LAPD Blog

School Teacher Arrested

Los Angeles: A fourth-grade school teacher has been arrested for a sex crime against a 15-year-old juvenile.

On September 17, 2007, at 9:30 p.m., Rodolfo Rabonza, 33, went into the sauna at a local health club in the 5900 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.  The victim, a teenage boy, was in the sauna and was assaulted by Rabonza.

Rabonza was arrested shortly after the incident for Lewd Acts on a Minor. He was booked and later released after posting $100,000 bail.

Rabonza had been employed by Saint Elisabeth Catholic School for the past five years. Saint Elisabeth School officials and the Los Angeles Archdiocese are cooperating with investigators.

If you have any additional questions or information, you may contact Van Nuys Detective John Eum, Sexual Assault Unit, at 818-374- 0093. On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Officers Attacked and Injured

Los Angeles:  A man and a woman arrested after attacking officers Monday evening.

On Monday, September 17, 2007, at 11:50 p.m., 77th Area patrol officers Christopher McPheeters and Matthew Casalicchio responded to a Domestic Violence radio call in the 900 block of West 60th Street.

When officers arrived they contacted the person reporting the incident, identified as Hilda Quinones.  As they were speaking to her, the suspect identified as Nehemias Quinones was seen in the bedroom.  He refused to comply with officers' commands and as they approached he turned around and a use of force occurred.  During the use of force, suspect Nehemias Quinones was hit on the head with a collapsible baton.  During the altercation, Officer Casalicchio received lacerations to his mouth and face.  Suspect Hilda Quinones hit Officer McPheeters several times on his shoulders and back with an unknown hard object.

The suspects were taken into custody without further incident.  Suspect Nehemias Quinones was transported to 77th Street Station where he was treated for his injury.

Hilda Quinones was arrested and booked for 245(c) PC Assault with A Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer. Nehemias Quinones was arrested and booked for 243(c)(2) PC Battery on a Police Officer.

Officer Christopher McPheeters is 28 years of age and has been with the Department for 5 years and 6 months.  Officer Matthew Casalicchio is 25 years of age and has been with the Department for 2 years and 1 month.

Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating this incident.

Driver Involved in Fatal Traffic Collision Arrested

San Fernando Valley: An 18-year-old man involved in a fatal traffic collision last December was arrested yesterday for Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter.

On December 12, 2006, at 8:45 a.m., a traffic collision occurred at La Tuna Canyon Road east of Elben Avenue. The suspect's car, a 2006 Jeep Larado, drove on the wrong side of the roadway and collided with the driver's side front end of the victim's 1999 Saturn sedan. The collision caused the victim's car to rotate counterclockwise and collide with the curb.

Paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the victim, Michelle Wincentsen, a Montrose resident, dead at scene.

On September 19, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., the suspect, whose identity is being withheld due to being a minor at the time of the incident, was arrested for Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter.

For further information contact Officer Douglas Larkin, Valley Traffic Division Detectives, at 818-374-1930.

Armed Robber of Donut Store

Los Angeles:  A donut shop employee was robbed at knifepoint early Saturday morning in the Wilshire area of Los Angeles.

On September 15, 2007, around 3:00 a.m., the suspect entered the "Yum Yum" donut shop at 3610 West Venice Boulevard and ordered donuts.  As he waited for the order, the suspect reached over the counter and grabbed the clerk by the shirt.

The suspect then climbed over the front counter, pulled a kitchen knife from his front pants pocket and demanded money.  The clerk, in fear for his life, opened the cash register.  The suspect stole money and fled.  The employee was not harmed.

The suspect was a male Black in his early 30s, 6 feet tall, approximately 200 pounds.  He wore a black beanie, black T-shirt, black pants and boots.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Lee, Wilshire Robbery Detectives, at  213-922-8215 or 213-922-8205.  On weekends or during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Photographs of the suspect are available from Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

Teacher Investigated for Lewd Act with a Minor

Los Angeles: Physical Education Teacher is being investigated for a Lewd Act with a Minor.

On August 8, 2007, investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department Sexually Exploited Child Unit obtained information from a former student at Crespi Carmelite High School alleging that he was sexually abused by a school employee. 

The former student, now twenty-five years old, alleges that the abuse occurred while he attended the school during the 1997/1998 school year.  The former student advised that the school employee was his physical education teacher and the varsity basketball coach. 

The teacher has been employed with Crespi Carmelite High School since 1996 and is currently the athletic director of the school.  The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.   

Detective Noggle, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and the LAPD are asking for the public's help to identify other victims or witnesses who attended the school and/or who may have information pertaining to this investigation. Detective Noggle can be reached at 213-847-5358.  On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Body Found in Trunk of Taxi

Los Angeles: A man was found dead inside the trunk of a taxicab Tuesday morning.

On September 18, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., Newton officers responded to U.S. Tow, 2119 East 25th Street, where employees advised that a car being stored appeared to be dripping blood from the truck and also emitting a foul odor. 

Newton Homicide Detectives responded and discovered a man's body in the trunk of the car.  The car was impounded on September 13, 2024 for being illegally parked in the 200 block of East 62nd Street.

The body was in the advanced stages of decomposition and the victim's identity has not been determined at this time.  The cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

The vehicle that the victim was found in appeared to be a taxicab with no official company or other corporate affiliation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Baitx from Newton Homicide at 323-846-6556 during normal business hours. 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).

Gang Violence Claims Life of Teenager

Los Angeles: Gang Violence claims the life of a teenager in the Harbor Gateway area of Los Angeles.

On September 15, 2007, at about 6:30 p.m., Martin Garcia, 17, was standing in the driveway of a residence in the 1600 block of 205th Street. Unknown suspects drove up and fired multiple rounds striking him in the upper torso. Garcia was able to run towards his apartment where he collapsed in the doorway. Garcia was transported to Harbor UCLA Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

The suspect(s) drove away from the location in an unknown type of vehicle.   

The shooting appears to be gang related. 

The Harbor Area Homicide Unit is handling the investigation.  Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detectives D. Cortez and F. Rivas at 310-522-2036.  During 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).

Notes from the September 18, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•    There are currently 374 recruits in the Academy.

•    The Department will present its report on the May Day incident at MacArthur Park in the City Hall Public Works Board Room on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at 8:30am.

•    The verbal update from Thom Brennan of Facilities Management Division, relative to the new Police Headquarters Facility, new jail facility, and current health and safety issues relative to the Police Administration Building, was accepted.

•    The Department’s report, in response to City Council motion (Council File No. 07-1202-S2), relative to the Automated Photo Red Light Enforcement Program Update, was approved.  Executive Director Tefank was asked to coordinate a follow-up on this report for a future meeting.

•    The Department’s report, in response to City Council request (Council File No. 07-1984), relative to the LoJack Vehicle Recovery System, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, relative to the Supplemental Police Account Quarterly Report (April through June 2007), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, relative to the Hunter-La Ley Third Quarter Report for Deployment Periods 1 through 3, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, was continued for two weeks.

•    The Department’s report, relative to the Hunter-La Ley Fourth Quarter Report for Deployment Periods 4 through 6, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, was continued for two weeks.

•    The Department’s report, relative to authorized personnel positions for the Office of the Inspector General for Fiscal Year 2007-2007, was approved.  The Inspector General’s office is currently understaffed and overwhelmed with the workload related to the incident at MacArthur Park in addition to its regular, ongoing projects.  The situation was characterized as a crisis of both the short and long terms.  It was requested that this issue be revisited in two weeks.

•    The Department’s report, relative to the Audit Recommendation Status Report, First Quarter 2007-2008, in accordance with paragraph 154 of the Consent Decree, was approved.

•    The Department’s report and the Inspector General’s report, relative to a follow-up review of Motor Vehicle and Pedestrian Stop Data Collection Audit, Second Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in accordance with Paragaraphs 104, 105, 128, and 131(a, c, and e) of the Consent Decree, was approved. 

•    The Department’s report and the Inspector General’s report, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, Second Quarter 2007, in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, relative to compliance with the Inspector General’s recommendations regarding the Annual Non-Categorical Use of Force Audit, which was approved by the Police Commission on April 11, 2006, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, relative to compliance with Consent Decree Bureau recommendations regarding the Complaint Investigations Audit Phase II, which was approved by the Police Commission on July 18, 2006, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, relative to compliance with Consent Decree Bureau recommendations regarding the Confidential Informant Control Package Audit, which was approved by the Police Commission on October 24, 2006, was approved.

Arrest of High School Rape Suspect

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles School Police today announced the arrest of a man accused of committing an on-campus sexual assault last Thursday at a northeast Los Angeles high school.

The crime occurred September 13, 2007, around 5:00 p.m., at Marshall High School, 3939 Tracy Street.  School employees happened upon the crime in progress as they passed through an isolated part of the school facility.  Detectives declined to specify the exact location of the crime.  The employees were able to intervene and stop the attack.  The suspect fled on foot and his whereabouts were unknown.

Working closely with School Police officers, detectives determined the identity of the suspect.

On September 18, 2007, Northeast Area Detectives' Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT) received information as to the suspect's whereabouts. Shortly thereafter, Adrian Hunter, 19, was arrested without incident in the City of Inglewood.  He is not a student at the school.

The case will be presented for filing to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office. 

Anyone with questions or information is asked to contact Detective Marta Ramos, at 213-847-4270, during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, please phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (877-529-3855).

Three Gang Members Arrested in Shooting of a 9 Year Old Girl

Los Angeles:  Three known gang members have been arrested in connection with the shooting of a young girl sitting in her bedroom.

On Monday, September 11, 2007, at 4:50 PM, a suspect approached the victim’s residence located in the 1400 block of Cochran Avenue, on foot while two other suspects waited in a vehicle.  The suspect walked down an alley and fired one round at two male Hispanics, who were standing in front of the doorway of a residence.

The bullet traveled through the exterior wall of the residence and struck 9-year-old Adriana Varguez in the arm, as she was sitting on her bed doing homework. She was taken to the local hospital in stable condition and was subsequently released.

Based upon information developed during the course of the investigation, Wilshire Detectives were able to identify all three suspects: Carlos Morales, 19, Raymundo Villareal, 24, and the alleged shooter, a 14-year-old juvenile. They have been arrested for Assault with Deadly Weapon. The juvenile suspect is being held without bail, while Morales and Villareal are being held on $50,000.00 bail.  The shooting appears to be gang related and in retaliation for a shooting that occurred on June 27, 2007.

Anyone with information concerning these or other crimes the suspects may have been involved is asked to contact Wilshire Gang Detectives at 213-473-0444.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Actress Dress Stolen from Hollywood Hotel

Los Angeles: A distinctive dress once worn by actress Carol Channing was stolen from a Hollywood Hotel lobby yesterday.

At around 12:30 p.m., Channing walked into the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel located at 1755 North Highland Avenue.  A bellhop placed her luggage on a cart and left it unattended.

According to investigators, a man carrying a black backpack walked into the front lobby and took one of Channing’s bags and fled.  Inside the bag contained a silver sleeveless dress with crystal beads and rhinestones on it.  The dress is worth up to $150,000 and on it’s way to the Smithsonian Institute Museum in Washington D.C. said Detective Tellis.   

The suspect was described as a male Black, stands six feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds.  He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue cargo shorts, and white shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hollywood Burglary Detective Barry Telis, at 213-972-2931.  On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

San Fernando Valley Man Found Dead

Los Angeles: A man was found murdered inside his Granada Hills apartment Saturday afternoon.

On September 15, 2007, around 4:40 p.m., Mission Area officers responded to a possible homicide investigation in the 10500 block of Collette Avenue.  Officers discovered Joseph Crisci, 34, dead inside the apartment. 

Detectives have no suspect information and no motive for the killing at this time.  The means of death has not been  disclosed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mission Homicide Detective Gene Parshall or Officer John Macchiarella at 818-838-9810, during normal business hours. During after hours and on weekends please phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics September 15, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Homicide                                287              342              -16%
Rape                                      591               677              -13%
Robbery                                9473           10204              -7%
Agg Assaults **                      9330           10129             -8%
Total Violent Crimes         19,681        21,352             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 13,820          14,158          -2%
Auto Theft                             16,590          17,277          -4%
BTFV                                      21,508         21,289            1%
Personal/Other Theft              18,709         20,128           -7%
Total Property Crimes           70,627       72,852           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                90,308       94,204           -4%

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

Man Injured During Police Chase

Los Angeles: An innocent driver was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle during a police chase in Los Angeles.

The incident happened on September 12, 2007, at around 7:20 p.m., when officers saw a motorist identified as Chauncey Mcalpine, 43, driving erratically in a 2003 Ford Explorer.   

When officers attempted to pull over Mcalpine, he failed to stop and continued driving in a reckless manner.  The chase drove through city streets and lasted several minutes. 

The pursuit ended at Vernon and Denker Avenues, when Mcalpine failed to stop for a red light, and collided into a 1994 Ford Aspire driven by 51-year-old Mario Curnego.  The victim was taken to California Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. 

Mcalpine was arrested for felony evading with bail set at $100,000.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call South Traffic Division Detective Rodney Jones, at (323) 290-6083. During 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).

Infant Killed in Shooting

Los Angeles: A three-week-old infant was shot and killed Saturday during an attempt murder which left a 37-year-old man in critical condition.

On Saturday, at around 9:30 p.m., Rampart officers responded to a call of a shooting at 6th Street and Burlington Avenue.  Upon arrival, officers determined that an infant and a 37-year-old man had been struck by gunfire. The infant, who was identified as Luis Angel Garcia, was transported by paramedics to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The adult male, Francisco Clemente, was also transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

The suspects are unknown and the weapon is outstanding. 

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the assistance from the community. Anyone with information is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-485-2531. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Two Gang Members Arrested for Shooting Near Birmingham High School

Los Angeles: Two known gang members have been arrested in connection with the shooting that occurred in the parking lot of the Jack in the Box Restaurant on the southeast corner of Balboa Avenue and Vanowen Street.

On Monday, September 10, 2007, at around 3:20 p.m., two suspects approached the victim's vehicle, identified themselves as Mara Salvatrucha Gang members then fired several rounds into the vehicle. The victim, a male Hispanic, 23 years of age, was struck in the arm and leg.  He was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

Based upon information developed during the course of the investigation, detectives assigned to the case identified two suspects. Walter Oswaldo Guerra, 18 years of age, resident of Van Nuys, and Sanderson Montes, 18 years of age, resident of North Hollywood. Both suspects were arrested this morning after search warrants were served. 

Detectives have connected these two suspects to three additional crimes, which occurred over the past two months. Preliminary ballistics evidence links the gun used in Monday's shooting to an Attempt Robbery on August 4, 2007, where the victim was shot in the leg and an Assault with a Deadly Weapon incident on August 6, 2007, in Van Nuys. 

Neither the suspects nor the victim are enrolled at Birmingham High School.

Van Nuys Area officers are working with the manager and owner of the Jack in the Box Restaurant to eliminate the problems associated with students loitering in the parking lot and around the business after school. Up until recently the restaurant had employed a security guard at the location. The Los Angeles Police Department is also working with the Metropolitan Transit Authority to relocate the bus stop to the west side of Balboa Avenue. Relocating the bus stop will move the majority of the students away from the businesses on the East side of Balboa Avenue.

Anyone with information concerning these or other crimes the suspects may have been involved are asked to contact Van Nuys Gang Detectives at 818-374-0040. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Actress Dress Stolen from Hollywood Hotel

***UPDATE***

Los Angeles: A distinctive dress once worn by actress Carol Channing was stolen from a Hollywood Hotel lobby.

At around 12:30 p.m., Channing walked into the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel located at 1755 North Highland Avenue. A bellhop placed her luggage on a cart and left it unattended.

According to investigators, a man carrying a black backpack walked into the front lobby and took one of Channing's bags and fled. Inside the bag contained a silver sleeveless dress with crystal beads and rhinestones attached. The dress is worth close to $150,000 and was on its way to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.

The suspect was described as a male Black, stands six feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue cargo shorts, and white shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hollywood Burglary Detective Barry Telis, at 213-972-2931. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

On September 14, 2007, at around 7:30 p.m., a community member found an abandoned bag containing the stolen dress at a park near Franklin Avenue and Las Palmas Avenue.  The dress is in police custody and upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to Mrs. Channing.

Armed Robber Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who was captured on surveillance tape robbing a Mobile gas station convenience store on September 3, 2007.

The incident unfolded around 3:45 p.m., when a man walked into the gas station located at 1904 West Washington Boulevard pretending to buy a bag of chips and a beverage.

According to the investigators, the suspect walked up to the cashier with the items, leaned over the bulletproof glass enclosed counter, pointed a handgun through a small opening and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot and got away with $1,200, police said.

No shots were fired and the clerk was uninjured. 

"We know someone out there knows who this suspect is and can help identify him before he strikes again," said Detective Ron Lee, "we are asking for anyone with information to come forward and help solve this robbery."

The suspect is described as Hispanic, partially bald, stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. He's 25 to 35 years old. He was last seen wearing a grey striped shirt and brown shorts.

Surveillance still photos are available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Wilshire Robbery Detective Ron Lee, at 213-922-8215 or 213-922-8205. During 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).