LAPD Blog

Woman Robbed and Sexually Assaulted near Cedars Sinai Hospital

Los Angeles:  Last weekend, a woman walking down the street near Cedar Sinai Hospital was robbed, sexually assaulted and severely beaten.

On Saturday, July 30, at around 3:30 a.m., a suspect approached a woman walking in the area of Burton Way between South Hamel Road and South Willaman Drive.  Threatening the victim with a handgun, he demanded her valuables and then directed her to a nearby secluded area where he beat and sexually assaulted her.  He then left the area on foot with the victim’s money and jewelry.

The suspect is described as a Black male with dark hair weighing 180 to 190 pounds.  He appears to be 26 to 35 years old and stands 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall.  He was wearing a black, button-down collared shirt, dark pants and a baseball cap with a flat bill.

** A composite drawing of the suspect is below**

Anyone with information concerning this crime is urged to call Robbery Homicide Division, Special Assault Section Detectives Javier Vargas or Blanca Lopez at 213-486-6910 on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.  During non-business hours and weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers 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 by clicking on “webtips” and following the prompts.

Search Warrant Yields Large Cache of Narcotics And Six Arrests

Los Angeles:  On August 3rd, 2011 at approx 11 a.m. the LAPD Devonshire Narcotics Enforcement Detail set up to serve a search warrant at 8244 White Oak Ave the White Oak Healing Center, a so called Medical Marijuana Dispensary. This was the location of an attempted murder investigation late last year wherein the owner’s son (Elias George) was shot multiple times in what had all the appearances of an organized crime style hit. The resulting attempt murder investigation by LAPD West Valley Area Homicide led to information that the store owner, Raymond George, was involved in the interstate transportation and sales of marijuana and cocaine to the Midwest.

A High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Team (Joint Federal and State Narcotics Task Force) in Ohio in coordination with LAPD Devonshire Narcotics Enforcement Detail investigated Mr. George and his associates. Over the next few months investigating officers learned Mr. George maintained residences in Los Angeles and the Cleveland, Ohio area. He ran the White Oak Healing Center as a retail storefront for the cultivation and sale of marijuana and as a location to facilitate the wholesale sale and distribution of cocaine. Devonshire Narcotics Enforcement Detail Detectives conducted their side of the investigation on the White Oak Healing Center including undercover purchases of marijuana determining it was being operated in violation of state law. They obtained a search warrant for the location and Mr. George.

While set up and staged to serve the warrant Devonshire, West Valley and Ohio HIDTA Officers received last minute information that Mr. George was inside the location armed with an AK 47 assault rifle, a .380 auto and his pet Pit Bull. Officers were aware the location was fortified with steel security doors front and rear, numerous security cameras and other interior fortifications. Further, it was located in a strip mall of other legitimate businesses and directly across the street from Pinecrest Elementary School. It had opaque windows with three large green crosses adorning its storefront location.

LAPD SWAT was notified of the updated information and took over tactical service of the warrant. Devonshire and West Valley Narcotics Enforcement Detail officers maintained surveillance of the location. While SWAT officers were preparing to serve the warrant Mr. George and several of his associates arrived at the location and negotiated the sale and delivery of six kilos of cocaine. Also, several marijuana sales were completed to various customers. Ultimately, the five suspects involved in the cocaine deal were detained leaving the location prior to SWAT’s arrival. Once SWAT officers arrived they surrounded the location and ordered Mr. George to exit. He did so and was taken into custody without incident. SWAT entered and determined there were no other occupants except Mr. George’s docile Pit Bull.

Investigating officers discovered a sophisticated hydroponic marijuana growing operation with approximately 300 plants, a storefront marijuana sales office replete with different strains of marijuana buds, hashish, marijuana edibles and a price board listing the required “donation” amount for each item. Officers also recovered a plastic pill bottle containing over 120 oxycodone pills in the sales office, the loaded AK 47, two loaded pistols (.40 cal and. 380) as well as $6,658.00 in cash.

A total of nine kilos of cocaine were recovered from one of the suspect’s vehicles that had left the location prior to warrant service. This vehicle and two others including, one belonging to Mr. George with Ohio license plates on it, were seized because they had all been modified with secret storage compartments for transporting narcotics.

Six suspects were arrested for conspiracy to sell cocaine and marijuana. Their bail was set at 1.5 million dollars each.

Raymond George, 60 years old
Halz Carrera, 51 years old a resident of Los Angeles, CA
Reginald Beijer, 59 years old a resident of Pasadena, CA
Francisco Franco, 41 years old a resident of Riverside, CA
Francisco Vallejo, 30 years old a resident of Tijuana, Mexico
Alfredo Gonzalez 51 years old a resident of Pasadena, CA

In recent years, many persons have either misunderstood the law, or tried to get around the law, in order to set up for profit cultivation and/or distribution centers claiming to be medical marijuana clinics, dispensaries, cooperatives and clubs such as this one. They set up next to legitimate businesses, schools, and even day care centers. Many of these businesses are supported by the same criminal element that would be selling drugs even if they could not hide behind the laws written to help people with serious illnesses. There is no provision in the California Compassionate Use Act (CUA - Prop 215) or Medical Marijuana Program (MMP- SB 420) for the retail sale of marijuana.

The Devonshire Narcotics Enforcement Detail has been on the forefront of investigating these so called Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. While they had received ancillary information that some of these locations had been involved in the sale of other types of narcotics this is the first one wherein direct evidence of this activity was obtained.

At one point in time over sixty of these locations were operating in the Devonshire Area. The Devonshire Narcotics Enforcement Detail has individually investigated over thirty of these locations and found that all the ones they have investigated were operating in violation of state law. In all of those cases the store owners were arrested and prosecuted for various felony offenses including sales of marijuana, cultivation of marijuana, money laundering, sales tax evasion and/or maintaining a premise for the sale and/or use of narcotics. In conjunction with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the California Narcotics Officers Association training has been provided throughout the State of California on the investigative paradigm unique to these operations. Consequently, hundreds of these illicit operations have been shut down throughout the state of California either by direct enforcement or self abatement. Fewer than five presently operate in Devonshire Area.

For further information please contact Detective Robert Holcomb, Devonshire Narcotics Enforcement Detail at 818-832-1131.

National Night Out 2011

Now in its 28th year, National Night Out was observed across the country on Tuesday August 2, 2011.  In conjunction with numerous local community organizations and businesses, every area division held an event which was geared towards community unity.

In Northeast Area a couple of hundred community members participated in a vigil and march which began at Divine Savior Church and went through the streets around the neighborhood.  Participants held candles and chanted “Si Se Puede” to keeping their community safe.

At Southeast Division the street between the police department and fire department was blocked off and filled with informational booths, food trucks, a stage for performances and cars which were featured in many blockbuster movies and TV shows including the Transformers, Back to the Future and the A-Team. 

Across town Olympic Division held a peace march which winded through the streets of mid-city and ended at the station where a rally was held.  City Council President Eric Garcetti offered some remarks to the crowd and other community leaders followed suit.  Afterwards a free barbeque dinner was served to all in attendance.  

These were just three of approximately 50 city-wide events held as part of the National Night Out campaign.  In its 28th year, the National Night Out campaign is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals that communities are organized and fighting back. 

The Department would like to thank all of the organizers, volunteers, sponsors and people in attendance who helped make National Night Out 2011 a success!

President Obama Nominates Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman To Commission On Presidential Scholars Post

Los Angeles – In an announcement from the White House yesterday, Los Angeles Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman was nominated to the Commission on Presidential Scholars by President Barack Obama. While serving as a Commissioner on the five-member Los Angeles Police Commission, Saltzman is an Associate Dean at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars is a group of eminent private citizens appointed by the President to select and honor the Presidential Scholars. Commissioners are selected from across the country, representing the fields of education, medicine, law, social services, business, and other professions. The Commissioners make the difficult choices of selecting Scholars from an initial pool of approximately 3,000 candidates who demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in academics, the arts, and an outstanding commitment to public service.

“I am thrilled to be nominated to the Commission on Presidential Scholars,” stated Commissioner Saltzman. “It is an opportunity to see the future leaders of numerous disciplines throughout our country and I could not be more honored.”

Prior to his appointment to the Police Commission, Commissioner Saltzman served on the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission from 2005 until 2008, and as Commission Vice President in 2008. He was also a Trustee of the Law School Admission Council from 1994 – 1997 and from 2009 – 2011 and a Trustee of the National Association for Law Placement Foundation from 1999 to 2002.  Mr. Saltzman currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute, and formerly served on the Board of Visitors of the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and Leadership at Dartmouth College.  Mr. Saltzman holds an A.B. summa cum laude from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from Harvard University.

Motorcyclist Killed in Collision

Los Angeles:  A 39-year-old motorcyclist from Mt Baldy was killed Wednesday afternoon when he collided into a car that was turning left in front of him.

On August 3, 2011, at around 2:30 p.m., a motorcyclist traveling eastbound on Los Feliz Boulevard collided with a 2010 Infinity G37 that was being driven by a 20-year-old man from Los Angeles, traveling westbound Los Feliz Boulevard to southbound Rowena Avenue.  

The motorcycle driver was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics where he died a short time later.  His name is being withheld until his family can be notified.  The driver of the Infinity was not injured.

The investigation is continuing and there have been no arrests or citations issued. At the conclusion of the investigation the case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective M. Kaden at 213-972-1837, or Detective J. DeLeon at 213-972-1845. During non-business hours or weekends, calls may 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.

Backpack Bandit Strikes in Little Tokyo

Los Angeles:  One day after releasing video of a short man with a backpack robbing a blind, elderly woman in Little Tokyo, detectives received video of another robbery by the same suspect against another elderly woman pushing a walker.

On August 1, 2011, a 79-year-old resident of Little Tokyo was pushing her walker down a garden path behind 244 S. San Pedro Street.  “It was just after 10 AM, when the woman felt a man behind her,” explained Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of detectives downtown.  “The man held up the woman’s necklace and said to her, ‘Baby, I’m going to take your chain.’”

The video does not show the actual crime, but one can see the suspect, wearing a backpack, emerge from the walking path and run away.  The woman emerges just after him, pushing her walker.

In this instance, no force was used.  The suspect merely unfastened the clasp to the necklace.

“After seeing the video, we think this is the same suspect who robbed the blind woman,” Lt. Vernon said.  “We’ve dubbed him the Backpack Bandit, and we want anyone who knows him to call us.”

Police are warning residents, especially the elderly in Little Tokyo, to be aware of their surroundings.

Dubbed the Backpack Bandit, the man has been seen with a backpack in both times he has struck since July 24.  Those two crimes occurred within a one-block radius of 1st Street and San Pedro Street, and between 10 AM and noon.

The suspect is short, under 5’5” tall, and medium build.  He is Hispanic but speaks English, as evidenced by this latest crime.  Police suspect he is a drug users and lives in the area.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Central Detectives at 213-972-1251.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers 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.

Video is available for viewing at Central Police station and LAPDTV.org
 

Notes from the August 2, 2024 Weekly Police Commission

• Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger informed the Board every division in the Department has an event planned for National Night Out tonight.  He said the events are a celebration of the union between the community and the Department.  Chief Paysinger added school will be back in session beginning September 2 and the Department will begin a unified safety alliance with the school district.

• 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 West Valley Area was given by Commander Stuart Maislin, Captain Nicholas Zingo and Mr. Maury Jeff.  Mr. Jeff stated the current C-PAB has 28 members, up 12 members from last year.  He said the two main goals of the program are to increase membership and develop a more focused emergency preparedness program.  Mr. Jeff fished by saying the West Valley Area C-PAB has numerous events planned for National Night Out.

• The Department’s report, dated July 13, 2011, relative to review of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal decision Bryon B. McPherson and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Use of Force policy, as given by Lieutenant Michelle Richards, was approved and transmitted to the Public Safety Committee.  Lt. Richards stated the use of a taser is a less lethal option and is a viable option.  She added in order to be justified in using one there has to be a credible threat of violence or the suspect must be unsafe to approach.  A warning must also be given.

• The Department’s report, dated July 27, 2011, relative to the destruction of obsolete duplicate records – duplicate/official records for West Los Angeles Area, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

• The Department’s report, dated July 27, 2011, relative to the destruction of obsolete original records – original/official records for South Traffic Division and Foothill Area, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

• The Department’s report, dated July 19, 2011, relative to the DNA quarterly report – 2nd quarter 2011, as given by Deputy Chief David Doan, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.  Chief Doan stated the backlog of rape kits has been eliminated and things are going to expectations.  He said there were 535 kits from this year as of June which were currently at the lab awaiting testing.  Chief Doan finished by saying he was going to move to monthly reports as opposed to the quarterly reports in place now.

• The Department’s report, dated July 19, 2011, relative to the DNA monthly report for June 2011, was approved and transmitted to City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated June 19, 2011, relative to the standards based assessment inspection – Lieutenants and below (IAID No. 11-057) was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated July 21, 2011, relative to the Department’s response to foreign language procedures inspection, dated February 2, 2025 (IAID No. 10-026), was received and filed.

• The Department’s report, dated June 27, 2011, relative to Detective Support and Vice operations inspection (IAID no. 11-037), was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated June 27, 2011, relative to the vehicle pursuit management inspection (IAID No. 11-066), as given by Sergeant Cynthia Chow, was approved.  Sgt. Chow informed the Board they looked at the last three months of 2010 and reviewed 43 pursuits.  She said the audit and review process went well and they found the Department to be in compliance.

One Killed and Five Injured when Speeding Car Crashes

Los Angeles:  LAPD traffic detectives are investigating a tragic nighttime car crash in which a passenger was killed and six others injured.  Excessive speed was the primary cause of the accident.

Early this morning just shortly after midnight, a speeding 2002 Ford Focus with one driver and six passengers smashed into a streetlight and wall on Pacific Coast Highway between Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard.  Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced a 35-year-old passenger dead at the scene.  Additionally, a 15-year-old passenger and the car’s driver, an unlicensed 27-year-old woman, were airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition. Others injured and taken to the hospital were as follows: a 10-year-old child with multiple fractures, a 17-year-old with leg lacerations, and two children, ages 6 and 1, with bruising.

Detectives are still investigating what happened; however, drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in what caused the accident.

Anyone with information about this traffic collision is urged to contact LAPD West Traffic Division Detectives Banks or Hutchings at 213-473-0234. Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers 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, by clicking on “webtips” and following the prompts.

Officers Encounter Suspect with a Knife

UPDATE
August 2, 2024

The Hollenbeck officer involved in the below officer involved shooting has been identified as Police Officer II Miguel Ruano, who has been with the Department for 2 years and 10 months.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Division patrol officers were searching for an escapee when they encountered a suspect later identified as 38-year-old Christopher Moreno with a knife.

On July 30, 2011, around 2:33 p.m., Hollenbeck Area officers responded to a radio call of an escapee in the vicinity of Echandia Street and Bridge Street.  When officers arrived it was determined that a private ambulance contracted by Los Angeles County had been transporting a recently released suspect to the University of Southern California Medical Center (USCMC) for medical treatment.  

While Moreno was being transported to the hospital he assaulted one of the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and then jumped out of the ambulance striking his head on the street.  Although injured, Moreno fled through the residential neighborhood on foot.  

Moreno was observed by responding officers at a local Church located in the 500 block of Echandia Street.  Moreno had armed himself with a piece of metal and failed to comply with officers’ commands to surrender.  Moreno forcibly pulled open a locked door of the church and entered.  A perimeter was established around the church and Metropolitan K9 officers responded.  During an extensive search of the multi room church, Moreno was located in a locked kitchen.  An officer forced entry into the kitchen where Moreno had armed himself with a large knife.  Moreno failed to obey several commands by the officers and charged the officers with the knife.  

One officer was armed with a beanbag shotgun and was able to fire at least one bean bag round at Moreno who continued to charge at the officer.  The officer was stabbed in the left arm at which point an officer involved shooting occurred.  

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and treated Moreno who was pronounced dead at the scene.  The injured officer was transported to USCMC where he was treated and released after several hours.  

Force Investigation Division (FID) detectives responded and 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.  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.

Five Arrested for Conspiracy to Robbery – Smash + Grab Averted

Los Angeles.  Los Angeles police officers arrested 5 men, 2 adults and 3 minors, for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, yesterday, August 1, 2011, after a Jewelry District merchant noticed the silver Cadillac circle the block near 6th Street and Broadway three times in five minutes.

“The jewelry merchants are alert to this spree of smash-and-grab robberies,” Lt. Paul Vernon of the Central Detective Division explained.  “It was certain things about the car, how many men were stuffed inside, and how they were dressed that added up to Robbery.”

The merchant pushed his panic alarm and police arrived quickly.  As they spoke to the merchant, the Cadillac passed by again.  Officers saw the license plate was covered.

After officers detained the car and its occupants, they found a hammer, gloves, a large canister of pepper spray used to ward off bears, and a pillow case inside the car.  The five occupants were wearing hooded sweatshirts on a hot day, and the driver was driving on a suspended license.  Two of the five occupants were verified gang members from a South Los Angeles Blood gang.

“We also noticed that one of the occupants had his hand wrapped in a bandage, which made us remember the video we released from the 21 Century Jewelry Store robbery the other day,”  Lt. Vernon said.  “You’ll remember that one of the suspects there punched a glass display case and may have hurt his hand.”

Jabril Greene, 24, and Makrice Leonard, 18, were booked for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, and there bail was set at $50,000.  Two of the three juveniles, ages 16 to 17, were detained at Eastlake Juvenile Hall because of their prior criminal records, and the other juvenile was released to his parents.  Three of the men lived in South Los Angeles, one juvenile lived in Compton, and one lived in Anaheim.

“We’ve sent out an alert to other agencies with this crew’s pictures so perhaps they might match them to some other smash-and-grabs,” Lt Vernon added.  “This is a real regional effort to stop this spree.”

Detectives are presenting the arrests to prosecutors today in the hopes of getting the conspiracy counts filed.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Central Detectives at 213-972-1251.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers 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.