LAPD Blog

Armed Barricaded Suspect Taken Into Custody

Los Angeles: An armed man barricaded himself inside a strangers' home after an officer involved shooting in South Los Angeles.

On October 20, 2006, around 5:16 p.m., 77th Street Officer Andrew Gonzales and his partner Ruben Cardenas, were patrolling in the area of 53rd Street and Vermont Avenue. The officers saw a man later identified as 23-year-old Tywan Johnson, standing in the street, leaning into a parked car. 

As the officers drove near Johnson, he ran.  Officers got out of their vehicle and chased Johnson. During the chase, he pointed a handgun at Officer Gonzales.  Officer Gonzales fired at Johnson but missed. 

Johnson continued to flee and barricaded himself inside an elderly woman's home in the 900 block of 54th Street.

After hours of negotiations with the Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT), Johnson finally surrendered and was taken into custody.  The woman was unharmed. 

Johnson was charged for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and unlawful imprisonment.  His bail was set at $100,000.

Officers recovered a .38 caliber revolver handgun that was abandoned by Johnson during the foot pursuit.

The officers and Johnson were not injured.

Officer Gonzales, 31, has been with the Department for 6 years and 10 months.  Officer Cardenas, 35, has been with the LAPD for 7 years and 8 months.

Forced Investigation Division is handling.

Any questions can be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.    

Business Dispute Leads to Stabbing Death

Los Angeles: Police arrested a man in his 50s for the stabbing death of another man Wednesday night over a business dispute at an apartment in Koreatown.

On October 25, 2006, at about 9:20 PM, the suspect and the victim were having a heated argument over the distribution of clothing and money at the suspect's apartment located in the 3300 block of West 3rd Street. The suspect became violent, grabbed a knife, and stabbed the victim once in the chest. The victim died at the scene.

Rampart Area officers responded within a couple of minutes and put out a crime broadcast of the description of the suspect and his car as a white Nissan. Other Rampart patrol officers flooded the vicinity and saw the suspect fleeing in the described car on Westmoreland Avenue at 5th Street, only about 3 blocks from the crime scene. Witnesses were able to positively identify the suspect, Yoon Kun Kang, 52, as the killer.

Kang was booked at Jail Division and charged for Murder.  His bail was set for $1 million.

The victim has been identified as Dong Hoon Lee, 38, a resident of Beverly Hills.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives J. Motto or J. Pere at 213-207-2060. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

COPS FOR TOTS

The 11th Annual Car and Motorcycle show presented by Central Traffic Division is scheduled for Sunday October 29, 2006, 8am to 4pm.  In addition to the numerous classic cars, celebrity guest, food and drink are included in the festivities.  Proceeds to benefit Children Charities of Los Angeles.  For more information please call 213-236-9254, or visit the web site www.lapdcops4tots.com.

Make a Difference Day

The San Fernando Valley Coalition on Gangs, Faith Coalition, Communities in Schools, Councilman Tony Cardenas, Council District 6, Councilman Alex Padilla Council District 7, and host of others are holding the third annual Peace March, on Saturday October 28, 2006, at 9 a.m.

All are invited.  The march starts at North Hills Community Park, 8573 Parthenia Place and ends at Sepulveda Recreation Center, 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City.  A free Health Fair and softball tournament are scheduled, along with food and refreshments.

For additional information please call 818-891-9399. 

Gang Member Fires upon Officers

Los Angeles: Officers observed a known gang member walking along the sidewalk and stopped to speak with him.  The suspect, holding a gun, ran from the officers and fired upon them during a short foot pursuit.

On October 24, 2006, at about 6:30 PM, Gang Enforcement Officers, Eddie Amaral and Angel Sambrano, were patrolling in the area of 52nd Street and Van Ness Avenue.  The officers recognized the suspect walking along the sidewalk and knew him to be a gang member.

The officers stopped their patrol vehicle to speak with the suspect. The suspect began running from the officers.  After running a short distance, the suspect, Michael Young, stopped abruptly, turned, and fired a single shot at the pursing officers.

An officer involved shooting resulted. Neither officer, nor the suspect, was hit during the exchange of gunfire.  The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Young was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer.  His bail was set at $100,000.

Officer Amaral, 33, has been with the LAPD for 8 years and 4 months. Officer Sambrano, 34, has been with the LAPD for 11 years and 4 months.

Force Investigation Division is investigating.  Any questions can be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Man Dies After Assault

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding the person responsible for the beating death of a 63-year-old man in the Westlake area of Los Angeles.

On October 19, 2006, around 6:30 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call in the 600 block of South Alvarado Street.  On arriving, they found a man suffering from blunt force trauma to his head.  The man was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed that prior to the assault, the victim had been seen arguing with another man, described only as Caucasian.  The suspect struck the victim on the head multiple times with a rock.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of his family.

The motive for the assault is unknown.  The weapon remains outstanding.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives J. Breuer or M. Arteaga at 213-207-2000.  During off-hours, call the toll free 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

REFLECTIONS OF A LIEUTENANT

The residents, merchants and visitors to the City of Angels, along with the LAPD experienced a major loss on Sunday, perhaps more than any of us can comprehend.  Those of us fortunate to have worked along side Officer Landon Dorris knew him as a dedicated father, committed law enforcement officer, and good friend.

Before transferring to my present assignment, I was assigned to Northeast Area where I had the good fortune to have Landon work for me on the morning watch. For those of you who don't know, it takes a special kind of person to work this watch. The majority of the time you are racing to calls, battling darkness, under sometimes harsh weather conditions, yet you must remain focused on the primary mission, achieving a society free of crime.

As supervisors we are expected to mentor, train and lead those entrusted to our care. However, sometimes we forget that we too can learn from those younger and less experienced. Landon left me with a lasting impression, which I will never forget and hope to pass on to my sons. Landon was a confident man in both his abilities and training. Reserved and quiet like the wind, but who could erupt for the preservation of peace. Many nights and early morning hours, Landon and I shared conversations about our profession, families, and friends. I came to understand that as a watch commander I was very fortunate to have Landon on our team and Northeast Area was all the wealthier.

It was because of Landon's strong work ethic that I chose him to fill many critical assignments; working a patrol car, policing a major public event, or investigating a serious crime. To Landon the nature of the assignment did not matter, all that mattered to him was that duty called. A character trait we can all learn from. God, I'm going to miss you a lot Landon. My intent was always to work with you again in the future.  When you arrive at heaven look down upon us from time to time and remind us of how you with "dignity and pride" lived up to the LAPD motto; "To Protect and To Serve."

Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre

LAPD Officer Inspires Youth to Strive for Greatness

Perris: A Los Angeles police officer assigned to Fugitive Warrant Section is realizing his dream of helping young people excel in life.

For the past six years, Officer Andre Mitchell has been on a personal quest: to open a youth sports facility in the city where he lives. Until recently, the children of Perris, California, have had no place to participate in organized sports or engage in other positive activities. Officer Mitchell's answer to the problem has been to create the Patriot Youth Sports Field, a complex that will ultimately serve children throughout the Perris area.

Perris is a bedroom community located approximately 60 miles east of metropolitan Los Angeles in Riverside County.

In addition to offering local children organized sports, the complex will be a source for academic counseling, mentoring and tutoring assistance.

"Our mission is to provide young people with suitable, productive ways to spend their leisure time," said Officer Mitchell. "The negative element offers them false hopes and peer pressure which leads to crime, alcohol abuse, drugs, vandalism and delinquency. Our program promotes safety, security, positive role models, mentoring, and engenders healthy minds and bodies. Here, we form relationships based on positive, shared goals and mutual respect.”

Mitchell is the founder and Deputy Commissioner of Perris Valley Youth Association Sports, which serves 400 children in Perris.

Since 2001, Mitchell and his colleagues have raised more than $100,000 to underwrite their efforts. In addition to devoting countless hours of personal time, Mitchell has contributed over $60,000 of his own money. Recently, the Perris City Council granted a temporary permit allowing Mitchell to move operations from its current location to the new facility in southern Perris. The new facility will include two full-size practice and game fields, 113 parking spaces, and a 960-square-foot snack bar.

"Officer Mitchell's willingness to work for the common good of his community reflects the highest ideals of the LAPD," said Sergeant Lee Sands, an LAPD spokesperson. "His leadership and dedication will undoubtedly benefit these children."

Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores, through a non-profit subsidiary, has agreed to provide $50,000 for additional improvements to the property. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in Perris on Thursday, October 26, 2006, at 2:00 PM, on the northeast corner of Murrieta Road and the Metz Channel, just north of Dale Street.

Members of the media can contact Mitchell at 951-906-3946 for interviews and additional information.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section.

Mayor Announces Volunteer Opportunities to City’s Crisis Response Team

Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced volunteer opportunities for individuals living or working in the City of Los Angeles to become a member of the City of Los Angeles Crisis Response Team (CRT). The program is especially in need of volunteers with bilingual capability in Spanish or Korean.

The CRT is comprised of groups of volunteers who provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention and referrals to victims and their families involved in, or who have been traumatized by, a death, a serious injury, a violent crime or other traumatic incident. The program is managed by the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Public Safety in close coordination with the City’s Fire and Police Departments.

"One of the critical functions of our Crisis Response Team is connecting neighbors who can volunteer to neighbors in need of crisis intervention, including victims of crime” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “I urge Angelenos who can volunteer to sign-up and join our team."

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and in good physical condition. The next training session begins January 23rd, 2007 at the Westchester Police Academy in the LAX vicinity. CRT volunteers participate in 45 hours of intensive training designed to help them develop the skills, knowledge and relationships necessary to function effectively in the field.

Residents interested in learning more about volunteering for the Crisis Response Team should contact Jeff Zimerman, Crisis Response Team Manager at 213-978-0697 or by e-mail: lacrt@lacity.org

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics October 21, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                386              402              -4%
Rape                                       715              764              -6%
Robbery                             11,498         10,629               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,623         12,806              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        24,222        24,601             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              15,965          17,368            -8%
BTFV                                   23,828          26,608           -10%
Personal/Other Theft        22,303          25,014           -11%
Auto Theft                          19,566          21,446            -9%
Total Property Crimes      81,662         90,436           -10%
Total Part I Crimes           105,884       115,037            -8%

* Both 2006 and 2005 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2005 figures are not annual totals. 

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

Western Ave Corridor Business Watch Meeting

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Wilshire and Hollywood Community Police Stations invite business members along and near the Western Ave Corridor to attend an LAPD Business Watch Meeting.  The Western Ave Corridor runs from Franklin Ave in Hollywood Area to the Santa Monica Freeway in Wishire Area.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2006, from 8:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., at the Wilshire Presbyterian Church, 300 S. Western Ave.  The church is on the southeast corner of 3rd Street and Western Ave. 

Members of businesses, churches, schools or other organizations are invited to attend.  Speakers will include Deputy Chief Michael Hillman, Commanding Officer of Operations-West Bureau, Captain Richard Wemmer, Commanding Officer of Wilshire Area, and Captain Clayton Farrell, Commanding Officer of Hollywood Area.  For further information, please call Sergeant Evy Arocho or Officer Jason Kim at Wilshire Area’s Community Relations Office, 213-473-0200.  For Hollywood Community Relations, please call Sergeant Albert Lopez at 323-957-4583. 

Police Seek Murder Suspect

Los Angeles:  The LAPD is seeking the public's help in finding 18-year-old Mario Lemus who is wanted for murder.

On October 15, 2006, at about 5:40 PM, David Carl Franklin was in the area of 122 N. Arboles Court, in the city of San Pedro, when two Hispanic men used their feet and hands to brutally beat him.  Mr. Franklin was transported to a local hospital where died a few days later. 

Detectives identified Oscar Gomez,18, and Mario Lemus,18, as the suspects.  On October 20, 2006, detectives served a search warrant at the residence of both suspects. Gomez was taken into custody at this residence in San Pedro and was arrested.  Lemus was not at his residence at the time and remains outstanding.   

Anyone with information on Lemus is urged to contact Harbor Area Homicide Detective at 310-522-2036.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Callers may remain anonymous.

Party Guest is Struck by A Hit and Run Driver

Los Angeles:  The LAPD is seeking the public's help in identifying the driver of a car who fatally struck a party guest and fled the crime scene late Saturday night. 

On October 22, 2006, at about 1:00 AM, the victim, a Hispanic man in his 20's, had just left a gathering in the 23200 block of Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills.  The victim was crossing Victory Boulevard between Melba Street and Woodlake Avenue, when he was struck by a car travelling eastbound on Victory Boulevard. The driver of the car failed to stop at the scene and render aid as required by law.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by LAFD paramedics. The name of the victim has not been release pending notification of his family.

The car was described a possible dark colored 2004-2006 Toyota Avalon or BMW.  The car will have front damage to the windshield, front bumper and hood.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Valley Traffic Detective Section at 818-756-1930.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Los Angeles Police Officers are Mourning the Loss of One of Their Own

 Los Angeles:  An LAPD officer was killed during a traffic investigation in the Los Feliz Area.

On October 22, 2006, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Northeast Area Officer Landon Dorris and his partner, Officer Marc Fujiwara, were investigating a minor traffic collision at Riverside Drive and Hyperion Avenue.  Officer Dorris was in the street, when a car heading west on Riverside Drive struck him.  The force of the impact caused the officer to hit another car that was waiting to turn left onto the Golden State Freeway onramp.

The driver of the car immediately stopped and was very distraught over the incident. The driver was questioned by police officers at the scene, and there was no evidence he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  The driver was not arrested or cited; however, the investigation is continuing. 

Officer Dorris was transported to University of Southern California Medical Center in critical condition with major head trauma.  Despite the efforts of the hospital emergency staff, Officer Dorris did not survive his injuries.  “The men and women of the LAPD are deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow officer. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Officer Dorris during this difficult time,” said Chief William Bratton.   

Officer Dorris was 31-years-old and had been with the LAPD for 3 years and 4 months.  Prior to joining the LAPD, Officer Dorris served 6 years with the California Highway Patrol as a motorcycle officer.  He is survived by his mother, two sisters, fiancé and two sons, ages 3 and one-and-a-half.

Chief Bratton and members of the LAPD Command Staff responded to the scene of the accident and to the hospital.  They met with family members and officers who gathered for Officer Dorris.

The last LAPD officer to be killed in the line of duty was 31-year-old Ricardo Lizarraga.  He was shot and killed by a suspect on February 20, 2004.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.