LAPD Blog

13-Year-Old Missing Boy

UPDATE:

On Thursday, December 23rd, at 2:30 p.m., 13-year-old Levon Karaelian returned home.

 

Los Angeles:  The family of Levon Karaelian and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public’s help in finding the 13-year-old missing boy.

Karaelian was last seen by his parents on Wednesday, December 22 at about 6 p.m. at their home in the 1500 block of North Schrader Boulevard in Hollywood.  Karaelian told his mother that he was going to walk over to a friend’s house, who also resides in the Hollywood Area. When Karaelian did not return home at a “reasonable hour”, his mother grew concerned and went to the friend’s house, but learned he never showed up.  Since leaving the house, he has not had any contact with his family.  Karaelian’s parents told police that he has never stayed out this late and that he also has asthma and did not take his medication with him.

Karaelian is described as a White male with brown hair and brown eyes.  He stands about five feet, two inches tall, and weighs around 160 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black jacket, yellow pants, and grey tennis shoes.  

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Levon Karaelian is asked to call Hollywood Division Front Desk at 213-972-2971.  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.

Composite Released in Attempt Kidnapping of 11-year-old

Los Angeles.  LAPD detectives released a composite sketch of a man who tried to kidnap an 11-year-old boy off the street in the Chinatown Area of Los Angeles on December 14, 2010.

“Our victim is an excellent witness,” said Det. Amy Sundquist, who is assigned to the Robbery Section at Central Detectives.  “The suspect is Black with a small growth of beard under his chin, and was wearing a do-rag on his head.”  

The young Hispanic boy, who attends Nightingale Junior High School, was walking home at about 1 p.m., on Yale Street, near Alpine Street, when the suspect grabbed the boy’s arm.  

The boy pulled away from the man’s grip, but the suspect grabbed the boy by the shirt.  The boy fought back some more and the suspect ran away.  The boy was not injured.

“The young man did the right thing to fight back,” Det. Sundquist explained.  “We encourage any victim to fight off a kidnapper and draw attention to one’s self.”

Since the incident, detectives have spoken to the boy’s parents and the school principal so other children can be warned.  The attempted kidnapping occurred near a popular youth sports and recreation park on Yale Street.  Detectives have already detained one man during the course of the investigation, but have since eliminated him as the suspect.  

“Our victim said the suspect appeared to be dirty, so he might be living in the area on the street,” Det. Sundquist added.  “We’re hoping someone will recognize this man from the area and call us.”

The suspect is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, about 135 pounds, and in his late twenties to early thirties.  The man was wearing baggy jean shorts that reached to his ankles.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Amy Sundquist, Central Robbery Unit, at 213-972-1244.  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.

Video of the crime is available for viewing at the Central Police Station.  Det. Sundquist is available for interviews at (213) 972-1244, or 972-1203.

North Hollywood Swap Meet Armed Robbers Sought

Images Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding two men who robbed a jewelry store inside the North Hollywood Swap Meet at gunpoint on December 18, 2010, in North Hollywood.

At around 12:15 p.m., two men walked into the North Hollywood Swap Meet in the 7300 block of Lankershim Boulevard. One of the suspects pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and shot one of the glass display cases belonging to B&B Co Jewelry Store and fled with an undisclosed amount of jewelry. The robbers ran eastbound and exchanged gunfire with armed, uniformed security for the swap meet. No one was injured during the exchange of gunfire and the suspects are still outstanding at this time.

The gunman is described as a male Hispanic. He stands about 5 feet 8” tall and weighs 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and black shoes. He was also wearing black gloves.

Suspect-2 is described as a male, Hispanic. He stands about 5 feet 8” tall and weighs 140-150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray, hooded sweatshirt with “LA” on the front, dark blue pants, and black shoes wearing black gloves.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call North Hollywood Division Robbery Detectives at 818-623-4061. 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 “web tips” and follow the prompts.

 

Stepfather Shoots and Kills His Stepson

Los Angeles: A murder suspect who shot and killed his stepson on Sunday night is taken into custody in the City of Long Beach. 

On Sunday, December 20, 2010, at around 9:30 p.m., officers from Mission Area responded to a radio call of “Shots Fired” at a residence in the 9100 block of Canterbury Avenue in Arleta.

When the officers arrived they saw a man being dragged out of the home.  It was later determined that 31-year-old Marco Hernandez had been shot multiple times by his stepfather and that his family was dragging him out of the home to safety.

The officers immediately searched the home for the suspect, 58-year-old Antonio Meza, who had driven away from the location before police and emergency personnel arrived.  Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department transported Marco Hernandez to a local hospital where he died as a result of his gunshot wounds.

During the investigation, Mission Area Homicide detectives learned that Meza was upset with Hernandez for an undisclosed reason.  The suspect confronted his stepson in the living room, produced a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and fired the gun multiple times. Hernandez was struck multiple times in the torso. 

Continuing their investigation, detectives were led to a motel located in the 5900 block of Long Beach Boulevard in the City of Long Beach.  Personnel from LAPD’s SWAT Team also responded to the location.  After approximately three hours, SWAT officers made contact with Meza who was taken into custody without significant incident.

The suspect, Antonio Meza was transported to Mission Area Community Police Station and later booked for Murder at the Valley Jail Section.  His bail was set at $1,000,000.  It is anticipated that detectives will present this case to the District Attorney’s Office on December 22, 2010.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Mission Area homicide detectives at 818-838-9810. 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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Notes from the December 21, 2024

• Police Commission President John Mack and the entire Board of Police Commissioners observed a moment of silence for Police Officer Kent Carter who passed away on December 12.

• Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur informed the Board the Department is in unified command with the Fire Department in the Valley due to the inclement weather.  She added Part I crime continues to decline for the year.

• The Department’s report, dated December 8, 2010, relative to narcotics analysis laboratory trust fund expenditure plan requests, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated December 8, 2010, relative to the Department’s quarterly discipline report, third quarter 2010, was received.  The Board directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

• The Department’s report, dated December 15, 2010, relative to transmittal of the grant award for the 2010 Human Trafficking Task Force Initiative Program, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated December 15, 2010, relative to transmittal grant application and award acceptance for the 2008 Port Security Grant Program, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Inspector General’s Report, dated December 16, 2010, relative to Non-Categorical Use of Force Audit was approved.

• The Inspector General’s Report, dated December 16, 2010, relative to Department’s Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigations Audit, was approved.

81-Year-Old Missing Woman

*UPDATE*
12-18-10

On Dec. 18, 2010, at 12 a.m., Enolia Mims was located in Barstow, California.  She became stranded when her car ran out of gas.  A towing company, who assisted her, notified her immediate family.  Mims is safe and with her relatives.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 81-year-old Enolia Mims of Los Angeles.

Mims was last heard from on Dec. 16, 2010, at around 8 a.m. when she left her home to go to work in the San Fernando Valley.  She was last seen by her employer in the 20000 block of Elkwood Street in Canoga Park.  Mims had finished cleaning a house and was headed home and has not been seen since.

Mims is described as a n 81-year-old female African American with gray hair and brown eyes.  She stands six feet two inches tall and weighs around 115 pounds.  Mims was wearing a knit cap and a plum-colored track suit.  She also wears eye glasses.  Mims drives a 2002 blue Jeep Cherokee with a California license plate number 6MIK145.  Her family is very concerned for her well being.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Enolia Mims, please contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Merrill at 213-996-1800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can 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.

51-Year-Old Missing Woman

UPDATE
December 22, 2024

Joanne Marie Woodworth was located in Hollywood on December 16, 2010, at 8:30 p.m. She is safe and back with her family.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 51-year-old Joanne Marie Woodworth of Topanga.

Woodworth was last seen on Dec. 16, 2010 at around 1 p.m. at her home in the 23900 block of Bessemer Street.  She has not been seen or heard from since and her family is extremely concerned for her welfare.   

Woodworth is described as a 51-year-old female Caucasian with brown hair and brown eyes.  She stands five feet six inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds.  It is unknown what she was wearing last.  Woodworth drives a 1999 silver Honda Civic with a California license plate number 4DSV017. 

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Joanne Woodworth, please contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Carlton 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can 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.

 

Pedestrian Dies in Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Traffic detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating any witnesses who saw a traffic collision that killed a 53-year-old Los Angeles resident.

On Dec. 5, 2010, at around 6:50 p.m., LAPD Central Traffic officers received a call of a traffic collision that occurred near the intersection of Alvarado and Court Streets.  When officers arrived on the scene, they saw a man lying on the street unresponsive.  Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and transported the injured man to a nearby hospital where despite lifesaving efforts was pronounced dead on Dec. 14, 2010.  He has been identified as a 53-year-old Norbert Nikolaus Keilbach.

The detectives’ investigation revealed that Keilbach was crossing Alvarado Street when he was hit by a car that was traveling northbound on Alvarado Street.  The driver of the car left the scene failing to stop and provide identification or render aid.   There were no witnesses at the time of the collision and no description of the suspect’s car.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Central Traffic Detectives Padilla or Wilson, at 213-972-1825 or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-972-1953.  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.

Day-Care Business Owner Arrested for Having Sex with her Godson

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested a woman who had been running a licensed day-care center for having sex with her 13-year-old godson.

Thirty-four-year-old Chelsea McClelland was arrested on Dec. 17, 2010, about 1:30 p.m. at her home, which was also the site of her day-care center, in LAPD’s Southwest Division.  Her day-care business has since been shut down by the state.

McClelland’s arrest took place after Wilshire Area patrol officers responded to a place where someone reported that prostitution activity might be occurring after repeatedly seeing a suspicious van.  Once at the location, the officers observed the suspect having sex in a van with her godson.

McClelland has three biological children and is legal guardian of another.  There are also eight other children whom she was caring for at her day-care center.  The Southwest Division and the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services have looked after the children to ensure proper care and relocation.  In the meantime, detectives will continue to investigate the case.

McClelland’s bail has been set at $400,000, and she is currently in custody at the Department’s jail facility in Van Nuys.   

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact LAPD’s Operations West Bureau Sexual Assault Detail at 213-473-0447.  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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

An Armed Suspect Shoots and Seriously Injures Another Man, then Takes His Own Life

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Olympic Homicide detectives are investigating an early morning shooting in Koreatown.  One victim remains in critical condition and the suspect died at scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At around 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Olympic Area patrol officers received a radio call about a shooting in the 1100 block of South Irolo Street.  When the officers arrived, they found a man standing in the street suffering from gunshot wound.  Moments later the officers heard a gunshot and began searching in the direction of its origin.  They found a second man lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound.  A gun was recovered nearby.  Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the second man dead at the scene and rushed the first victim to a nearby hospital where he is in critical condition.

Based on an investigation that is still underway, it is believed that the two men, both Korean, may have been friends.  They were having an argument when one of them, later identified as a 54-year-old Young Moo Choi, pulled out a gun and shot the other.  Choi then shot himself in an apparent suicide.   

Olympic detectives were later notified by Anaheim Police Department investigators that Choi may have been responsible for a murder in the City of Anaheim less than two hours prior to the Koreatown shooting.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Olympic Area Homicide Detective Skaggs at 213-382-9470.  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.