LAPD Blog

A Dark Day

To the students, faculty, parents, law enforcement personnel, and everyone associated with Virginia Tech University our deepest sympathies and condolences.  Although it will take some time there is no doubt that as an institution of higher learning and producer of leaders you will emerge from this dark event.  To quote Abraham Lincoln, "A house divided against itself cannot stand...Our cause must be in trusted to, and conducted by its own undoubted friends  -  whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work - who do care for the result."  Go Hookies.....

Lieutenant De La Torre
Public Communications Section
Los Angeles Police Department

Man Shot and Killed in Lincoln Heights

Los Angeles: The police department is seeking the public's help in finding a suspect responsible for the murder of Shurnell West, 25, of Los Angeles.

On April 14, 2007, around 4:20 a.m., West was patronizing the EL Michoacan Mexican Restaurant on the corner of Avenue 19 and North Broadway, and just entered a vehicle parked in front of the restaurant.

The suspects, in a blue van, drove into the parking lot and fired numerous rounds, striking West in the upper torso. Friends of the victim rushed West to the hospital where he later died. His friends were not injured in the shooting.

The van used in the commission of the crime was later recovered by police. The driver, Anthony Angiano, 30, of San Diego, was arrested and charged with murder.

The second suspect, believed to be the shooter, was a male Hispanic in his early 20s, light complexion, short hair, wearing a long sleeve shirt with red flames on the sleeves.

The motive of the shooting appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Hollenbeck Area Homicide Detective Ruiz or Phillips at 323-526-3008. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Notes from the April 17, 2025 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•414 recruits are currently training in the Academy.

•We have surpassed our recruitment goals of 50 recruits per month.  In January we had 70, in February we had 71, in March we had 67, and in April we had 65 recruits.

•Over 80 candidates were tested on-site at last weekend's successful women's recruitment seminar at the Elysian Training Facility.

•On Monday, the Department conducted the first of what is hoped to become an annual inspection of bicycle patrol officers.  Over 250 officers were present.  After the inspection, the officers participated in a Pride Ride followed by various competitions between LAPD and over 20 other local agencies.

•At next week's Commission meeting, Chief Bratton will present a report on LAPD's youth activities, including the Explorer Program.  Other presentations in the coming weeks include the new Video Taser device currently being tested and a modified Academy training program designed to help give cadets experience in the field sooner in their training periods.

•The public is invited to attend and participate in the hearing pertaining to Chief Bratton's request for reappointment.  The hearing will take place on Monday, April 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Department of Water and Power Auditorium at 111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, California, 90012.

•The Inspector General welcomes Special Investigator II Teresa Magula, who begins her new position today.

•Police Commission Executive Director Richard Tefank and all 5 Commissioners said goodbye to Senior Management Analyst II Saul Romo, who is leaving to join the Fire Department. 

•The Department's report in response to City Council motion CF #07-184 relative to providing awareness to parents and young adults about the dangers of Flyer Parties was unanimously approved. 

•The Department's report in response to City Council motion CF #06-125 relative to decriminalizing the registration process by hotel and motel workers was continued three weeks for modification and expansion of the report.

•The Department's report in response to City Council motion CF #06-1185 relative to prohibiting the improper disposal of guns and ammunitions was unanimously approved.

•The Department's report in response to a Board request, relative to Professional Standards Bureau protocol on racial profiling investigations was continued one week for modification to the report.

•The Department's report relative to the Audit Recommendation Status Report, Fourth Quarter 2006, in accordance with Paragraph 154 of the Consent Decree was continued one week for modification to the report.

•The Department's report, in response to Board query, relative to consultation with the District Attorney's Office and City Attorney's Office regarding the “Second Look” policy was unanimously approved.

•The Department's report, in response to Board query, relative to the Adjudication of Categorical Use of Force Incidents - Completion of Training Monthly Status Report was unanimously approved. 

•The Department's report, relative to the Activity Report for the month of February 2007 was unanimously approved.

•The Department's report, in response to Board request, relative to changes to the College Tuition Reimbursement Program, was unanimously approved. 

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics April 14, 2007

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               102              122              -16%
Rape                                     190               259              -27%
Robbery                               3805             3921              -3%
Agg Assaults **                     3477             3730              -7%
Total Violent Crimes          7,574           8,032             -6%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                5,405            5,630            -4%
Auto Theft                            6,799            7,043            -4%
BTFV                                     9,024            8,787             3%
Personal/Other Theft             7,337            7,840            -6%
Total Property Crimes        28,565        29,300             -3%
Total Part I Crimes             36,139        37,332             -3%

* Both 2007 and 2006 crime categories represent Year-To-Date figures.  The 2006 figures are not annual totals. 

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

Gangmember Fires on Officers

Los Angeles: A man riding a skateboard fired at two Los Angeles police officers Saturday night, April 14, 2007, after the officers stopped to speak with him.

Both officers returned fire, striking 30-year-old Javier Orantez Chavez, who died at the scene.

The incident occurred in the 3600 block of 30th Street around 8:40 PM.

Police officers Auston Price, 44, and his partner, Joseph Goosby, 29, assigned to Metropolitan Division were patrolling the area due to recent incidents of violence between the Rolling 30's gang and the Black P-Stones gang.

As the officers stopped their police car, Chavez jumped off his skateboard and ran between two houses. The officers followed on foot, but as they turned a corner Chavez fired at them.

After returning fire, the officers approached and found the gunman on the ground with a .357 Magnum revolver lying nearby. Paramedics pronounced Chavez dead at the scene.

Neither officer was injured in the exchange of gunfire.

During the autopsy Monday, detectives learned Chavez had been shot sometime in the past as X-rays of a healed wound showed a bullet still lodged in his right leg. Chavez's knuckles bore tattoos spelling out his gang, "MSX3," indicative of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, known also as MS-13.

In addition to the revolver, investigators found an expensive digital camera next to Chavez's body. "Our initial impressions are that the camera may have been stolen from a car or home nearby," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "Chavez has a record for burglary."

During the autopsy, examiners found Chavez was wearing a gun holster under his shirt, and possessed  extra ammunition.

This incident marked the eighth time suspects have fired at LAPD officers this year, and it was the 21st officer-involved shooting to date. In all but four of the 21 officer-involved shootings, suspects have either pointed or fired guns at officers. Of the other four incidents, officers were attacked with knives twice, a metal bar, and an officer's baton. Two officers have been wounded this year by gunmen.

Police Seek Murder Suspect

Los Angeles: The police department is seeking the public's help in finding Joe Gutierrez, 19, of Panorama City.  He is wanted for the murder of a Pacoima man, which occurred on Sunday evening.

On April 15, 2007, at about 5:00 p.m., Alejandro Montalvo, 18, and a 20-year-old friend were driving in the 9700 block of Telfair Avenue.  A silver SUV drove alongside Montalvo's car and one of the occupants fired several rounds.  Montalvo was struck on the chest, while his friend escaped injury.  The friend drove Montalvo to a local hospital where he later died.

Witnesses at the scene identified Gutierrez as the shooter. 

Anyone with information regarding Joe Guitierrez' whereabouts is urged to contact Foothill Area Homicide, Detective Santana, M at 818-834-3110.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Police Arrest Three Murder Suspects After Lengthy Vehicle Pursuit

Los Angeles: Three men were arrested for murder Sunday after leading police officers on an extended pursuit in the San Fernando Valley.

On April 15, 2007, around 5:25 P.M., Van Nuys patrol officers were dispatched to a shooting call in the 14900 block of Vanowen Street, in Van Nuys. The victim, Manuel Ramirez Lopez, 18, of Reseda, was walking near a Department of Motor Vehicles parking lot when he was approached by three Hispanic men in a green Honda. The suspects asked the victim his gang affiliation. When Lopez denied that he was a member of a gang, the suspects exited their vehicle and assaulted him.

During the altercation, one of the suspects pulled a gun and fired at least one round, striking Lopez in the upper torso. The suspects got back in their car and sped away. Paramedics responded and rushed Lopez to Holy Cross Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

As the suspects drove from the scene, they were seen by patrol officers who had just heard the crime broadcast. An extended vehicle pursuit ensued. At one point, one of the suspects, a 16-year-old juvenile, jumped from the car and led responding officers on a short foot pursuit. While running, the  juvenile threw a handgun and t-shirt into a trash can. The suspect eventually fell and was taken into custody without further incident. The gun was recovered.

The two remaining suspects became involved in a traffic collision at Terra Bella Street and Arleta Avenue, in Pacoima. Christian Soto, 19, and Jose Hernandez, 19, both of Van Nuys, were arrested.

The motive for the shooting is believed to be gang-related.  The victim was not a known member of a gang.

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-374-0040, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, phone the Van Nuys Watch Commander at 818-374-9500.

2 Unrelated Shootings in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  On Sunday, April 15, 2025 two residents of Los Angeles, died within hours of each other in two unrelated shootings.

The first shooting occurred just before 1:00 A.M., in the 5800 block of Crenshaw Boulevard.  Marquise Alexander, 22, was standing in the Shell’s Gas Station parking lot with a group of friends when an unknown suspect fired a gunshot into the group, hitting Marquise in the head. Marquise was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The second shooting occurred a short time after 4:00 A.M., in the 2300 block of West 54th Street.  Mark Webster, 22, and a friend were standing in front of location when an unknown suspect(s) in a dark vehicle, fired multiple gunshots striking Webster, who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

In both shootings the motive is unknown and the suspect(s) and weapon(s) are outstanding.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Bureau Homicide detectives Joe Chavez, Mathew Gares, Ted Hammond, Tracy McClananhan or Vivian Martin at 213-485-1385.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Bicycle Officer Inspection

This morning saw the first of what is hoped to become an annual tradition: the Citywide Bicycle Officer Inspection at the Elysian Park Academy Field.  At 8:00 A.M., Chief Bratton, Assistant Chiefs Jim McDonnell and Earl Paysinger and other ranking officers, as well as Los Angeles Police Foundation President Karen Oleon Wagener, inspected officers assigned to the various Bike Patrol Units in the Los Angeles Police Department', approximately 250.  Chief Bratton addressed the officers immediately following the successful inspection, describing his pride for what he called an "essential component" of the Department. A long-time supporter of bicycle patrol units, the Chief pledged to grow and expand the unit during his administration.  He cited the efficiency of bicycle policing as one of its many advantages to the Department, and to our communities.

Assistant Chief McDonnell introduced Officer Craig White, Pacific Area who trained many of the bicycle officers.  On the eve of his retirement at the end of the month, Officer White referred to bike unit officers as having "the best job possible in the Department."

Assistant Chief Paysinger remarked on the health benefits to the bike officer.  He complimented the gathered men and women and stated they sent a powerful message to the community in terms of police presence and visibility.

After the inspection, the officers participated in a "Pride Ride" to Parker Center and returned to Elysian Park Academy for a day of races and competition with police bicycle officers from more than thirty invited Los Angeles and Orange County Police Agencies. 

Man Soliciting Nannies at Local Park

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who has solicited at least two women to buy babies in their care. Both incidents occurred this week near the swing area of Genesta Park in Encino. 

One nanny, who was approached, reported both incidents to police on April 11, 2007.  In the first occurrence, a man in his 40s approached her at the park around 2:30 PM on April 9.  He offered to buy the baby she was watching, but the woman declined.

The next day, April 10, the same nanny saw the same man approach another nanny who was caring for a baby.  After the man left, the first nanny approached the second and asked her what the man wanted.  The woman confirmed that he offered to buy her baby.

"This type of behavior is quite unusual," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "We'd like to identify this man as quickly as possible, and we'd also like the second nanny, or any other person who has had a similar contact, to call police."

The man, in his 40s, is White with blue eyes.  He is bald and stands about 5 feet 7 inches.  He was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans. 

Parents are encouraged to question their children's nannies about any similar contacts and report it to police.

Anyone recognizing this suspect in the park should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Detectives are interviewing the nanny to create a composite sketch, which will be released as soon as it is available.

Persons with information should call Detective Moses Castillo, Juvenile Division, at 213-485-4220.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).