LAPD Blog

LA Hosts Launch of National Counter-terrorism Initiative

Los Angeles: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa hosted the launch of a new federal government counter-terrorism initiative, which is designed to link local law enforcement into an information-sharing network on bombings and improvised explosive devices (IED).

The first Under Secretary for the Preparedness Directorate, part of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), George W. Forseman, introduced TRIPwire, Technical Resource for Incident Prevention, and explained its purpose.  In particular, he singled out the Los Angeles region as one of the most progressive and prepared regions in the country for addressing terrorism.

"TRIPwire is exactly the kind of support local law enforcement needs from the federal level to combat and interdict terrorism," said LAPD Police Chief William Bratton.  "Preventing terrorism is all about quickly connecting the dots of otherwise unconnected information and clues.  TRIPwire is an example of using technology to tie the various, and mostly separate, law enforcement agencies together into a seamless crime web."

The City and County of Los Angeles, as well as the State of California, worked with DHS, and other Federal departments and agencies, on a number of national preparedness efforts. Because of this collaboration, DHS chose Los Angeles as the venue to launch TRIPwire program.

TRIPwire allows Federal, State, and local bomb-prevention professionals to share up-to-the-minute technical and operational information on the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) worldwide; and to create greater awareness on how to prevent and respond to this type of attack among the law enforcement community at large.

Other representatives at the news conference were:  City Councilman Jack Weiss, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Loosle, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Commander David Betkey, and Seattle police sergeant Jim Hansen, who was representing the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board.

More information on TRIPWire can be found at www.TRIPwire-dhs.net.

Robbery Turns to Murder, Police Asking for Help

Los Angeles: A store clerk, shot during a robbery yesterday, has died.  Newton Area Detectives held a news conference to release video footage of the robbery in the hope of someone recognizing the two, young Hispanic suspects.

"This was nothing short of a cold-blooded murder," said Detective Kelle Baitx of the Newton Street Homicide Unit.  "We need the public’s help in identifying these two guys quickly before they kill someone else."

Simon Khalil, 35, died last night around nine o’clock at California Hospital.  He had been shot at nearly point-blank range by one of two armed robbers.

Khalil was working at his store, the Maple Liquor and Market, in the 3000 block of South Maple Avenue, when two young men walked in around 1 PM.  The suspects waited for customers to leave, then handed a note to Khalil, who read it and threw it back at the robbers.

One suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband and the other removed a sawed-off shotgun from a backpack.  The suspect armed with the handgun shot Khalil once in the chest.  This suspect appeared to be in his twenties, while his accomplice appeared younger, in his teens.

Simon Khalil is survived by his brother and the co-owner of the store, Sam Khalil.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Homicide Detective Dennis Fanning at 323-846-6556.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

A photograph of Khalil and video footage from the robbery are available from Media Relations Section.

Attempt Murder and Robbery Suspects Caught on Video

Los Angeles: A liquor store clerk is fighting for his life from a gunshot wound received from would be robbers. 

On November 2, 2006, at about 1:00 PM, two suspects entered the "Maple Liquor and Market" located in the 3000 block of South Maple Avenue in South Los Angeles. Both suspects waited for all the customers to leave the store when one of the suspects handed a robbery note to the clerk. The clerk later identified as Simon Khalil, 35, read the note and threw it back at the suspects. One of the suspects pulled out a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at Khalil. As Khalil engaged the suspect in a brief conversation, the second suspect pulled a sawed-off rifle from a backpack and also pointed it at Khalil. During this confrontation the suspect with the handgun fired one round, striking Khalil in the chest. Both suspects ran southbound on Maple Avenue to a waiting vehicle.

Khalil was taken to California Hospital where he is listed in grave condition. The market is owned and operated by both Khalil and his brother. The brother was also at the market during the shooting, but he was uninjured.

The suspect who shot Khalil was described as a Hispanic man in his early 20s. The second suspect was also a Hispanic in his late teens.

The entire incident was caught on the store video. Still Photographs of the suspects are available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newton Homicide Detectives at 323-846-6556. On weekends and during off-hours call the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

Burger King Fund-Raiser

As of mid-afternoon, hundreds of people participated in the fundraiser for fallen Police Officer Landon Dorris .  An event sponsored by Lawrence and Ralph Cimmarusti, owners of Burger King, 700 West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. 

In honor of the loss of our brother officer, those in attendance used the time to reflect, eat and enjoy the camaraderie.  The California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Fire Department and other agencies particiapted in the fundraiser, along with local business and residential community members who generously gave their time and offered donations.  Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Chief William Bratton, and Councilman Tom LaBonge, District 4 also attended the event mingling with the crowd, thanking those in attendance for their contributions. 

Special thank you to Mr. Lawrence and Ralph Cimmarusti for their kind and giving spirit.  And a special thank you to the employees who worked with unbound energy to provide excellent food and customer service. 

Lt. Ruben De La Torre

Chief's November Message

As I begin my fifth year as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, I want to update you on the many projects and improvements that we have made and ones we are considering for the future.  Although many of these are still in the conceptual design, or bidding phase, they represent the forward thinking and progressive movement of the Department. These projects illustrate the Department's efforts to embrace "best practices in policing," and encourage the men and women of the the LAPD to continue their outstanding work in making Los Angeles an even safer city.

Over the past year we have accomplished a lot to improve Department Operations, take crime fighting into the 21st Century, and improve officer safety. One successful and popular improvement has been the decision to use selected models of the Glock semi-automatic pistol as an optional duty weapon. I believe it's a superior weapon and recruits in the academy are now issued the 40-caliber Glock pistol. Seventy percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide use Glocks. Although initially there was a problem with the 45 caliber model not firing correctly, all 1,800 of the models purchased by LAPD officers have been retrofitted and are now working well in the field.

As reported a few months ago, Training Division has 25 new state-of-the-art Force Option Simulators. Each geographic Area now has one and the Tactics Unit has trained at least one Divisional Training Coordinator in each of the 19 geographic Areas and four Traffic Divisions. Traffic Division personnel will be able to use the simulators at the geographic Areas. This is an excellent example of the Department's move toward a more decentralized approach to training by providing opportunities at the officer's assigned Area or Division rather than at just two or three facilities across the City.

On the issue of the new LAPD flashlight, after extensive field testing of prototypes, a vendor was selected and is currently working to mass-produce the individual components for assembly. The first delivery of approximately 4,300 flashlights is expected in December. Training Division is currently working on a distribution plan to get these new flashlights in the hands of all LAPD officers and recruits.

In August, the Police Commission approved the Department's request to move forward with the puchase of new X26 TASER's for field and Detective personnel. This new TASER model is 60 percent smaller and lighter than the model currently in use by the Department. It can easily be worn on the belt. Having this tool readily available for use will help reduce injuries to both officers and suspects. The Department is currently working on funding for the TASER's while Training Division is moving ahead with plans for training and distribution.

Regarding the revised Vehicle Pursuit Policy and the use of the Pursuit Intervention Techniques or PIT maneuver, as of late September, more than 2,200 officers from all 19 geographic Areas and four Traffic Divisions have been trained. Training Division personnel are working with Bureau Training Coordinators to ensure that all officers assigned to patrol are trained on the PIT maneuver by this time next year. Also relevant to the Vehicle Pursuit Policy, a large number of officers assigned to patrol or traffic functions have been trained in the deployment of the "Stop Stick" tire deflation device. From May 2005 through August 2006, there have heen 20 successfully implemented PIT maneuvers that have stopped potentially dangerous pursuit situations before becoming a threat to the public. Also during that time frame there have been eight successful deployments of the "Stop Stick."

On the issue of In-Car Digital Video, the City Council has given the Department the go ahead to install the system in all patrol vehicles in South Bureau. We hope to select a vendor by the end of this year, and have all South Bureau patrol vehicles equipped by the end of fiscal year June 2007. Ultimately, and depending on funding, we anticipate outfitting patrol vehicles in each geographic Bureau at a rate of one Bureau per year. In-Car Digital Video ensures transparency, accountability, and officer integrity, and will provide concrete evidence for officers being investigated on allegations of misconduct, but more importantly aid in the investigation of criminal activity.

Another technology project approved by the City Council is the automatic License Plate Recognition System. Money has been set aside to outfit one patrol vehicle per geographic Area. The system has the ability to scan, recognize, and process the license plate numbers of several hundred cars in a manner of seconds.

Technology is truly the key to increasing the Department's effectiveness as we continue to fight and reduce crime with limited resources. Several pilot programs are in the works relating to increasing technology available in patrol vehicles, including the "Star Chase" electronic tracking system. This pursuit management tool consists of a projectile launched from a patrol vehicle-mounted device. The projectile adheres to the suspect vehicle, enabling police officers to monitor its location through a global positioning system receiver, often reducing the need for a high-speed pursuit.

Yet another technology pilot project currently being tested in Southeast Area is video downlink. The system will connect patrol vehicles to real-time video being recorded from surveillance cameras from around the area. This gives patrol officers situational awareness, providing them with more information on which to base their decisions. And in both Rampart and Southeast Area, officers are testing facial-recognition technology. This programs works digitally capturing and analyzing facial images for comparison and identification.

As I stated earlier, these projects were initiated to improve and position the Department as leaders in the use of cutting edge technological advancements. When combined with the will and determination of the men and women of this Department, we will have the tools needed to continue to reduce crime. Let's face it, with too few cops, we need cutting edge technology to give us an edge on the criminals so that one day we will achieve our goal of making Los Angeles the safest large city in America.   

Burger King Holds fundraiser for a Fallen Officer's Family

Fundraiser benefiting Los Angeles Police Officer Landon Dorris killed while investigating a traffic collision on Sunday October 22, 2006.

Cimm's Inc., a local Burger King franchisee is donating 100% of proceeds from all the sales at their Cesar Chavez location to the family of LAPD Officer Landon Dorris.  Dorris, who was killed while investigating a traffic accident, has a fiancee and two small children ages 1 ½ and 3 who will need assistance in the years to come.    Mr. Lawrence and Ralph Cimmarusti are encouraging everyone to participate in this worthy cause and show support and appreciation for the fallen officer's family.

Thursday, November 02, 2024
6:00 a.m. to Midnight

Burger King Restaurant
700 West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue (Corner of Grand Avenue)
Los Angeles, CA  90012

Mr. Lawrence Cimmarusti - Co-owner of the restaurant
Mr. Ralph Cimmarusti - Co-owner of the restaurant

Perception vs. Reality

If one were to read the October 31, 2024 LA Times article, "Anxiety Builds as Crime Increases in Koreatown," one might believe the LAPD has been asleep at the wheel in Koreatown.  The overly creative headline alone paints a distorted picture of crime in the entire community. 

While it is true that some violent crimes have increased over last year, serious crime overall, or Part I crime, is actually down 12 percent.  But that doesn't make for good headlines.

Of the twenty-nine reporting districts that make up Koreatown, 24 are actually showing a decrease in Part I crime compared to last year. More than half of the reporting districts show double-digit crime reductions.  Crime has risen in just five districts, three in Wilshire Area and two in Rampart. 

In the spirit of transparency, the Department gave the LA Times an itemized listing of crimes for these 29 reporting districts, but the reporters' plan to include a map showing crime increases and decreases, ended up on the newsroom floor.  That's unfortunate because that graphic alone would have provided the needed balance to demonstrate the disconnect between the community's fear of crime and the actual incidence of crime.  (The map that should have been included in the article is posted with this blog entry.)

It is quite evident from the article that some Koreatown residents believe their Community, particularly at night, is not safe.  The LAPD clearly understands and appreciates that a person's perception is their reality, and with crime numbers actually down, the Department has to work even harder to reduce the fear of crime.

Just last week, West Bureau Deputy Chief Michael Hillmann and Captains from the Wilshire, Hollywood, and Rampart police stations met with the Western Corridor Business Watch group.  For over three hours these police managers discussed crime trends and proposed strategies to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

An announcement and invite to the meeting was posted on the LAPD blog well in advance of the meeting.  It was attended by the business community, local church members, residents and the Korean media.  It would have been a good opportunity for the LA Times reporters to see how hard the LAPD is working to address the fear of crime in the community.  It would also have been a good chance for them to interview the key managers involved in policing Koreatown.  Such interviews were conspicuously absent from the article.

What precipitated the LA Times' article was a triple homicide at a Koreatown restaurant earlier this month.  It certainly brought community fears to the surface, but ultimately it must be put in perspective.  The police responded quickly, conducted a thorough investigation and identified the perpetrator within 24 hours.  Prior to the triple homicide, the number of murders in Koreatown had increased by 3 from the prior year's 15.

So, here's the reality, there have been 533 fewer serious crimes this year in Koreatown, a 12% reduction.  Koreatown is actually much safer than many communities.  Even so, the LAPD will not be satisfied until the residents of Koreatown really believe they are safe .  Now wouldn't that make a good headline!

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics October 28, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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                                396              414              -4%
Rape                                       737              784              -6%
Robbery                             11,791          10,909               8%
Agg Assaults **                   11,904          13,025              -9%
Total Violent Crimes         24,828         25,132             -1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              16,353          17,792            -8%
Auto Theft                          20,071          22,006            -9%
BTFV                                  24,377          27,216           -10%
Personal/Other Theft          22,850          25,565           -11%
Total Property Crimes      83,651         92,579           -10%
Total Part I Crimes         108,479       117,711            -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

Gang Shooting

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help finding any witnesses who may have information regarding the shooting of a man in Atwater Village on Saturday morning. 

On October 28, 2006, at about 8:35 AM, Jorge Bernal, 29, was standing in front of the 4100 block  of  Chevy Chase Drive, when a Hispanic man in a sport utility truck parked along the curb. The man in the sport utility truck called Mr. Bernal to come to the truck.  As Mr. Bernal got close to the truck, several shots were fired from inside. Mr. Bernal was shot several times in the chest. 

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later died. The suspect is described as a Hispanic man.  The motive for this crime is gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Northeast Homicide Detectives at 213-847-9636.  On the weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll-free, 24 hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man Sitting in Car Killed in Gang Shooting

Los Angeles: A 24-year-old man died Sunday in a South Los Angeles shooting.

On October 29, 2006, around 11:10 PM, Christion Devere Gordon, was sitting in his parked car at 548 West 41st Street.  The suspects, driving a newer model SUV, drove past Gordon's car and stopped.  One suspect exited the SUV, walked up to the victim and shot him several times in the upper torso.  The suspect then ran back to the waiting SUV and fled.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and immediately transported Gordon to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The first suspect was described as a thinly built Black man, around 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall.  He was 20 to 27 years old, wearing dark clothing.  There was no description of the second suspect.  The suspect vehicle was a newer dark model Chevrolet Tahoe.  The shooting is believed to be gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Southwest Homicide Detective James Yoshida or Rick Gordon at 213-485-2418, during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).

Callers may remain anonymous.

Police Recover Stolen Merchandise

Los Angeles:  Officers from Newton Area Station on Friday recovered a large cache of stolen property which they believe was taken unlawfully and sold to buy narcotics.  The total value is estimated at over $60,000.

The investigation began last week when the Newton Area Senior Lead Community Office received a complaint regarding excessive traffic and noise near a house in the Avalon area of Los Angeles.  Senior Lead Officers' investigation determined that a stolen property "fence" was likely operating at a residence at 347 West 47th Street.

Newton Area Burglary detectives placed the location under surveillance.  When it became apparent that narcotics were possibly begin exchanged for stolen propety, Narcotic Enforcement Detail joined in the investigation.   

On Friday, October 27, 2006, narcotic and burglary detectives while conducting their surveillance witnessed three separate incidents of people transporting suspicious merchandise to the location.  Subsequently the resident, Benjamin Gallaga, 63, was arrested for possession of stolen goods.  It is suspected the merchandise would later be sold at local swap meets.

The items recovered were stolen from vehicles, garages, and other locations in the community. Recovered property included: jewelry, coin collections, computers stolen from local area schools and miscellaneous electronic items.  Persons selling the stolen items were mostly transients attempting to raise money to buy drugs.

For information on the stolen property, contact Newton Area Burglary Detectives at 323-846-6579, Monday through Friday, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Transient Killed in Car Accident, Driver Flees Scene

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detectives are requesting the public's help in identifying a transient who was struck and killed by a car Sunday evening in the San Fernando Valley.  The vehicle's driver, who left the scene without stopping, is being sought.

On October 29, 2006, around 8:05 p.m., officers from Valley Traffic Division responded to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian traffic collision at the intersection of De Soto Avenue and Vanowen Street, in Winnetka. When police arrived, they found a transient who had been struck by a car.  The victim, a male Hispanic in his 50s, was hit while crossing Vanowen Street mid-block. 

The man was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics to Northridge Hospital, where he died from his injuries.  Witnesses stated that he was known to frequent the area of De Soto and Vanowen.

One witness to the accident saw the driver of a 2003 white Toyota Celica accelerate after impact, negotiate a quick right turn at the intersection and disappear.  The driver is wanted for Felony Hit and Run.  The vehicle was later located in the 6700 block of Cozycroft Avenue.  Attempts to contact the registered owner have not been successful.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Valley Traffic Division Detective Schiltz or Mann at 818-374-1930, during normal business hours.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the Valley Traffic Watch Commander at 818-756-8381.

Callers may remain anonymous.

Central Los Angeles Man Killed in Drive-by Gang Shooting

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police detectives are investigating the shooting death of a man who was gunned down Sunday evening in Central Los Angeles.

On October 29, 2006, at about 7:15 PM, Rampart patrol officers responded to a shooting call at 1823 South Orchard Avenue.  When police arrived, they found Freddy Saravia, 18, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics immediately transported Saravia to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The investigation revealed that two male Hispanics, driving a 4-door dark-colored car, drove up to Saravia and shot him several times in the upper body.  The suspects then fled the scene.  Both suspects and the weapon used in the shooting remain at large.  The motive appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Rampart Homicide Detective Jeffrey Breuer or Michael Arteaga at 213-207-2064, during business hours.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).

Callers may remain anonymous.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT SAFETY TIPS

A reminder to all those planning to have fun on Halloween Night.

Children should be cautioned to report any suspicious incidents immediately to a parent and/or police officer.

TRICK OR TREATING

A parent or adult should always accompany young children to the door of every home they approach. Do not permit the use of bicycles, roller-blades, or skateboards. Use flashlights with fresh batteries for better vision.  Enforce the use of reflective clothing.  Remain on well-lit streets and sidewalks. Never cut across yards or use alleys.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Drive slowly.  Always walk, do not run. Cross the street as a group in an established crosswalk. Do not use any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street.  Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, does not mean others will.

AFTER TRICK OR TREATING

All treats are to be thoroughly examined by adults. Discard candy if package already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy can be a choking hazard for young children. A good meal before trick-or-treating will discourage children from eating too many Halloween treats.

As a reminder, the use of Silly String is prohibited on Hollywood Boulevard on Halloween night.

Everyone have an enjoyable evening, but more importantly be safe. 

Man Murdered in South Los Angeles Gang Shooting

Los Angeles:   A 21-year-old man died Sunday after a gang-related shooting in the Exposition Park area of South Los Angeles.

On October 29, 2006, around 6:55 p.m., Southwest Area officers received a radio call of a shooting in the 1400 block of West Exposition Boulevard.  When the officers arrived, they found Richard Deon Jackson, 21, a male Black, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso.

Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and immediately transported the victim to a local hospital.  He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:23 p.m.

The investigation revealed that Jackson had been standing on the sidewalk in front of 1401 West Exposition Boulevard, when an unknown suspect approach on foot and fired numerous times.  Jackson fell to the ground.  The suspect then fled in an unknown direction.  The shooting is believed to be gang related.

Officers are requesting the public's assistance in solving this crime. Anyone with information is asked to phone Southwest Homicide Detective James Yoshida or Rick Gordon at 213-485-2418, during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).

Callers may remain anonymous.