LAPD Blog

Body Found Behind Reseda Residence

Los Angeles:  An unidentified body was discovered Thursday in a shed behind a home in Reseda.

On September 21, 2006, around 4:00 p.m., a former resident of the house, located in the 7900 block of Lindley Avenue, returned to the location to speak with the current owner. No one was home, but a strong odor was emanating from the backyard. The man followed the odor to a shed behind the house, where he found the decomposing body.

Detectives are handling the investigation as a homicide.

The Los Angeles County Coroner will be conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death and identity of the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Area Detectives at 818-374-7730. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.

Arrest Made in Assault on Radio Reporter

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles detectives arrested Ramon Flores, 31, in Boyle Heights during a traffic stop this morning around 8:15 AM.  Flores has been identified as the man who assaulted and robbed a local radio reporter on June 1, 2006, near a charter school in El Sereno.

"Detectives got a break this week when they re-canvassed the area where the assault occurred," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "They noticed a car fitting the description of the one used in the assault and traced it to the owner."

The arrest ended a three-month investigation into the assault and robbery of KABC radio reporter Sandy Wells.  Detectives searched Flores' home in the 1000 block of Fresno Street in connection with the search and arrest warrants.  They were looking for evidence that might further connect Flores to the incident.  Detectives impounded Flores' silver Dodge Magnum at the scene of his arrest near Boyle and Eighth Streets.  The car matched the description Wells provided to police at the time of the assault.

Around 7:30 AM on June 1, 2006, Wells had just finished trying to interview parents, students, and administrators at the Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter School.  Wells was across the street from the school, in the 4700 block of Huntington Drive, when he noticed a silver sedan speeding toward him.  The car jumped the curbed onto the sidewalk.  Wells jumped out of the way to keep from being hit.  An Hispanic man got out of the car and confronted Wells, trying to take his recording equipment.

Wells was able to fend off the assailant, who made off with the audio tape from Wells' recorder.

"Wells got a pretty good look at the man," Vernon said.  "Once the detectives had a possible suspect, they presented a picture array to Wells, who picked out Flores from among five similar-looking men."

Flores was booked on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, likely to cause great bodily harm.  He will also face an additional charge of robbery.  His bail was set at $80,000.

A Skid Row Cop’s Opinion

My name is Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph.  I am the lead officer in charge of the Skid Row area.  My job is to act as a liaison between the Los Angeles Police Department and the homeless community. I also come up with creative ideas designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the area. 

In my opinion, a police officers primary duty is to ensure the public safety of each citizen we serve.  The way I police is not based on anyone’s race or social status. It is based solely on crime trends in the area.  Recent Media reports imply that we are targeting Skid Row because the people there are homeless.  Being homeless is not a crime, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the criminal element that has deeply embedded itself within this community. To say we are targeting the homeless is blatantly false.  The accusations really disturb me because our critics know the truth, but continue to prevent us from properly serving the homeless community.

In a recent report one of our opponents stated that the only thing stopping us from stopping crime is “us”.  This is a person who went on a ride along with me and was awestruck by what we have to deal with when it comes to protecting the homeless. 

I believe there are several “real reasons” why we can’t stop all the crime on Skid Row.

First, the supporting agencies which are supposed to assist us with public safety (The Sheriffs Department, County Probation, Eastlake, The DA’s Office, Judges) refuse to do so out of fear of a pen lashing by the local paper, or the wrath of the ACLU and agenda based groups.  These entities release dangerous criminals early or refuse to cooperate on a consistent basis with our Division.  It is sad that fear supercedes the public safety of the citizens we serve.

Our patrol force is understaffed and overburdened.  The primary car designated for Skid Row can barely be in the area.  When you have under two hundred forty officers responsible for policing 8 to 10,000 people it is impossible to help everyone or make a lasting impact.

There are groups who do not care if their causes are right or wrong, as long as they win or “Stick it” to the police department.  These groups, who claim to be advocates for the homeless, watch as gang members brutalize, exploit and sell poison to them, and then call us as monsters for trying to curb the problem. They would rather label me an “Uncle Tom” than take on drug dealers for poisoning the community.  An example of this is the recent 9th Circuit ruling against the Department, regarding sleeping on the sidewalks.

When I began enforcing the sidewalk ordinance in my area it had less to do with sitting or sleeping on the sidewalk.  In reality it had to do with the crime it produced.  In Skid Row most people are not sleeping or sitting for “life sustaining” reasons.  During the day, many are sitting so they can use narcotics.  When they are sleeping, it is more likely due to crashing from a four-day cocaine binge or a bad heroin overdose.   While they sit, the drug dealers we can’t keep in jail, see the sidewalks as prime real estate for their trade.  The homeless become victims as well as suspects.  There are excellent programs on Skid Row to help the homeless beat their addictions.  But when drug dealers are waiting right outside of the doors, it’s difficult for the homeless to succeed.  Unfortunately political agendas won out over common sense, and now the homeless are becoming victimized in my area at an even higher rate. 

I know that writing this will not convince many of our critics, but I urge anyone to come to Skid Row for a ride along and see for yourself what really goes on.  Then if you want to criticize us, you will have an educated opinion.  I can live with that.

Sincerely,

Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph
LAPD Central Division

Contact No. (213) 972-1891
Email: 32511@lapd.lacity.org

LAPD E-POLICING

In March 2006, the Department introduced two new features to the Department Website, www.lapdonline.org, Crime Maps and E-Policing.  The Crime Map feature allows anyone to access the latest crime information for any area of the city.

The E-Policing feature allows city residents and business owners to communicate directly with the Senior Lead Officer responsible for their area.  Again all you have to do is access the feature through the above listed website and sign-up.  The system will then direct your e-mail address to your Senior Lead Officer.  In turn you will begin to receive crime alert information, crime trends, and other information related to your residential and/or business community.  If you are a business owner or work in the city, but live outside the city you can still sign-up, just use your business address. 

In the very near future you will begin to receive more information about these two new features. 

Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre

28-Year-Old Man Killed in Wilmington

Los Angeles: A 28-year-old man was shot and killed while sitting inside his car Monday afternoon in Wilmington.

On September 18, 2006, just before 3:30 p.m., Samuel Saucedo Martinez stopped his car to talk with two men who were sitting inside a red Nissan Maximum parked in the 1100 block of North Lakme Avenue.  A man got out of the passenger side, walked up to Martinez and shot him several times. 

Martinez  was taken to Harbor UCLA Medical Center where he died a short time later.

According to investigators, the shooting appears to be gang related.

The suspects, described as two Hispanic men, 17 to 20 years old, remain at large.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Harbor homicide Detectives Paglialonga or Mayer at 310-522-2036.  On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Man Shot to Death, Detectives Investigate

Los Angeles:   Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding any witness who may have seen the shooting of a Los Angeles man on Friday.

On September 15, 2006, at about 10:50 p.m., Alberto Nauarro, 25, was standing with a few friends in front of 11320 Gorman Avenue.  A single gunshot was heard, and Mr. Nauarro fell to the ground.  Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The motive for this shooting is unknown.    

Anyone with information is asked to contact Southeast Detectives at 213-972-7816.  On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour Detective Information desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.    

Drive-by Shooting Kills Man

Los Angeles:     A 25-year-old man was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in South Los Angeles.

The shooting occurred on August 30, 2006, at 11:45 a.m., in the 2000 block of East 115th Street. 

According to investigators, Anthony Owens was standing with a group of people inside the Imperial Courts Public Housing Projects when shots were fired from a passing vehicle. Mr. Owens was struck in the upper body and collapsed on the sidewalk. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Police recovered the suspect's abandoned car a short distance away.

Although there was a large group of people standing outside during the shooting, no witnesses have come forward police said.   

Anyone with information is asked to contact Southeast Homicide detectives at (213) 972-7848. On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.    

Suspect Points Gun at Police then Flees

Los Angeles: The driver of a car pointed a gun at police as he drove down the street at a high rate of speed.

On September 17, 2006, around 1:30 a.m., Northeast Officers Mario Jacinto  and Emerick Cadelina  were in the area of York Avenue and Eagle Rock Boulevard when they heard several gunshots nearby.  A late model SUV containing 23-year-old Eowin Bautisia and 22-year-old Alfredo Baraijas was observed eastbound on York Avenue traveling at a high rate of speed. As the vehicle drove by the officers, the front passenger in the SUV pointed a handgun at the officers. 

Officer Marion, the driver fired several times hitting the suspect's vehicle and a wall.  After a brief vehicle pursuit, the suspects stopped and were taken into custody.   

During the pursuit the suspects threw several items from their vehicle.  A check of the area resulted in the recovery of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

Minutes prior to this shooting, it is believed the suspects were involved in shooting that occurred at a AM/PM Market, where they exchanged gunfire with a group standing near the market. A rifle was recovered at that scene.   

Both suspects were booked for Assault With a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer.

Officer Jacinto is 28 and has 4 years with the LAPD.  Officer Cadelina is 39 and has 10 months with the Department.

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation.  Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Man Shot while Standing Inside Apartment

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a drive-by shooting that occurred in front of an apartment building in the 8600 block of South Main Street.

On August 29, 2006, just before 3:00 p.m., 24-year-old Perry Smith was shot while he stood inside a second story apartment building.  Mr. Smith was taken to a local hospital were he died of his injuries.

According to police, a group of people was standing in front of the building when shots rang out from an unknown type vehicle.  One of the bullets struck Mr. Smith in the chest and killed him.

Police have few leads and are asking for the public's help in identifying the gunmen and the vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Southeast Homicide detectives at 213-972-7848.  On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.

DUI Driver Arrested for Murder

Los Angeles:   A DUI driver was arrested for murder, when he was involved in a fatal traffic collision on Sunday night.

On Sunday, September 18, 2006, at about 9:45 PM, a fatal traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Central Avenue and 52nd Place. 

Earl Nathasingh, 44, of Chino, was riding his 2001 Honda CBR motorcycle southbound on Central Avenue when he struck the right side of a 1990 Honda Accord turning left onto 52nd Place. 

The driver of the Accord, Maynor Javier Palma, 27, of Los Angeles, made an attempt to flee the scene but was detained by citizens in the area. 

Nathasingh was transported to California Hospital with numerous lacerations and severe internal injuries.  Despite lifesaving efforts by paramedics and doctors, Nathasingh died early Monday morning.

During the investigation, Palma was found to be under the influence of alcohol.  Because of a prior DUI conviction, Palma was arrested for Murder.

The investigation is being conducted by Central Traffic Division detectives. For further information, please contact Detective Felix Padilla or Detective Michael Kaden at 213-972-1825 or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-972-1853.

Hollywood Medical Marijuana Facility Robbed

Los Angeles:  Two men, posing as Los Angeles police officers, robbed the Hollywood Patient Collective on August 27, 2006, netting over $14,000 in cash and drugs.  Detectives have released surveillance footage in the hope that someone might recognize either of the robbers.

The clinic is located in the 6100 block of Selma Avenue.  The robbery occurred at 9:30 PM, but was not reported until the next day.  The victims blamed the delay on threats by the robbers, who took some of the victims' identification.

Two Black men, one wearing an LAPD baseball cap and Hawaiian shirt, came in through a security door.  They claimed to be LAPD officers and handcuffed the eight persons inside the facility, including the owner, an armed security guard, and an employee.  The other persons were patrons, or patients, who were smoking marijuana.

"The robbers posed as police officers to convince the security guard to surrender his gun," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "Several of the victims were handcuffed, others had their hands bound by plastic zip ties, similar to those used by police in mass arrest situations."

One suspect patted down the owner after binding his hands, then took $2,000 cash from his pocket. 

"The suspects knew a lot about the store's operation," Vernon said.  "They looked in the safe and demanded an employee retrieve a laptop they seemed to know he possessed."

While one suspect watched the victims, the other filled trash bags with marijuana, valued at $12,000.

The clinic had video surveillance that recorded the robbery.  Still photographs show the suspects' faces.  The suspect in the Hawaiian shirt can be seen handling a radio, which was in reality a police scanner.

Anyone with information on this robbery is asked to call Hollywood Robbery detectives at 213-972-2955.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Video Surveillance

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics September 16, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006            2005            % Chg

Homicide                              343               355                -3%
Rape                                     642              667                -4%
Robbery                            10,206           9,367                 9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,259         11,301                -9%
Total Violent Crimes        21,450        21,690               -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,022           15,195             -8%
BTFV                                  21,096           23,420            -9%
Personal/Other Theft          19,526           22,158          -12%
Auto Theft                          17,200          18,986            -9%
Total Property Crimes      71,844          79,759         -10%
Total Part I Crimes           93,294        101,449           -8%

* Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006            2005            % Chg

Homicide                              343               355                -3%
Rape                                     642              667                -4%
Robbery                            10,206           9,367                 9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,259         11,301                -9%
Total Violent Crimes        21,450        21,690               -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,022           15,195             -8%
BTFV                                  21,096           23,420            -9%
Personal/Other Theft          19,526           22,158          -12%
Auto Theft                          17,200          18,986            -9%
Total Property Crimes      71,844          79,759         -10%
Total Part I Crimes           93,294        101,449           -8%

* Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006            2005            % Chg

Homicide                              343               355                -3%
Rape                                     642              667                -4%
Robbery                            10,206           9,367                 9%
Agg Assaults **                  10,259         11,301                -9%
Total Violent Crimes        21,450        21,690               -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             14,022           15,195             -8%
BTFV                                  21,096           23,420            -9%
Personal/Other Theft          19,526           22,158          -12%
Auto Theft                          17,200          18,986            -9%
Total Property Crimes      71,844          79,759         -10%
Total Part I Crimes           93,294        101,449           -8%

* Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Pastor and Son Arrested on Charges of Child Molestation

Los Angeles: A Sunland pastor was taken into custody for molesting a parishioner's three daughters.

On September 14, 2006, at 10 p.m., detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Sexually Exploited Child Unit (SECU) arrested 46-year-old Joseph Gary Torres at his parent's residence in El Monte.  He was arrested for violating Penal Code § 288.5 (A), Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

The investigation began earlier in the day when a father called to report an allegation that Torres, the pastor at Iglesia Bautista Reformada, had sexually assaulted his daughters.  After interviewing the victims, the SECU detectives traced Torres to the El Monte residence.

Torres remains in custody pending a review and filing by the District Attorney's Office.  His bail has been set at $5.4 million.

Because of the nature of the allegations against Torres, investigators believe there may be more victims. 

On September 15, 2006, detectives arrested Torres' son, a minor, for molestation allegations.  The minor was released to the custody of his mother.  The matter will be submitted to the Juvenile Court. 

Anyone having any information regarding Torres is encouraged to contact the Sexually Exploited Child Unit at 213-485-2883.  On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of all callers will remain anonymous. 

14-Year-Old Girl Missing in Van Nuys

Los Angeles:  The parents of a missing 14-year-old girl and the Los Angeles Police Department are requesting the public's help in locating April Spring Hibbler, who has been missing since September 13, 2006. 

"It's been two days now," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "It's quite out of the ordinary for this young lady not to contact her parents.  We're hoping she may be hanging out with a friend."

April lives in North Hollywood with her parents.  She took a bus around 7:15 AM on September 13th to Birmingham High School in Van Nuys.  She never returned home from school that afternoon and has not been seen since.  April would have picked up the bus at Balboa and Victory Boulevards after school let out.  Detectives were not able to verify whether April attended school on Wednesday. 

April's parents are concerned for her welfare.  April's mother, Dina Moses, told officers her daughter has never failed to come home before.

April has long, black hair and brown eyes.  She is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds.  She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black shirt over a white shirt, and white shoes.  She was also wearing earrings.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Van Nuys Juvenile Detectives at 818-374-0040.  After hours, call the LAPD hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).