, 2010, relative to Biased Policing Update, Quarterly Report, 1st Quarter, as given by Commander Richard Webb, was approved.  Commander Webb informed the Board there were 59 complaints on biased policing last quarter.  He added the Constitutional Policing Unit is up and running with two to three complaints completed.  Commander Webb also stated the Department is working with the Western Justice Center to see whether complaints can be mediated.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 16, 2010, relative to Pacific Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 09-119), as given by Captain Jon Peters, was approved.  Captain Peters said there were 2 issues raised during the audit. The first was missing property that was logged on the form.  After a small search the items were recovered. The second was nine Daily Field Activity Report’s not being signed off by the Commanding Officer.  Captain Peters informed the Board a new system has been put in place to insure this will not happen again. 

•    The Department’s report, dated April 23, 2010, relative to Non-Budgetary Funds and Accounts Audit (IAID #09-012), as given by Lieutenant Bert Mora, was approved.  Lieutenant Mora stated 11 station funds of more than $5000 were reviewed with 6 objectives in mind.  The review revealed station fund management needs improvement.  The main cause of discrepancies was the turnover of personnel. Lieutenant Mora added steps have been taken to remedy the problem including the development of training for managing funds, collaboration with the business sector, the use of reserve officers with accounting backgrounds to assist in training and bureau wide training. 

•    The Department’s report, dated February 12, 2010, and Inspector General’s report, dated May 5, 2010, relative to the Department’s Quarterly Discipline Report for the fourth quarter of 2009, was approved.  The Board also approved the Inspector General’s report.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated May 5, 2010, relative to Official Police Garage Renewals, was approved and transmitted to City Council.

16-year-old Male Found Dead with Gunshot Wound

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating a suspect who fatally shot a young male in the Boyle Heights.

Yesterday, at around 2:25 a.m., an unidentified female flagged down Los Angeles City Fire fighters in the 3200 block of East First Street and stated there was a man down on the sidewalk.  Los Angeles Fire Department personnel examined him and pronounced him dead at the scene.

According to detectives, the victim suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the chest and died from the injury.  The motive for this homicide is unknown, but detectives were able to identify the victim as 16-year-old Brandon Garrido, a resident of East Los Angeles.

Anyone with information is urged to call Hollenbeck Homicide detectives at 323-342-8961.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.  

Felony Hit and Run Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Central Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in searching for additional witnesses who saw a traffic accident involving two pedestrians in the LAPD’s Rampart area.

On May 9, 2010, at 1:40 a.m., 24-year-old Shyra Smith and 23-year-old Stacy Coleman were crossing northbound Boylston Street at 3rd Street when they were struck by a 2000 Lexus RX300 traveling west on 3rd Street.  The driver of Lexus did not stop to identify himself or render aid to the victims. Smith sustained a fractured left leg and Coleman suffered a broken knee cap.

On May 10, 2010, 44-year-old Mynor Antonio Rodriguez was arrested at his residence in Los Angeles.  Rodriguez was booked for a felony hit and run and currently held in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office for review.

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Traffic Division detectives at 213-972-1840. During non-business hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 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. 

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics May 8, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                              103*                100             3.0%
Rape                                     241                 289          -16.6%
Robbery                               3938               4354            -9.6%
Agg Assaults **                     3245               3870          -16.1%
Total Violent Crimes            7527               8613          -12.6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 5790             6439          -10.1%
BTFV                                    10223           10317            -0.9%
Personal/Other Theft             8792             9734            -9.7%
Auto Theft                             6145             6325            -2.8%
Total Property Crimes       30,950         32,815           -5.7%
Total Part I Crimes            38,477         41,428           -7.1%

* 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

Citywide Buyback Nets 2511 Guns

Representing a New City Record in Citywide Gift Cards for Guns Event

On May 8, 2010, 2511 firearms were exchanged for Ralphs gift cards or pre-paid Visa gift cards.  On Saturday morning, lines of vehicles formed at each of the surrender locations well before the 10 a.m. scheduled opening.  Community members received cards valued at $100 for most firearms and $200 for firearms classified as assault rifles. 

The Citywide Gun Buy Back Program is an initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD).  Major corporate sponsorship was provided by the Ralph’s corporation.  While many in the media covered the event, the primary media partner was KCBS 2 / KCAL 9. 

"I would like to thank all the Angelenos who joined us over the weekend in securing a safer City for every family by helping us get 2500 dangerous weapons off the streets," Mayor Villaraigosa said.   "This year's successful turn-out shows that the gifts-for-guns method has been tested and it works."

At the conclusion of the event, Ralph’s and Visa cards worth a total value of $197,400 had been exchanged for firearms.  Deputy Chief David Doan said, “Eighty-five of the firearms were assault rifles, with no legitimate civilian purpose and in most cases illegal to possess.”  He added, “Confidence in our promise ‘not to ask questions’ is likely the difference between an assault weapon being surrendered and it being stored for another year.  Until Saturday, they were prime targets for theft; today they are destined for a foundry.”

Chief of Police Charlie Beck said, “The guns displayed today will never be stolen or used in a robbery, assault, or murder; the scope of that success can never be fully measured.  We owe a special thanks to Ralph’s and our media sponsor KCBS2 / KCAL9.”  

Individuals may still surrender guns to any Los Angeles Police Department Community Police Station.  When bringing a firearm to a police station, please 
leave the unloaded gun(s) in a locked container or stored in a vehicle trunk.  Assistance will be provided after discussing the intent to surrender a weapon with an officer at the police station desk.  Until another Gun Buyback event is scheduled, no gift cards will be exchanged.  Please visit the LAPD website at www.lapdonline.org to find the nearest community police station. 

For additional information, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Weapons Surrendered During the 2010 Gun Buyback

Operations-Valley Bureau

LAPD Division  Total Handguns  Rifles  Shotguns  Assault Weapons  Grenade Launcher attached to a Rifle
Mission    654    333    189    103    29    0
OVB Total -     654    333    189    103    29    0


Operations-Central Bureau

LAPD Division  Total  Handguns  Rifles  Shotguns  Assault Weapons  Grenade Launcher attached to a Rifle
Hollenbeck    449    201    147    88    13    1
OCB Total -     449    201    147    88    13    1


Operations-West Bureau

LAPD Division  Total  Handguns  Rifles  Shotguns  Assault Weapons  Grenade Launcher attached to a Rifle
Hollywood    386    198    112    65    11    1 - Grenade
OWB Total -     386    198    112    65    11    1 - Grenade


Operations-South Bureau

LAPD Division  Total  Handguns  Rifles  Shotguns  Assault Weapons  Grenade Launcher attached to a Rifle
Harbor    590    263    193    108    26    1-Claymore
77th Street    432    221    106    99    6    0
OSB Total -     1022    484    299    207    32    1-Claymore


Total Guns
2511    1216    747    463    85   
1-Launcher
1-Grenade
1-Claymore

Near Fatal Stabbing Downtown – Victim on Life Support

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police are investigating a nearly fatal stabbing that occurred in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, May 8, 2010.  The unidentified Hispanic man, estimated to be in his thirties, is currently in the intensive care unit of a local hospital.  Doctors placed him on life support overnight.

Around 3:30 p.m., Saturday afternoon, more than a half dozen Hispanic men in their twenties surrounded the victim on the east sidewalk of Los Angeles Street, at 5th Street.

“The attack started as a beat down until the victim fell to the sidewalk near a lone tree,”  Lt. Paul Vernon.  “According to one witness, most of the attackers backed away, then a lone suspect began ruthlessly stabbing the victim.”

Doctors took the victim into surgery immediately at the hospital, repairing damage to a dozen or more stab wounds.  The victim had no identification, and, to date, has not been identified.  He remains on life-support systems.

Witnesses described the assailants as Hispanic men in their twenties who seemed to be affiliated with the numerous street vendors who clog the sidewalk in that block.  “We know the 5th-and-Hill gang tries to control this area by taxing the street vendors for protection,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “The gang members are often vendors themselves.  If someone does not pay their tax, they get beat up or worse.  We’ve seen it before.”

Saturday’s stabbing is the third since the Fall of 2009.  The prior events occurred on the north side of the same building.  Detectives believed those two day-light stabbings, a couple weeks apart, were related.  Detectives made arrests in the second of those two attacks.  The suspects were 5th-and-Hill gang members who doubled as hotdog vendors to control the street.

“We received a number of good tips from residents in the area,” Lt. Vernon added.  “We’re looking at video from the surrounding area, which should give us a good idea as to who was involved.”

The public is encouraged to report tips, anonymous or otherwise, to 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.