LAPD Blog

Missing Person

Los Angeles: The family of Dominic “Nick” Dawane Evans (“At Risk” adult missing person) and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating him.

Dominic Evans is diagnosed with memory loss and is not on his medications.  Dominic left his residence on the 7300 block of Balboa Blvd, Van Nuys, CA, on January 30, 2025 at approximately 10:45 a.m.  On February 1, 2010, Dominic was seen near his grandmother’s residence on the 1700 block of Stanley Avenue, Los Angeles.  Dominic left before family could arrive and provide assistance.  Dominic is also legally blind without his glasses and left wearing only his temporary contact lenses.  Dominic frequents the Long Beach area around 6th Street and Pine St.  He also likes to go to libraries.  Family state Dominic may not remember how to contact them.

Dominic “Nick” Evans is described as a 40 years old, African-American, 6’3”, 185 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, wearing a green button up shirt and blue jeans.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Dominic “Nick” Evans immediately contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit  at 213-996-1800;  or the Department’s  24-hour toll free number 1-877-LAWFUL (1-877-529-3855).

West Los Angeles Burglar Steals Tools Worth Thousands of Dollars

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department West Los Angeles Area detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man who broke into an apartment complex and stole valuable tools.

On February 7, 2010, at around 4:37 a.m., a man gained access to an apartment complex on the 1500 block of Bentley Avenue using a pry tool.  Once inside, the suspect walked to the underground parking structure, entered a storage unit belonging to the manager of the complex, removed tools from the unit, and left the building.  The stolen tools were worth around $10,000.  

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic between 20 and 30 years old.  He stands between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall and weighs around 150 to 185 pounds.  He was wearing a white
t-shirt, with blue jeans and black Nike sneakers.  

The suspect is believed to be responsible for numerous auto burglaries and bike thefts in the West Los Angeles vicinity.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call LAPD’s West Los Angeles Burglary Detective George Bowens at 310-444-1522 or 310-444-1524. 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.

Girl Sexually Assaulted in the Echo Park Area

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Area detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles.

On December 25, 2024 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., the victim encountered the suspect while she was walking near the area of Echo Park Lake.  The victim was then forcibly raped in a secluded area near the lake.

The suspect was described as a possible male Hispanic in his 20s.  He stands about 6 feet tall and weighs 160-170 pounds.  He wears prescription glasses and was seen wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt with white horizontal stripes. He also has a piercing on one side of his lowered lip.  

The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and released.

A composite sketch of the suspect is also available from the  Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.        

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call LAPD’s Rampart Division, Sexual Assault Detectives at 213-484-3624. 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 being with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Public – Private Partnership with Nixle

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department continues to expand the use of Nixle as a communication platform.

Since piloting Nixle in October 2009, the Los Angeles area user base has grown from a few hundred to well over 40,000 and growing.   Nixle is a service that is free to the City of Los Angeles and to the community. 

In uncertain budgetary times public-private partnerships take on a more critical role.  Similar partnerships, such as Web-Tips, Text-a-Tip, and the newest, Crimestoppers, have opened portals for the Department to receive information from the community.  Nixle is the first professional-grade mass communications platform which allows the police department to communicate directly with a geographically specific portion of the community in real time and at any time. 

With Nixle the Police Department can establish "short codes" to communicate with specific groups.  These "short code" protocols have been tested in both First Amendment Protests and Search and Rescue situations.  A group of protesters or a group of volunteer searchers can text a specially created short code for their event and instantaneously, they are all in connected to the Incident Command Post.  Messages from the Command Post can be used to debunk rumors or to keep everyone informed on public safety issues.        

In late 2009, in a public and private partnership, the communities from across the City enrolled in this free public-safety communications platform.  The communities served by Topanga, Wilshire and West Valley Areas recorded more Nixle subscribers than any of the other Areas Citywide. 

Nixle has awarded grant monies to the top three communities (Topanga Area - $5000, Wilshire Area - $3000 and West Valley Areas $2000).  Nixle’s goal in awarding these grants was to help increase the user base and thereby help increase the likelihood that Nixle can actually help solve a crime or find a missing child.  The only stipulation on the use of the money is that it to be used to further excellence in policing, including employee wellness. 

In accepting the funds, the Department is under no obligation of any kind to Nixle.  Chief Beck said, "Employee wellness is on my list of goals for 2010, and especially in these uncertain budgetary times, I am sure that the Nixle awards will be put to good use.

For more information about Nixle or to register for free updates directly from the LAPD, please log on to www.Nixle.com.  To view or download the Nixle media kit, please go the the following link: http://www.nixle.com/mediakit.html or visit www.Nixle.com

Partnership with Nixle

On February 17, 2025 The Los Angeles Police Department along with representatives from Nixle held a press conference to introduce the system to the City.

Nixle is the first professional-grade mass communications platform which allows the police department to communicate directly with a geographically specific portion of the community in real time and at any time. 

With Nixle, the Police Department can establish "short codes" to communicate with specific groups.  These "short code" protocols have been tested in both First Amendment Protests and Search and Rescue situations.  A group of protesters or a group of volunteer searchers can text a specially created short code for their event and instantaneously, they are all in connected to the Incident Command Post.  Messages from the Command Post can be used to debunk rumors or to keep everyone informed on public safety issues.        

In late 2009, in a public and private partnership, the communities from across the City enrolled in this free public-safety communications platform. The communities served by Topanga, Wilshire and West Valley Areas recorded more Nixle subscribers than any of the other Areas Citywide. 

Nixle awarded grant monies to the top three communities (Topanga Area - $5000, Wilshire Area - $3000 and West Valley Areas $2000).  Nixle’s goal in awarding these grants is to help increase the user base and thereby help increase the likelihood that Nixle can actually help solve a crime or find a missing child.  The only stipulation on the use of the money is that it to be used to further excellence in policing, including employee wellness. 

In accepting the funds, the Department is under no obligation of any kind to Nixle.  Chief Beck said, "Employee wellness is on my list of goals for 2010, and especially in these uncertain budgetary times, I am sure that the Nixle awards will be put to good use."  Nixle is a service that is free to the community.

Download Nixle

Notes from the February 16, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Commission President John Mack attended the Community Police Advisory Board leaders' symposium and found it to be very informative and well attended.  He also offered his congratulations to Inspector General André Birotte for his recent confirmation by the United States Senate. 

•Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman, along with City Council members Dennis Zine and Greg Smith, toured the new Metropolitan Detention Center/Jail Division.  Commissioner Saltzman said the tour helped him better understand the staffing issues facing the Division.  He also participated in a conference call with fellow Police Commissioner Alan Skobin on the status of the in-car video system.  Commissioner Saltzman went on to say he participated in the Community Police Advisory Board symposium and the Mayor's breakfast with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender community.

•Police Chief Charlie Beck offered his congratulations to Inspector General André Birotte and offered an update to former Police Chief Daryl Gates condition, as he was recently hospitalized with a medical condition.  Chief Beck also informed the Board the next phase of the Department reorganization is set with movement of some specialized units into Divisions.  He added the dismantling of certain units did not reflect its lack of importance to the Department but rather was the result of the budget crisis facing the City.

•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 Rampart Area was given by Captain Steve Ruiz and C-PAB Co-chair Bertha Wooldridge.  Captain Ruiz stated the Rampart C-PAB currently has 25 members with four committees.  They include a crime committee, traffic committee, youth committee, and membership committee.  Goals for the year include developing new and strengthening existing relationships with stake holders in the community, reach out with Senior Lead Officers and C-PAB members to areas without neighborhood watches, begin a "citizen patrol," expand clergy council, create a youth C-PAB and expand youth programs in the area. 

•The Department's verbal report and discussion, relative to the current status of the Fiscal Year 2009/2010 Department budget was given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff.  Mr. Chaleff stated the City's budget shortfall for this year is currently at $212 million but is growing daily.  Some of the strategies in the works to reduce spending include giving Police Officers compensated time off as opposed to cash overtime, no new cars or motor units in the budget for next year, and reducing the number of times officers are required to qualify.  He added the Department is constantly evaluating business practices and is looking for ways to be more efficient.

•The Department's report, dated January 28, 2010, relative to the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement contract No. C-110674 with Kennedy Court Reporters, Inc. for court reporter services was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

•The Department's report, dated January 20, 2010, in response to City Council motion (CF#07-0890), relative to the donation of equipment for 77th Street Area Gang Enforcement Detail, was approved and transmitted to the Public Safety Committee.

•The Department's report, dated February 1, 2010, relative to the facilitation of filming in the City of Los Angeles, as given by Captain Tom McDonald and Lieutenant Raymond Garvin, was approved and transmitted to City Council.  Lieutenant Garvin informed the Board the consolidation of film permits is now under Contract Services Section.  He added the Department brought retired officers into compliance with uniform standards and the Department's relationship with the film industry is a lot better.

•The Department's report, dated January 27, 2010, relative to the destruction of obsolete original records-original/official records for 77th Street Area and Employee Relations Group, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

•The Inspector General's report, dated February 1, 2010, relative to the Office of the Inspector General's Complaint Investigation Audit Fiscal Year 2009/2010, as given by Assistant Inspector General Gary McCaskill, was approved.  Mr. McCaskill informed the Board his office reviewed 30 complaints from the first six months of 2009.  The complaints reviewed had more serious allegations such as false imprisonment and false or misleading statements.  The review included 23 objectives. Twenty-two of the 23 objectives had 100% compliance while one had 97% compliance. Inspector General André Birotte said he was satisfied with the report.

•The Department's report, dated January 11, 2010, relative to the Hunter-La-Ley 1st Quarter Report – Covering Deployment Periods 7-9, Fiscal Year 2009-2010, was approved.

•The Department's report, dated January 21, 2010, relative to the criminal case filing rates of individuals arrested – 4th quarter report (October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024) was approved.

•The Department's report, dated January 19, 2010, relative to the recapitulation of warrants authored and firearms seized by Gang Impact Teams, Supplement to Third Quarter 2009, was approved. 

•The Department' report, dated January 20, 2010, relative to the Biased Policing Update, Quarterly Report, 4th Quarter 2009, as given by Commander Richard Webb, was approved.  Commander Webb stated he created the Constitutional Policing Unit which will be responsible for investigating all allegations of bias policing.  The formation of this unit will have senior officers from Internal Affairs complete investigations in two months time. 

•The Department's report, dated January 29, 2010, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Quarterly Report, Fourth Quarter 2009, was forwarded to the Inspector General for review.  The Board ordered the Inspector General to report back in 90 days.

•The Department's report, dated November 3, 2009, and Inspector General's report, dated February 5, 2010, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, Third Quarter 2009, was approved. 

•The Department's report, dated November 10, 2024 and Inspector General's report, dated February 4, 2010, relative to the review of the Department's Quarterly Discipline Report for the Third Quarter of 2009, was approved.  

Los Angeles Police Department to increase enforcement toward dangerous riders and other motorist driving carelessly

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, February 21, 2010.  Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where crashes occur. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists, and other vehicle drivers, that lead to fatal and injury motorcycle traffic collisions.

Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 91% from 275 killed in 2000 to 533 killed in 2008.  Fatal motorcycle traffic collisions in Los Angeles County have increased 62% from 70 in 2004, to 114 in 2008, and injury motorcycle collisions have increased 47% from 1,996 to 2,927 in the same period.

Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and/or other drugs by motorcyclists and other drivers.

The Los Angeles Police Department is reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Another major factor leading to fatal and injury motorcycle collisions is inexperience.  Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information.  Many people are riding motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license and without the skills necessary to ride safely. 

It is every motorcyclist's responsibility to be properly licensed and have the skills necessary to ride safely.  Rider's can receive training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, and information is available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-486-0703.

Four Suspects Arrested in Wilshire Auto Burglaries

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Area officers caught four suspects who are believed to be responsible for multiple auto burglaries and receiving stolen property.

On February 4, 2010, at around 9 p.m., officers from Wilshire Division responded to a radio call of a vehicle that was burglarized in the 5500 block of Wilshire Boulevard.  Before officers arrived an alert resident of the apartment building worked in conjunction with the manager to check on a suspicious male seen in the apartment building.  A thorough check led to the discovery of a male on the property, who was not a resident.  The pair confronted the male and he climbed over a fence, ran to an awaiting car and drove away. 

Wilshire Auto Detectives conducted an investigation on the vehicle that the suspect drove away in.  Their investigation identified 26-year-old Thomas Jefferson Dizon, a resident of Panorama City, as the suspect who was responsible for burglarizing the vehicle on Wilshire Boulevard. 

On February 11, 2010, at around 6 p.m., Wilshire Special Problems Unit working in conjunction with Wilshire Auto Detectives looked for Dizon in the area of 3rd Street and New Hampshire Avenue.  The officers saw Dizon and three other persons in the same car that drove away from the 5500 block of Wilshire Boulevard days prior.  Dizon was taken into custody and the three other occupants were detained.  The other occupants were identified as Dizon’s wife, 21-year-old Catherine Diego, a resident of Panorama City, 18-year-old Jayson Delacruz, a resident of Los Angeles and 22-year-old Lawrence Abesia, a resident of Los Angeles.

A follow-up to a nearby motel where the suspects were residing led to the recovery of numerous items of suspected stolen property.  The items included personal checks of other persons, access cards, personal items such as travel bags, sunglasses and small electronics items such as iPods and GPS navigation systems. 

The detectives arrested Dizon and Delacruz for Auto Burglary, with bail amount of $20,000.  Diego and Abesia were arrested for Receiving Stolen Property, with bail amount of $20,000.

Auto Detectives have identified one item that was taken from an auto burglary in the Hollywood Area and are in the process of identifying the owners of the remaining items.  Based on information developed in this investigation, the suspects focused on property left in vehicles that could be utilized to commit credit card or check forgeries.  Detectives are advising the public to refrain from leaving any property that can be used to access one's credit card or checking account in their vehicles.  Too many times, the victim's become secondary victims of forgery, identity theft and fraud crimes when these type of items are left unsecured in their vehicles.

Wilshire Auto Detectives are requesting anyone with information about these crimes to contact detective Paul Quan or Michael Smith at 213-473-0556 or 213-922-8205.  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.

Critical Missing Woman

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and the family of 51-year-old Anahit Shakhgulyan is asking for the public’s help in locating Shakhgulyan, who has been missing since last Thursday.

Shakhgulyan was last seen on February 11, 2010, at around 4 p.m., at her residence in the 400 block of East 41st Street in LAPD’s Newton Area.  So far, she has not returned home and has not been in contact with her family.  Her family advised that Shakhgulyan speaks no English, only Armenian and is also diabetic, and they are concerned about her safety.

Shakhgulyan is described as a female Caucasian with gray hair and brown eyes. She weighs approximately 160 pounds and stands about 5 feet 6 inches and has no teeth.  Shakugulyan was last seen wearing purple pants, a pink long sleeve shirt and gray shoes.  

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Shakhgulyan is urged to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Morales at 213-996-1800.  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.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics February 13, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                                28*                 37           -24.3%
Rape                                       77                  95           -18.9%
Robbery                               1410               1637          -13.9%
Agg Assaults **                     1084               1283          -15.5%
Total Violent Crimes             2599              3052          -14.8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 2000             2248           -11.0%
BTFV                                      3494             3608            -3.2%
Personal/Other Theft             2783             3373           -17.5%
Auto Theft                             2085             2219            -6.0%
Total Property Crimes       10,362         11,448           -9.5%
Total Part I Crimes            12,961         14,500         -10.6%

* 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