LAPD Blog

Death Investigation – Apparent Suicide in Hollywood

 Los Angeles:  A man's body was found by family members after an apparent suicide last Monday, November 13, 2006, in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles.

Robert Nolan Truax, 82, who lived at 612 North Serrano Avenue, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  Investigators found a .38 caliber revolver at the scene.

"The coroner's investigator tried to make the weapon safe by unloading it, but he had a problem opening the cylinder," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.

Officer Cynthia Torres also tried to open the cylinder, which resulted in a round firing.

"Thankfully, Officer Torres had the weapon pointed in a relatively safe direction, away from any persons," Vernon added.  "We will be investigating the circumstances of the incident."

Officer Torres works out of the Hollywood Police Station.  Her partner and training officer was outside the home, attending to family members, when the gun went off.

Officer Torres is 30 years old and has been with LAPD for 14 months.

Robbery Suspect Caught on Surveillance Camera

 Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are requesting the public's help in identifying a suspect, who was caught on surveillance camera during a mid-day robbery on November 3, 2006, of a mini-market.

The robbery occurred at 2:30 P.M., at the Garibaldis Mini Market in the 3800 block of West Pico Boulevard.  The suspect approached the counter and pretended to purchase a bottle of lotion.  When the cashier opened the cash register, the suspect pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the cashier.  The suspect reached into the register and grabbed money.  He then demanded the cashier to remove a necklace and hand it over to him.  After taking the money and the necklace, the suspect ran out of the store.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, approximately 5 foot 8 inches tall, between 18 to 25 years old, wearing a long sleeve shirt with a logo of "Ruff Riders."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Webster Wong, Wilshire Robbery Section, at 213-922-8205.  On weekends and during off-hours call the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, (1-877-529-3855).

Drive- By Shooting Kills One

Los Angeles: 22-year-old Jesus Leon was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting in South Los Angeles.

On November 11, 2006, around 9:50 P.M., Southeast patrol officers were in the area of Manchester Avenue and Figueroa Street.  The officers heard several gunshots being fired nearby.  As they began to investigate, they saw a vehicle leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.  At the same time, the officers also saw a vehicle stopped in the driveway of a fast food restaurant.  This vehicle had sustained multiple gunshots.  The officers followed the suspect's car eastbound on Manchester Avenue to the northbound Harbor Freeway.  The suspects exited the freeway and subsequently collided with several vehicles at 76th Street and Grand Avenue.

Suspects Julio Santos,25, and Andy DaVilla ,24, were arrested and booked for Murder.

The investigation at the shooting scene revealed that three male Hispanics were driving eastbound when the suspects drove alongside their vehicle and began shooting at them. 

Jesus Leon was pronounced dead at the scene.  A second victim was transported to a local hospital with gunshot wounds.  He is expected to survive.  The motive appears to be gang related.                

Anyone with information is asked to call Southeast Homicide Detective Sal LaBarbera at 213-972-7816.  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.

Ricardo Lizarraga Elementary School

Today, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles Police Department, parents and students participated in naming an elementary school for the first time after a fallen Los Angeles Police Officer. 

On February 20, 2004, Officer Ricardo Lizarraga, 31 years old, along with partner Joel Ruiz, responded to the aid of a Domestic Violence victim, when they were confronted by Kendrick Johnson, a known gang member and convicted felon. Johnson produced a handgun and fired several rounds at the officers fatally wounding Lizarraga. 

At the naming ceremony, attendees celebrated Lizarraga's life and spirit.  Chief William Bratton spoke of Lizarraga's gift of "giving" to the community.  Lizarraga's widow, Joyce, expressed her appreciation for honoring her fallen husband and spoke of his motto, "Don't ever give up." Other speakers included, Ms. Veronica Moscoso, Principal, Mr. Marvin Horner, Assistant Principal, Councilwoman Jan Perry, Los Angeles City Council, 9th District, and members of the LA Unified School District, all who elegantly praised Officer Lizarraga. 

As important, if not heart warming where the thoughts expressed by several students in their speeches.  Giovanny Chavez, 5th Grade, expressed how police officers help the community. Ivonne Hipolito, 5th Grade, pointed out the importance of police officers.         

It was a special day that captured Officer Lizarraga's spirit and soul. 

Street Racing Claims Life of Elderly Man

Los Angeles: A hit and run driver, racing another vehicle, collided with a third vehicle whose driver died as a result of his injuries.

On Wednesday, November 1, 2024 around 4:15 p.m., a 1998 Ford Mustang and 2004 Dodge Neon were street racing southbound on Compton Avenue near 48th Place. 

The Mustang collided with the rear of 69-year-old Javier Ruiz's 2004 Toyota Corolla, sending it into the path of the speeding Neon, causing all three vehicles to spin out of control and crash.

Ruiz was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.  He succumbed to his injuries on November 15, 2006.

The driver of the Neon was treated for injuries and later released.

The hit and run driver is described as a male Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5'7", 19 to 20 years old.  He was driving a red 1998 Ford Mustang, convertible with white interior, California license 4AVJ028.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Central Traffic Division, Detective Felix Padilla or Detective Josephine Mapson at 213-972-1825 or 213-972-1853.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24 hour toll free at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-5293855)

Callers may remain anonymous.

LAPD Adds Podcasts to Web Site

Los Angeles:  Today, the Los Angeles Police Department unveiled audio podcasting as a part of its web site, LAPDOnline.org, and its blog.

The first podcast added was Police Chief William Bratton’s news conference yesterday, November 14, at which he addressed the recent spate of video-taped arrests.

"The technology has evolved from reading web pages, to two-way communication with the blog, and now visitors can actually listen to the spoken word," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "It's just an other example of the LAPD's commitment to maintain an open line of communication with the public it serves."

Internet visitors can access the LAPD's web sites at www.LAPDOnline.org and www.LAPDblog.org.

Violent Dog Dies After Charging Police

Los Angeles: An officer fired his weapon at a charging dog after attempts to subdue the animal with pepper spray and a taser proved unsuccessful.  The dog did not survive.

On Thursday, October 26, 2006, around 2:45 P.M., police responded to a vicious animal call in the 1800 block of Talmadge Street, in the Hollywood area.  A concerned citizen had phoned 9-1-1 after seeing a woman, who was walking her own dog in the neighborhood, being chased by two pit bulls.  When officers arrived, they encountered both aggressive animals.

As police attempted to secure the dogs behind a gate at 1871 Talmadge, one pit bull became increasingly violent.  Efforts to use pepper spray and a taser to control the animal did not succeed.  When the dog continued charging police, Officer Jaime Rousett, 34, 11 years with the Department, fired two rounds from his handgun, striking the dog both times.  Although hit, the dog continued to advance toward Officer Rousett and his partner.  Rousett fired again, hitting the dog twice in the body and once in the head.  The dog died at the scene.

Neither officer was injured in the incident.

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

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics November 14, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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

Crime Statistics November 14, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2006*          2005*         % Chg

Homicide                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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                                414              432              -4%
Rape                                       771              826              -7%
Robbery                              12,300         11,534               7%
Agg Assaults **                    12,459         13,599              -8%
Total Violent Crimes          25,944        26,391             -2%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              17,107           18,661            -8%
Auto Theft                          21,049           23.065            -9%
BTFV                                   25,392           28,493           -11%
Personal/Other Theft           23,930           26,668           -10%
Total Property Crimes        87,478         96,887          -10%
Total Part I Crimes           113,422       123,278           -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

Chief's Response to Daily News Article

I read with interest and some initial concern, Mariel Garza's column in the November 13, 2006, Daily News, "LA's an Armed Camp in Minds of its Police."  But I could not let some of Ms. Garza's points go without a comment, particularly when my staff's review of her assertions addressed my initial concerns.

One would expect a journalist, or in this case journalism students, be prepared for and understand how to ask for information they are entitled to from law enforcement organizations.  After much research and fact finding after the fact, it became clear; Garza's students were not prepared for this assignment.

For example, a management analyst who works in the Devonshire Area Crime Analysis Detail spent a great deal of time trying to help five of Garza's California State University Northridge students.  They asked for specific crime information under the "Freedom of Information Act," not the "California Public Records Act (CPRA)."  There is a difference; the Freedom of Information Act pertains to requests for federal records, and the CPRA deals with requests for information from state and local agencies.  According to the analyst, the students insisted they be given crime information under the Freedom of Information Act.   

Garza's column also did not explain that the CPRA requires that "access be immediate and allowed at all times."  However, "staff need not disrupt operations to allow immediate access, but a decision whether to grant access must be prompt."  One surely cannot expect a police division in the Valley that on average responds to over 700 calls for service in a week, handles over 300 crime and arrest reports in a week to drop everything when a student walks in and wants crime information and wants it now. 

That's why the LAPD goes to great lengths to make that information available through its Public Information Office, Media Relations Section and LAPDOnline.org.  In March, the Department re-launched its website with more information than ever before including weekly updates of citywide crime statistics and a new state of the art tool called LAPD Crime Maps.  It allows users, including college journalism students, the ability to find out exactly what crimes are happening, when and where in the city.  Reporters should be encouraged to utilize the resources already available to them.  If it is crime blotter information they want, that information is routinely provided to local newspapers by the area police stations through their Crime Analysis Units.  The LAPD's Records and Identification Division routinely provides a crime blotter service to news agencies. 

When some of the students did reach out to the Department's Media Relations Section, they did not, as Ms. Garza claims, ask for crime blotter information.    One student in particular wanted a copy of a watch commander's log, which is not the same as crime blotter information.  When an officer asked her what day and what shift, the student didn't know.  She was asked to be more specific and please send her request to Media Relations in an e-mail.  She never did.  Watch commander logs are not considered public records because they contain communications between the shift supervisor and that particular police station's captain.  Since the logs may contain confidential information, like a victim's personal phone number, such documents are not de facto public information.  I'm sure the public would expect the Department to protect confidential information and not release it to inquiring news reporters or journalism students.

The Department works with dozens of different reporters every day.  Many have a misconception about the CPRA and how to use it to get information.  In 95% of the requests, reporters don't need to invoke the CPRA; we're more than happy to help them get their information.  But when they do invoke it, specific protocols are followed and the Department's Discovery Unit ultimately decides which CPRA request can be honored.

Ask any police-beat reporter how often they need to invoke CPRA to get information -- their answer will likely be, rarely.  Being a good reporter means knowing what information one is entitled to, finding and relying on sources and contacts to get information, as well as learning how to utilize the Department's website for crime statistics.  It also means having a clear understanding of the difference between the Freedom of Information Act and the California Public Records Act.  That's a lesson that hopefully Garza will teach her students.  I offer the services of my staff to help Garza's students learn how to work with the Department to get the information they need, understand what information is already available to the public, and how to access it.

WILLIAM J. BRATTON
Chief of Police

Chief Bratton Speaks Regarding Video-Taped Arrests

Welcome Podcast Message

Chief's News Conference - November 14, 2024

Los Angeles:  Following is a synopsis of Chief Bratton's comments given at today's news conference regarding recent arrests by LAPD that were video-taped and shown on local and national television stations:

Media and public attention have been focused on two separate arrests and non-categorical uses of force (UOF) by Los Angeles Police officers, both of which had portions of the arrest process video-taped by non-involved members of the public. 

The first incident, occurring in our Hollywood Division on August 11, 2006, involved the arrest of William Cardenas, by two Los Angeles Police officers.  Cardenas is currently being held in jail awaiting trial on charges of resisting arrest and gang enhancement. 

Video-taped portions of that arrest have been repeatedly played on various media outlets.  The Department's Force Investigation Division is in the early stages of criminal and administrative investigations of that arrest and UOF.  These investigations are being monitored by the Inspector General and by the Federal Consent Decree Monitor. 

We will also cooperate with our colleagues in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  As is their practice in high-profile use of force cases, they have opened a case folder for this incident. 

The second incident, which was reported in the media today, involved the arrest of Mr. Benjamin Barker on February 8, 2005, on Venice Beach in our Pacific Division. He was initially charged with Battery on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Disturbing the Peace, Vandalism and Interfering with a Lawful Business.   

Both the Inspector General and the Federal Monitor have been monitoring the Venice Beach incident since August 2005, when the Federal Monitor was presented a copy of a video-tape that was taken at the time of the incident by a non-involved bystander.   I was first made aware of the video and the incident at that time and ordered the Department's Professional Standards Bureau to initiate a dual administrative/criminal investigation of that incident.   Both the administrative and criminal investigations have been completed. The Los Angeles District Attorney declined to file any criminal charges against the officers involved in Barker's arrest. 

The entire District Attorney's review has been provided to the media. Let me read just a portion of the District Attorney's conclusion:

Examination of the video-tape clearly shows that Officers David Guiterman, Victor Eguez, and Peggy Thusing did not use excessive force upon Benjamin Barker, nor did they assault him under color of authority. The officers showed remarkable restraint and demonstrated professional courtesy toward Barker despite his belligerent, threatening, and combative behavior. Barker's words and actions were resistive and obstructive. He kicked at Officer Thusing, lunged toward Sergeant Burrus, and battered Officer Guiterman by spitting on him. Barker spat inside the police car and then vandalized it during transportation to jail. The officers used that degree of force necessary to restrain Barker and maintain custody of him. 

In addition, we find that Sergeant Burrus' and Officer Guiterman's initial report of Benjamin Barker's position when the OC spray was administered was a product of mistaken recollection and not intentional misstatements of material fact.

I am currently reviewing the administrative investigation prior to a formal determination being made.  The video-tape of the Venice Beach incident has not been made public but has been shown to selective members of the media by the defense attorney representing Mr. Barker.

As Chief of the Police for the Los Angeles Police Department, I am committed to conducting the Department's duties in a transparent manner at all times. I am limited to what I can say because of prevailing federal and state laws, guidelines, and the advice I am given by our City Attorney so as to safeguard the legal and constitutional rights of both the public and our Department personnel.

In addition, while conducting my investigations, I must also adhere to other rulings, unlike the media, the public and advocates who are not precluded from rendering judgments or basing decisions on excerpts or personal opinions. 

Policing sometimes requires that force be used, but let's put it into perspective.  In Graham v. Conner (1989) the Courts have said, when police use force, the force must be objectively reasonable, with respect to the facts and circumstances the officer is facing, and without 20/20 hindsight.

The reasonableness of UOF must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer at the scene and its calculus must embody an allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split second decisions about the amount of force necessary in a particular situation.

Also, what must be considered are the severity of the crime, the immediacy of the threat to the safety of the officers or others, whether the suspect is resisting arrest, or attempting to evade arrest by running away.

I reference these decisions and some of their language to reinforce that I cannot make snap judgments based solely on videos or portions of videos.  I must engage in a comprehensive and usually frustratingly long, multiple investigative process that is strictly governed by the laws I have referenced; and in the case of the LAPD, by the Federal Consent Decree. 

There is no government agency in America that has more policies, procedures, guidelines, and independent oversight with respect to use of force than the LAPD.   Our investigative process with all its limitations has been shaped by events and mistakes of the past and corrected to shape the actions of the present and future.

LAPD policy does permit officers to use less than lethal tools to help them control an uncooperative or aggressive and/or combative suspect.  Officers are trained to gain initial control of a suspect through advice, warning, or persuasion.  Sometimes the use of physical force is necessary.

Pepper Spray can be used to overcome and control a suspect's uncooperative actions when verbalization is unsuccessful and the officer reasonably believes, and can articulate why, approaching the suspect would escalate the incident to a higher level of force or result in injury to the officers or the suspect.   The primary objective of the application of force is to gain control of a suspect through the use of reasonable force.   

While police officers are authorized to use force to "overcome" resistance, the reality is that LAPD officers show great restraint. Each year, officers of this Department have over a million contacts. In 2005, we made nearly 160,000 arrests, yet the number of categorical and non-categorical uses of force have been declining.

We are a Department that is committed to going where the truth takes us, no matter how painful or disturbing that truth might be.   I would support and encourage that the public and media be vigilant but also be mindful that we cannot rush to judgment. I will not, as you should not.

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

Mayor Villaraigosa Challenges Angelenos To Serve Los Angeles One Community At A Time

Mayor Villaraigosa cleans up the area surrounding the famous Watts Towers by pressure washing graffiti off the sidewalk and announces his 12th Day of Service, to take place in the community of Watts, challenging Angelenos to serve the City of Los Angeles one community at a time.

For more of Mayor Villaraigosa Challenges, please click here--> Download press_release_watts_day_of_service.pdf

Police Seek Public's Help in Capturing Gunman

Los Angeles: Police are asking for the public's help in capturing a gunman who shot and killed 45-year-old Edgar Maldonado in Sun Valley.

According to investigators, the victim was discovered lying face down shortly after midnight on the corner of San Fernando Road and Tuxford Street.  He had been shot to death. An unidentified citizen told authorities that he saw the victim and another man fighting down the road. 

The shooter was described as a male Hispanic, 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighing 180 pounds.  It is possible that he was carrying the victim's backpack. 

Police have not determined a motive and have very few leads.                                    

Anyone with information is asked to call Foothill Homicide Detectives Charles Lenane and Margaret Brownell at 818-834-3115.  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.

Victim of Felony Hit and Run Dies

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives are requesting the public's help in identifying the driver of a car who struck a woman near Dockweiler State Beach.

On October 27, 2006, around 3:55 A.M., Guadalupe Santana, a 78-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was crossing Vista Del Mar near Sandpiper Street, when a car travelling northbound struck her.  The driver continued northbound on Vista Del Mar failing to render aid as required by law.

Santana was transported by paramedics to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in critical condition.  On November 10, 2006, she died from her injuries.

The hit and run car was described as a 1989 to 1993 Toyota Celica with front end damage. The car also had a missing left turn signal lens and light frame.

Anyone with information is asked to phone West Traffic Division Detective Davis at 213-473-0227, during normal business hours.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877 LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Police Force, in Color

   by Greg Meyer

    The Hollywood Division officers "caught on tape" in a use of force incident provide the latest example of public outrage over police use of force.  Although the public and the media want immediate answers, it will be awhile before anyone can provide an objective analysis of the entire event.

    The increasing proliferation of video cameras guarantees that more and more police incidents will be captured.  So it seems to me to be useful to attempt to provide some context about how such incidents are analyzed.  For the past 17 years, I've worked as an expert witness on civil and criminal use of force cases around this country, usually in favor of the police, sometimes not, and some with video, some not. 

    The truth almost always lies deeper than the video.

    Many are tempted to pass judgment on the basis of a shocking video.  "It speaks for itself, the police beat this guy for no reason," many would say (and have already said in this case).  We have the usual outraged headlines and outraged Southern California ACLU judgment before the facts are in, and we have the usual outraged attorney with dollar signs rolling in his eyes.  All of that is par for the course.

    Regardless of the eventual analysis when all the facts are included, there are a few glaringly obvious facts about this video.

    First of all, there is not just one video.  There are three videos of this incident posted on YouTube.  One is 19 seconds long.  One is five seconds long.  One is one second short.  They each capture a different part of the incident.

    The videos were captured via someone's cellphone camcorder.  You should wonder (I do) about why the two shorter videos published on YouTube are so short.  And you should wonder why the longer video suddenly stopped just as the suspect's right hand was approaching the gun holster of one of the officers.  Were the videos edited to someone's advantage?  Or was it just the luck of the draw and the vagaries of an amateur pushing buttons on the cellphone?  We would all be better off if entire incidents were captured, but we rarely have that luxury.   Still, it's important to note that such videos don't capture the point of view of the officer involved in the heat of the incident.

    Second, newspapers have published excerpts of the officers' own report of the arrest, in which they admit hitting the suspect in the head after describing the suspect's alleged resistance to arrest.  It's very clear watching these videos that the officers are attempting to handcuff the suspect (one cuff is already on one wrist), but the suspect is not allowing that to happen.   

    Third, it is very interesting that the court commissioner who looked at the video (which was recorded in August) refused to dismiss the criminal case against the suspect, and stated, "The issue here is not whether the officers had to use force. The question is whether or not the defendant used force in resisting the lawful arrest, and I find that he did resist, using force."

    The fact-finding missions by the internal affairs processes of the Los Angeles Police Department will play out, as will the investigation by the FBI, as will the criminal court case involving the suspect, as will the suspect's forthcoming lawsuit.  It will be quite awhile before all the facts and opinions are in about whether the officers acted reasonably or not.

    Use of force by police in this country for the past 17 years has been judged by Graham v. Connor [490 U.S. 386, 109 S.Ct. 1865 (1989)].  Very few citizens have had the opportunity to sit in judgment, whether criminal or civil, in police use of force cases.  There aren't that many criminal cases brought (cops, after all, are the only ones that society gives authority to use force proactively), and the civil suits are most often settled or dismissed before trial.

    When there is a trial, what jurors wrestle with are the requirements set forth by the Graham case.  When police must use force, the Court says, the force must be "objectively reasonable" with respect to the facts and circumstances the officer is facing, and without 20/20 hindsight.

    The court decided that, "The ‘reasonableness' of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, and its calculus must embody an allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second decisions about the amount of force necessary in a particular situation."  Also what must be considered are the severity of the crime, the immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others, whether the suspect is resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.

    The list of facts to be considered is lengthy, but its highlights include: the number of suspects and officers involved; the size, age and condition of the suspect; the known or perceived fighting ability of the suspect; the duration of the action; the experience level of the officers; the distance from the officers to the suspect; and the weapons (including the officers weapons) in the immediate vicinity of the suspect.

    Law enforcement officers are unique in society because they are permitted by law to use physical force to compel others to do their bidding.  Officers intervene in a variety of urgent, unpredictable situations, and their mission is to keep the peace or to restore it.  This awesome power must be wielded sparingly in a democratic society.  The public rightly holds public administrators, including police officials, responsive to public preferences and demands.  When officers use force they must do so to control a situation, not to punish an offender.

    Use of force by police naturally upsets onlookers across the street as well as viewers of the six o'clock news.  Conditioned by fictional media depictions of sanitized violence on one hand and fantastic "megaviolence" on the other, most people have no frame of reference other than personal emotions to evaluate an incident.  The average viewer has little or no experience with real violence and the chaos that typically surrounds it.

    People tend not to understand even legitimate use-of-force incident dynamics; people are repulsed when they see force applied to a fellow human being.   But force is used in relatively small percentages of police confrontations, and people should not be surprised or offended that police must occasionally use force.

    Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are right to express concern about the Hollywood incident because the incident is obviously of concern to the public.  But the Chief and the Mayor are also right to withhold judgment until the various investigations play out.

    The public—and the media—would do well to listen to them.

Greg Meyer retired in May as a captain at the Los Angeles Police Academy.  He is a member of the National Advisory Board of the Force Science Research Center, and a speaker and expert witness throughout the country on law enforcement use of force.

GPS Catches Sex Offender On School Property

Los Angeles: A Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) has led to the arrest of a high-risk sex offender who trespassed on an elementary school campus yesterday in violation of his parole.

Ronald Bryant, 37, was taken into custody Friday, November 10,2006. Bryant is a high-risk sex offender who is monitored with an electronic ankle bracelet, which is part of the Veritracks GPS system. A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer working out of the Real Time Analysis and Critical Response Division (RACR) was monitoring the system when he noticed Bryant had walked onto the Parmelee Avenue Elementary School campus at 1338 East 76th Place.

Bryant was tracked onto the campus just before 10:00 A.M. and then left 15 minutes later, a clear violation of his special conditions of parole. Bryant’s State parole agent was contacted and notified of the violation. Police continued to track Bryant to a motel in South Gate where he currently lives. With the help of the South Gate Police Department, Bryant was taken into custody.

The LAPD was selected by the State Parole Department to conduct a pilot program of the Veritracks monitoring system. Since June, LAPD RACR Division officers have been using the system to track high risk sex offenders in Los Angeles Area.

Anyone with questions or information is asked to call Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Van Nuys Man Shot in Dispute

Los Angeles: William Miller, 22, of Van Nuys was shot when a man opened fire on him during a dispute in the 14000 block of Oxnard Street.

Investigators are still trying to determine what led up to the shooting that occurred around 7:30 P.M. on the sidewalk at a nearby a liquor store. Detectives believe Miller was involved in an argument with another man.  The man became angry, pulled out a handgun and shot Miller.  It is not clear what the two men were arguing about.

Police described the gunman as Hispanic.  Detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying and capturing the man.

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys Homicide Detectives Angel Lopez or James Nuttall at 818-374-0040.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Man Shot in the Back as He Walks Away

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detectives are seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect responsible for the shooting death of 43-year-old Arnulfo Ramon Guevara in the 300 block of West 82nd Street.

On Saturday, November 11, 2006, at around 10:10 A.M., Guevara was walking into the driveway when a male Black suspect in dark clothing and a hooded sweatshirt engaged him in a conversation.  For no apparent reason, the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Guevara multiple times in the back as he was walking away.  The suspect then ran from the scene.

The victim was taken to local hospital where he failed to respond to treatment and was pronounced dead. The suspect and weapon are still outstanding.  The motive for this crime is unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 77th Street Homicide Detectives Joseph Chavez or Matthew Gares at 213-485-1383.  After hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855). Callers may remain anonymous.

Man Shot in Dispute

Los Angeles: Jacque Eugene Nelson, 38, a resident of Los Angeles was shot when a man opened fire on him during a dispute in the 1400 block of West 49th Street.

On November 11, 2006, at around 1:15 P.M., Nelson was heard and seen having a dispute with an unknown male Black. Nelson was heard telling the suspect “I’m not afraid of your bullets.”  Several minutes later, gunshots were heard.  Nelson was discovered on the sidewalk in front of 1406 West 49th Street with gunshot wounds.  A male Black was seen exiting the north/south alley next to 1411 West 49th Street.

Nelson was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. It is sill undetermined what the argument between the victim and suspect was about.  The weapon and suspect are still outstanding.

Detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying and capturing the man.

Anyone with information is asked to call 77th Homicide Detectives Armando Bernal or David Craig at 213-485-1383.  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.

Man Shot in Courtyard

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police detectives are investigating the shooting death of 26-year-old Vincent Perdue.

On November 11, 2006, around 4:45 P.M., Purdue was walking in the courtyard at 2300 South Victoria Avenue.  Unknown suspect or suspects fired multiple gunshots at the victim.  Purdue was struck once in the torso and collapsed.

Paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The public's help is requested in solving this murder.  Anyone with information is asked to call Southwest Homicide Detectives Young Mun or John Richardson at 213-485-2417 during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hur toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855). Callers may remain anonymous.