LAPD Blog

San Pedro Area Hit Hard by Window Smash Bandits

Los Angeles: Business communities in the San Pedro area have been experiencing a high incidence of window smashes over the past month and a half, and one arrest has been made.

Beginning July 14, 2011, at about 5 p.m., British European Auto, located at 1525 South Pacific Avenue, became the first victim in a rash of window smashes targeting businesses along busy roadways in the San Pedro area. All of the crimes occurred between 7 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. Most of the damage is believed to have been caused by BB pellets, but at least in one incident, a brick was used as well as other unidentified hard objects. The businesses that have become victims, some multiple times, of this spat of vandalism’s include:

* Cruz Furniture July 15, 2024
1221 Pacific Avenue
* Office Building July 22, 2024
624 South Grand Avenue
* 99 Cent Store July 30, 2024
938 South Gaffey Street
*Scrubs & Lids August 6, 2024
529 9th Street
*99 Cent Store August 8, 2024
938 South Gaffey Street
*Pacific Home Furniture August 13, 2024
1002 South Pacific Avenue
*American Furniture August 13, 2024
1141 South Pacific Avenue
*San Pedro Barber Shop August 13, 2024
1501 South Gaffey Street
*Black Diamond Tattoo August 13, 2024
403 West 6th Street
*American Furniture August 14, 2024
1141 South Pacific Avenue
*99 Cent Store August 14, 2024
938 South Gaffey Street
*Harbor Medical August 19, 2024
381 West 7th Street
*99 Cent Store August 19, 2024
938 South Gaffey Street
*Pacific Home Furniture August 20, 2024
1002 South Pacific Avenue
*Action Property Mgmt August 20, 2024
225 West 5th Street
*British European Auto August 20, 2024
1525 South Pacific Boulevard
Detectives did recover surveillance video in which they identified a four-door, dark colored compact vehicle, possibly a Toyota, that may be connected to the crimes.

On August 24, 2011, at about 2:15 p.m., Detectives arrested 24-year-old Jason Bonilla in connection with the vandalism of the San Pedro Barber Shop.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help in solving these crimes and have released Bonilla’s photograph so that any potential witnesses’ may come forward.

Missing Person- Loralue Chiorah-Dye

Los Angeles:  The family of Loralue Chiorah-Dye and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in locating her after she wandered away earlier this afternoon.

On Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at about 4 p.m., Chiorah-Dye was with her daughter at the 4-Season’s Hotel in Los Angeles. Chiorah-Dye is visiting from out of state and suffers from a medical condition that requires medication, and she can become easily disoriented and lost. She walked away from the hotel on her own and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

Chiorah-Dye is a African American, 61-years-old, light complexion, 4 feet 11 inches tall, 115 pounds, and was wearing a black turban, beige shirt, black leggings, and flip flop sandals. She has a mole on the right side of her face under her lower lip.

Her family is extremely concerned for her welfare due to her medical and mental condition.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Chiorah-Dye is asked to contact Wilshire Area at 213-473-0476. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 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.

Suspect Runs From, Then Shoots at Officers

Los Angeles:  On August 19, 2011, at around 9:00 p.m., Southeast Gang Enforcement Detail officers saw two possible male gang suspects in the vicinity of 99th and Main Streets.  The officers conducted a pedestrian stop and were in the process of beginning a search of one of the suspects when the other began to run westbound on 99th Street.  That suspect continued to run southbound in the alley west of Main Street where he fired a handgun at the pursuing officers.  The officers followed him to the westbound alley where an officer involved shooting occurred.  The suspect kept running and a perimeter was established.  At that time Metropolitan Division Special Weapons and Tactics and canine officers responded and conducted a lengthy search.  Approximately seven hours later the suspect was located hiding in a vacant house in the 100 block of 99th Street where a canine contact occurred.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of dog bites. He was not injured by gunfire.  The second suspect fled during the officer involved shooting and was not located.  A semi-automatic handgun was recovered from a rear yard of a residence along the path taken by the suspect.  Neither officer was injured during the incident.

Force Investigation Division (FID) personnel responded and are conducting the investigation into the officer involved shooting.  The FID Criminal Apprehension Team is conducting the investigation into the assault with the deadly weapon committed against the officers.

Notes from the August 23, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman congratulated Los Angeles Times police beat reporter Joel Rubin on his recent marriage.  He also stated he attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Tomorrow’s Future, a youth mentoring center located in Hollywood.  Commissioner Saltzman finished by saying he was confirmed for a new term as Police Commissioner.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck said the Department is working with the City Council to have a new Risk Manager assigned to the Department full-time.  He also stated there are currently 9,877 sworn officers and 2,862 civilians working for the Department.

• The Department’s verbal update relative to GED/CLEAR selection criteria was given by Commander Jorge Villegas.  Commander Villegas informed the Board the selection criteria was a work in progress but they have already held meetings with IAID to specifically address the issues with Central and West Bureaus. The Commission advised the Commander to return in three months with a progress report.

• The Department’s report, dated August 17, 2011, relative to request for payment of reward offer on City Council File No. 10-0010-S3, CDI, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated August 10, 2011, relative to approval of request for proposals for Digital In-Car Video Systems, as given by Police Administrator Maggie Goodrich, was approved. Ms. Goodrich informed the Board that Phase II of the implementation is going to be with Central Bureau.  She said the system they are requesting is very similar to the one currently in use in South Bureau but will have some updated technology.  She also said they requested a price reduction.

Online Employment Scam in the Los Angeles Area

Los Angeles:  Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Commercial Crimes Division, Metropolitan Financial Section are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect(s) who are engaged in an employment scam using various local area businesses to obtain the personal information of their victims.

Detectives are attempting to identify and stop unknown suspect(s), who, through the internet sent out employment applications posing as employees from local area businesses. Soliciting applicants online is not the protocol of most businesses seeking potential applicants.  The application requests two (2) items from potential applicants which should be considered RED FLAGS.  First, a legitimate business does not request an upfront background fee.  This is not a standard employment process and prospective employees SHOULD NOT pay any fees.  Secondly, applicants should not provide key identification factors on-line; such as a Driver’s License and Social Security Number.  These are key elements which could be used to commit Identify Theft. 

Currently, officials from various businesses have had several persons respond to their office requesting positions for employment that were promised on line.  This is a SCAM and the Department wants to alert the public regarding these potential crimes.  Due to the desperate times and record high unemployment in California, the LAPD recommends caution when applying for employment on-line.

If you or anyone you know has been the victim of Identity Theft after applying for a job over the internet, please make a report at your local police department.   

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.

Hit-and-Run Vehicle Leaves an Elderly Man in Critical Condition L.A. Councilwoman Jan Perry Offers $50,000 Reward

Los Angeles:  On August 23, 2011, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, Central Traffic Division Captain Ronald Marbrey and Detective Jose De Leon offered a $50,000 reward for the identification and conviction of a hit-and-run suspect.    

On June 5, 2011, at around 4:20 p.m., a 62-year-old man was crossing 43rd Street when he was struck by a car that was traveling westbound on 43rd Street, just east of Central Avenue.  The suspect left the scene without rendering aid or identifying themselves as required by law.  

The incident captured on surveillance camera showed the suspect driving away in a tan or brown sport utility vehicle described as a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Photographs and video of the suspect’s vehicle can be viewed on www.Lapdonline.org.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jose De Leon or Detective J. Mapson, Central Traffic Detectives at 213-972-1845 or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-972-1953.   The investigating detectives remind the public that all information will be kept strictly confidential.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anonymous calls can also be made to 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 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.

Suspect Sought in Service Station Robbery

Los Angeles:  LAPD West Los Angeles Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that will lead to the arrest of a suspect responsible for a robbery in the West L.A. Area.

On August 14, at around 11 p.m., an African-American male entered the “Service Station of the Stars” located in the 9400 block of East Pico Boulevard.  The suspect walked up to an employee, pulled out a blue-steel semi automatic hand gun and demanded that the employee put the money in a black plastic bag.  Once the suspect’s demands were met, he ran from the station in an unknown direction.  

The service station was equipped with a CCTV system that captured the robbery on video.  The suspect is described as an African-American male that appeared to be 25-30 years-old.  He stood about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs about 160 pounds.  The suspect was last seen wearing a black sleeveless hoodie, lime-green shirt, and black jeans.  

The suspect is to be considered ARMED and DANGEROUS.

*Surveillance footage of the robbery is available at www.lapdtv.org

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call West L.A. Robbery Detectives 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 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 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.

 

Mother and Son Critically Injured by Hit & Run Driver

Los Angeles:  Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a hit and run driver who struck and critically injured a 45-year-old woman and her 17-year-old son as they were crossing the street.

On Sunday, August 21, 2011, at about 11:30 a.m., a motorist traveling northbound on Western Avenue hit two pedestrians walking westbound in the crosswalk at the intersection of 80th Street and Western Avenue. The driver failed to stop to render aid or identify themselves as required by law.  

LAFD rescue personnel responded to the scene and transported both victims to a local hospital where they are in critical condition.

The driver is described as a female African American in her mid fifties, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds.  She was driving a dark late model car described as a possible Toyota, and would likely have sustained right front end damage and be missing the right side mirror.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call LAPD South Traffic Division Detective Martin or Officer Brady at 323-421-2500.  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.

 

LAPD Detectives Arrest Homicide Suspect after Roof Top Standoff

Update
August 23, 2024

The SWAT officer involved in the below officer involved shooting has been identified as Police Officer III Dain Hurst, who has been with the Department for 21 years and 3 months.

 

Los Angeles:  Last night, just after 9:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Major Crime Detectives were conducting surveillance of a friend of Brent D. Zubek, a man wanted in conjunction with a double homicide that occurred in Devonshire Area on August 12, 2011.  The detectives were monitoring the activities of the person in hopes she would lead them to Zubek.  

(Zubek is suspected of killing a man and a woman whose bodies were found in a dumpster in Chatsworth on August 12th outside a home on Lassen Street where all three had once lived.)

On August 21, 2011, just after 9:30 p.m., Detectives from LAPD Major Crimes Division had observed Devonshire Area Homicide Suspect Zubek, at Noeline Avenue at Ventura Blvd. in West Valley Area.  The Detectives began a brief foot pursuit of Zubek, who turned and fired one round at the detectives from a handgun.  The detectives, observing the muzzle flash from the suspect’s handgun, immediately requested help and set up a perimeter to contain Zubek in the area.  

Numerous officers responded from around the San Fernando Valley area including Metropolitan K-9, SWAT and an Air Unit.  Because of the violent nature of Zubek’s actions, reverse 911 calls and NIXLE alerts were initiated warning people to stay inside their homes or businesses and to call 911 if they saw or heard anything in their immediate area.

After several hours of searching the area, Metro K-9 officers encountered Zubek, who was on a residential rooftop at the 4600 block of Libbit Street near Ventura Blvd.  Zubek pulled out a handgun and pointed toward the officers.  An officer involved shooting occurred.  Zubek was struck in the lower torso.  Officers were able to get up onto the roof and take Zubek into custody.  They assisted Zubek off of the roof by using a stretcher and immediately called for medical help.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and transported to a local area hospital where he was treated and released.  Zubek has been booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer and a Federal Probation Violation at Devonshire station and being held without bail.  Zubek was transported to Van Nuys Jail

No officers were injured in the incident.  A loaded handgun was recovered at the scene.

LAPD Devonshire Area detectives are investigating the Homicide and LAPD Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating the officer involved shooting.

The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s use-of-force policy which states that an officer’s use-of-force actions must be objectively reasonable.  Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the officer-involved shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Devonshire Area Detectives at 818-832-0609. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 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.

24-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide Group detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who shot and killed a man and other suspects who also assaulted the victim in South L.A.

On Sunday, August 21, 2011, at about 9:34 p.m., 24-year-old Miguel Casteneda was walking on Southwest Drive and 5th Avenue, when a Hispanic man, in his mid 20’s called Casteneda a “Snitch”.  Casteneda denied being a “Snitch” and the man went into a nearby residence.  Within moments, the suspect and approximately nine additional Hispanic men ranging from 18 to 30 years old exited the same residence.  The suspects then began to chase after Casteneda.  The victim ran north from the suspects on 5th Avenue and across 64th Street.  The suspects caught up to Casteneda in front of a house in the 6320 block of South 5th Avenue.  The group began to hit and kick Casteneda.  During the confrontation, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds striking Casteneda in the torso.

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel responded to the scene and rushed the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
 
There is no additional information about the suspects at this time. The weapon has not yet been recovered, and detectives believe that the motive is possibly gang related.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Group Detective B. Durazo or Detective D. Ross at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 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.