LAPD Blog

Man with Gun Assaults Vice Officers

Los Angeles: Plainclothes vice officers arrested a man after he pointed a gun at the officers on January 5, 2007.  Jose Erazo, 32, surrendered after one officer fired at Erazo during the confrontation.

The incident occurred around 8:30 PM, just a few minutes after a gang member shot another LAPD officer in Panorama City.  Police Officer Ernest Ignacio, 40, and his partner had been driving on Sunset Boulevard when they noticed a man driving erratically near Mariposa Avenue.  While the car was not apparently stolen, Officer Ignacio noticed the driver was holding a gun.

Driving in an unmarked car, the officers followed the erratic driver and requested a marked police car to detain the suspect.  The driver stopped suddenly in the 1200 block of North Edgemont Street and exited his car. 

When Erazo pointed the gun at the officers, Ignacio fired one time, missing the suspect, who then surrendered without firing a shot.

Detectives recovered a loaded .45-caliber pistol and booked Erazo for Assault with a Deadly Weapon against a police officer.

Officer Ignacio is a 10-year veteran of LAPD.  He and his partner are assigned to the Northeast Vice Unit.

Force Investigation Division is investigating the incident.

Husband Arrested for Wife's Death

Los Angeles: A 36-year-old man was arrested shortly after midnight, January 12, 2007, after he reported to police that he had shot his wife.

Los Angeles police officers arrived a few minutes after the call and detained Benjamin Burgos at his home in the 6200 block of Denny Avenue in North Hollywood.

When investigators entered the home, they found Burgos's 32-year-old wife of ten years lying on the living room couch.  She had been shot several times.  Detectives later recovered a weapon.

At the time of the shooting, the couple's two children, a 7-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy, were sleeping in their bedrooms, but they were unharmed.  Both children were taken into protective custody by the Department of Children Family Services.

The wife's name is being withheld until a family member has been notified.

Burgos was booked on a murder charge and his bail was not immediately available.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Hollywood Detectives Martin Pinner or Steven Castro at 818-623-4075.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Los Angeles Winter Shelter Program

From December 1, 2024 through March 15, 2007, selected community non-profit homeless services providers will provide temporary nightly shelter to homeless persons in Los Angeles.  Those in need of emergency shelter are encouraged to go directly to one of the listed pick-up points for free transportation, rather than the site address, unless otherwise indicated.  Most shelters open at 5 PM.

For information about the Winter Shelter, including locations and closures please call:
1-800-548-6047, TDD: 1-800-660-4026, or visit the Internet Website Address: www.lahsa.org. 

Police Release Composite on Sexual Predator

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives released a composite today in an effort to warn the community and seek its assistance in identifying a heavyset Hispanic man in his thirties who has committed at least eight sexually-motivated crimes since last April 2006.

"Once arrested, this man will face charges of attempted kidnapping, attempted rape, robbery, and indecent exposure," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "Thankfully, no one has been physically harmed in these eight incidents. We really want to identify him before his behavior escalates."

Detectives got a break in early December when the suspect tried to kidnap two separate women a day apart. The man exposed himself to an 18-year-old girl who was walking near 22nd Street and Griffith Avenue around 6:15 AM on December 5. At one point, he grabbed the girl and tried to shove her into a car. A witness intervened and the girl got away. The next day, around 5:50 AM, he did the same thing to a 44-year-old woman near Naomi Avenue and Washington Boulevard. She also escaped after resisting and screaming to attract attention.

The first case attributed to the suspect occurred April 19, 2006, when he tried to abduct a 24-year-old woman near 53rd Street and Ascot Avenue. He robbed a 23-year-old woman at gunpoint after exposing himself to her on April 24.

He exposed himself to a 25-year-old woman in September and to a 15-year-old girl in October. An incident in September and one in October rose to the level of attempted rape when he threatened one victim and struck another after exposing himself both times.

"The victims have three things in common: they are Hispanic; they were walking alone; and they resisted and screamed when the suspect accosted them," Vernon said. "Women should be very cautious of approaching men who solicit directions or help, especially when the woman is alone."

The suspect weight was estimated at 250 pounds.  Partial license plate digits are:  4T-----, 4QT----,
or ----657.

The boundaries of the suspect's activities are Washington Boulevard to the north, 53rd Street to the south, Maple Street to the west, and Ascot Avenue to the east. All of incidents occurred in early morning hours, except two, which occurred in the late afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Detective Miriam Ramirez at 323-846-6576. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

A copy of the suspect's composite sketch is available from Media Relations Section.

Local Gangmember Shoots Officer

Los Angeles: A 13-year LAPD veteran was shot in the thigh when he and other officers were investigating a public tip about wanted, armed gang members returning to a house in the 14300 block of Nordoff Street in Panorama City. 

The incident unfolded around 8 PM, when a local resident reported to officers that gang members had returned to the neighborhood house, where police had served a search warrant two days before on January 3. Jose Hernandez, 19, was suspected in an attempted murder of a rival gang member. 

Police Officer Mark Wilbur, 37, and his partner spoke to the tipster near the house.  The two officers waited for officers, Juliana Hascher and Robert Tamate, both 38, to arrive.  Wilbur and his partner entered the house through an already opened back door, calling Hernandez by name.  Someone fired gunshots through a closed bedroom door, striking Wilbur in the leg.  Wilbur returned fire, wounding Hernandez in the arm.

At that moment, 20-year-old Alphoso Estrada bolted from the home through a bathroom window adjoining the bedroom.  Officers Hascher and Tamate confronted Estrada, who grabbed for his waistband as he ran toward the officers leading to a second OIS.  The officers arrested Estrada, who was unharmed.

Wilbur and his partner arrested Hernandez inside the bathroom, where they recovered a 9mm Lugar and a .25 caliber pistol discarded in the shower and toilet.

Officer Wilbur and Hernandez were treated at separate hospitals, and both are expected to recover from their wounds.

Hernandez and Estrada were charged with attempted murder on a police officer.

Officers Hascher and Tamate have 13 years with the LAPD.  All the officers were assigned to patrol duties out of the Mission Police Station.

Force Investigation Division will completed the investigation into the incident.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY

Today, Los Angeles City, County, and Federal officials, including Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton, Los Angeles Councilman Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, gathered to announce the declaration of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. 

Trafficking is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. Each year, thousands of people-mostly women and children -are trafficked across national borders.  People are snared into trafficking by many means. In some cases, physical force is used.  In others, false promises are made regarding job opportunities or marriages in foreign countries to entrap victims.  Human trafficking deprives people of their human rights and freedoms and supports organized crime.  Profits of human trafficking exceed nine billion dollars per year.

  Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000 and strengthened it in 2003. This law provides law enfocement officials with the necessary tools to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. 

On April 23, 2004, Councilmember Tony Cardenas lead the City's response to this "egregious human rights tragedy" after a raid in South Los Angeles found women and girls trafficked from a foreign country who had been bound, stripped of passports and forced to work as prostitutes.  In a corraborative effort, city, county, state, federal and public entities formed the Los Angeles Metropolitan Human Trafficking Task Force to address this issue in Southern California.  The goals of the Task Force, all attained, were to work as a partner with federal law enforcement officials, identify and rescue victims, develop a comprehensive training program for law enforcement agencies-countywide. and establish an "800 tipster line number" Phone Number 800-655-4095 is established to report potential trafficking incidents. 

Arson Used in Attempt to Cover Murder

Los Angeles:  A 60-year-old woman was found stabbed to death inside her burned out apartment early Tuesday morning,

On January 9, 2007, at approximately 5:25 A.M., the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to an apartment fire in the 1300 block of North Poinsettia Place. 

After extinguishing the flames, fire fighters discovered the woman’s body inside.  Investigators determined that the fire had been deliberately set.

Detectives believe the motive for the crime was domestic violence.  The victim’s boyfriend, Makdon Michaelov, a male White, 51, has been arrested for Murder.  The name of the woman is being withheld pending notification of her family.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Hollywood Homicide Detectives,   T. Small or L. Cameron, at 213-972-2967.  On the weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll-free 24-hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  Callers may remain anonymous.

Decision Reached in Board of Rights Hearing

Los Angeles: An LAPD Board of Rights has reached a decision involving a use of force incident, which resulted in the death of 13-year old Devin Brown on February 6, 2005.

On January 31, 2005, members of the Los Angeles Police Commission found the use of force out of policy. The Commission determines whether or not the use of force was within the policies and procedures of the Department. It is not the responsibility of the Commission to determine whether an officer should be disciplined for that use of force.

The Los Angeles City Charter provides that subsequent to the Police Commission action, two Commanding officers` and a civilian hear evidence and determine if the actions of the officer rise to the level of misconduct, which would require discipline.

The findings of the Board of Rights now conclude all aspects of the investigation. The Department is unable to disclose further information concerning the investigation due to State law restrictions on the release of information related to confidential personnel investigations.

In commenting on the process, Chief Bratton stated, "I regret that current laws and legal restrictions preclude both the Police Commission and me from commenting on the decision, to include what the decision is. We are both committed to transparency and are frustrated with our inability to explain our respective actions in this matter, and those of the Board of Rights."

Early Morning Shooting Claims Life

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in finding any witness who may have seen the shooting of three men in South Los Angeles. 

On January 9, 2007, at approximately 9:10 a.m., Terrance Farron Pruitt, 17, and two friends were standing in the 700 block of West 66th Street, when a car approached the group. The car stopped and two male Blacks exited the car and chased the group on foot.  During the chase shots were fired striking Mr. Pruit and his friends multiple times.
All three men were transported to local hospitals.  Mr Pruit died a short time later. The other two men were listed in stable condition. 

The suspect's car is described as a burgundy Toyota Camry. 

The motive for this crime is possibly gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives, Paula Chavez or Will Beall, at 213-485-1383.  On the weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll-free 24 hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (877-529-3855).

Negligent Dog Owner Gets Jail Time

Los Angeles: The Animal Cruelty Task Force successfully investigated and prosecuted a man for animal cruelty that led to the death of his dog.

Jaime Villagran was convicted of one count of Animal Cruelty and was sentenced to three years of probation and will serve 30 days in jail. Villagran was also ordered to attend 24 hours of animal abuse counseling.

In April 2006, Villagran's dog was brought to the South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center. The Center's veterinarian examined the dog and diagnosed it with severe mange and ringworm. The mange was so severe that the majority of the dog's hair had fallen out. The severity of the dog's condition was brought to the attention of the Animal Cruelty Task Force.

An investigation into the care and treatment of Villagran's dog was completed by the Animal Cruelty Task Force. The case was then turned over to the City Attorney's Office. Due to the thorough investigation of the Task Force and the successful prosecution by the City Attorney Office, Villagran was found guilty. Villagran is scheduled to surrender to authorities to begin his sentence on January 9, 2007.

The Animal Cruelty Task Force is a joint partnership between the Department of Animal Services, Los Angeles Police Department and the City Attorney's Office.  Their goal is to fight animal cruelty and neglect in the City of Los Angeles.

Mayor Swears in New Police Recruits

Los Angeles: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa administered the oath of office this morning to the newest and largest police recruit class to enter the Los Angeles Police Academy in ten years.

Eighty-three men and women stood in their business suits and raised their hands to swear an oath to uphold the United States Constitution and protect the residents of Los Angeles.  Of the 83 new recruits; 69 will go to the LAPD; 11 will become part of the Airport Police Department; 2 to the General Services Department, which protects City facilities; and 1 more rejoins the LAPD as a lateral officer, who will complete an abbreviated academy.

Mayor Villaraigosa announced his proposal to pay new hires a $5,000 signing bonus, half payable after completing academy training and half at the end of the 18-month probationary period.  Lateral officers, hires from other agencies, would earn a $10,000 signing bonus, if the proposal is adopted by the City Council.

"The signing bonuses reflect what is being done in the market place in many service industries,"said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "We want officers to join LAPD out of a sense of service to the community and desire to be part of the LAPD, but the signing bonus gives us an extra perk other smaller agencies can't offer.”

The mayor's signing-bonus proposal was announced for the first time today, so none of this class was aware of the incentive, but they may be eligible for the benefit, depending on how the proposal is adopted by the City Council.

About one-fifth of the new class is female.  Ten percent of the class is African American and 44% is Latino.  All four of the major military services are represented in the class, with several class members having served in Iraq.  Twenty-three of the new officers have academic degrees, and some came from other professions, including mail carriers, teen counselor, actor, detention officer, computer technician, and X-ray technician.

Persons interested in joining the LAPD can go online at www.JOINLAPD.com. The written civil service test is administered almost daily at police stations across the city.  The beginning annual salary of an LAPD officer ranges from over $52,000 to nearly $71,000.

Young Man, Shot and Killed

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 Saturday, January 6, 2007, at about 12:10 P.M., the victim, a 16-year-old boy was walking near Sherman Way and Van Nuys Boulevard. He was approached by a Hispanic man, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and white baggy shorts.  For unknown reason the Hispanic man fired several shots striking the victim in the head and chest.  The Hispanic man then ran to a nearby parking lot,  entered a car driven by another Hispanic man and fled in a car described as possibly being white.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.  The identity of the victim is not being release pending notification to his family.  The motive is believed to be gang related. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys 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).  Callers may remain anonymous.

Man with a Gun Eludes Police

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles police officer fired at a suspect when the man pointed a gun at two officers, January 2, 2007, just after 10:00 P.M., near Toberman Park.

Earlier in their shift, Officer Hannu Tarajamo, 36, and his partner, both assigned to Rampart Police Station, had investigated reports of a man with a gun in the vicinity of Toberman Park, near the 1000 block of West 17th Street.

The officers returned around 10:00 P.M. to see if the gunman had returned to the area.  As they walked through a vacant lot next to 1035 West 17th Street, they noticed the suspect run across the lot, drawing a gun from his waistband.

The young man, 17 to 20 years old, hid behind a carport with his gun drawn.  As the officers approached, the suspect raised the gun, and Officer Tarajamo fired.  The suspect ran away, and despite an extensive search by K-9 officers, he was not found.  Detectives found no evidence that the suspect had been wounded.

The suspect would face charges of felony assault on a police officer if he were identified.  He is described as Hispanic with a shaved head. He appeared to be a gang member.  Force Investigation Division is assigned to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

Officer Tarajamo has nearly 10 years with the LAPD.

Anyone with information on this assault of the police officers is asked to call 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).  Callers may remain anonymous.