LAPD Blog

Early Morning Shooting Claims Life

Los Angeles: A man was found dead in a car early Thursday morning in South Los Angeles.

On September 6, 2007, around 1:00 a.m., Southwest Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 800 block of West 40th Place.  Upon arrival the officers discovered the shooting victim, Edwin Bell, 47, a resident of Los Angeles, with multiple gunshot wounds.  He was found in the driver’s seat of a red Mercedes.  Bell was pronounced dead at the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed Bell had just driven up to the location when a gunman fired multiple rounds with an unknown firearm. The gunman ran away after the shooting.

The gunman was described as a thin-build, African-American male in his 20s.

The motive for the shooting is unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives Richard Gordon or Jim Yoshida, Operations-South Bureau Criminal Gang/Homicide Group, Southwest Squad, at 213-485-2415.   On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

ARE THEY REALLY FOR YOU?

A Letter to Skid Row
By Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph

I have maintained my silence on this issue for a long time.  But I just cannot take it any longer.  There are groups in the Skid Row area that claim to be for the homeless, but they are truly for exploiting them.

Since I became a Senior Lead Officer (SLO), this group and other alike groups have fought us tooth and nail over crime prevention in Skid Row.  They have been allowed to tell lies, and use racial and homophobic language against officers and myself who patrol the Skid Row area.  Moreover, when the police officers respond to them, even in a respectful manner, they run down to Central Station, and encourage others to follow suit in filing false complaints.

I am for residents filing righteous complaints against officers who treat them poorly.  If you do not believe me, then just ask the staff members of the Volunteers of America (VOA).  The VOA called me when an officer and a sergeant responded to their location when they (VOA) needed assistance and were treated in a disrespectful manner by the officer, who neglected to do his duty.  When I discovered this, I was very upset and personally initiated a complaint on those officers.  But the activist group will not tell you about that.

I do not consider enforcing laws, whether it is for jaywalking or murder, as harassment.  If you ask honest members of the Skid Row community, it is long overdue.   Yet, if an officer while conducting his or her enforcement is righteously disrespectful or cruel to any member of the community, it should be dealt with.

Now I am the first to admit that police officers are not perfect people. At Central Division thre are 400 officers doing the best job they can to police 45,000 human beings living in a 4.5-square mile radius, and the hundreds of thousands who come to visit, work and shop in the downtown area.  In doing so, one must realize that our job is as unpredictable as humanity is, and that no two situations are the same in this Division.

At no time in my tenure of policing Skid Row did I ever feel that I was above the people I serve, because I am no better than you are.  I just have a greater responsibility.  Yet, I shall never apologize for being tough on crime in Skid Row because for years, I have observed my people in this area destroy one another, via drug addiction, alcohol abuse, gang crimes, drug sales, and violence.  I truly want to see this change, because I do believe in the good in all of you, and desperately want to bring that out in this community before I leave.

It concerns me that this group truly wants Skid Row to go right back to where it was before, with people overdosing and slowly dying on the sidewalks, so they can continue to paint pictures of your pain to their donors, without seeing one bit of improvement in your lives.

I honestly could care less about the ramifications of writing this letter to you.  I am fed up with the lies of this group who has witnessed me testify to keep the Single Room Occupancy programs functioning in Skid Row.  They were aware of my speaking on behalf of the Union Rescue Mission’s (URM) efforts to place women and children in a better place where they can truly benefit from the URM’s services.

Their tactics are solely designed to keep the lines of communications and understanding between Central police officers and the Skid Row community closed, so that chaos will continue to reign in Skid Row.  Why, because that is how they get their funding.  If we make the streets safe here, they will not be able to profit from people’s pain.  Poverty is a business to groups like the ones that I speak of.

On top of exploiting poverty for funding, their hypocrisies remain boundless.  I have observed members of these groups selling knives to homeless people and pornography on the sidewalks where women and children walk.  Community members have also advised me of one of their members selling single cans of beer to drunk men in the area.  They preach against racism and sexism, but I had a very interesting conversation with one of their members who used homophobic slurs against a man he believed “snitched” on him.  I have the proof.

As I stated many times before, I do not care what anyone thinks of me, but I do care about every one on Skid Row.  So, love me or hate me, I am going to continue to try and make it safe for you because it is my job.  I refuse to let activism or politics hinder me from doing that job.  Whether Safer Cities Initiative stays forever or leaves tomorrow, I will still continue doing what I feel is right within the law, regardless of the tactics of activist groups, and the powerful law firms that back them.

Look at what is occurring in Skid Row, today.  Skid row is safer now, and the activist groups had nothing to do with it.  When juveniles were coming into the area and brutalizing the elderly and handicapped right in front of their office, they sat back and watched, and said nothing about it. 
I asked for their assistance in talking to these kids and referring them to programs because I did not want to “criminalize” these kids as they say, and because this group appeared to be bold enough to do so.

For the record, I must state that not all of the members of this group are of the same caliber as their leadership.  Few of them are very caring people with whom I have met and prayed with. 
If those members' influence was stronger than the majority of this group, just imagine what we could do for people on Skid Row.

With these truths, one must truly ask if this group is really for you or not.  As for Central Division, whether you think we care or not.  Whether you think we are here for gentrification or not, we have a duty to stop the lawlessness that has ravaged the quality of life in this area for decades, and will continue to do so.

If I have to verbally battle with this group at every meeting, I do not mind, because, it is worth fighting over to create a positive relationship between the people of Skid Row and Los Angeles Police Department Central Division.

Now who is this group I speak of?  It is kind of hard to say.  There are several groups that operate down here.  But they will probably be the group running down to make a complaint about this letter of truth.  Somehow they forget that police officers are not excluded from
the 1st Amendment Right to the Constitution privileges, and I will take full advantages of that right whenever they try to slander the leadership and the frontline of this Department, that is truly making a difference.

Sincerely,

From your SLO Deon Joseph, Serial No. 32511

Heroes Meeting Heroes

Thursday, September 6, 2024

For the second year on a row, the Los Angeles Police Department welcomed the Sunshine Kids to Los Angeles.  Chief William J. Bratton, along with Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell bestowed the Oath of Office to 27 teenagers seriously ill with cancer, making them “honoree” LAPD police officers.  Some of these teenagers were diagnosed with cancer this year or as early as infants.  The newly sworn in honoree police officers were transported Code-3 by LAPD Reserve Officers from the Sheraton Universal Hotel to the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood where they received gifts.

The teenagers come from throughout the country on a one-week visit to Los Angeles.  For the majority of these youths, this trip is the first time they have traveled on an airplane and their first visit to Los Angeles.  While on their visit, the Sunshine Kids will visit different Southern California attractions and amusement parks.  “It’s a huge thrill for these kids to be received with open arms,” said Brooks Tomb, Sunshine Director Kid Director for the West Coast.  “It's inspiring for these LAPD heroes to bestow such a high honor to these youths who are heroes by the bravery and fortitude they have shown in meeting the difficult challenges in their young lives.”

The Sunshine Kids Foundation add quality of life to children with cancer by providing them with exciting, positive group activities, so they may once again do what kids are supposed to do --have fun and celebrate life!  To learn more about Sunshine Kids, visit their website at www.Sunshine Kids.org.

Los Angles Police officers have a long history of being active and raising funds for several cancer organizations.  Officers participate in the annual Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, raise funds for childhood cancer research by shaving their heads for the Saint Baldrick’s Event, and honor children ill with cancer by making them cops for a day and taking them on patrol.

Second Fatal Stabbing in Skid Row

Los Angeles. Los Angeles detectives are asking the public’s help in providing any information about the fatal stabbing of a man in Skid Row Tuesday night.  Michael Bell, 47, was found lying on the sidewalk around 11:45 p.m. on September 4, 2007.  Bell later died at the hospital.

"It appeared he was stabbed in the chest," said Lieutenant Paul Vernon, head of the Central Detective Division.  "We found video footage that showed Bell coming down the sidewalk over 30 minutes before someone realized he was in distress.  Critical time went by before a passerby realized he was not just asleep on the sidewalk."

This was the second fatal stabbing in Skid Row since the beginning of the Safer Cities Initiative began nearly one year ago, September 17, 2007.  Homicide occurrences now stand at six, still four less than the same period last year.  Police credit a nearly 30-percent reduction in major crime to the initiative’s efforts, spearheaded by Mayor Villaraigosa and Police Chief William Bratton.

After two days of investigating the most recent stabbing, detectives have little to go on.  Bell lived at a single-resident-occupancy hotel, named the San Pedro House, which was one block south of where he was found.

"We clear a lot of crimes downtown thanks to local residents stepping up with information," Vernon said.  "We hope someone will come forward in this case.  We just need a small lead to point us to a suspect."

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Area Detectives at 213-972-1203 during normal business hours.  During after hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll-free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-ASK-LAPD (529-3855).

Tuesday night’s stabbing was the second fatal stabbing within Skid Row in as many weeks, and it was the third homicide within Skid Row since the Safer Cities Initiative began.  On August 26, a man was arrested in the stabbing of another man who died.  The suspect was later released after the investigation determined he acted in self defense.  The first Skid Row homicide was reported that same day when a mother was arrested in the death of her two-month-old infant due to neglect.  The mother and child had been living on Skid Row, in and out of shelters for some time.

Mid-Wilshire Restaurant Robbery Shown on Tape

Los Angeles: A female restaurant employee was brutally assaulted by a lone robber Sunday morning during a restaurant holdup in the Wilshire area of Los Angeles.

On September 2, 2007, around 6:20 a.m., a Black man entered the Carl's Junior at 1611 South Western Avenue. The suspect jumped in behind the front counter and, in a continuous motion, kicked the employee in the face. The worker fell to the floor. The suspect demanded that she open the safe behind the counter. The employee, in fear for her life, opened the safe and the suspect removed money. He then jumped back over the counter and left the restaurant.

The victim sustained bruises to her face. No weapons were seen. Although the business was open at the time of the robbery, no patrons were inside.

The suspect was a male Black in his mid 20s. He is 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds.

Surveillance footage of the crime is available to media outlets by request from Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wilshire Homicide Detectives at 213-922-8215 or 922-8205. During after hours and on weekends, please phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-2855).

Click here to see video

Man Fatally Stabbed in Skid Row

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police have concluded the investigating of a fatal stabbing of a 47-year-old man, whose near lifeless body was found lying in the roadway on 7th Street, west of Central Avenue. Detectives had a man in custody within hours of the incident.

"This is the first aggravated homicide within Skid Row in over a year," said LAPD Lieutenant Paul Vernon, who heads the Central Detective Division. "But it appears the dead man was the aggressor in this case." A woman living on Skid Row was also charged with homicide in August, after it was determined her two-month-old baby died from neglect.

Around 4:00 a.m., Sunday, August 26, a local woman found a man lying in the street. When police officers arrived, the man was near death from an apparent stab wound to the chest. Detectives soon linked the man to the nearby Olympic Hotel, a block west at Kohler Street, where witnesses told police they heard and saw a struggle between the victim and the suspect, man in his fifties.

Witnesses said the suspect threatened the victim and demanded money. At one point, the suspect grabbed the victim, who apparently stabbed him. The suspect threw the victim, and the suspect ran away holding his arm. The victim stumbled down the street before falling down.

About four hours after the incident, 53-year-old James Harvey Stewart called police from the Torrance Memorial Hospital and reported that he was the other man at 7th Street and Kohler Street. Detectives arrested him for murder, and his bail was set at $1,000,000.

Detectives identified the dead man as Michael McKnight.  McKnight lived in the Skid Row Area and had a criminal history for robbery.

Stewart had no significant arrest record. He is a long-haul trucker, who had been visiting Skid Row for the last two days. Stewart drove himself to the hospital where doctors treated his broken elbow. Detectives recovered the knife Stewart had used in the struggle.

The case was presented to the District Attorney's Office, who rejected a criminal filing, citing self-defense. This was the first homicide to occur within the Skid Row area since the Safer Cities Initiative began one year ago, September 17, 2006. Given the finding, the homicide was classified as "justifiable," which means it will not be counted among the murders reported annually to the FBI. Stewart was released from custody .

Congressman's Office Burglarized

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect who was caught on surveillance video burglarizing Congressman Xavier Becerra's office in Rampart Area.

On August 22, 2007, the suspect entered the building and signed in at the lobby desk to go to the 7th floor, but used the stairs to go back down to the 5th floor. The suspect pried the front door to Congressman Becerra's office to gain entry and put several items into his backpack. He also tried to break into other offices on the 6th floor, but was unsuccessful.

The suspect took a laptop computer and video and digital cameras from Congressman Becerra's office. The laptop computer did not contain any sensitive information. Investigators believed the congressman's office was not targeted, and that it was a random burglary.

The suspect was caught on surveillance video. He was described as a Black man, 45 to 50 years of age. He stands about 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 180 to 200 pounds. He has a noticeable dark needle mark scar on his right hand.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives Bill Longacre or Dan Scultz, Commercial Crimes Division, at 213-485-2524. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

A copy of the surveillance video is available at Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Labor Day Shooting Leaves One Dead

Los Angeles: A 37-year-old man was shot and killed on Monday night in South Los Angeles.

On Monday, September 3, 2007, just before 8 p.m., the victim, Hasson Johnson, a resident of Los Angeles, was walking on the east sidewalk of the 8500 block of South Harvard Boulevard when he was confronted by two male Hispanic suspects. For unknown reasons one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and shot Johnson in the chest. Johnson ran away from the suspects a few blocks away and collapsed near Western Avenue and 84th Place.

The suspects were last seen running away northbound on Harvard Boulevard after the shooting. 

Johnson was taken to California Hospital for treatment, but died a short time later.

The motive for the shooting is unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Bureau Homicide Detectives Kevin Huff or Refugio Garza at 213-485-1383. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Early Morning Drive-By Shooting

Los Angeles:  A 47-year-old man was shot and killed early Wednesday morning in South Los Angeles.

On September 5, 2007, at about 2:15 a.m., the victim, Herbert Stevens III, was standing in front of a residence in the 1700 block of West 39th Street.  A gold sedan containing four Black men pulled up to the victim and one of them shot Stevens with an unknown type of firearm. Stevens was struck with gunfire and collapsed to the ground as the suspects drove away.

Stevens was taken to California Hospital for treatment, but died a short time later.

The motive for the shooting is unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Robert Lait or Stacey Szymkowiak, Operations-South Bureau Criminal Gang/Homicide Group, Southwest Squad, at 213-485-2415. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics September 01, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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                              274               323               -15%
Rape                                     556               636              -13%
Robbery                               9014             9629              -6%
Agg Assaults **                     8798             9639              -9%
Total Violent Crimes        18,642         20,227             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,100         13,381          -2%
Auto Theft                             15,684         16,384          -4%
BTFV                                      20,535         20,173           2%
Personal/Other Theft              17,751         19,054          -7%
Total Property Crimes           67,070       68,956          -3%
Total Part I Crimes                85,712       89,183          -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

Man Dead in Gang-Related Shooting

Los Angeles: A gang-related shooting led to the death of a 20-year-old Los Angeles man whose name is being withheld until his family has been notified. 

The shooting happened yesterday around 10:50 p.m., in the 2200 block of West Pico Boulevard. 

According to investigators, two Hispanic men in a green 2004 Ford Explorer drove up and parked in a near-by alley.  One of the men exited the vehicle, approached the victim on the sidewalk and asked what gang he is affiliated with.  After a brief argument, a fight broke out between the men.

When the man struggled to defeat the victim, a second man inside the vehicle came to his aid wearing a black ski mask and armed with a shotgun.  The gunman opened fire, striking the victim in the chest and head, police said.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The suspects took off and moments later lost control of their vehicle and crashed into a cement wall. The pair abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot.

The driver of the vehicle had a mustache.  He was last seen wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans.  The passenger suspect was last wearing dark clothing.

Police have few leads and are asking for anyone with information to call Rampart Homicide Detectives Gilbert Alonso or Carlos Silva at 213-207-2060. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Critical Missing Adult

*****UPDATE*****
MISSING PERSON HENRY WILLIAMS HAS BEEN FOUND AND IS IN GOOD HEALTH.  HE WAS FOUND 8-31-07 IN PACIFIC DIVISION AT 2:00 p.m.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 79-year-old Henry Williams.

Mr. Williams was last seen on August 29, 2007, at about 1:15 p.m., at South La Peer Drive and Gregory Way in Beverly Hills, California.

Mr. Williams is African American, stands 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighs 170 pounds, and was last seen wearing a tan shirt, white T-shirt, light green baseball cap with the Huntington Library logo. 
Mr. Williams suffers from dementia and is unable to speak.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Lydia Dillard at 213-485-5381.  During after hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Detectives Seek Public's Help in Capturing Two Murder Suspects

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding two men who fatally stabbed a Northridge man on August 26, 2007.

The incident happened at 1:00 p.m., at LimeKiln Canyon Park in Porter Ranch. Police were dispatched and found Daniel Edward Koch, 33, lying in the park creek.

Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Just before the stabbing, Koch and the two men were involved in an argument. One of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed Koch.

Koch and the two men were acquaintances police said.

The motive of the stabbing hasn't been determined.

Quinn Marez and Justin Thalheimer, both 18 years of age, are wanted for questioning.

Anyone with information is asked to call Devonshire Homicide Detectives John Doerbecker or Humberto Farjardo at 818-832-0609. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Gang Violence Kills Teenager

Los Angeles:  A young man, 17 years of age, was shot and killed in a gang-related shooting Sunday morning. 

On September 2, 2007, at around 3:15 a.m., officers were called to investigate a shooting that had just occurred at 111th Street and Vermont Avenue.  When they arrived they found a large group of people gathered around Ravion Corsey. Corsey had been shot once in the upper body.

Paramedics responded to the location and transported Corsey to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

Police have no suspect information and believe the motive for the shooting to be gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Operation-South Bureau Criminal/Gang Homicide, Southeast Squad, Detective Sal LaBarbera at 213-485-4341. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Domestic Violence Incident Turns Deadly

Los Angeles: Domestic Violence Incident turns Deadly in Pacoima early Saturday morning.

On September 1, 2007, at about 5:10 a.m., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon in progress at 11656 Dronfield Avenue.   

The responding officers were directed by residents to 11701 Cometa Avenue.  Officers located the victim, Jean A. Hyde, 59.  Officers discovered that Hyde had been struck on the head and body with an unknown hard object. 

Paramedics transported Hyde to the hospital where she later died from her injuries. 

Officers located and detained Tanish Vasquez, 46, the victim's husband. 

The investigation revealed the victim had been involved in a dispute with her husband, which resulted in her death.  Tanish Vasuez has been arrested for murder.   

The police are requesting anyone with information on this crime to contact Foothill Homicide Detectives Gahry and Santana at 818-834-3115.  On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

7-11 Robbers Shown in Photographs

Los Angeles: The images of two men who robbed a convenience store at gunpoint Saturday were caught on the store's  surveillance cameras.

On September 1, 2007, around 1:00 p.m., two men walked into the 7-11 Store located in the 4100 block of West Venice Boulevard.  One suspect positioned himself behind the clerk standing at the cash register.  At the same time, the second suspect walked up to the counter and took a handgun from his pocket, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded cash from the register.

In fear for her life, the clerk opened the register drawer.  The suspect standing behind her took money from the register and both suspects ran from the store.   They were seen leaving the location in a mid-90s blue Ford Explorer with paper plates.

The first suspect was a male Black in his early 30s, 5'8" - 6' tall, 250 pounds, wearing a black baseball cap with white letters.

The second suspect was also a male Black in his mid 30s, 6' - 6'3" tall, 210 pounds.

Anyone recognizing the suspects is asked to call Wilshire Robbery Detective Ron Lee at 213-922-8215. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Photos of the suspects are available to media outlets by request from Media Relations Section.