LAPD Blog

Man Gunned Down on Sidewalk

Los Angeles: A man walking on 8th Street towards Vermont Avenue was shot and killed early Tuesday morning. Detectives are seeking the public's help to find the killer.

On August 22, 2007, at around 2:10 a.m., Rampart Area police officers were called to a shooting that had just occurred near 8th Street and Vermont Avenue. When police arrived they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The officers discovered that the suspect had walked up behind the victim and shot him as he walked down the street. The suspect is described only as a Hispanic man wearing dark clothing.

The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rampart Homicide Detectives Julian Pere or John Motto at 213-207-2060. On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Man Shot to Death

Los Angeles:The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the death of a 18-year-old man shot and killed on Tuesday morning.

On August 21, 2007, at about 10:10 AM, Donzell Lee Ghoston, 18, was in the rear alley of the 4800 block of August Street. The suspects drove past Ghoston east bound in the alley and fired three gunshots. Ghoston was struck by the gunfire and collapsed in the alley.

Area residents called 911 after hearing the gunshots, and the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene. 

Ghoston was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. 

The motive of the shooting is unknown.

South Bureau Homicide Detectives Sean Hansen and Chris Luna are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information may contact the detectives at 213-485-2417, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, please phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-5203855).

Special Education Teacher Arrested

Los Angeles: A special education teacher is under arrest for Lewd Acts with a Dependent Adult.

On August 10,2007, an aide in Johnson’s class notified the principal that she had witnessed Johnson display inappropriate behavior toward several students in the Special Education Program. The police were immediately notified.

Detectives from SECU and ICACU conducted numerous interviews at the school and identified three additional victims of sexual assault. The victims ranged from 14 to 19 years of age. The case is being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney Sex Crimes Division for filing consideration.

Johnson had worked at John Marshall High School since 1992. 

Anyone with information is requested to contact Detectives Carlos Monterroso or Traci Noggle at 213-847-5358. On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

HIT AND RUN TRAFFIC COLLISION

UPDATE

A composite is attached of the suspect responsible for the death of Peter Martinez

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is looking for witnesses that could provide information on the identity of a hit and run motorist on Thursday afternoon.

On August 9, 2007, at 2:50 PM, a motorist travelling on White Oak Avenue at Wyndotte Street, in a Honda Civic, partial license plate number of "4W-----", failed to stop for two pedestrians crossing the street.

The pedestrians, 20-year-old Peter Martinez and his brother Alex Martinez, 18, were entering the center median when the suspect came close to hitting Alex. As the suspect drove by, Alex yelled at him. The driver then made a U-turn and drove toward Peter at a high rate of speed hitting him. The suspect drove off without rendering aid or identifying himself.

The suspect's car is described as a 1995-1996 black 4 door, Honda Civic with tinted rear windows. The car would have sustained major damage to the front end and possibly the windshield.

The victim was taken to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. For more information concerning this incident, please contact West Valley Homicide Detectives at 818-374-7730. After hours please contact the toll-free 24-hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Notes from the August 21, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•The Department is on-target with recruitment goals, including total number of recruits as well as percentages of women and minorities.

•The Police Commission awarded Certificates of Appreciation to Rafael Casillas, Tony Valdez, Capt. Rich Wemmer, J.D. Cabor, Shawn Gabra, Jon Gesch, David Gomez, Ata Kirmani, Daniel Morehead, Hopyung Park, Ken Saba, and Steven Sloan for their roles in producing an excellent officer survival video featuring Rafael Casillas.  Casillas, a former CHP officer, survived a brutal shootout that brought an end to his sworn career.  Crediting the LAPD with saving his life at the shootout, he came to work for the Department in a civilian capacity with Training Group.  He is the central figure of the officer survival video, in which he is credited with bearing his soul in order to help fellow law enforcement officers.  The video is recognized for its excellence and has been seen internationally.  Congratulations to Mr. Casillas and all parties involved in this excellent piece of work.

•The Department's report, relative to follow-up information from the Department's Annual Complaint Report, which was approved on June 5, 2007, was approved.

•The Department's report, with verbal presentations of Deputy Chief Michael Moore and Capt. Steven Zipperman, relative to the Foothill Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit, was approved. 

•The Department's report, with verbal presentations of Deputy Chief Michael Moore and Capt. Sharyn Buck, relative to the North Hollywood Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit, was approved.

•The Department's report, relative to the Statistical Digest of the Los Angeles Police Department for calendar year 2006, was approved.

•The Department's report, relative to the Discipline Report for the Second Quarter, 2007, in accordance with Paragraph 88 of the Consent Decree, was approved.

•The Department's report, relative to the report of Criminal Cases Submitted to Prosecutors for Review, Second Quarter 2007, was approved.

•The Department's report, relative to Adjudication of Categorical Use of Force Incidents - Completion of Training Status report, was approved.

•The Commission President's report, relative to Commission Liaison and Assignments, was approved.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics August 18, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

* Both 2006 and 2007 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                                249               306              -19%
Rape                                      512               604              -15%
Robbery                                8493             9071              -6%
Agg Assaults **                      8263             9058              -9%
Total Violent Crimes          17,517        19,039              -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 12,277          12,560          -2%
Auto Theft                             14,806          15,406          -4%
BTFV                                      19,325         18,968            2%
Personal/Other Theft              16,685         17,884           -7%
Total Property Crimes           63,093       64,818           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                80,610       83,857           -4%

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

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

Robbery in Progress Shown on Video Footage

Los Angeles: Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying two robbery suspects shown in video footage as they robbed a drug store.

On Saturday, August 11, 2007, around 11:40 a.m., two male Blacks entered the AD-RX Pharmacy at 6240 Wilshire Boulevard. The suspects walked past the front counter to the rear of the business. The first suspect, armed with a gun, confronted three employees. The robber demanded the name brand pharmaceutical drugs OxyContin and Dilaudid. When workers informed the suspect that the drugs were not available, he pistol-whipped two of the employees.

The second suspect was not armed and served as a lookout.

The suspects stole Vicodin and Tylenol 3 before fleeing the pharmacy. 

The first suspect was in his 40s, 5'7" tall, 200 pounds, with a light complexion. The second suspect was in his 30s, 5'10" tall, 170 pounds, also with a light complexion.

The store employees received minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.

A video of the robbery is available by request to media outlets through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilshire Robbery Detectives at 213-922-8205. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll-free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-2855).

Double Homicide Kills Brother and Sister

Los Angeles: A backyard party shooting leaves one person injured and two dead.

On August 19, 2007, around 2:30 p.m., Roberto Santiago, 21 and his sister Beatrice Santiago, 21, were attending a party in the backyard of a home in the 1400 Block of West 38th Street. Roberto Santiago was sitting on the rear porch and his sister Beatrice was dancing with one of the partygoers.

An unknown suspect stood in the rear alley and fired multiple gunshots into the crowd. Roberto and his sister were struck by the gunfire, along with a third victim.

Los Angeles Fire Paramedics responded to the scene and transported all three victims to a local hospital, Roberto and Beatrice Santiago died at the hospital. The third victim was treated and released.

Anyone with information is asked to call the South Bureau Criminal Homicide Detectives Ty Lee and Frank Alvelais, at 213-485-2417, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, please phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-520-3855).

Gang Shooting Kills One, Critically Injures Another

Los Angeles: A juvenile was shot and killed and a second man was critically injured, on Saturday night in a gang shooting in Southeast Los Angeles.

On August 18, 2007, around 10:35 p.m., Donta Daniel Bolden, 15, and Ryant August Alexander, 36, were standing near the intersection of 115th Street and Success Avenue.  An unknown number of suspects drove up in a blue Ford Taurus and shot both victims multiple times.  The suspects then sped away south on Success Avenue.

Bolden was rushed by paramedics to a local hospital, where he later died.  Alexander was also transported to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The motive for the crime appears to be gang related.  The suspect(s), vehicle and weapon remain outstanding.

Anyone with information is asked to call the South Bureau Criminal Gang Homicide Group, Detective Mark Castillo, at 213-485-1383, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, please phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-520-3855).

Valley Task Force Nets 17 Arrests

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Operations-Valley Bureau Vice Units conducted a Prostitution Task Force, Friday, resulting in 17 arrests for prostitution and drugs.

On August 17, 2007, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., undercover female officers posed as prostitutes along Sepulveda Boulevard, attracting dozens of solicitors.  At the conclusion of the task force, officers made 17 arrests for prostitution related crimes.

Prostitution has long been a problem along the Sepulveda Corridor in the San Fernando Valley. It has contributed to numerous quality of life crimes affecting local residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

According to Sergeant Alan Kreitzman from the Van Nuys Area Vice Unit, "These types of task forces target those who would solicit prostitutes, commonly known as "Johns," as well as those who work the streets as prostitutes."  The efforts are one of the most effective enforcement tools used by law enforcement to curb the specific crime of prostitution, and associated crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assaults.   The following is a list of those arrested during the operation and their charges:

NAME             AGE    CITY OF RESIDENCE     CHARGE
Mohseni, Ramin         42       Canoga Park      647(b) PC
Leonard, Deanna        20       Los Angeles       647(b) PC
Cabrera, Fernando      27       Simi Valley        647(b) PC
Mendez, Ernesto         23       New Hall           647(b) PC
Hernandez, Omar       26       Pacoima            647(b) PC
Guzman, Henry          30       Los Angeles       11350H&S
Blan, Christina           28       Lancaster          647(b) PC
Villavicencio, Uber     24        Van Nuys           647(b) PC
Belton, Felcia            26        Imperial Beach   653.22 PC
Barahona, Erick         25        Van Nuys           647(b) PC
Canuqueo, Roberto    26        North Hollywood  647(b) PC
Reyes, Lisa               45        Van Nuys             647(b) PC
Cruz, Michael            51        Sedona               647(b) PC
Curran, John             66        Saugus                647(a) PC
Fujii, Dennis             63        Santa Clarita       647(b) PC
Karakashyan, Zograb  48       Van Nuys             647(b) PC
Abrahamyan, Rustam  21      Van Nuys             647(b) PC

Anyone with questions or information may contact Sergeant Kreitzman at 818-756-8385.

Help Needed in Identifying Hit and Run Victim

Los Angeles: A jogger wearing an I-pod ran into the traffic lanes and was struck by a car.  He is in extremely critical condition and detectives need the public's assistance in identifying him.

The jogger is either White or Hispanic and 20 to 30 years of age.  He has black hair and brown eyes and has a tattoo of a red and yellow flower on his right arm.  He stands 5' 8" and weighs 175 pounds.

On August 15, 2007, at around 8:20 PM, a 1999 grey Chrysler 300, driven by a 23-year-old man, was eastbound on Franklin Avenue near Mariposa Avenue.  The jogger bolted in front of the Chrysler from between parked cars.  The driver of the Chrysler attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to his right but was unsuccessful and collided with the jogger. 

The jogger was taken to a local hospital where he remains on life support. 

The driver of the Chrysler was questioned and released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Felix Padilla, Central Traffic Division, at 213-972-1825.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-3855).

***UPDATE***

The pedestrian has been identified as Felipe A. Lopez, 23 years old of Los Angeles.  He never regained consciousness and died from injuries at Cedars-Sinai Hospital on August 16th, 2007.

62-Year-Old Reseda Man Missing

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 62-year-old Alzheimer patient Khosro Arasteh.

Mr. Arasteh was last seen on Tuesday, August 12, 2007, at about 8 a.m., when he wandered off from his home at 5930 Reseda Boulevard and never returned.   

He is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.  It is unknown what he was wearing because no one saw him when he left his home last Tuesday.

Currently police are conducting an hourly check around the area of Mr. Arasteh's residence.

Anyone knowing of his whereabouts is asked to contact West Valley Station at 818-374-7611. During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

11 and 7 Year-old Sisters Missing

UPDATE

The Munoz Sisters have been located and are safe.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating two young sisters.

Eleven-year old Jacklyn Munoz and her sister seven-year old Rosita Munoz were last seen on August 19, 2007, at about 9:30 a.m., at their home at 1714 East 117th Street, Los Angeles.

Eleven year-old, Jacklyn is described as a female Hispanic, 5'1" approximately 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing a brown sweater and blue jeans with pink shoes. 

Seven year-old, Rosita is described as a female Hispanic, 4'10" approximately 100 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt with blue jeans and Converse tennis shoes.

Anyone knowing of their whereabouts is asked to contact Southeast Division at 213-972-7828. During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

A photo of Jacklyn and Rosita Munoz is available by e-mail from Media Relations Section.