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January 19, 2025

2016 OLYMPIC GAMES

At a news conference today, Mayor Villaraigosa and Governor Schwarzenegger voiced their support of Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, while Chief Bratton and elected officials from the region looked on in support.

Speakers included the Mayor, the Governor, Southern California Committee for Olympic Games Chairman Barry Sanders, state Assemblyman Fabian Nuñez, and Gold Medal Winner Peter Vidmar.

Mayor Villaraigosa cited LA’s great institutions, various stadium facilities, previous Olympic hosting experience, and, of course, our climate among the reasons LA makes an ideal hosting city for the summer games. Should the bid proceed successfully, residents and olympians alike can rest assured the LAPD is committed to providing a safe experience for these games. 

Man Shot and Killed in Alley

Los Angeles:  In the early morning hours of January 18, 2007, a 32 year-old man was found shot to death in his car in South Los Angeles.

At 3:00 A.M., Southwest Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call to the rear alley 2500 block of Dunsmuir Avenue.  Officers found the victim seated in the driver seat of a white 1995 Infinity, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Paramedics arrived quickly and rendered emergency medical aid, but the victim died from his injuries at the scene.

The victim has been identified as Antonio Alejandro Torres of Los Angeles.  The motive for the shooting is possibly gang or narcotics related.   

Anyone with information is requested to call Southwest Homicide Detectives Frank Alvelais or Ty Lee at 213-485-2418.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Mayor and Chief vow to combat gang problem

Los Angeles: On Thursday Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Chief Bratton, Sheriff Baca, and FBI Director Robert Muller along with other local leaders, vowed to put the 204th Street gang out of business.

Standing in front of the Del Amo Market, a location where Blacks know not to patronize for fear of straying into Latino gang territory and being shot, Mayor Villaraigosa said, “You heard it here first today, we’re here to put the 204th Street gang out of business. We’re coming with everything we have. No one should have to fear for their life because of the color of their skin. Not in our city, not in our county.”

Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who represents the Harbor Gateway area, announced that the cavalry was here!

Chief Bratton said law enforcement officials will focus efforts on ten to twenty of the most violent gangs in the city. “We’re not messing around this time. Spread the word, we are not coming, we are here. We are more united than ever.”

City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo said an injunction to limit activities of gang members will be imposed in the area. He said that it may take some time for a judge’s approval, but said that the City Attorneys office is committed to shut down gang headquarters. He also said that his office will obtain stay away orders to keep gang members from areas outside of Harbor Gateway.

Deputy Chief Charlie Beck said that you will see multi-agency cooperation. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and Torrance police officers working side-by-side with LAPD officers. Los Angeles Unified School District police will share intelligence that they glean from activities in schools. Agents from the FBI, BATF, and the DEA will provide intelligence, electronic and visual surveillance support as well.

Last year, while overall crime was down, gang crime was up 14 percent in the City of Los Angeles.

To hear the Mayor and the Chief of Police news conference, please click here for the podcast.

Download Mayor Antonia Villaraigosa podcast
Download Chief William J. Bratton podcast

January 18, 2025

Two Arrested for Cockfighting

Los Angeles: The Animal Cruelty Task Force raided a cockfighting operation and arrested a 17-year-old teenager and his mother Tuesday afternoon.

On January 16, 2007, at around 1:00 P.M., officers were called to investigate a cockfight in the 1300 block of North Marine Avenue. During the investigation, officers saw "boxing muffs" strapped to one of the roosters and immediately called vice officers to secure the residence while a search warrant was obtained.

Investigators recovered a large quantity of narcotics, several stolen weapons, and a cache of ammunition being stored in a child's bedroom. Officers also seized 16 fighting roosters, nine hens, and one dead rooster from the backyard. The animals were handed over to the Department of Animal Control.

Adriana Reynoso, 34, who is on probation, was arrested and booked for endangering her children.   Her bail was set at $100,000.

Reynoso's 17-year-old son was arrested for possessing methamphetamine for sales, stolen firearms and fighting gamecocks. He was on probation for prior offenses.

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

Anyone with information is asked to call Animal Cruelty Task Force Detective Susan Brumagin at 213-485-3860. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The following photographs are from a previous case of animal cruelty and are not related to the arrests made on January 16, 2007.

   
                                                                                                                                 

            

Rampart Area Inspection

One of the Department's long-standing traditions, the command inspection, was conducted today at the Rampart Area station.  Sworn personnel stood at attention and were inspected up close and personal by Chief Bratton, Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger, Deputy Chief Lee Carter and Captain John Egan.  Rampart Area officers were unanimously commended on their appearance and level of fitness, as well as their overall success in reducing crime and gang activity in the area. 

Dsc01829_2In addressing the 367 officers after the successful inspection, Chief Bratton spokeof the Area's astonishing comeback after the "stain" of the past having been recently, and permanently, removed.  He complimented the group of proud men and women for helping to bring about the "renaissance of Rampart" and restoring the Area to the "pinnacle of success" where they now find themselves.  He acknowledged that the pride of Rampart Area is visible and "second to none" and lauded the professionalism and deep camaraderie of the Area's personnel.      

Among the standouts from this extraordinary group of men and women was Rampart Area Sergeant Mike Daly, who returned recently from a tour of duty in Iraq.  Sergeant Daly is one of many LAPD sworn personnel who has served in the Iraq war, and whom the Chief reminded all to honor and recognize for their dedication and commitment.

Dsc01835Assistant Chief Paysinger complimented Rampart Area officers for their efforts and acknowledged "the work done is obvious."  Deputy Chief Carter, a former Rampart detective, singled out the return of MacArthur Park to the community as a sterling example of how the Rampart Area is "all about serving the community."  Captain Egan bottom-lined it by stating the station "never looked better" and, in an emotional expression of his pride, assured the gathered officers the memory of this inspection would stay with him for the rest of his career.

At the end of the inspection, Chief Bratton presented 10-year pins to 4 officers in acknowledgement of their tenures.

January 17, 2025

Anniversary Earthquake

Thirteen years ago, on January 17, 1994, the Northridge earthquake shook the lives and properties of Southern Californians, registering 6.7 on the Richter scale and leaving major damage in its wake. Fifty-seven people died, more than 9,000 sustained injuries and damages ran up a bill of over twenty billion dollars. Long before this, in 1857, the catastrophic Ft. Tejon earthquake stunned the area, registering a whopping 7.9 on the Richter scale. Unfortunately, as devastating as these earthquakes were, the harsh reality is that there is potential for much worse.

Img_5834 At an earthquake preparedness news conference on January 17, 2007, Councilman Greig Smith of District 12 warned citizens that "The Big One" is overdue and coming. Being residents of "earthquake country," it is the responsibility of all our residents to be prepared.

Joining Councilman Smith were representatives from various city departments, including Deputy Chief Michel Moore, of the Valley Bureau. Deputy Chief Moore cautioned residents to be prepared to go anywhere from 3 days to a week withoutImg_5837 city services in the event of a worst-case scenario. He stressed the importance of having a plan so we can take care of ourselves and our families, neighbors and communities during such a disaster. He also reminded residents that, while the Los Angeles Police Department is better prepared than ever, and will be there for all residents, response times may be longer than they would be under normal circumstances. We ask that our residents do their part and be prepared so, when the time comes, help can get to those who need it most.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics January 13, 2025


VIOLENT CRIMES
                 2007*          2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                  11               12               -8%
Rape                                        20                34             -41%
Robbery                                  468              509              -8%
Agg Assaults **                        434              491             -12%
Total Violent Crimes              933          1,046             -11%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  643               724           -11%
Auto Theft                              843               898            -6%
BTFV                                    1,143            1,107            -3%
Personal/Other Theft               704               937           -25%
Total Property Crimes         3,333           3,666            -9%
Total Part I Crimes              4,266           4,712            -9%

* 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

To Serve and to Heal

The 13th Annual "Fight for Life" boxing tournament, benefiting the City of Hope Cancer Center, took place on Friday, January 12, 2007, at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello.  A crowd of 1,200 people attended the popular charity event that puts members of the boxing teams from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in the ring to battle their East Coast counterparts from the New York Police Department (NYPD).  The event raised more than $40,000.  City of Hope is a bio-medical research and treatment center dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Blog Opening ceremonies included a moment of silence to honor and recognize fallen officers from the past year. Special tribute was paid with a 10 count in remembrance of Los Angeles Sheriff Deputy Gerardo (Jerry) Ortiz who fell in the line of duty on Friday, June 24, 2005.  Deputy Ortiz, a known boxing enthusiast, was a member of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department Boxing Team.

The fight card featured nine bouts scheduled for three boxing rounds, three minutes each. Fighting out of the blue corner was LAPD, with Officer Rudy Barragan, Newton Area, as team coach.  "Tonight's fights exceeded every expectation I had," said a jubilant Officer Barragan, whose team picked up six victories. "This event was put together very fast.  Each of the NYPD boxers did such a great job.  David Sive, coach of the NYPD team, did an outstanding job tonight."

Carl's Junior Robbery Caught on Tape

Los Angeles:  LAPD detectives have released DVD footage of a robbery that occurred in late December at a Carl's Junior in mid-Los Angeles.

The robbery occurred on Wednesday, December 27, 2006, just before 1:00 P.M., in the 500 block of South Western Avenue.

According to investigators, the man entered the front entrance of the restaurant and walked up to the counter.  The suspect simulated a gun and demanded money from the clerk.  After taking the money, the robber left in a gray 1993 Honda Accord 4-door.

The suspect was a Hispanic man in his late 20s, 5'10" tall, weighing approximately 215 pounds.  He was wearing a black jacket, black shorts, black shoes and a black baseball cap bearing the letters "NYPD."

"The person in these photos is a regular customer and was seen at the restaurant on many occasions," said Detective Webster Wong.  "We are hoping someone will recognize him and call the police."

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilshire Division Robbery Detectives Wong or Earl Perry at 213-922-8205.  On weekends and during off hours, call the 24-hour toll-free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

January 16, 2025

Vehicle Rollover Results in Fatality

Los Angeles: One person died and four others were injured Saturday when the car they were riding in overturned, ejecting two of its occupants.

Oscar Martinez was driving his vehicle on January 13, 2007, at around 6:00 P.M., on Stocker Street near La Brea Avenue.  Martinez lost control of his vehicle sending it airborne into a dirt embankment and rolling over.

Two passengers were ejected from the vehicle and sustained critical injuries. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment, along with the other occupants of the car, who suffered less serious injuries. Glen Hyde Jr., 19, of Inglewood died a short time later after failing to respond to medical treatment.

It is believed that speed was the major factor in the crash and criminal charges against the driver are pending the outcome of the investigation. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected to be factors in the crash. Investigators have determined that the two passengers who were ejected from the vehicle were not wearing seatbelts.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call South Traffic Detectives,  Jimmy Rinder, Rodney Jones or Officer Carol Mitchell, at 323-290-6063 or 213-485-7336.  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).

Gang member Points Gun at Officers

Los Angeles:  A local gang member was shot Sunday night, after he pointed a gun at pursuing officers in South Los Angeles.

Around 8:00 P.M., January 14, 2007, two LAPD officers, assigned to the gang unit from Newton Police Station, recognized a local gang member, Adrian Gonzalez, 34, who was walking near 23rd Street and Wall Street, just south of downtown.

Police Officer Leonard McKenzie, 31, and his partner were patrolling the area, which is strewn with local gang graffiti.  When the officers stopped their police car to speak to Gonzalez, he ran from the officers while clutching his waistband.

As the officers gave chase, Gonzalez ran into an apartment building and up a flight of stairs.  At the top of the landing, Gonzalez pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it down at the pursuing officers.  Officer McKenzie fired at Gonzalez, striking Gonzalez in the torso.

Gonzalez was taken to California Hospital, where doctors said he was expected to survive.  Neither officer was injured in the incident. Gonzalez will be charged with Assault With a Deadly Weapon on a police officer.

Detectives from the Force Investigation Division recovered a 9mm handgun at the top of the stairs where Gonzalez fell.

"We saw a significant rise in the number of gunfire assaults on officers in 2006," said LAPD Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "This trend illustrates the propensity for more suspects, mostly gang members, to take on the police.  That's another reason why we're focusing on gangs, guns, and drugs this year."

Suspects fired at police officers on at least 23 occasions in 2006, compared to 16 times in 2005.  Officers returned fire in less than half of those assaults in 2006.  This shooting was the fifth officer-involved shooting in 14 days of the new year.  Last year ended with 44 officer-involved shootings, the same number as in 2005. 

Officer McKenzie is a 9-year veteran of the LAPD.

Woman Dies Suddenly in Jail

Los Angeles: A 47-year-old woman was found unresponsive in a jail cell at the 77th Street Jail on January 13, 2007.  Police detectives and the coroner’s office are investigating the reason for her death.

Rosalind Lyons was arrested just before midnight, on January 12, for making criminal threats.  She was booked into jail at 1:45 A.M. and assigned to a jail cell alone.  She had refused medical treatment for a pre-existing condition, but it is unknown whether that condition contributed to her death.

Jailers found Lyons unresponsive in her cell during the twice-hourly welfare check at 3:30 P.M.  Paramedics took her to the MLK/Drew Medical Center for treatment, where Lyons later died.

There was no use of force associated with Lyons’ arrest. Force Investigation Division is assigned to the case.

LAPD Trick Task Force Operation

Los Angeles: LAPD officers arrested 2 persons on January 12, 2007, related to prostitution activities near Canoga Avenue and Sherman Way. The operation began around 8:00 P.M., and ended at midnight. Undercover female police officers posed as prostitutes on the street and arrested violators, or "Johns," who stopped and solicited them for sex. Officers also impounded one suspect's cars, using city ordinance 41.70 LAMC, that was enacted in 2005. In total one car was seized. The City Attorney’s Office will determine what fines will be levied against the arrestee to enable him to get his car back. In some cases, the cars may qualify to be forfeited permanently.

Operation-West Valley Bureau Vice, in conjunction with personnel from Detective Support, Vice Division, North Hollywood, Mission Area Vice and Scientific Investigation Division conducted the task force. Prostitution task forces are conducted periodically in areas prone to prostitution and other vice activities.

The following people were arrested for 647(b) PC- Prostitution and processed at West Valley police station.

Name                   Age  City of Residence
Julio Gonzalez       31    Canoga Park   
Thilanka Silva       33    Chatsworth

Note: The arrest of any person does not imply guilt, nor does it guarantee prosecution for the charge. All arrests are referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

Media questions may be referred to Sergeant Gutierrez, Officer in Charge, West Valley Vice at 818-374-7860.

Shots Erupt at Local Gang Party

Los Angeles: An unidentified 40-year-old man was shot by a police sergeant on January 10, 2007, following reports of shots fired at a Masonic lodge, located in the 9700 block of Avalon Boulevard.  One other man was seriously wounded from a shooting that occurred inside the lodge just minutes before the police shooting.

Around 12:30 A.M., police received complaints of a large party and fighting at the Masonic lodge.  Sergeant Cesar Mata, 39, arrived first and spoke to the property manager, who had rented the building to a group for a party.

Mata left, then returned a few minutes later to check on the party.  As he stood by with another sergeant, gunfire erupted inside the building.  Between 15 and 20 shots could be heard from outside.

Party-goers began pouring out the doors.  The first man out was already shot in the head and staggering.  A second and third man followed.  The third man who came out reached into his pockets as he moved toward the wounded man.  At that point, Sergeant Mata drew and fired his weapon. While the initially injured man survived, the man shot by police later died.  No gun was found on his body.

As the party continued to clear, officers detained 30 to 40 local gang members, and found a shotgun and three other handguns scattered within the lodge building.  It was estimated that as many as 200 persons had attended the party.  Police later found that dozens of bullet holes pockmarked the walls inside the building.

This was the fourth officer-involved shooting of the new year.

Sergeant Mata is a 17-year veteran of LAPD, and he is assigned to the Southeast Police Station. Force Investigation Division is investigating the shooting.

Man Fatally Injured During an Argument

 Los Angeles:  A 22-year-old was man arrested for beating another man to death during an argument on Friday afternoon.

On January 12, 2007, at around 2:30 P.M., North Hollywood patrol officers responded to a radio call of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 7800 block of San Fernando Road.  Once there, the officers found the victim, a 47-year-old man with massive injuries to his head.      

Officers were told that the victim and two witnesses had been working on a car when the suspect, Joshua Marsh, approached them.  Marsh accused the victim of owing him money.  An argument ensued during which Marsh hit the victim on the head with a metal pipe and then ran away.  Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Based on information received from the witnesses, officers were able to locate Marsh in the area of Glenoaks and Nettleton later that afternoon. He was arrested for murder. The victim's name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Hollywood Homicide Detectives T. Townsend or T. Kirkpartick 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). Callers may remain anonymous.

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