LAPD Blog

Beanbag Rounds Subdue Suspect

Los Angeles: A possible attempt murder suspect led officers on a foot pursuit and failed to comply with commands, was taken into custody after being shot with multiple beanbag rounds.

On March 8, 2007, at about 4:20 PM, Northeast Division patrol officers were in the area of Avenue 63 and Arroyo Glen Street when they  saw a male Hispanic whom they believed to be the possible suspect from a shooting, which occurred a few minutes earlier.  The suspect ran from the officers and onto the roof of a shed to the rear of 206 South Avenue 63.  The suspect ignored the officers' repeated commands to come down from the roof and continued to keep his right hand in his waistband area. 

Officers deployed beanbag shotguns and as the suspect moved about the roof, one of the officers fired one round, striking his left eye.  The suspect continued to ignore officers' commands and jumped from rooftop to rooftop of neighboring residences.  Officers fired additional rounds until the suspect finally was subdued.

Paramedics responded to the location and treated the suspect at the scene.  The suspect was excluded as the shooter by the witnesses. However, he was arrested for possession of controlled substance.

The suspect has been identified as a 16-year-old juvenile, a resident of Highland Park. 

Officer Craig Orange, 44, 11 years and 5 months veteran of the LAPD and Officer Mario Jacinto, 28, 4 years and 9 months with the Department, were involved in the beanbag shooting.

No officers were injured.

Gunman Fires at Vice Officers

Los Angeles: Two Los Angeles police officers working undercover were fired upon while they were conducting an operation in and around the Wyvenwood Housing Development.

On March 7, 2007, at about 10:20 PM, Detective Gabriel Barboza and Werner Flores were in an unmarked police vehicle southbound on Grande Vista from 8th Street when they saw a Hispanic suspect flashing gang signs. As the officers passed Lydia Drive, the suspect pulled out a handgun from his waistband and fired at the officers' vehicle.

The officers returned fire, but the suspect ran into a nearby apartment.

Responding officers surrounded the apartment and captured the suspect without further incident. Robbery-Homicide Detectives responded and assisted with the follow-up investigation. A search warrant was prepared and served leading to the recovery of evidence linking Espinoza to the crime.

Neither the officers, nor the suspect were injured.

The suspect has been identified as Benjamin Espinoza, 20, of Los Angeles.  He was booked for Attempt Murder on a Police Officer.

Detective Gabriel Barboza, 44, has 18 years with the LAPD.  Officer Werner Flores, 31, has 10 years with the Department.

Man Barricaded in Long Beach Surrenders

Los Angeles: A Long Beach man, suspected of killing his friend, barricaded himself for three hours inside his home, before surrendering yesterday.

On March 8, 2007, a family member of 22-year-old, Edward Scaroni told investigators that he was responsible for murdering Daniel Urenda, 23, whose body was left in a garage in the 900 block of North Lagoon Avenue in Wilmington.

According to investigators, Urenda was shot and killed between March 4 and March 8, 2007. His body was taken to the medical examiner's office.

The suspect who has a history of mental illness, told police he was upset over a disagreement between him and the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harbor Division homicide detectives Sid Rodriguez or James Perkins at 310-522-2036. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Activation of New Photo Red Light

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department today announced the activation of a Photo Red Light (PRL) system at the intersection of Vernon Avenue and Broadway.  This is the activation of the third intersection in Operations-Central Bureau (11th in the City) with new Photo Red Light (PRL) monitoring systems, which record vehicle license plates that run red lights.  In the near future, 21 additional locations will be outfitted with comparable machinery, totaling 32 intersections Citywide.

In June 2005, the City's PRL contract was not renewed after many years because of poor quality of photographs.  In November 2005, the City Council approved the contract with a new vendor, Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc.  The new system will be an improvement over the former system. 

The dual-digital video camera system will record violators as they approach and travel through an intersection, after the light has changed to red.  The license plate will be photographed from the front and rear.  It is with the rear-facing camera that officers anticipate will increase the likelihood of convictions.

The digital video system will record 30 still frames per second for each violation, allowing a greater opportunity to get a clear photograph of the driver.

The new system has added features like the ability to monitor and adjust the equipment remotely via a satellite.  It will also provide live photographs from the intersection during a breaking emergency.

A sergeant and four officers will be assigned full time to administer the program.  They will use a laptop computer in court to present the digital evidence during disputed cases.

Media inquiries regarding this system may be referred to Sergeant Matthew MacWillie, Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-847-1705.

A list of the current and former Photo Red Light intersections is available from Media Relations Section, upon request.

Local Capture of Top-10 Gangster

Los Angeles:  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police Chief William Bratton announced the capture of 43-year-old Kody Dejohn Scott, also known as "Monster Kody," who was listed as one of LAPD's most wanted gang members.  Scott is the third most-wanted gang member captured since the list was created February 8, 2007.

"Scott's capture is significant for two reasons," said Chief Bratton. "First, he was arrested locally, by LAPD gang officers, unlike the other two captures that occurred outside the US, and second, his capture was the result of a public tip."

That tip was called into police yesterday afternoon, March 7, 2007, by concerned persons who knew Scott was in the area of 7600 block of Brighton Street in the Florence area.  Uniformed and plain-clothes officers from the 77th Street and other South Bureau police stations converged on the home and waited for Scott to show.

"Scott has a reputation for running and fighting," said lead Detective Bill Mixer.  "We went to great lengths to contain the area and safeguard the neighborhood, especially the school down the street."

After approximately 30 minutes, officers recognized Scott when he appeared on a bicycle, wearing a disguise of a skull cap with two braids attached to cover his distinctive shaved head.  He made a half-hearted attempt to escape until he realized he was surrounded and gave up without a fight.

Scott was placed on the most-wanted list for a vicious robbery last December 12th, during which he broke into a man's home and beat him so badly, the man needed facial re-constructive surgery.  The motive for the crime was to steal the victim's car.

At 43, Scott has been in and out of prison for 26 years of his life. He is still on parole for a 1990 robbery, but has never completed his sentence due to frequent parole violations.   Scott is a self-proclaimed founder of the 83 (8-Trey) Gangster Crips, a notorious criminal street gang in South Los Angeles.

Valley Gang Member Added to Most Wanted List

Los Angeles:  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police William J. Bratton announced the addition of another gang member to the LAPD's Ten Most Wanted Gang Member list, 24-year-old Rudy Angel Magaña.

Magaña is wanted for the January 20, 2007, pre-meditated murder of Armando Vera, who was the father of Magaña's 2-year-old nephew.  Magaña is a member of the Compton Tortilla Flat gang and is on parole for a prior robbery and carjacking conviction.  He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Magaña was living with his sister at an apartment, located at the 9500 block of Van Nuys Boulevard.  The sister was separated from the Vera, who arrived to pick up the child for a visitation.  Magaña confronted Vera over an apparent insult against Magaña's sister.  During the argument, Magaña shot Vera in the chest, killing him.

Magaña grew up in Compton, where he joined the Compton Tortilla Flat gang. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Gene Parshall at 818-838-9954.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Parolee Linked to Cold-Case Murder

Los Angeles: Detectives from LAPD's Cold Case squad arrested 45-year-old Richard Bojorques, Jr., on February 21, 2007, after they linked him to the 1997 murder of a woman in Eagle Rock.

"The break came at an opportune time," said Cold Case Detective Rick Jackson.  "Bojorques was being released on parole on January 5 this year when we were notified that his DNA matched evidence found at the scene of this unsolved murder."

The partially clothed body of 49-year-old Veronica Fuentes Linasero was found on the grounds of the Vida Nueva Christian Church in Eagle Rock on October 19, 1997.  She had been sexually assaulted and strangled to death.  Linasero resided in Eagle Rock, where Bojorques visited often.

Cold case detectives submitted DNA evidence from the file in 2002, but did not receive an answer linking Bojorques to the murder until last November.  Detectives conducted several other tests to corroborate the initial finding, then arrested Bojourques at his parole agent's office in Pasadena.

Bojorques has a number of felony convictions, mostly related to burglary and narcotics violations.  He is a resident of Pasadena.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed one count of sodomy and one count of murder with special circumstances against Bojourques, who is currently in the Los Angeles County Jail, awaiting a preliminary hearing.

"The DNA technology has been a boon to policing and solving murders," Detective Jackson added.  "Its use will only grow with time, and we will see many more cases solved."

Detectives Rick Jackson or Richard Bengtson can be reached at 213 847-0970.

Man Arrested in Strip Club Murder

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police detectives arrested a man Monday after he cut the throat of a strip club patron.

On Monday, March 5, 2007, at 8:30 PM, officers from West Valley Area responded to an "Ambulance Cutting" radio call at the Exposed Dance Club in the 8200 block of Canoga Avenue, in Canoga Park.  The officers were directed inside the club where a man was on the floor bleeding from the neck. 

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics transported the victim to Northridge Hospital, where he later died.

Witnesses stated that the victim was seated in the club, talking to a dancer, when the suspect, who was seated directly behind, suddenly rose from his chair.  The suspect then pulled a knife and cut the victim's throat, for no apparent reason.  The suspect walked out of the club and drove off in a gray, late-model Audi.

Police responded to the suspect's address in the 17300 block of Quesan Place, in Encino, and saw the gray Audi parked in front of the address.  The suspect, Zachary Todd Balonick, 20, was arrested for murder without incident.

The murder victim was identified as a 26-year-old man from Canoga Park.  His identity has not been released, pending notification of his family.

For more information, please contact West Valley Homicide Detectives at 818-374-7721. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Day-long Robbery Spree Ends

Los Angeles:  Detectives identified 25-year-old Antonio Leontra Bland as the man police shot after he pointed a gun at officers during a foot pursuit in Jefferson Park Sunday night, March 4, 2007.  Bland later died at a local hospital.

The confrontation occurred just after 5 PM when two police officers from the Southwest Police Station responded to a witness' report that a robber had just left the mini-market located at 3781 South Western Avenue.  As the officers arrived at Exposition Boulevard and Gramercy Place, another person pointed out Bland, who ran from police.

Officer John Davis, 26, and his partner chased Bland about 100 feet when Bland removed a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the officers.  Officer Davis fired twice, striking Bland in the head. Bland was pronounced dead at California Hospital at 6:15 PM.

Police recovered Bland's .38 caliber handgun at the scene.  Neither officer was injured in the incident.

Bland was suspected in committing at least three other robberies that same day.  The first robbery attributed to him occurred at 7AM Sunday morning, at the Burger King at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Western Avenue.   He held up the employees at gunpoint as they opened the restaurant.

He was also suspected in the robbery of a small discount store at 3991 South Western Avenue around 3 PM.  He stole cash and cell phones from that business.

Bland was a resident of South Los Angeles.  He was a documented gang member with five prior felony convictions for narcotics, robbery, and burglary.

Force Investigation Division will investigate the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-485-4011.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Gang Member Arrested for Gun Possession

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police arrested a gang member for possession of a gun on March 1, 2007, following a pursuit, foot chase and struggle with officers.

Hugo Gonzalez, 23, was one of four or five occupants in a car that officers pursued on suspicion of drunk driving.  Around 11:15 PM, two officers from the Rampart Police Station noticed the erratic driving near Washington Boulevard and Mariposa Avenue.  The driver refused to stop and led police on a pursuit to 21st Street and Estrella Avenue, where the occupants ran from the car.

Police Officers Carlos Ocegueda, 26, and Osvaldo Delgadillo, 33, focused on Gonzalez when they saw him throw a gun on the pavement as he ran toward a three-story apartment at 1953 South Estrella Avenue. Gonzalez fought with both officers, but was eventually arrested. 

Gonzalez sustained a cut to his head during the struggle and was treated at California Hospital.  Doctors cleared him for booking, and he was charged with being a gang member in possession of a gun.

As a result of Gonzalez's injury, Force Investigation Division will investigate the officers' use of force, in keeping with LAPD protocols for categorical use-of-force incidents.

Police Officer Carlos Ocegueda has been with LAPD for over 4 and a half years, while his partner has nearly seven years with the department.

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

Gunman Kills 18-year-old Man

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding any witnesses who may have seen the shooting death of a Van Nuys resident.

On Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at about 5:35 p.m., Juan Carlos Morales, 18, was standing with his younger brother on the sidewalk near Woodman Avenue and Hartland Street when a group of  Hispanic men riding in a truck pulled along side them. After a brief argument one of the men pulled out a gun and fired several rounds at the brothers striking Morales in the chest.

Morales was taken to a local hospital where he died during surgery. 

The suspect's vehicle is described as a white sport utility truck.

The motive is believed to be gang related. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys Homicide Detectives at 213-374-0040.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Armed Robbers Caught on Camera

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking the public's help in identifying two men suspected in robbing two businesses last January.  One robbery at a gas station was caught on surveillance tape. 

"We think that anyone who knows these two men, will recognize them from the video," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon.  "We'd like anyone with information to come forward and help us solve these robberies before the duo strikes again."

The robberies took place 10 minutes apart, starting around 7:00 P.M. last January 8th when the men struck a Chevron gas station on Rosecrans Avenue, then a McDonald restaurant on Figueroa Street.  The robbers held up the employees at gunpoint and took cash from the cash registers.  They got away in an older, dark Cadillac.  Its partial license plate was 3XQ---.

Both men were described as Black and in their twenties, six feet tall and about 200 pounds.

No one was injured in either of the robberies.

Addresses for the businesses robbed are:

• Chevron gas station: 800 block of West Rosecrans Avenue
• McDonald restaurant: 15200 block of South Figueroa Street
   

Anyone with information is asked to call Southeast Robbery Detectives at 213-972-7932.  During off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

2nd Top 10 Gangster Arrested

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department today announced the capture of its second Top-10 Most Wanted Gang Member, 43-year-old Steve Garcia.

Garcia was arrested in Rosarito Beach by Mexican authorities on March 2, 2007. Subsequently, he was transported to the U.S. border and handed over to U.S. Marshal custody. The suspect was then taken to the California Institute for Men  Chino State Prison.

"This is the second capture since announcing the Top-10 list," said Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton. "The efforts of the U.S. Marshal’s Southwest Regional Task Force, the Mexican government, District Attorney investigators, U.S. Border Patrol, and LAPD detectives were all instrumental in achieving the apprehension of this individual. This arrest is a significant accomplishment and shows the continued collaborative efforts among multiple agencies to bring about the capture of those individuals on the Top-10 Most Wanted Gang Member List."

Garcia was arrested at Rosarito Beach in Baja California. Information developed in Los Angeles by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force and District Attorney investigators revealed that Garcia was going to be at a market in Rosarito Beach. Personnel from the District Attorney’s office, assisted by U.S. Marshals and the Anti-Kidnapping Task Force in Baja California, conducted a stakeout of the market. As Gracia walked out of the business he was arrested.

Garcia was wanted for a murder that occurred on February 12, 2001. After becoming involved in an argument, Garcia left the location, returned with a gun and shot the victim. Detectives believed Garcia fled to Mexico after the shooting.

The replacement of the Top-10 Most Wanted gang member list will be announced in a separate News Release.

2nd Addition to Most Wanted List Announced

Los Angeles: With the March 2 capture of the LAPD's second Top-10 Most Wanted Gang Member, Police Chief William Bratton and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced the name of the next local gang member to be added to the list.

Arash Semerome Safaie, 32, is a member of the Hardtimes criminal street gang. Arrest warrants for murder and attempted murder were issued for Safaie after he was implicated in the September 28, 2003, shooting death of 17-year-old Anna Vasquez. The murder occurred shortly after 1:00 a.m., during a party at a Newton Area residence in the 100 block of East 57th Street. Safaei is wanted for the attempted murder of two other victims shot at the same time.

The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.  He is White, 5'8", 220 pounds and has brown hair and eyes.

Members of the community are encouraged to call their local police station or the LAPD toll-free number with information about local gang activity. The City Council has authorized up to a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of any of the Top-10 Most Wanted Gang Members. The LAPD's toll-free number is 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Persons with information about Arash Safaie may also contact the Newton Area gang unit at 323-846-6566.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics March 3, 2007

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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                               54                76              -29%
Rape                                     105              149              -30%
Robbery                               2271             2433               -7%
Agg Assaults **                      2011             2233              -10%
Total Violent Crimes             4,441          4,891             -9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3,349            3,438           -3%
Auto Theft                             4,150            4,168            0%
BTFV                                     5,562            5,250            6%
Personal/Other Theft              4,234            4,715         -10%
Total Property Crimes          17,295         17,571           -2%
Total Part I Crimes               21,736         22,462           -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

Charges filed Against the Son Who Murdered His Mother

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives have arrested the son of an 82-year-old Reseda woman who was found dead inside her home on February 20, 2007.

On March 1, 2007, at about 2:00 p.m., Albino Ramos, 49, was arrested at the family home in the 6400 block of Topeka Drive in Reseda.  According to detectives, Ramos was stealing money from his mother and had a history of violence towards her. 

On March 5, 2007, the case was presented to the District Attorney's Office and a formal charge of murder was filed against Ramos.

For more information, please contact West Valley Homicide Detectives Scott Crowe or Brad Roberts at 818-374-7721. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Father and Son Dispute Ends in Murder

Los Angeles: On March 2, 2007, at about 5:00 p.m., Los Angeles Police officers from the West Los Angeles Division responded to a radio call of "Ambulance ADW, Shots Fired" at the 9100 block of Larke Ellen Circle.  When officers arrived at the home they saw the suspect, Carl Chapman exiting the home yelling for help.  Carl Chapman was taken into custody in the front yard of the home.

Officers entered the home and found the body of 32- year-old, Brian Chapman with several gun-shot wounds.  Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead. 

Brian Chapman is the son of the suspect Carl Chapman.  Carl Chapman was interviewed and booked for Murder.  At this time the motive for the shooting is unclear.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Los Angeles detectives at 310-444-1580.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Aggressive Dogs Attack Student

Los Angeles: A student returning to school was attacked by two pit bulls as he walked southbound on San Pedro Street from 113th Street.

On February 21, 2007, shortly after 9 AM, Southeast officers Charles Garcia and Carlos Lozano had just issued a truancy citation to a juvenile when he was approached by two aggressive pit bulls. 

Both dogs were attempting to bite the juvenile as he walked.  The officers directed the juvenile back towards their location in hopes the dogs would retreat.  As the dogs got closer to the juvenile, both officers fired one round each at the dogs.  The dogs continued their advance and the officers fired additional rounds.

This proved effective in stopping the dogs' aggression and causing them to run northbound out of the area.  Several minutes later one of the dogs was found dead in the area of 109th Street and McKinley by two Los Angeles School Police Officers (LASPD).

The juvenile was not injured.

Officer Garcia is 41 and has been with the LAPD for 13 years.
Officer Lozano is 35 and has 9 years with the Department

Southeast Area detectives are handling the investigation.