LAPD Blog

Critical Missing Woman Maria Ledesma

Los Angeles:  The family of Maria Ledesma and The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Foothill Area officers are asking for the public’s help in finding the 50-year-old missing woman.  

On Thursday, June 9, 2011, Maria Ledesma walked away from her home in the 11700 Terra Bella Street in LAPD’s Foothill area and she has not returned home.  Ledesma has diminished mental capacity and is presumed to have become lost.  She also takes daily medication necessary to prevent critical health issues.   

Maria Ledesma is described as a 50 year old female Hispanic, five feet tall and weighs about 150 pounds.  She has a light complexion with shoulder length black hair and was wearing a white shirt with a grey sweater and black tights.  Ledesma is presumed to be on foot but may have taken public transportation.      

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Maria Ledesma is asked to contact LAPD Foothill Community Police Station at 818-756-8861.  During non business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. 4 Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 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.

Motorist Shot and Killed on the Freeway

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Criminal Gang Homicide Division detectives asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect (s) who shot and killed a motorist on the 110 freeway.

On Thursday, June 9, 2011, at around 2:30 a.m. the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a 9-1-1 emergency call from a motorist who was on the southbound 110 freeway at the transition to the eastbound 91 freeway. The CHP responded to the area and found a Black male, later identified as 55-year-old Ivan Spencer, a resident of Los Angeles, inside a champagne-colored Toyota Prius, suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds.  LAFD paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.

At this time, detectives have little information and are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the incident that occurred in the area of the freeway or possibly on the on-ramp near Vermont Avenue and Redondo Beach Boulevard.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Sal LaBarbera, Criminal Gang Homicide Division, 213-485-4341. 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.

Beware Mothers, Stroller Bandits on the Prowl

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles detectives released photos and video of two women acting in concert to steal wallets from baby strollers as unsuspecting mothers shop in the Los Angeles downtown area.

“Surveillance video from a swap meet at 530 S. Los Angeles shows how the thieves, two middle-aged Hispanic women, first size up their victim, which in this case was a mother with her 23-month-old toddler inside a stroller. Her husband is seen standing nearby,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division.  “The thieves’ actions are tells to their intent.”

Then, working together, they begin to distract the mother until the woman with longer hair, in white, can sidle up to the stroller and grab the wallet.  This, as her accomplice in the tan shirt stands to block the mother from seeing the wallet being taken.

“We’ve identified a trend in these kind of thefts over the last several months and we want shoppers to be more aware,” said Lt. Vernon.  “While the crime may seem minor, it’s scary because the victim’s child is so close and vulnerable.”  Detectives suspect the two women live locally and encourage anyone who recognizes them to call police immediately.

All shoppers, especially mothers with strollers, should be leery about anyone who approaches them or attempts to engage them in crowded swap meets, stores, or outdoor bazaars.  Female shoppers should keep wallets and valuables in purses, zippered shut, and preferably over their shoulder.  Never leave valuables or purchases on top of strollers.

Victims have reported about six thefts from strollers by women in the downtown area over the last six weeks.  The two suspects depicted in the video may be responsible for other thefts, but detectives believe there are more than one set of thieve committing these type of thefts.

“Imagine a thief reaching into a stroller to take a purse, and the strap becomes tangled with the child as the thief tries to run away,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “Forewarned is forearmed.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Det. Mike Mazzacano at 213-972-1231.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) 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.




Message from Chief Beck Regarding Compensatory Time Off Policy

When the City’s $6.9 billion budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 was approved, the Los Angeles Police Department was forced to cut $80 million by eliminating cash overtime pay for officers.  But the cuts don’t stop there.  The Department’s ability to make an additional $41 million in cuts rests solely on successful negotiations with the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL).  In anticipation of the expiration of the current compensatory time off (CTO) policy, which allows officers to accrue up to 400 hours of compensatory time off, the LAPD has requested an extension.

The main purpose of the request was to ensure that the primary service providers to the geographical Areas have the resources to continue to provide public service at current levels while a new agreement with the LAPPL is being negotiated.  If a temporary CTO extension is not agreed to by the LAPPL, the overtime threshold will return to 96 hours as of July 1, 2011.  

As of today, no agreement has been reached with the LAPPL.  As a result, I am obligated to make plans for changes that I do not necessarily want to make.  At this point, it is only my intention to prepare you for what lies ahead, if we are faced with the situation where forced time off must be taken at a lower threshold for our sworn personnel.  I will have no other option but to reassign personnel from specialized commands to patrol assignments, effective July 18, 2011, Deployment Period (DP) 8.

Please know that it is not my desire to reassign officers out of their current assignments, but it is the only way the Department can maintain the level of front-line resources that are essential for the protection of the public’s safety.  If I am forced to give time off at a less than 96 hour threshold, it will mean having far fewer officers available to respond to emergency calls for help.  

LAPD officers swore an oath to protect and serve those that live and work in this City.  I remain committed to fighting for the resources officer’s need to do just that, while keeping themselves and their fellow officers, safe. 

Man Found Dead in the Street

Victim Shot for Unknown Reasons

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information that could help identify those responsible for the cold-blooded murder of a man who was gunned down in the street.

On June 12, 2010, at about 2:25 a.m., LAPD officers and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics called to the 4100 block of Don Tomaso Drive in Los Angeles discovered the dead body of 30-year-old Marlon Usher in the street. A short time earlier, area residents claimed they heard loud voices and gunshots before calling 9-1-1 for assistance.

Usher had been shot multiple times for reasons that remain unclear after nearly a year. So far, the investigation has revealed there were probably at least three suspects who verbally confronted Usher after using their vehicle to block the forward motion of the vehicle Usher was riding in as a passenger. During Usher’s contact with the suspects, one or more of them used a handgun and killed him with several shots. After the shooting, all of the suspects, described only as three Black males in their late teens or early 20s, drove away in a silver or light-blue 1990s Chevrolet sedan.

Usher was the father of three young children and had no gang affiliations. A carpenter by trade, he had recently moved back to Los Angeles and was a member of various trade organizations.

Anyone with information about this murder is urged to call LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide Detectives Heitzman or Dickson 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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Notes from the June 7, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman, along with Commissioner Vice President Alan Skobin, attended the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Academy graduation held last week.  Commissioner Saltzman thanked the Department and added it was one more example of community policing.

• Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger gave the Commission the updated, year-to-date crime statistics and said he was confident moving forward in regards to continuing the downward trend.

• The Department’s report, dated May 16, 2011, relative to the transmittal of the grant award agreement for the fiscal year 2009 infrastructure protection grant program: buffer zone protection program grant, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated June 7, 2011, relative to detailed scoring leading to the selection of American Traffic Solutions, Inc., as the recommended automated photo red light enforcement program contractor, as given by Deputy Chief Michael Downing, was not approved or transmitted to the City Council.  While the Department has done a good job in administering the program, the Board cited the lack of consequences for violators, the cost of the program, and the pending legislation that could further alter the revenue from the cameras as the reason to not recommend the contract renewal.

• The Department’s report, dated June 3, 2011, relative to request for the Office of the City Attorney to draft or amend the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) for the sales and possession of traditional BB or pellet-firing air guns that expel a projectile through the force of air pressure, as given by Captain Bill Hart, was continued for two weeks in order to revise the report.  Captain Hart said there were two incidents in 2010 in which suspects had BB guns which were mistaken for real guns and resulted in Officer Involved Shootings.  He said the new code should make all toy and air guns bright in color which would allow officers to more easily distinguish between the real and fake firearms.  The Board asked the Department to return with a revision to the report which would include a provision that would prohibit gun makers from painting real guns in different colors.

• The Department’s report, dated May 24, 2011, relative to Conditional Official Reprimands (COR) 2008-2010, as given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez, was received.  The Board directed the Department to return in 60 days with answers to specific questions including what standards are followed when issuing an COR, specific conditions of COR’s, comparative data for recidivism, and statistics for tracking in TEAMS.

• The Department’s report, dated May 26, 2011, relative to purchasing card audit, first quarter FY 2010/11, (IAID No. 10-068), was received and filed.

• The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within Pacific Area, was given by Captain Jon Peters. Captain Peters informed the Board the Pacific Area C-PAB holds various events throughout the year including the Winter Wonderland, Pacific Area Open House, a Halloween Haunted House, community softball game and National Night Out events.  He added they have a very strong Cadet program which is heavily involved in the community and a Jeopardy program aim towards at-risk youth. 

Missing Person Shawn William Tischler

Los Angeles:  The family of Shawn William Tischler and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in finding Tischler.

On May 27, 2011, at about 3 p.m., Tischler was last seen at his residence in the 13000 block of Weidner Street, in the Foothill Area of Los Angeles. He has not been seen or heard from since and his family is extremely concerned for his welfare.  His family advised that Tischler has medical conditions and has not taken his medication.

Tischler is described as a 29-year-old White male, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs approximately 110 pounds and thin build.    

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Tischler is asked to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Carlton 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 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.

Missing person’s family will handle all press contacts and provide photos if needed.

Family Dispute Leads to Homicide

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Mission Area homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information about a family dispute that lead to the murder of 62-year-old Francisco Martinez of Sylmar.

On Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at about 8:15 p.m., LAPD Mission Area police officers responded to an assault call in the 13200 block of Bradley Avenue.  When the officers arrived they saw an unresponsive man pinned underneath a sport utility vehicle (SUV).  They also saw another man on the ground suffering from trauma.  LAFD rescue personnel responded and pronounced the pinned man dead at the scene.  The other man was taken to a local hospital and is in serious but stable condition.  Upon the officers’ initial investigation, the driver of the SUV was taken into custody.

According to detectives, the driver of the SUV, 26-year-old Luis Martinez and son of Francisco, was involved in a dispute with the second victim, his brother, earlier in the day.  Later in the evening, Luis was in his car when he saw his brother walking on the sidewalk.  The suspect drove his car onto the sidewalk and ran over his brother and then his father.  The suspect was arrested and booked for murder.      

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call LAPD Mission Homicide Detectives Acero or Fruend 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 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.

Dodgers Stadium Assault Investigation Reassigned to Robbery Homicide Division

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has announced that the investigative responsibilities for the March 31, 2025 attack on San Francisco Giants baseball Fan Bryan Stow at Dodgers Stadium, has been turned over to Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) Detectives.

As the demands of the case become more complex and prolonged, RHD Detectives will be better equipped to conduct the investigation.  

Northeast Area Detectives currently assigned to the case will continue to participate in the investigative process.

It is not unusual for RHD to take over investigative responsibilities of high profile, prolonged and complex cases.

A $250,000 reward is still available and Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact them at 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.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics June 04, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2011**           2010**          % Chg

Homicide                              125*                139          -10.1%
Rape                                     271                 336         -19.3%
Robbery                              4181                4750         -12.0%
Agg Assaults **                    3737                4012          -6.9%
Total Violent Crimes            8314                9237         -10.0%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 6896             7278          -5.2%
BTFV                                    10788           12410         -13.1%
Personal/Other Theft            10816           11474           -5.7%
Auto Theft                             6379             7356         -13.3%
Total Property Crimes       34,879         38,518          -9.4%
Total Part I Crimes            43,193         47,755          -9.6%

* 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