LAPD Blog

Beating Victim Dies Three Days Later

Los Angeles: A man in his 50s was beaten up by three men in South Los Angeles and despite treatment, died three days later.

Operations-South Bureau Criminal Gang/Homicide Group Detectives have been investigating the beating death of Robert Green, 54, that occurred on Sunday, July 8, 2007, in the 5900 South Crenshaw Boulevard.  Mr. Green was walking in the crosswalk when three suspects pulled up in a white car and approached him.  The suspects indiscriminately struck the victim about the head until he was unconscious.  The suspects entered their car and fled the location. 

Mr. Green was transported to a local hospital where he remained in critical condition until Wednesday, July 11.  His condition worsened and he eventually died from his injuries.

The suspects' car was described as a white Chevrolet bearing the partial plate of "2L__ ___." 

The suspects are Black males in their mid 20s to early 30s and about 5' 10" to 5' 11".  One of them weighs 200 to 300 pounds.

The getaway driver was described as a Black man weighing about 300 pounds, bald, goatee style beard, and wearing a white T-shirt and grey pants.

Persons with information regarding this incident should contact Detectives Kevin Huff, or Refugio Garza, at 213-485-1383.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

A Skid Row Cop's Opinion - 6

To Feed or Not to Feed, An Important Question.

Hello again.  I am Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph.  I am the Lead Officer of Skid Row.  My duties do not just include crime prevention, but the quality of life issues that affect the homeless community.  Many people outside of the skid row realm tend to look at this area as a quasi community.  The thing they fail to realize is that there are good law-abiding people here whether they are street dwellers or residents of low income housing who see skid row as a true community in every sense of the word.  Like any community, they desire litter free streets, and responsible behavior from those who live, work, or visit this area.

Community members voice their concerns to me on a daily basis.  One of their major concerns is the feeding of the homeless by outside groups.  Their hearts are in the right place, but the results of their activities contribute to the poor quality of life for the skid row community.

Throughout the week, and particularly on the weekends, large groups of caring individuals come from all over the county to drop off food and bags of clothing on Skid Row to those they perceive to be in need of such items.  These individuals come from all faiths and walks of life to do their good work. 

But they never hang around long enough to see the aftermath of their activity.  They are oblivious to the realities of the skid row area.  My goal in writing this as in all of my writing is to educate people, not embarrass them or ridicule their good intentions (unless I discover their intentions are not good at all).  It is being done to show them how they can be of better service to this community in a more responsible and orderly fashion.

One of the myths surrounding the skid row area is that the homeless here are starving.  I am sure you have heard public service announcements on radio stations and television depicting the people here as being malnourished and without clothes. 

The truth is that no one goes hungry on skid row.  Within my area there are several missions that serve food three times a day to the poor and homeless members of our community.  The average person on skid row can eat up to four times a day.  Within these shelters, anyone who desires to drop off clothing to the homeless can do so.  Since I have worked in skid row, I have never observed anyone die of starvation or go without clothing unless they did so of their own free will, or as a result of mental illness or drug addiction.

Though these truths exist, homeless feeders still come down to skid row by the dozens and give out paper bags full of food, and throw plastic bags full of clothing onto the sidewalks.  They do not recognize that one of the driving forces keeping many of the homeless on skid row is the flourishing narcotics trade.  When they are finished doing their good work, the homeless individuals in question remove their halos and begin bartering their food items and clothing for narcotics.  Since most of them have already eaten, most of the containers and food provided to them end up on the sidewalk and street, where rats, and other vermin feed throughout the night.  The clothing ends up spread throughout the corridors of my designated area, causing skid row to look like the city dump.  When these streets look like a dump, people are more inclined to dump other items such as sanitary napkins and human waste on the sidewalk, creating one of the unhealthiest environments in the City of Los Angeles.  Sometimes glass items are given to the homeless in the form of soda or other refreshments.  These items are later used as weapons that cause injuries to other homeless individuals.  Fights often break out over these items as they are being distributed, not because they are desperate for food or clothing, but because they trying to find the best item to sell for money in order to buy crack cocaine, heroin, or marijuana.

There are also environmental issues to be considered, such as biodegradable and non-biodegradable items ending up in storm drains throughout the area and hurting our environment.

These are just some of the ugly images that community members, service providers, and officers are faced with long after the feedings are done.  Central Police Officers in partnership with community members have tried to express these concerns to numerous groups that engage in this activity.  All efforts have fallen on deaf ears, primarily due to the perception that law enforcement is somehow against helping the homeless, and desire to 'criminalize' anyone trying to do something that in their mind is positive for a marginalized social class.  This is far from the truth.  Some cities across the nation are creating ordinances, and laws that would prohibit homeless feeding.  We believe that these laws are extreme, insensitive, and send a message that those helping the needy deserve punishment.  Yet, when our words of truth continue to fall on deaf ears, the end result becomes enforcement because we cannot allow this activity to continue and cause the decay of the skid row area.

Enforcement is not the direction we seek to take on these issues.  We are seeking voluntary cooperation with these groups.  We desire for feeding groups to come to the table with us and discuss this important issue.  If you do not believe the things I say because of my uniform (which I proudly wear none the less), we will have community members, and service providers who help the homeless on a 24 hours basis at our meeting, who will tell you how this activity hurts their community.

Service providers have offered to open their doors to allow groups to work out of their facility and volunteer their services to help the homeless.  In doing so, two things would occur: First, more homeless individuals would go to the missions for the services they need. Secondly, food items and clothing would be distributed in a more orderly fashion, which would minimize fights, and improve the quality of life on the streets of skid row.

If you do not desire to work with the missions, I would ask that you be more responsible for your actions by sticking around and cleaning up after every feeding.  Pick up the clothing left on the street after the homeless have had their pick.  Community members have been placing trashcans on street corners throughout the skid row area to assist you with that.

In closing, it has been the goal of the Safer Cities Initiative to better the lives of the skid row community through enforcement, enhancement, and outreach.  Your LAPD Central Officers are one small part of the solution to end homelessness by releasing the grip of crime in the area that keeps many homeless people on an endless downward spiral. We welcome the open hearts and minds of anyone with the desire to assist us in this effort in a humane and sensible way that does not hurt the lives or quality of life for the homeless community.

As always, I offer challenges to those who may not agree with me to come and see for themselves the things that I speak of.  I am particularly asking those that engage in homeless feedings to please contact me at 213-793–0740 or E-mail me at 32511@lapd.lacity.org.  I along with the City Attorney and Skid Row residents would like to meet and dialogue with you in the near future.  Please understand that we are not against you. We want to help you do your good work here.

Sincerely,

Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph
LAPD Central Division

Pitbull Escapes and Attacks Officer

Los Angeles: An officer shot and fatally wounded a pitbull when the dog attacked the officers.   

On July 6, 2007, at about 6:50 PM, Officer Tom Willers and his partner were serving a search warrant in the 600 block of West 61st Street. The officers were in the backyard when the pitbull, which was being held by his owner, got away and charged at the officers. Officer Willers fired several times with his duty weapon and struck the dog.

The dog died as a result of its injuries.

Officer Willers, 29, has been with the Department for 4 years.

77th Area Detectives are conducting the investigation.

Murder Suspect Could Not Elude Long Arms of the Law

Los Angeles: Two murder suspects were arrested leaving only one suspect outstanding of a one year old murder case. One of the arrested suspects was nabbed in Korea as he was serving in the US Army.

On July 15, 2006, Brian Chin, 27, a male Korean, and father of a new born baby, was murdered in Koreatown. Chin had been involved in a fight with a group of young male Koreans inside a local nightclub. The fight spilled into a nearby parking lot, where several suspects surrounded, beat, and stabbed Chin. The suspects fled the area as security guards approached the scene. Chin was transported to USC Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

The case was assigned to the Asian Gang Unit. Through the investigation, three suspects had been identified as being involved in the murder. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office filed murder charges against all three suspects and arrest warrants were issued.

The arrest warrants were issued for Justin Hong, 18, David Kim, 21, and Ronald Rhee, 20. 

On June 27, 2007, during an investigative stop, LAPD patrol officers arrested Justin Hong in the Rampart Area. He was booked on the murder charge and is currently in custody.

LAPD detectives coordinated with United States Army entities to locate and detain
David Kim, who was on active duty as a Private First Class and stationed in the Republic of Korea. On July 10, 2007, US Army Military Police personnel escorted Kim, from Seoul, Korea to LAX, where he was taken into custody by LAPD detectives.

Bail was set at one million dollars for both Hong and Kim.  Detectives are still looking for Ronald Rhee, also known as "Anfferny Kim," who is believed to have fled the local area just after the murder. His photograph is available through Media Relations Section.

Although the victim had no gang ties, it is believed that the suspects have gang affiliation.   

Anyone with information is asked to contact Asian Gang Unit Detectives at 213-847-1620. After hours or on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Notes from the July 10, 2025 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•There are currently 407 recruits in the Academy.  The Department is on track with recruitment goals.

•The presentation from the City's Domestic Violence Task Force, including Commander Harlan Ward, relative to their community action programs, domestic violence services, and other matters as it relates to public safety, was accepted.

•The Department's verbal presentation and discussion by Consent Decree Bureau Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff and TEAMS II Police Administrator Maggie Goodrich, relative to the Status of Training Evaluation and Management System (TEAMS) II, was accepted. 

•The Department's verbal presentation by Information and Communication Services Bureau Chief Information Officer Tim Riley, relative to the current status of processing of police reports and the timeframe for copies to be obtained, was accepted.

•The Department's verbal presentation and PowerPoint presentation by Deputy Chief Michael Hillmann and Commander Sandy Jo MacArthur, relative to "21st Century Mobile Field Force Training Doctrine" and training curriculum, was accepted.

•The Department's report discussed by Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger, relative to the Office of Operations' comprehensive plan to correct the deficiencies noted in the Command Accountability Performance Audit, was approved.                     

•The Department's report, relative to a Grant Application and Standard Agreement for the 2007-2008 Operation ABC Grant Award from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, was approved.

•The Department's report discussed by Consent Decree Bureau Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, relative to a follow-up review of Motor Vehicle and Pedestrian Stop Data Collection Audit, Second, Quarter Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with Paragraphs 104, 105, 128, and 131(a, c, and e) of the Consent Decree, was approved. 

•The Department's report, relative to the Categorical Use of Force Investigations Audit, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, was approved.

•The Department's report, relative to the Gang Enforcement Detail Work Product Assessment Summary Phase II, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, pursuant to Consent Decree Paragraphs 131 (f and g), was approved.

•The Department's report, relative to the Non-Categorical Use of Force Reports Audit, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, pursuant to the Annual Audit Plan, was approved.

•The Department's report discussed by Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger and Consent Decree Bureau Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, relative to the Foreign Language and Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) Audit, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, was approved with the stipulation that a follow-up report on actions taken and results achieved be presented to the Commission in 30 days.

•The Department's report discussed by Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger and Consent Decree Bureau Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, relative to the Supervisory Performance Evaluations Audit, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with Paragraphs 62, 70c, and 108i of the Consent Decree, was approved with the stipulation that a status update on progress be presented to the Commission every 45 days.

•The Department's report and the Inspector General's report, relative to the Department's Categorical Use of Force Systems Audit, Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, was approved.

•The Department's report and the Inspector General's report, relative to the Gang Enforcement Detail Selection Criteria Audit, Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, was approved.

•Congratulations to Detective Ben Jones, named Employee of the Month and presented with a plaque by the Los Angeles Police Commission.

Shooting Leaves Man in Critical Condition

Los Angeles:  A 20-year-old Los Angeles man was seriously injured following a shooting in front of a Venice liquor store.

On July 7, 2007, at around 6:00 p.m., the victim was leaving the Lincoln Liquor Locker at Lincoln Boulevard and Zanja Street.  Two suspects confronted him and his friends. 

One suspect was armed with a handgun and shot the victim multiple times.  The suspects left in a silver, possible Prius Toyota, parked nearby.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with grave injuries.  He remains hospitalized in critical condition. There were no other parties injured.

This crime occurred during daylight hours, during a busy time of day, and on a heavily traveled street.  Detective Lubreras said, "We believe that there are witnesses out there who have information that could help us solve this crime.  We want them to know that they can call us and remain completely anonymous."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Pacific Homicide Detectives Joe Lumbreras or Kevin Ryenolds at 310-482-6343.  After hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Crime Statistics July 10, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Homicide                                194               245              -21%
Rape                                      397               504              -21%
Robbery                                6919             7284                -5%
Agg Assaults **                        6643             7245                -8%
Total Violent Crimes           14,153         15,278               -7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  9,901           10,203          -3%
Auto Theft                             12,150          12,578           -3%
BTFV                                      15,917         15,353            4%
Personal/Other Theft              13,596          14,522           -6%
Total Property Crimes           51,564         52,656           -2%
Total Part I Crimes                65,717         67,934           -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

Off-Duty LAPD Officer Arrested

Los Angeles: An officer was arrested in the early morning hours last Saturday in South Los Angeles.

On July 7, 2007, Officer Hector Villalta was arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted a female companion.  The alleged assault occurred at Villata's home after he and the victim returned from a nightclub in South Los Angeles.  After the assault, the victim ran from the residence to a local gas station where she phoned police.

Villalta was arrested at his home and booked for 289(a) PC. Bail was set at $100,000.

Villalta 23, a probationary officer, is assigned to West Los Angeles Area, and has been with the Department for eight months. 

Man Shot at by Police

Los Angeles: Police shot at a man possibly armed with a firearm Friday evening.

On July 6, 2007, at about 5:50 PM, officers were westbound on 87th Place approaching Crocker Street when they observed the suspect, Corey Bowman, riding a bicycle in the middle of the street impeding traffic.

The officers observed the suspect with a bulky object in his right front pants pocket, while looking over his shoulder at the officers. As the suspect reached mid-block, he rode the bicycle up onto the sidewalk, which placed a parked semi truck between him and the officers' vehicle. The suspect suddenly stopped, and jumped off his bicycle.

Officer Goosby, the driving officer, stopped the vehicle and Officer Espinoza exited. As he did so, he looked under the semi trailer and observed the suspect removing a silver metal object from his right front pants pocket. Believing the suspect was arming himself; Officer Espinoza fired three rounds at the suspect from his service weapon. The suspect immediately fell to the ground and was taken into custody.

During a search of the suspect, officers recovered a four-inch silver folding knife and five silver colored watches from his right front pocket. A search was conducted of the surrounding area and no firearm was recovered. The suspect was not injured and after a thorough investigation, he was ultimately released from custody without being charged.

No officers were injured. Involved officers are Metropolitan Division Police Officers Anthony Espinoza, 29, 8 years with the Department, and Officer Joseph Goosby, 29, 8 years with the Department

Force Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene and are handling the investigation.

1 Dead, 2 Injured in Gang-Related Shooting

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a 47-year-old woman dead and two people injured.

The shooting occurred on July 5, 2007, shortly after 1:00 a.m., in the 3400 block of Alice Street in the Cypress Park area.

According to police, all three victims were standing in the driveway when a gunman walked up to them and began shooting.

Lynette Lucero, was fatally shot and two men remain hospitalized where they are expected to recover from their injuries. 

Investigators believe the shooting was over a dispute and gang related.

Police have no suspect description and few leads.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northeast Homicide Detectives Jose Carrillo or James Yamada at 213-847-4261.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Mentally Challenged Man Missing

  Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department requests asking for the public's assistance in locating 20-year-old Joseph Tsimi.

Joseph was last seen on July 4, 2007, at about 10:30 AM, at his residence in the 4000 block of Santa Rosalia Drive in South Los Angeles. His mother had left the residence to pick up groceries, but when she returned she discovered Joseph missing.

The mother said Joseph has never done this before and that he has the mental capacity of an 8-year-old. She is extremely concerned because Joseph suffers from seizures and does not have his medication with him. Joseph speaks no English, although able to speak French, because he is originally from Africa.

Joseph has black hair and brown eyes, stands 5' 11" and weighs about 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with white letters in the front, black jeans and brown shoes.

A photo of Joseph is available from Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Missing Persons Unit Detectives at 213-485-5381. During after hours and on weekends you can call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

DUI Driver Kills Bicyclist

Los Angles: In the early morning hours of 4th of July, a DUI driver collided with a bicycle resulted in the death of the rider.

At about 7 AM, the bicyclist was eastbound on 4th Street in the curb lanes approaching Cumming Street.  A 1995 Ford Taurus, which was also traveling eastbound in the number two lane, collided into the rear of the bicycle.  The bicyclist suffered head trauma and died at the scene.

Officers responded to the collision scene and determined that the driver of the Taurus was Under the Influence of Alcohol and was placed under arrest for Felony Vehicular Manslaughter.  He has been identified as Felipe Jesus Godoy, 35, of Los Angeles.  He is being held on a $100,000 bail.

The bicyclist has been identified as Leonides Lopez, 49, of Los Angeles.

Central Traffic Detectives are conducting the investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Josephine Mapson at 213-972-1825.  On weekends or off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Teenager Shoots Himself After Pursuit

 Los Angeles: Robbery-Homicide detectives are investigating the suicide of a teenager who shot and killed himself after a high-speed pursuit that ended in Los Angeles in the early morning hours.

On July 4,2007, at around 1:00 a.m., Riverside County Sheriff deputies observed a grey Jaguar sedan driven by Adrian Soto, a 19, of Los Angeles and his three passengers driving erratically through Yucaipa. When the deputies tried to stop the car, Soto refused to pull over and attempted to get away by getting on the 10 Freeway towards Los Angeles.

Once on the 10 Freeway, California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over the pursuit. Soto continued to attempt to elude the officers and continued at a high rate of speed on the freeway committing a number of traffic violations. He finally exited the freeway and continued on the surface street, where Los Angeles police officers followed him westbound on 43rd Street from Long Beach Avenue.

While evading, Soto fired several rounds in the air with a pistol. Soto finally stopped the car on 43rd and Morgan Avenue. The three passengers quickly got out of the car and were detained by the CHP officers. As the passengers were exiting, Soto fired an additional round. When officers approached the car to take Soto into custody, they saw that he had shot himself.

Paramedics were called to the scene but were not able to revive Soto and he was pronounced at the scene. 

Investigation revealed that prior to shooting himself, Soto had called his family and friends telling them goodbye and that he was sorry but he could not go to jail.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Detectives Wally Tennelle or Corbin Rheault at 213-485-2129. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Coyotes Hold Young Girls For Ransom

Los Angeles: Robbery-Homicide detectives are asking the public's help in finding 2 young girls and their adult aunt who are being held in a coyote extortion case.

On March 10, 2007, the mother of the two girls paid a "coyote" to smuggle her daughters, ages 11 and 12, and their adult aunt and uncle, from El Salvador to the United States.  She last spoke to her daughters on April 4, 2007, when they were in Tampico, Mexico.  She was informed that the coyotes separated the girls and their aunt from their uncle in Guatemala.

On June 29, 2007, the mother began to receive calls from unknown men who demanded more money to release her daughters.  She did not comply since she could not verify whether the callers actually had the girls.

Detectives were able to determine that the calls demanding more money originated from San Diego and Mexico's boarder.  In an interview with the girls' uncle in El Salvador, he told detectives that the coyote separated him from the girls and their aunt and he was subsequently detained for 2 months by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when she attempted to enter the U.S.            

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Detective D. Jaramillo or Detective D. Maxwell at 213-485-2511. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Male/ Female Bandits Rob Elderly Woman

Los Angeles: Harbor Area detectives are asking the public's help in identifying the man and woman who robbed an elderly lady as she left a U.S. post office.

On June 15, 2007, at about 12:34 p.m., the victim had left the post office in the 1000 block of Avalon Boulevard in the city of Wilmington. The suspects drove up to the victim who was walking on the sidewalk and parked their dark brown midsize van near her.

The female passenger got out of the car and yanked the victim's purse off her shoulder, removed cash from it and returned the purse. She then proceeded to forcibly remove the victim's ring from her left ring finger and her watch using hand lotion. The second suspect joined the attack and tried to remove the victim's ring from her right hand but stopped when the victim screamed in pain. The suspects returned to their car and escaped with $600.00 in cash and the victim's jewelry.

The female suspect is between 25 to 30 years old. She is 5'3" tall and weighs about 120 pounds and has a light complexion. The male is described 65, 5'5" tall, about 160 pounds. He is heavy set with light complexion, wearing all white clothing.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call Harbor Robbery Detective Anna Rivera or Officer Ryan Williams at 310-522-2029. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).