LAPD Blog

Two Street Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested

Los Angeles: Olympic & Wilshire Area Robbery Detectives are credited with identifying and arresting two armed robbery suspects involved in a robbery crime spree impacting both LAPD areas.  The robbery spree began in January 2015 and ended recently with the arrest of Jose Roberto Junior Marroquin (18 years old) and his crime partner, Alan Arellano (20 years old), both Los Angeles residents.  Detectives connected the pair to at least ten street & attempted robberies.

The pair took turns randomly robbing victims walking at night in residential areas in the Arlington Heights, Country Club Heights, Hancock Park, Melrose, Mid City, and Wilshire Center neighborhoods of Los Angeles. 

Detectives received a break in the case when a witness observed one of the robberies on February 7, 2015.  During this robbery, the victim struggled with the armed suspect and yelled for help, gaining the attention of the witness.  The witness was able to take a picture of the suspects’ vehicle license plate with his cellphone, which aided investigators. 

Olympic Area detectives conducted a vehicle license query, which lead to the identification of Jose Roberto Junior Marroquin who resembled one of the robbery suspects.  Further queries revealed that Marroquin owned a second vehicle that matched video surveillance footage taken from a Red Box Kiosk that captured Marroquin’s vehicle and Marroquin using a stolen credit card taken from one of the robberies.

Olympic and Wilshire Area Robbery Detectives showed photographic line-ups with Marroquin’s image to their respective victims, which resulted in Marroquin being positively identified in the robbery series. 

On February 9, 2015, at approximately 12:15 PM, Olympic detectives and Olympic Parole Compliance Unit (PCU) officers arrested Marroquin at his residence in Southwest Area.  A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of an air pistol resembling a Walther PPK pistol, two stolen cellular phones, and narcotics. 

Olympic Detectives interviewed Marroquin, who confessed to committing 10 street armed robberies using the same air pistol that was recovered.  Detectives developed the identity of the second suspect (Alan Arellano) via additional computer queries.

On February 11, 2015, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed six counts of 2^nd degree robbery against Marroquin with his bail set at $300,000.

On February 12, 2015, at approximately 10:00 AM, Olympic Detectives arrested Alan Arrellano in front of Southwest Area Police Station.  Arrellano confessed to being involved in three robberies (two as the getaway driver and one as the primary suspect).  This case is pending the review of the Office of the District Attorney.

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking information on additional robbery victims or witnesses to robberies committed by the above two suspects that occurred in the Mid-Wilshire Area. 

Officers Involved in Shooting with Dangerous Carjacker after Pursuit

UPDATE
February 20, 2025

Updated: The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer II Ricardo Verduzco, Serial No. 32995, Sergio Arreola, Serial No. 40617, and Jorge Talledo, Serial No. 38657 assigned to Hollebeck Division.

Montebello: On February 9, 2015, around 6:20 p.m., uniformed officers from Hollenbeck Area were patrolling the area of 1st Street and Soto Street. They observed a vehicle and conducted a status check on the vehicle, which revealed that it was stolen. When the officers attempted a traffic stop, the suspect refused to pull over and a pursuit ensued.

The suspect, later identified as Aaron Lorta, drove erratically and collided into several cars while fleeing from officers. Lorta changed vehicles at one point by carjacking a female victim at gunpoint in the City of South Gate. The pursuit ended in the area of Via Campo and Garfield Avenue in the City of Montebello when Lorta attempted to carjack another victim, but was unsuccessful. Lorta then fled on foot while carrying a firearm in his hand. Officers were right behind Lorta giving commands to drop the weapon and surrender. Still armed with firearm in his hand, Lorta turned towards officers and an officer involved shooting occurred.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported Lorta to a local hospital where his injuries were considered non-life threatening. No officers were injured during this incident. Further investigation revealed that the gun being used was a replica firearm, which has been booked as evidence at Scientific Investigation Division.

Force Investigation Division investigators responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of 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 Departments 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 is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. 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.

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NOTES February 10, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

After a quorum was established, Commission President Steve Soboroff opened the meeting. During the commissioner comments, Commissioner Robert Saltzman mentioned the recent murder of a transgendered individual and commended the Department for its investigation and outreach efficiencies regarding the incident. Commissioner Soboroff took the opportunity to express appreciation for community service organizations that help people lead productive lives and avoid criminal activity.

For the Report of the Chief of Police, Chief Charlie Beck began by acknowledging the past weekend as particularly violent, including two officer-involved shootings. Beginning right away, all sworn personnel will be required to be in uniform. Chief Beck also discussed some crime-fighting strategies, including the re-allocation of personnel resources to effectively deal with these kinds of incidents and hopefully reduce their frequency. Chief Beck mentioned a citywide rise in various crimes and went on to talk about overall crime statistics. He then reminded everyone that for propriety protocols he and the police commission would thoroughly review a televised officer pursuit from the previous evening. He closed his comments with personnel statistics.

Consent Agenda Items proceeded with approval of all items.

Before the Regular Agenda Items, there was a presentation of a service appreciation certificate to Captain Scott Sargent in connection with his dedicated service as commanding officer of the Department’s Use of Force Division from August 2007 to January 2015.

Regular Agenda Items then ensued with four items. Item A was a verbal presentation and Items C and D were pulled for discussion.

Item B, the Executive Director’s Report, dated February 2, 2015, relative to the recommendation of qualified vendor Kelmark Tow, LLC., to provide the Official Police Garage Towing and Storage Services for Service Area 18 (RFP #14-980-006) as set forth, was approved.

The meeting proceeded with a discussion of Item A, a verbal presentation and discussion relative to the work plan being undertaken by the Transgender Working Group. Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur took the lead in representing the Department before the commission. Firstly, she pointed out the working group had been renamed the LGBTQ Working Group. Chief MacArthur provided an overview of the group, including frequency of meetings, goals and efforts to define hate crimes and identify specific areas relative to the LGBTQ community. Three other members of the group appeared with Chief MacArthur to provide additional details and feedback to the commission. Near the presentation’s conclusion, Chief Beck mentioned Chief MacArthur’s upcoming retirement and confirmed Commander Beatrice Girmala as her replacement. Commissioner Saltzman then asked for an explanation of how LAPD officers are trained in LGBTQ awareness.

The next item for discussion was Item C, the Department’s Report, dated January 23, 2015, relative to the Operations- South Bureau Vice Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID #13-092). Commissioner Saltzman asked for an explanation of what vice arrests consist of in reference to whether or not investigations are based primarily on citizen complaints. Chief Beck also interjected some clarification on this topic. The report, as set forth, was subsequently approved.

The final item for discussion was Item D, the Department’s Report, dated February 6, 2015, relative to the Arrest, Booking and Charging Reports Audit (IAID #14-027). Representing the Department before the commission was Commander Jon Peters, LAPD Office of Operations. Commissioner Kathleen Kim asked for details on objective #3H of the audit because it was the only portion of the audit that had a substandard rating. Commander Peters addressed her concerns and explained how more consistency in the way officers prepare the reports should address and improve this particular objective. Such consistency should be forthcoming as all officers are fully trained. The report, as set forth, was subsequently approved.

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Officers Raid Large Woodland Hills Drug Operation

Over the two-day period of February 3 and 4, 2015, officers from Topanga Division’s Narcotics Enforcement Detail (NED) squad took down an illegal marijuana-growing operation in the 6900 block of Eton Avenue in Woodland Hills.

The growing facility, which was raided on February 4, was substantial, with more than 700 plants that yielded over 765 pounds of marijuana. The squad also recovered three rifles and three pistols from inside the location. In addition, officers found numerous unopened boxes of new clothing wrapped in manufacturers’ packaging. Discovery of the clothing brought the Department’s Commercial Crimes Division into the investigation.

On February 3, one day prior to the takedown on Eton Avenue, NED officers conducted a narcotics investigation in the 6100 block of Jared Court. The location had created problems in the past which had recently begun to resurface. A probation compliance search at a residence resulted in the arrest of five suspects, all with extensive criminal histories related to narcotics and property crimes.

Overall, there were eight arrests. “Topanga NED has done an amazing job, and I just wanted to share with everyone all of their hard work and efforts,” said Lieutenant Julie Rodriguez of the Topanga Division’s Gang Impact Team.

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Officer Involved Shooting in 77th Area

Los Angeles: On February 10, 2015, around 7:45 a.m., Criminal Gang Homicide Group officers were conducting a follow up investigation in the 7200 block of 10th Avenue.

As officers were driving on 10th Avenue they observed several individuals in an alley way where one individual was holding a firearm. Officers saw that individual pointing the firearm at another individual. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon multiple times. The individual ignored the officer's commands and an officer involved shooting occurred.

One of the individuals in the group, a 15-year-old male, sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper back. The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported him to a local hospital where he received treatment and was released to his mother. No officers were injured during this incident.

Further investigation revealed that the weapon being used was a replica firearm, which has been booked as evidence at Scientific Investigation Division.

Force Investigation Division investigators responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of 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 Departments 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 is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. 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.

 

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Task Force Addresses Human Trafficking and Aims to Improve Community’s Quality of Life

On February 4, 2025, a Prostitution Task Force hosted by the North Hollywood Division and organized through the Department’s Operations- Valley Bureau, netted 11 arrests.  Most arrestees were charged with solicitation for prostitution, but offenses also included loitering for prostitution purposes, lewd conduct and drug-related DUI.

There were actually two operations focused in two areas along the 6400- to 8000-block corridor of Lankershim Boulevard, incorporating both the North Hollywood and Foothill Divisions.  Both locations were in blatantly high prostitution areas, with officers concentrating on arresting “clients” to address human trafficking and quality of life concerns in the community.

Forty-seven officers and one civilian comprised the task force, which included personnel from the following divisions: North Hollywood, Foothill, Van Nuys, West Valley, Devonshire, Mission and Topanga.  Personnel from the Detective Support Vice Division, Operations- Valley Bureau and Scientific Investigation Division also participated.  Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nuri Martinez and her staff were also very supportive of the task force.

During the prostitution booking process, officers routinely take additional measures to offer arrestees alternatives for assistance to change their lives.  Strategies include verbal discussions and handing out printed outreach material about the Mary Magdalene Project.  For minors, there’s a similar organization known as the 1st Step Diversion Program.  Both offer counseling and financial resources to help victims break free of prostitution-related lifestyles.  Minors in the program can even have their charges dropped by complying with the program’s guidelines, such as going to school and attending counseling.

Mary Magdalene Project / Other Resources

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Leadership Library Opens at 77th Area Station

Something new is in the air and it’s been launched at the Department’s 77th Area Station. It’s the Leadership Library, a unique kind of self-improvement resource aimed directly at all sworn and civilian personnel.

Captain Cory Palka, 77th Area Commanding Officer, has been a driving force to establish the Leadership Library since last summer when he met Dave Anderson, founder of an organization known as Anderson Leadership Solutions. Anderson has written at least a dozen books on leadership skills and is an active public speaker on both motivation and leadership.

Captain Palka describes the Leadership Library as a significant source for material that helps people build trust and create change by becoming better role models and gaining a better understanding of how leadership roles can enhance their personal and professional lives. All manner of material is available, from books and audio tapes to CDs and DVDs.

Anderson has been extremely supportive of the LAPD. He donated $5,000 to retrofit the 77th Station gym and made substantial contributions to the Department’s Operation Shoes from Santa and Band-Aids for Babies campaigns. Anderson spoke at the 77th Division in December of last year, and later this year, Captain Palka expects him give motivational and leadership presentations at Deaton Auditorium for all Department employees.

“He’s really committed to changing hearts and changing minds,” says Captain Palka. A brief video about the Leadership Library featuring Captain Palka can be seen >>here<<--Click to see

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Public Seminar: The Truth About Domestic Violence

Los Angeles: LAPD's Mission Police Station is sponsoring its third in a series of public seminars, The Truth About Domestic Violence, tomorrow evening, February 10, 2015, at the Sepulveda Recreation Center.

"I can't overstate the importance and impact of these TRUTH series," said Capt. Todd Chamberlain, who created the series two and a half years ago, in conjunction with the police station's Clergy Council. "In the last year alone, we've seen over 5,000 people attend these series on gangs, drugs, and domestic violence."

According to Chamberlain, the series on domestic violence addresses the oft unspoken or hidden violence that occurs behind closed doors. "For too many years, even decades, domestic violence has been written off as inconsequential, sort of how drunk driving was seen before MADD opened people's eyes," Chamberlain explained. "In short, we want to re-socialize the community to understand that domestic violence is violence, plain and simple."

The 90-minute seminar will teach the four types of domestic violence, how to recognize the signs, what victims can do, and where victims and abusers can get help. "We've seen several attendees experience epiphanies, realizing they are truly victims or abusers," Chamberlain said. "That's the first step to changing one's life and stopping the cycle of violence once and for all."

Gangs, drugs and domestic violence form the majority of crimes that impact the community most. "By educating families on these topics, it's our hope we can reduce crime and the impact of violence that so often tears families part," Chamberlain added. "We're striving to work in partnership with our communities as educators, not just enforcers."

Everyone is welcome to attend the seminar, either for themselves or to get information for others.

Media are welcome, and encouraged, to attend the seminar.

Sepulveda Recreation Center
8801 Kester Avenue, Panorama City
Tuesday, February 10, 2025
7 pm to 8:30 pm

Anyone with questions and call LAPD's Mission Community Relations Office, at (818) 838-9860. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) 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.

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29-Year-Old Missing Female

February 10, 2025
NR15046lp

Update

More recent photograph of Ms. Irina Akopyan attached.

 

Los Angeles: The family of Irina Akopyan and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public's help in locating her.

Irina was last seen on February 4, 2015, around 2:00 p.m., in the 9000 block of Burnet Avenue. Irina's Family is concerned that she has not been located.

Irina is described as a 29-year-old White female with brown hair and green eyes. She is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 115 pounds. She was last seen wearing red pants and grey sneakers.

 
Irina Akopyan

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Irina Akopyan, please contact Detective L. Saiza, Missing Persons Unit, at (213) 996-1800. 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 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.

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Unidentified Man Killed in Hollywood

UPDATE

Updated: 23-year-old Michael Vincent Carter, a Los Angeles residence was arrested this morning for 187 PC-Murder. His bail is set at one million dollars.

Detectives believe the motive is gang related. The suspect is a San Fernando Valley gang member.

Although detectives are not looking for additional suspects they are looking for additional witnesses. Investigators believe there were two males with the victim at the time of the murder and would like to talk them.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department West Bureau Homicide detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would assist in the investigation of a man who was killed in the Hollywood area.

On Saturday, February 7, 2015, around 11:40 p.m., Hollywood Division officers were patrolling the area of Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue when they heard what sounded like gunshots. The officers checked the area and discovered a male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The victim is described as an adult male Black. His name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

The suspects in this homicide have been described as two male Blacks. According to witnesses the suspects were last seen running northbound on Las Palmas. The Circumstances and motive for this homicide are unknown. There is no further information at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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