LAPD Blog

Kidnapping Suspect Arrested at Synagogue

Los Angeles: A 28-year-old Los Angeles man was arrested for kidnapping with the intent to molest a child. 

On Thursday, October 4, 2007, at around 3:00 p.m., a 7-year-old female victim was at a Synagogue located in the 14900 block of Ventura Boulevard with her family.  The family was at the Synagogue celebrating Simchas Torah.  The suspect, Eyal Magid, male, 28, who is known to frequent the synagogue, lured the victim into a location within the temple and molested her.   

Officers responded to the Synagogue and arrested the suspect for Kidnapping with the intent to molest a child.  The bail was set at $600,000. 

Detectives Stallworth and Mercado of the Sexually Exploited Child Unit, Juvenile Division, are handling the investigation and may be reached at 213-485-6550.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Latin Lotto Scams

Los Angeles: Wilmington and the surrounding Harbor Areas are experiencing a high number of crimes involving lotto scams.

The suspects approach the victims and claim they have a winning Lotto ticket in their possession.  During their encounter, one of the suspects calls an unknown person on speakerphone and asks the person on the other line if they have the winning ticket.  The person on the other line verifies that the suspects are indeed winners and tells them they need to be legal residents in order to claim their money.  The suspects ask the victims to help them cash the Lotto ticket stating they cannot do it themselves, because they are in the country illegally.

The victims agree to help and provide the suspects with good faith money, which they obtain by going to their banks, or in some instances by going to their homes.  After the suspects have obtained the good faith money, they ask the victims to run an errand for them.  When the victims exit the suspects’ vehicle, the suspects drive away with the victims’ money.

There have been four reported crimes this month and all of the victims have been Spanish-speaking elders. 

The suspects vary in gender and age, but they are always Spanish speakers.  The suspects have been known to work in pairs of males or male and female.  The amount of money asked by the suspects has varied from one thousand dollars and up to ten thousand dollars.

In one occasion, the suspects were seen driving a newer model, gray four-door Toyota.  The suspects have also been seen driving in a tan sports utility vehicle and a light-colored Plymouth Voyager minivan.

Anyone with information regarding any of these crimes, or believe to be a victim of a lotto scam, call Harbor Area Burglary Detective Wusbaldo Batres, at 310-522-2028. On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Woman Arrested for Murder in Skid Row

Los Angeles: Armed with an arrest warrant, Los Angeles detectives quickly found their murder suspect, 45-year-old Sheila Burton, in Skid Row yesterday, not far from the original site where Burton shot a man over 13 years earlier.  That man, Markie Anderson, 44, had continued to live on Skid Row as a paraplegic since that fateful night July 30, 1994.  Anderson died September 20, 2024 after being admitted to California Hospital for dizziness and gastric pain.

"This is an infrequent occurrence," said Lieutenant Paul Vernon, head of LAPD Central Detective Division. "But once the coroner tied Mr. Anderson’s death to the shooting that crippled him, his death became a homicide."

The term cited in the postmortem examination was sequelae, which means the man's death followed from his original wound. In essence, Anderson's life was cut short significantly by the gunshot wound and paralysis.

Sheila Burton was convicted of shooting Anderson in the back near 5th and Crocker Streets, and she served five years in State prison for aggravated assault. Detectives in 1994 found Burton based on a small lead that the shooter was nicknamed "Chocolate." Anderson identified her picture.  Detectives found Burton in the Los Angeles County Jail two months after the shooting.  She had been charged with narcotics violations. Burton admitted to shooting Anderson at the time, but claimed he was trying to rob her.  Her statement appeared self-serving, and it did not fit the evidence.

"It's an interesting commentary on the Skid Row subculture that Burton and Anderson were still living on Skid Row all these years after the shooting, assailant and victim in close proximity to each other with no apparent problems," Vernon said. "One thing has changed since that time: there are far fewer guns on Skid Row now than before."

Anderson's death will be tied to crime statistics for 2007, raising the number of homicides downtown this year to five, still five fewer than the previous year.  Detectives have cleared every homicide this year with an arrest of a suspect.

Lieutenant Vernon may be reach at 213-972-1203.

Missing Man With Poor Mental Condition

 Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating Guadalupe Fonseca, 34, a Fresno resident visiting Los Angeles. He has the mental capacity of a 10 year old.

Fonseca was last seen on October 3, 2007, at about 11:00 a.m., near the Mexican Consulate at 2401 West 6th Street in Los Angeles.

According to police, Fonseca's mother went inside the consulate for an appointment. When the mother finished her meeting, she stepped outside and discovered Fonseca missing. After an immediate search of the area, Fonseca could not be found, and the mother went to the police and reported him missing.

Fonseca is Latino, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs 165 pounds. He has brown hair, hazel eyes and was last seen wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and brown sneakers.

His photograph is available by request from Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Fonseca is asked to contact Missing Person Unit Detective Arnie Adauto at 213-485-5381. During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Two Men Shot, One Dead

Los Angeles: Two men were victims of a gang-related drive by shooting while standing in front of a laundromat.

On October 3, 2007, around 7:00 p.m., the victims were shot while standing on the sidewalk in the 800 block of West Gardena Boulevard. Unknown number of male Hispanic suspects drove by the victims and shot several rounds at them.

Albert Munoz, 45 years old, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced a short time later.  Munoz’ 47-year old friend also suffered one gunshot wound and was also transported to a local hospital where he is recovering and is in stable condition.

The suspects left the scene in a dark color mid-size vehicle.

Anyone with questions or information is asked to contact Operations South Bureau Homicide Detective Charles Hicks or Detective Roger Allen at 213-485-4341.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics September 29, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

Homicide                               296              366              -19%
Rape                                     624              701              -11%
Robbery                               9999           10784              -7%
Agg Assaults **                       9761           10643              -8%
Total Violent Crimes           20,680        22,494             -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 14,609          14,926          -2%
Auto Theft                             17,513          18,276          -4%
BTFV                                     22,665         22,401            1%
Personal/Other Theft              19.758         21,321           -7%
Total Property Crimes            74,545       76,924           -3%
Total Part I Crimes                 95,225       99,418           -4%

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

LAPD Officer Honored

Los Angeles: the Korean Community Lawyers Association (KCLA) at their 2007 awards dinner honored LAPD officer Jason Lee.

"The LAPD is proud of Jason and the work he has done to promote community relations and involvement", said Sergeant Lee Sands, LAPD spokesperson. "His efforts are greatly appreciated and are instrumental in fostering a positive working relationship with the community and society as a whole."

On September 27, 2007, Officer Jason Lee was honored at the Oxford Palace Hotel in Koreatown Los Angeles. Jason was amongst four other individuals who were recognized for their service to the community. Jason received the Community Officer of the Year Award from the KCLA.

The event was attended by such dignitaries as City Attorney Rocky Delligillo, Judge Mark Kim, California Assemblyman Mike Eng, and representatives from the Governor's office.

Retired LAPD Commander Paul Kim, who is now a commissioner with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, presented Jason with his award.

Man Beaten to Death While Sleeping

Los Angeles:  A Los Angeles man was found beaten to death in his bed Monday evening.

On October 2, 2007, around 8:30 p.m., officers were called to a residence in the 700 block of East 47th Street to conduct a death investigation.  It appeared the death was possibly the result of a homicide.

Homicide Detectives were notified and responded to the location.  When they entered the residence they found Kenneth Flanders, 55, dead in his bedroom, the apparent victim of a brutal beating.  Detectives believe that Flanders was beaten to death with an iron frying pan.

Flanders' roommate, Kevan Beech, 43, was arrested for murder.  Beech was reportedly angry with Flanders because he refused to give him money.  After killing Flanders, Beech remained in the house for at least one day before relatives came to check on Flanders and discovered the crime scene.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Newton Homicide Detective Daniel Gersna or Tommy Thompson at 323-846-6656, during normal business hours.  On weekends or after hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Police Commission Weekly Meeting

Notes from the October 2, 2024 Meeting:

•    There are currently 364 recruits in the Academy.  55 cadets will graduate on Friday, October 12, 2007.

•    The Police Commission heard a verbal update and discussion from the Department by Commander Jim Cansler relative to ongoing recruitment efforts.  Commissioner Freeman requested additional information pertaining to the status of potential recruits in “the pipeline.”

•    The Police Commission heard a verbal update and discussion from the Department by Commander Kirk Albanese relative to the process and methodology for deploying police resources.

•    The Department's report, discussed by Deputy Chief Michael Moore, in response to City Council motion (Council File No. 07-2420), relative to deployment in the San Fernando Valley, was approved as amended in today's session.

•    The Department's report, relative to a $118,545.00 grant agreement for the 2007-2008 Anti-Gang Initiative Program from the State of California, Office of Emergency Services, was approved.

•    The Department's report, relative to additional funding in the amount of $41,610.00 for grant award amendment and modification to the 2006-2007 Law Enforcement Specialized Units Program for the period of June 30, 2025 to December 31, 2007, was approved.

•    The Department's report, discussed by Erin Kinney, Captain Phillip Tingirides and Commander Rick Jacobs, relative to the Southeast Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit, was approved. 

•    The Department's report, discussed by Commander Rick Webb, relative to the Audit of the Tour of Duty for Professional Standards Bureau Investigators (AD No. 06-022), pursuant to Consent Decree Paragraph 99, was approved. 

•    The Department's report, relative to the Confidential Informant Control Package Audit, pursuant to the Annual Audit Plan, Fiscal Year 2007/2008, was approved.

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

•    The Department's report, discussed by Commander Rick Webb, in response to a Board request, relative to an update on the progress of Professional Standards Bureau's Racial Profiling investigations subsequent to the implementation of the new protocol, was continued for additional information.  Commissioners Mack and Freeman asked that an independent analysis of cases conducted under the new protocol be performed by the Inspector General's office over a period of 45 days.

•    The Department's report, discussed by Captain Kevin McClure, relative to the Hunter-La Ley Third Quarter and Fourth Quarter Reports for Deployment Periods 1 through 3, and 4 through 6, Fiscal Year 2006/2007, was approved.

Man Attempts but Fails to Drown Dog

Los Angeles:  A Van Nuys man was arrested for animal cruelty yesterday after he attempted to drown the family dog for soiling the carpet.

On Monday, October 1, 2007, around 2:00 p.m., Casey Purser, 19, returned to his house in the 15300 block of Weddington Street and was reunited with his two dogs, a Shih Tzu named "Toby" and a Pitbull puppy named "Evesue".  The suspect became irate with the Shih Tzu when it defecated in the house.  Purser threw the dog in the bathtub and tried to drown it. 

A neighbor witnessed the crime and was able to rescue Toby from the bathtub.  The dog was unconscious and had stopped breathing when pulled from the water.  The neighbor performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, saving the dog's life, and rushed him to a local veterinary hospital. The veterinary hospital resuscitated Toby with oxygen and was able to stabilize his condition.

Van Nuys patrol officers responded to the veterinary hospital and arrested Purser when he arrived to pay the vet bill.

The arrest was for 597(a) of the California Penal Code, Animal Cruelty.  The Animal Cruelty Task Force is currently investigating the crime and is pursuing felony charges.  If convicted, Purser could face up to three years in prison.

The Animal Cruelty Task Force is made up of Los Angeles Police Officers and Detectives, Animal Service Officers from the Department of Animal Services and Deputy City Attorney's from the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Animal Cruelty Task Force at 213-847-1417.  On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Dispute Leads to Murder

Los Angeles:  A man is beaten to death in South Los Angeles.

On Sunday, September 30, 2007, at about 8:30 p.m., Southeast patrol officers saw a group of people involved in a physical altercation inside the courtyard at the 9500 block of Figueroa Street.  As the officers approached, they saw two men holding down a suspect who had just assaulted a man.  The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Paramedics treated the victim at scene and subsequently transported him to a local hospital.  The victim failed to respond to emergency medical treatment and was pronounced dead. 

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.

Oscar Pineda, 28-years-old was arrested and charged for the murder.  The motive appears to be the result of a dispute.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Operations South Bureau Criminal Gang Homicide Group, Detective Matt Mahoney and Kerri Potter at 213-485-4341.  On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Gunman Shoots Two People Outside a Party

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is looking for a gunman who critically injured a man and fatally shot 21-year-old, Scotty Villalobos.

The shooting happened on September 29, 2007, around 1:30 a.m., at Prince Hall located on 9027 South Figueroa Street. 

According to investigators, Villalobos and a group of friends were attending a party when several gang members walked up to them and attempted to assault them.  A security guard intervened and ordered both groups to leave the premises.

While Villalobos and his entourage were walking towards their car, a gunman emerged from the gang, pulled out a handgun and opened fired. The suspect left in an unidentified vehicle, police said.

Villalobos and a second victim were struck by the gunfire and taken to local hospitals.  Villalobos died a short time later and the second victim remains in critical condition.

The suspects are described as Latino men.

The motive is undetermined and investigators have few leads and no witnesses.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Operations-South Bureau Homicide Detectives Mark Castillo or Jason Delacova at 213-485-1383.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Family Seeks Help in Finding Missing Woman

Los Angeles: A local family is asking for the public's help in locating 37-year-old Deidre Douglas who suffers from psychoses and an impulse control disorder.

Ms. Douglas was last seen on September 17, 2007, at about 10:00 a.m., near the Big Lots Plaza located at 162400 Paramount Boulevard in Paramount.

She is described as African American, stands 4 feet 11 inches tall, and weighs 175 pounds.  She has black hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black jacket, brown shirt and tan pants. She was carrying a pink purse and normally walks carrying a Walkman and headphones.

According to Douglas' family members, she frequents fast food restaurants such as Carl's Jr. and visits MacArthur Park. 

Douglas gets easily agitated and may become violent. She speaks in simple sentences and has limited capability of expressing herself. Douglas currently takes medication for diabetes and hypertension.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Deidre Douglas is asked to contact Missing Persons Unit, Detective Jason Kwock or Detective Chris Beltran at 213-485-5381. During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).