LAPD Blog

Randy Simmon 5k Challenge Run

(for photos, click here)
October 16, 2024 - On an overcast and drizzy Saturday morning, runners, walkers, recruit officers and running enthusiasts from every age gathered at the Los Angeles Police Elysian Park Academy for the 3rd annual Randy Simmon 5K Challenge run.  With half an hour before the 8:00 am start time, runners were filling out late registration scan cards as LAPD Metro Division finalized race details in a group meeting.  Participants stretched and talked with friends, staying limber for the 3.1 mile run that would send them running up and down challenging hills.

News reporter Pete Demetriou served as Master of Ceremonies.  By a show of hands the majority of the 385 runners were first time participating in this challenging race, with a few proud runners making their brave return for a third time.

Captain Art Miller, Metropolitan Division, welcomed and thanked everyone for their participation and contributing to the success of this very special event.  James Hart, Simmon’s SWAT partner of eight years, told runners Randy would be very proud that such an event is held in his honor. “This is a fitting tribute to a man who was spiritual and physical,” said Hart.

City Councilman Tom LaBonge compared the weather to the sentiment of everyone gathered.  “There is a little drizzle because we still miss Randy.”

Lisa Simmons shared words of inspiration. “Each one of you is putting a smile on a child’s face, bringing joy to their hearts.”  Lisa shared how recently 300 Glory Kids, which Simmons gathered together from his church, were taken to the LAPD Officer Randal D. Simmons Park, where they were able to enjoy a day away from the pressures of the inner city.  “I told each and everyone of the kids that there are people who care and love you and who were running today to help keep Randy’s legacy alive.

Jennie Vasquez drove in from Beaumont to run her third consecutive year, and heard about this fundraiser through word of mouth.  “I think the main reason that I do the Randy Simmons Race is because to me, memorial races are important, particularly those that honor public servants that have paid the ultimate price.  I think all of us that live in Southern California and respect law enforcement were saddened by his passing even though most of us never met him.  His passing was just so devastating because he was more than a cop,” said Vasquez. 

“He was family not just to his immediate family but to so many kids that needed love, hope, and optimism.  To me his race is an opportunity to do something positive in memory of him that helps keep his spirit alive by supporting the work that he started in his community.  It's my way as a civilian who frequents L.A. to say thanks to his memory and to show support to a Department that is the best of the best.”  Vasquez, who offers the advice to other runners to include hill running prior to this race, loved the views of the City from the course.

Pete Demetriou welcomed runners to the finish line and awarded the medals to the teams and individual winners.  Kris Chacon was the first to cross the finish line at a time of 17:11, followed by Angel Anguiano17:36.  The LAPD SWAT team again captured first place with the 6/10 recruit class in second place.  First place non law enforcement team was POPP (Police Officer Preparation Program).

Officer Randal D. Simmons, a 27-year veteran of the LAPD, was shot during a standoff that injured another officer and claimed the lives of five civilians on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Officer Simmons is the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty.  The annual Randy Simmon 5K Challenge run has raised more than $17,000 since 2008.

Street Closures Due to Presidential Visit on Friday, October 22, 2024

The streets listed below will be subject to soft and hard closures in the late morning into mid-afternoon hours.  A soft closure is defined as closed to through-vehicle traffic, some cars will be screened and pedestrian traffic will be allowed.  A hard closure is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.  

The street closures are as follows:

• Martin Luther King Blvd between Figueroa and Vermont: 
  • Soft Closure 9:30 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.  
  • Hard Closure 11:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
• Vermont Avenue between Martin Luther King Boulevard and Exposition
  • Soft Closure 9:30 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.
  • Hard Closure 11:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
• Figueroa between Martin Luther King Boulevard and 39th Street
  • Soft Closure 9:30 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.
  • Hard Closure 11:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
• Exposition Boulevard between Vermont and Figueroa
  • Hard Closure 11:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

All the above mentioned streets will have a hard closure from 2:25 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Media Parking/ Viewing Areas/ Pool Camera Locations:

Martin Luther King Boulevard at Menlo Ave

Designated media parking will be located at Vermont and Martin Luther King (MLK) Boulevard. Viewing will be available to Media/pedestrians along MLK at Lot 6.   This is subject to the Hard/Soft street closures designated by the United States Secret Service (USSS).

USC CAMPUS Senator Boxer Luncheon/Alumni Park

Designated staging/parking for media satellite vehicles shall be on Childs Way.  Only White House Credentialed Media may gather along the sidewalk area adjacent to Childs Way at Trusdale Way and will be allowed to enter the designated safe zone by USSS.  A pool camera will be available.

USC CAMPUS McCARTHY QUAD/PROTEST AREA

Designated staging/parking for Media vehicles shall be on West 34th Street West of Figueroa. The media viewing area for the stage area will be along the grass hill on the North/East Quadrant of the McCarthy Quad. There will be an additional designated media area adjacent to the Protest Area located at Hoover at Trousdale Way.

In the event of an unlawful assembly declaration, and in accordance with the CRESPO settlement, the Incident Commander will avoid moving crowds into areas designated as media staging. In the event of an unlawful assembly declaration during a march, additional media area(s), outside of the impacted area, will be designated by the Incident Commander. (Commander Jacobs typically likes to consider “behind the police line” as his default area to evacuate the media). To the extent reasonably possible, efforts will be made to ensure that the designated media area(s) do not become part of any impacted area.

Media Relations Section will notify City News Service (CNS) of locations for media interest when appropriate, who will in turn, put out the information over the news wire, along with Nixle, which is monitored by media personnel. Media Relations Section will also put out an emergency advisory through its regular notification system.

We are working with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the United States Secret Service to minimize the impact to the motoring public. Even with the best of plans, there will be congestion beyond what is normal for any given Friday.

We would like all motorists who anticipate having to travel in and around the USC campus to expect delays and plan another route if possible.

For more information please contact Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

LAPD Arrests the Suspect Wanted for a 1980 Deadly Purse Snatch

Los Angeles:  Earlier in the month, Scientific Investigation Division, Latent Prints Unit identified a man wanted for murdering a woman in 1980.  On October 15, 2010, LAPD Robbery Homicide Detectives arrested the suspect in Rochester, New York and extradited him back to Los Angeles.

On November 28, 1980, Ruth Roberts, was attempting to enter her home when she was struck on the head by an unknown suspect.  During the assault the suspect stole her purse, left her with life-threatening injuries and unconscious.  Mrs. Roberts was transported to a local hospital where she remained in the Intensive Care Unit until her death on December 4, 1980.

Mrs. Roberts’ property was recovered a few days after the incident.  The Los Angeles Police Department’s Scientific Investigation Division, Latent Prints Unit developed several finger prints from Mrs. Roberts’ stolen property.  Through the finger print lifts, the suspect in this case was identified as Albert McKee.  The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed one count of Murder and one count of Robbery against McKee.  McKee was arrested in Rochester, New York, with the assistance of the Rochester Police Department and was extradited to Los Angeles on October 15, 2010. He is currently in custody at the Los Angeles County Jail.

Anyone who may have information related to this case is encouraged to call Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery Homicide Division Detectives Tennell or Romero at 213-486-6890.  After-hours and 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.

Metropolitan Division’s K-9 Unit will Visit South Korea To Test and Evaluate the Jindo Dog Breed NR10492kr

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Metropolitan Division K-9 Unit is sending two K-9 trainers to South Korea to test and evaluate the possibility of the Jindo being integrated into the Department's K-9 Program.
 
This is an exciting endeavor for the LAPD.  Metropolitan Division is honored to be partnering with the Jindo Dog Promotion and Innovatioin Agency (JDPIA) in this first of its kind collaboration with a police agency within the United States.

The Jindo breed is an extremely intelligent, brave and loyal animal, and is even designated as one of South Korea’s National Treasures, its 53rd.  

A collective agreement was reached calling for two LAPD K-9 handlers to travel to Chonnam Province in South Korea to participate in a thorough evaluation and assessment of the breed.  While in South Korea, Department personnel will be permitted to test between 20-30 Jindo dogs ranging in age from three months to two years for their suitability to be police service dogs and/or gun detection dogs.  Upon successful testing and evaluation the Department trainers will be permitted to select two Jindo dogs, which will be donated by JDPIOA to the Department, for return to the United States for continued evaluation and testing with the Department’s K-9 Program.  JDPIA is funding this project.  

Additionally, the Department will provide a methodology of training specifications for Jindo dog breeders/trainers.  A communication network will be established for future discussions regarding K-9 training, tactics and technology.  The Department will provide quarterly feedback to personnel at JDPIA concerning the progress of the Jindo dog’s training, including any concerns identified that would affect future research, training and collaboration.

Roadside Bomb Kills LAPD Officer Serving in Afghanistan

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department regrets to report that on October 19, 2010, an improvised explosive device (IED) killed Police Officer II Joshua Cullins on active military service in Afghanistan. 

Cullins was 28 and joined the Marines immediately after graduating from high school in June 2000.  He had served initially on an active-duty basis till August 2007 and then became a reservist in August 2008.  He had served two tours of duty in Iraq and was currently serving his second tour of duty as an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the First Marine Logistics Group, First Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 2nd Battalion and 9th Marine Regiment in Marja in Afghanistan’s treacherous Helmand Province.  Cullins had been decorated with several combat medals and awards for his service in both Iraq and Afghanistan.


With only two days left in the field before a replacement would have relieved him, he was killed by an IED.  Complete details of his death have yet to be provided by the United States Department of Defense.

Cullins had recently recovered from injuries he suffered in July of this year when a device he was disarming exploded. To cheer him up, fellow police officers created a get-well video to encourage him in his recovery.  LAPD Officer David Marroquin, a talented video producer off duty, created two videos.  The first one is a high-quality, uplifting video incorporating get-well messages from LAPD personnel and others outside the Department to express their gratitude for Cullins’ service.  It also includes thoughts and prayers for his quick recovery.

For the second video, Marroquin enlisted the help of an actor-musician friend, J. Hunter Ackerman, who wrote a song with Cullins in mind.  Both then collaborated to turn the song into a moving music video entitled “Welcome Home.”  Both videos were presented during a special tribute to U.S. troops last month at the Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles.

Cullins joined the LAPD in 2008.  Upon graduation from the Police Academy, he was first assigned to patrol duties in the Department’s Topanga Area and was currently serving at Central Area.  “He was very dedicated and personable,” said LAPD Bomb Squad Officer Steve Hennigan, who was a close personal friend of Cullins. “He had the kind of personality that attracted people to him, and he truly excelled in the Department. He would have been a perfect fit for the Bomb Squad.  We were greatly looking forward to having him onboard.”

Cullins is survived by his father and step mother, as well as two younger brothers, ages 12 and 17.  Arrangements for memorial services are still pending and will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Jewelry Merchant Robbed at Gunpoint

Suspects are Considered Armed and Dangerous

Los Angeles: : Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding out the identity and any information that would lead to the arrest of three robbery suspects whose images were caught on surveillance tape.

On October 13, 2024 at about 4 p.m., three male Black suspects entered a multi-story business building located in the area of 6th and Hill Streets, in downtown Los Angeles.  Upon entering the business, the suspects separated and concealed themselves throughout the building waiting for their target, a jewelry merchant.  

When the merchant reached his office, he was attacked by Suspect No. 1 who used a semi-auto handgun.  The merchant was forced to open his office door, during which time, two additional male Black suspects entered.  The merchant was tied up, and robbed of his personal property and an undisclosed amount of merchandise.    

The suspects are described as three, 25-30-year-old African American men.

Suspect No. 1 is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 170-180 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a blue plaid shirt, blue jeans, and has a distinctive hairline.  
      

Suspect No. 2 is described as 6 feet tall, weighing 150-160 pounds, last seen wearing a white long sleeve dress shirt, dark pants, and sunglasses.
      

Suspect No. 3 is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 175-190 pounds with a stocky build.  He was last seen wearing a dark blue baseball cap, dark colored long sleeved shirt and blue jeans.
     
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Robbery Homicide Division detectives at 213-486-6840.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should 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.

 

Valley Teen Killed in Hit and Run Collision

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Valley Traffic Division Detectives are investigating a fatal hit and run collision that claimed the life of a 16-year-old Valley student from Sherman Oaks.

On October 19, 2010, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Conor Lynch was attempting to jog across Woodman Avenue, midblock north of Riverside Drive and south of Addison Street, when he was hit by a burgundy 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV travelling northbound.  The driver of the SUV, Moran Biton, 18-years of age from Sherman Oaks, failed to stop after the collision and continued driving northbound for several blocks before being detained by LAPD officers.

Lynch was pronounced dead at scene.  Biton was taken into custody and booked into Van Nuys jail for Felony Hit and Run.  She is being held on $50,000 bail.  The investigation is ongoing, but drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been a factor.  

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information regarding it is asked to call LAPD Valley Traffic Detectives, Detective II Chris Laurino,  818-644-8115, or Detective III William Bustos at 818-644-8021. 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.

Chief Beck’s Mother, Elma Beck, Dies at 87

Los Angeles:  In a heartfelt message to the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Chief Charlie Beck sadly announced the death of his mother, Elma Beck. 

Chief Beck’s mother passed away at her home in San Pedro Calif., on October 18, 2010, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.  Elma Beck was surrounded by family and friends when she died.

Elma Beck was born Elma Catherine Keller on September 15, 1923, in Nanaimo, Canada.  Elma Beck completed her compulsory education in Canada.  In 1945, she earned her nursing degree from St. Paul School of Nursing and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career.  In 1966, she earned her baccalaureate degree and teaching credential from Long Beach State University.  Elma Beck was a fifth-grade teacher for nineteen years at Ramona Elementary School in Bellflower, Calif.     

In addition to her nursing and teaching careers, Elma Beck was a lifelong athlete who competed in numerous marathons and power-lifting events.  To this day, she holds a national title for power-lifting in her age and weight category.  She was also an accomplished artist and her paintings have been displayed in several South Bay area galleries and restaurants. 

Elma Beck is the matriarch of a law enforcement family deeply rooted in the finest traditions and rich histories of the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, retired LAPD Deputy Chief George Beck.

Elma Beck is also survived by her children, Charlie and Megan; her six grandchildren, LAPD Officers Brandi Scimone and Martin Beck, Megan Beck, Carly McElroy, Quinn McElroy and Tess McElroy; her great grandchild, Peyton Matzke; and her numerous immediate and extended family members and many dear friends.

Memorial services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation in loving memory of Elma Beck.

Home Invasion Robbers Confront Woman and Her Child

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department detectives are investigating a home invasion robbery in which intruders came face-to-face with a woman and her child.

Yesterday at about 2:40 p.m., suspects entered a residence in the 700 block of Fremont Villa Street in LAPD’s Hollenbeck Division where they encountered a woman and her child.  After restraining the woman, the suspects began to ransack her home, but the victim was able to free herself and escape with her child to a nearby neighbor’s residence where she called police.  Sometime after her escape, the suspects left the location with property taken from the victim’s residence.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.  According to investigators, the crime appears to be random at this time, since no other home invasion robberies have been reported in the area.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Hollenbeck Robbery Detectives Young or Gonzalez at 323-342-8900 or the Hollenbeck watch commander at 323-342-4100.  During non-business hours or 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 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 October 19, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission Vice President Alan Skobin attended the La Ley meeting held over the weekend.  He said money raised by the foundation goes towards $5,000 scholarships to be awarded to Police Cadets and to their Holiday Party scheduled for November.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended the California Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender meeting for elected and appointed officials held over the weekend.  He added that a Department liaison was in attendance as well and the meeting was very informative.

•    Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger commended several command staff under his command for recently conducting a study on the duties and functions of area patrol watch commanders.  Chief Paysinger said some of their recommendations have been implemented while others could not due to budget restrictions.

•    The verbal presentation and discussion from the Los Angeles Police Foundation, relative to their annual work plan was given by Ms. Cecilia Glassman, President of the Foundation.  Ms. Glassman informed the Board the Police Foundation has been in existence for 11 years now and has distributed $13.5 million in grants to the Department.  She added the Foundation provides grants in four area of concentration.  They include training, equipment and technical upgrades, youth programs and community outreach.  Ms. Glassman concluded by stating she hopes to increase the number of grants provided to the Department in the coming year.

•    The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Southeast Area was given by Captain Phillip Tingirides. Captain Tingirides said some of the programs their C-PAB is focusing on are the CERT program, the Force Option Simulator being made available to members, iWatch reinforcement and the Boosters.  He added the Boosters are creating a database of all the surveillance cameras in their area for use by the Department.  Captain Tingirides added their Division has shown growth in both their Cadet and Jeopardy Programs.

•    The Department’s report, dated October 6, 2010, relative to status of policy regarding transferring calls from geographic area Telecommunications Devises for the Deaf (TDD) to Communications Division, as given by Commander Jorge Villegas, was approved.  Commander Villegas informed the Board they looked at the system overall and made revisions.  Calls will now go directly to Communications Division. He added a Special Order has been composed and is currently being looked at. 

•    The Department’s report, dated September 30, 2010, relative to purchasing card audit – first quarter FY 2010/11 (IAID No. 10-068), was approved.  Lieutenant Burt Mora stated this was the first audit conducted on the purchasing cards and the results yielded full compliance.  He said the cards are used to purchase low value, non-contracted items for the Department.  Lieutenant Mora added there are currently 69 cards split between three divisions, with almost half of those issued to Motor Transport Division to purchase spare parts.  Lieutenant Mora stressed prior approval is needed from the City Controller to make any purchase.

•    The Department’s report, dated October 13, 2010, relative to arrest, booking, and charging reports inspection fiscal year 2010/11 (IAID No. 10-072), was approved.