LAPD Blog

Grand Theft Suspect Caught on Tape

Wilmington:  Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Area detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify a grand theft suspect caught on surveillance video.

On Saturday, November 29, 2014, around 12 p.m., the suspect entered a store located in the 600 block north of Wilmington Boulevard.  Video surveillance captured the suspect following the  94-year-old victim out of the store.  The video shows the victim in the store parking lot, standing by her vehicle when she is approached by the suspect on a skateboard. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and fled the scene.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, in his twenties with black hair and a moustache. He stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 150-180 pounds. He was last seen on a skateboard wearing a black shirt and black camouflage shorts.  He has a possible tattoo on left forearm.

Prior to the purse snatch the suspect is seen in the store with an additional male Hispanic, in his twenties with black hair and brown eyes. He stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches and weighs around 120-140 pounds. This person does not appear to be involved in the crime however detectives are looking for him as a person of interest.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact Harbor Division detectives at 310-726-7756 or 310-726-7758.  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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

 

"Battle of the Badges" Blood Drive Competition Press Conference Podcast

 

 

 

Los Angeles: The officers, deputies and fire fighters of Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles are competing in a friendly contest to raise blood for the American Red Cross of Southern California.  In a campaign launched today that covers several weeks, the men and women in uniform will be leading the call for blood donations to supply the medical facilities of our communities.  Inquiries may be directed to the Southern California American Red Cross at (909) 859-7603.

CLICK HERE FOR PODCAST

Mayor Garcetti Announces Nation-Leading Body Camera Plan for LAPD

CLICK HERE FOR PODCAST

LOS ANGELES: Mayor Eric Garcetti announced today that he is putting into action a nation-leading body camera plan for LAPD by signing a contract to roll out over 800 cameras in areas with high police activity and including funding in his next budget to deploy cameras for every officer on the street.

"Out on the street, things aren't always clear cut. These cameras will help law enforcement and the public alike find the truth -- and truth is essential to the trust between the LAPD and the community, which has been a key factor in lowering crime to record lows," Mayor Garcetti said. "I want to make sure LAPD is on the cutting edge when it comes to crime suppression and constitutional policing."

While events in Ferguson and President Barack Obama's call for cameras have brought this issue recent national attention, Mayor Garcetti's administration has been moving forward on the use of on-body cameras for more than a year.

"Los Angeles will be the first major city to have a camera on every police officer," said Councilmember Englander, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. "This is a bold step that we took as a city to bring greater transparency to the Los Angeles Police Department."

“Our community, and in particular communities of color, have asked for transparency in all levels of government, and that includes policing efforts," said Councilmember Curren Price. "This city-wide body camera program will help us answer that call, increasing public trust in our police department in our communities that need it most. I am especially excited to see this program being rolled out in my district, a community that has struggled in recent months with use of police force. At a time when there are cameras everywhere we should be leading the nation, equipping our officers with the best technology available."

Mayor Garcetti's Police Commission President Steve Soboroff raised more than $1.5 million in private funds to jump start the camera program and LAPD has been conducting field tests. Satisfied with those tests, Mayor Garcetti and LAPD have decided to execute a contract that includes the purchase of over 800 Axon cameras to be deployed to patrol and specialized detail officers (including gangs and bikes) in the Newton (South L.A.) and Mission (San Fernando Valley) Areas, and to three specialized units in Central Area -- the Safer Cities Initiative, Eastside Detail, and LA Live Detail. The privately raised $1.5 million will pay for those cameras.

Mayor Garcetti will provide funding in his budget for FY 2015-16 to acquire the approximately 7,000 total cameras needed to ensure all officers on the street will be outfitted.

In addition, Mayor Garcetti announced he is nominating LAPD Chief Charlie Beck to the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

"Chief Beck has been a leader in the monumental reform of the LAPD and a steady hand at the helm as the department emerged from the Department of Justice consent decree," said Mayor Garcetti. "Through his work on the Task Force, L.A. would be sharing its experience and expertise to shape recommendations to the White House that can change the status quo at police departments across the country."

Notes from the December 16, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commissioners Soboroff, Figueroa-Villa, Saltzman and Madison wished officers happy holidays and thanked them for their service. Commissioner Madison stated she was thrilled to see all the festivities sponsored by the Department for children filled with shoes and toys. She thanked the Department for making sure the less fortunate have more than what they usually have for the holidays.

• Chief Beck thanked the Commissioners for their comments and stated he was extremely proud of this organization and the response towards the recent protests. The Department had responded with the humanity, professionalism, and effectiveness that they should.

Chief Beck informed the Board the Department continues to maintain reduction in Part I crime at 2.4%. Property Crimes had a reduction of 5.2% year-to-date there are 243 homicides compared to 242 in 2013. Rapes are up 11.8%, compared to last year. Robberies are up less than 1%. Aggravated Assaults continue to be a struggle due mostly to the effort to classify crimes from California Penal Codes to UCR codes. Domestic Violence has also seen an increase across the City. Number of victim’s shot are down 6%. Central Bureau shows an increase in crime, while the other three Bureaus show a decline. Officer Involved Shootings are down, with 29 year-to-date compared to 43 in 2013.

• The Police Commission received a verbal and recruitment video presentation relative to the Police Cadet program from Cadet Leadership Program Coordinator Natalie Torres. Torres also introduced the New Chief Cadet Laura Mendoza. Laura was appointed as Cadet Chief on November 22, 2014. She graduated from Hollywood High in 2013 with a 4.1 GPA and credits her academic success to the Cadet Leadership Program.

• The Police Commission received a verbal and video presentation relative to the “Police Community Partnership Program” and the Watts Bear Pop Warner Football Team from Southeast Area Captain Phillip Tingirides and Community Safety Program (CSP) Coordinator Sergeant Emada Tingirides. There are 46 Officers assigned to CSP and work exclusively in the housing developments in Southeast Area. The Watts Bear Warner Football Team along with more than 20 other youth community programs have been developed under CSP.

• The Police Commission received a verbal presentation relative to the current status of the Risk Management Program from Special Assistant for Constitutional Policing Arif AlikHan who gave an overview and provided follow up information from a previous presentation on the department’s new approach in strategies in dealing with risk management issues in law enforcement.

• The Police Commission received a verbal and power point presentation relative to Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) and the responsibilities of the new created Data Integrity Unit from Assistant Chief Michel Moore and Senior Management Analyst II John Neuman. The Data Integrity Unit was started in September 2014, the goal of the unit is to provide training Department wide in regards to the UCR program. Approximately 400 people within the Department have been trained so far. In 2015 UCR guidelines will be taught in Detective, Sergeant and Watch Commander Schools.

The second aspect of the mission is the inspection of crime coding, records which may have been miscoded will be inspected in all 21 Divisions. Lastly a Detective III has also been designated to be the UCR Coordinator. The coordinator will be the single point of contact and liaison between the Department, DOJ and FBI. • The Department’s report, dated December 10, 2014, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section quarterly Report, Second Quarter, 2014, was received and directed to the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with appropriate recommendations to the Board.

• The Department’s report, dated December 12, 2014, relative to the agreement between the Superior Court in California, County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles for reimbursement for data conversion services on traffic citations issued by the Los Angeles Police Department was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

• The Department’s report, dated December 12, 2014, relative to the agreement with VCA Animal Hospital Inc., dba VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital for canine veterinary services was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report and Executive Summary, dated December 10, 2014, relative to the jail Operations Audit (IAID No. 14-002) was approved.

• The Department’s report dated December 10, 2014, relative to the Department Employee-Involved Traffic Collision Reporting, Investigation and Adjudication Revised; and Fleet Safety Report, form 01.13.00- Revised was approved.

• The Executive Director’s report, dated December 10, 2014, relative to the Official Police Garage Towing & Storage Rates for 2015-Posting Completed. As set forth was approved. 

Download Podcast Police Commission 121614

 

 

14-year-old Juvenile Arrested for Attempt Rape

Los Angeles:  On Sunday, December 14, 2014, around 9:40 p.m., a 28-year-old woman was riding her bicycle along the Los Angeles River, west of Corbin Avenue, when she was attacked by a male assailant.

The victim was knocked off her bicycle by the male who then attempted to sexually assault her.  As the attacker began to hit the victim, she fought back and screamed for help.  The suspect ran away and the victim called police with a detailed description of the attacker.  Responding to the area, LAPD West Valley officers spotted a 14-year-old juvenile male, who matched the description provided by the victim.  A field show-up was conducted and after the victim identified the youth as the assailant, he was arrested for Attempt Rape.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for examination and later released.  The suspect is being detained at Sylmar Juvenile Hall.

Anyone with information about this incident, or for more information, is asked to call Topanga Detectives at (818) 756-4820.  During non-business hours or on the 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.

91-year-old Driver Kills 74-year-old Pedestrian

Los Angeles:  On Monday, December 15, 2014, around 9:56 a.m., an elderly driver accidentally ran over two pedestrians, killing one and causing the other to be hospitalized with severe injuries.

The 91 year-old driver in a 1987 Mitsubishi Montero was backing up her vehicle in the 3800 block of Grand View Boulevard when she struck the two pedestrians. 

One pedestrian, a 74 year-old female resident of Los Angeles, died at the scene.  The other pedestrian, an 83 year-old male resident of Los Angeles, was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries.  The driver was interviewed by officers; and after drugs and alcohol were determined not to be a factor, she was released from the scene.

Anyone with information about this incident, or for more information, is asked to call West Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 473-0234.  During non-business hours or on the 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.

Mayor Garcetti, Chief Beck Announce 778 Guns Taken Off The Street At City Buyback Event

Podcast Gun Buyback Post Event News Conf- 12-15-14

LOS ANGELES -- Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck announced today that 778 firearms were taken off the street during the city's Gun Buyback December 13th.

In total, 369 handguns, 228 rifles, 140 shotguns, and 41 assault weapons were collected at two locations.

"The Gun Buyback gives Angelenos the opportunity to help make our city safer by taking these guns off the street so they don't fall into the hands of criminals or children," said Mayor Garcetti.

An initiative of the Mayor's Gang Reduction and Youth Development Office, the Gun Buyback program -- which has taken 13,696 guns off the street since its inception in 2009 -- also involves LAPD and victim advocacy organizations, faith-based groups and other community organizations.

In exchange for surrendering weapons, participants in the Gun Buyback receive a Ralphs pre-paid card. The amount per firearm is dependent on its type, up to $200 for assault weapons as specified by the State of California, and up to $100 for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The LAPD Gun Unit determines the type and classification of the firearm surrendered.

81-year-old Woman Reported Missing

December 16, 2024

UPDATE

Updated: Ms. Kang has been located and has been reunited with her family.

CORRECTION
December 15, 2024
 
Updated:  The missing person’s correct last name is Kang.

Los Angeles: The family of In Son Yang and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Olympic Division are asking for the public’s help in locating the 81-year-old woman who has been missing for over 24 hours.

On December 11, 2024 around 6:00 p.m., Ms. Yang was last seen at dinner in her residence located in 1900 block of South Oxford Street.  Ms. Yang is reported to be in good mental condition but her family is concerned she may have early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and they are concerned for her safety.

Yang is described as a Korean female with black hair and brown eyes.  She is 5 feet tall and weighs approximately 100 pounds.  She was last walking with her purple cane, and usually wears a silver wristwatch.

 

 

 

 

In Soon Yang

Anyone with information on Yang’s whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Olympic Division at (213) 382-9102.  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.