LAPD Blog

Community Engagement as a Guide to Deepening the Partnership with Muslims in Los Angeles

Overview

Since the 9/11 attacks, Muslim communities throughout the United States and the world have found themselves under the glare of the media spotlight. Islam and terrorism have become all but synonymous in the eyes of some – much to the chagrin of the millions of Muslims who practice Islam peacefully and devotedly.

Even as many aspects of Muslim culture have been explored and studied, an odd thing has happened: Muslim communities have been lumped together, in the eyes of many, as a monolithic presence in American society. In fact, that could not be further from the truth. Each community of Muslims has its own story - its own linguistic, cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic history.

Unfortunately, that rich, holistic picture of these communities has not yet been captured in a scientific way in Los Angeles. As Muslim communities have struggled to be understood, American law enforcement – including the Los Angeles Police Department – has struggled to understand. Departments have had no road maps to use as they attempt to craft outreach strategies to communities that they know little about.

The fundamental question is this: How do you attempt to have positive interactions with Muslims in Los Angeles when you don’t know where they are or what is important to them? That is the question that this project seeks to answer.

It is our hope that we can learn about the Muslims in Los Angeles so that we can approach them with a respectful understanding of their histories and what they hold dear. Only then will we truly take a step toward 21st Century policing and away from a time when we did not make that extra effort to learn about the people we were trying to build partnerships with.

Critical to the success of this enterprise will be the partners who take these steps at our side. This project will not be done in a law enforcement vacuum. The LAPD will make every effort to listen to and include feedback from a range of sources – not the least of which will be the Muslim communities.

Only as partners will we be able to tell and understand the stories of the Muslim communities of Los Angeles.  Only as partners will we be able to identify and overcome the challenges within those communities.

-- Deputy Chief Michael P. Downing
http://hsgac.senate.gov/_files/103007Downing.pdf

Mercury Insurance Group Donates $1 Million Toward Recruitment Efforts

Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Chief William J. Bratton gratefully accepted a $1 million donation from Mercury Insurance Group to aid the Los Angeles Police Department in its recruitment efforts at a news conference held this morning at the Los Angeles Police Academy.  Councilmember Jack Weiss, Councilmember Wendy Greuel and Personnel Department General Manager Margaret Whelan also thanked Mercury Insurance Chief Claims Officer Joanna Moore for the company’s generous contribution.

The donation will be used to fund the Police Signing Bonus (PSB), an enticement used by the Department and City to compete against other law enforcement agencies in drawing new police officers.  Chief Bratton stated the PSB is a “significant incentive to attract not only new members to the Los Angeles Police Department, but those who work for other agencies and decide that they want to come to the LAPD because of its increased opportunities.”

Mercury’s gift represents the largest monetary donation in the Department’s history and will greatly aid the City in achieving the Mayor’s goal of increasing the Department’s workforce to 10,300 officers by the year 2010.

Councilmember Greuel challenged other corporations to join Mercury Insurance Group in giving back to the community and contributing to the LAPD.  Commenting on the Department’s success in the reduction of crime, Chief Bratton noted, “We cannot do it without officers.  We cannot do it without the partnership of the private sector.”

LAPD Efforts on Terrorism

Los Angeles: Although Al Qa’ida has expressed a long standing intent to strike the United States homeland, the information currently circulating regarding potential attacks on shopping malls over the Holiday season was raw in nature and has been passed down to the local populace in an abundance of caution.  There is no current credible intelligence to indicate impending attacks against any specific targets within Los Angeles or anywhere else in the country.

As we have done in the past, the Los Angeles Police Department will continue to work closely with private sector security as well as federal and regional law enforcement partners in an effort to investigate and prevent terrorism related activity.

Residents of Los Angeles are reminded to remain vigilant, and make appropriate notifications should they observe any suspicious activity. 

Residents may report such activity to the Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center at 1-877-ATHREAT 1-877-284-7328 or by notifying their local police station.

Los Angeles Police Department Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Outreach & Hiring Seminar Ahmanson Recruit Training Center

Ahmanson Recruit Training Center
5651 W. Manchester Blvd. Los Angeles
Saturday, November 10, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
“Out” Officers to conduct seminars on life in the LAPD.
The LAPD Entrance Examination offered at 11 a.m.

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in cooperation with the Los Angeles City Personnel Department continues its outreach and recruitment efforts in the GLBT community Saturday, November 10, 2024 at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center, 5651 West Manchester Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045.

The informative recruitment event open to everyone interested in a career with the LAPD, will begin with an interactive panel discussion featuring several “out” members of the Los Angeles Department rank and file as well as members of the command staff speaking about life in the LAPD, career opportunities, test preparation and physical fitness.

Demonstrations begin at 10:15 a.m. featuring physical fitness performance requirements, self defense exhibition and the LAPD Candidate Assistance Program (CAP), an intense training course designed to help candidates get into shape for the riggers of the Academy and life on the job.  The GLBT Outreach and Hiring Seminar provide community members an opportunity to meet with members of the Police Department and learn about the challenges and rewards of working in law enforcement. 

The City of Los Angeles offers men and women from all economic backgrounds, all races, religions and sexual orientation an opportunity to be part of the City family.  An equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, LAPD recruits will begin drawing a salary from the day they enter the police academy.

For more information on the GLBT Outreach and Hiring Seminar and a career with the LAPD visit www.JOINLAPD.com or call 866-444-LAPD. 

WHEN:        Saturday, November 10 from 9:00 a.m.
WHERE:    Ahmanson Recruit Training Center, 5651 W. Manchester Blvd, Los Angeles
WHAT:    GLBT Outreach and Hiring Seminar
NOTE:    LAPD Entrance Examination will be given at 11 a.m.

Doughnut Shop Robbers Sought

Los Angeles: Police are looking for two bandits who’s images were captured on surveillance tape robbing a doughnut shop in South Los Angeles on November 1, 2007. 

At 5:00 a.m., a woman flagged down police at Avalon Boulevard and Imperial Highway.  The woman reported that she had just opened the Donut Express coffee shop located at 425 East Imperial Highway and that two men had walked in and robbed the store.  One of the men pulled out a chrome handgun and pointed it at the woman.  Then the gunman jumped over the counter, grabbed money from the cash register and handed it to the other suspect.

According to investigators, an unidentified older man who normally hangs out in front of the doughnut shop walked in and told the suspects to leave the woman alone.  The gunman became angry, fired one round at the man and missed. 

Afterwards, the bandits ran to the back of the store.  The woman was able to escape unharmed authorities said.

When the police arrived they set up a perimeter and searched the store.  During the search, police were able to determine that the two robbers had escaped through a back door.

Police are looking for two male Blacks in their early or mid twenties. One of the suspects is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds.  He was wearing a black baseball cap, blue jacket with tan sleeves and a logo on the back.  The other suspect was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.  He also was wearing a black baseball cap with a “P” on the front, a black sweater, black gloves, and black shorts.  He had a white stone earring on his pierced left ear.

Surveillance footage is available through Media Relations.

Anyone with information is asked to call Southeast robbery Detective Carlos Bedolla at 213-972-7932.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics November 3, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

VIOLENT CRIMES                 2007*            2006*         % Chg

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Homicide                               338               403              -16%
Rape                                      707              816              -13%
Robbery                                 11,293          12,075          -6%
Agg Assaults **                       11,007          12,050          -9%
Total Violent Crimes             23,345         25,344         -8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 16,453          16,906          -3%
Auto Theft                             19,675          20,622          -5%
BTFV                                      25,412         25,082            1%
Personal/Other Theft              22,448         24,109           -7%
Total Property Crimes           83,988       86,719           -3%
Total Part I Crimes              107,333     112,063           -4%

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

Chief William J. Bratton Named One of Governing Magazines Public Officials of the Year

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton will receive one of Governing magazine’s Public Official of the Year awards on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at a private dinner ceremony hosted by the magazine in Washington, D.C. Chief Bratton is one of nine officials to be awarded, and is only the second police chief ever to be recognized in the history of the magazine.

The Public Official of the Year Awards are given in recognition of outstanding achievement at the state and local levels. This year’s group of recipients is the fourteenth to be honored in the magazine’s annual awards program. Governing magazine is an independent national magazine devoted to the coverage of state and local governments. It was launched in 1987 and has a monthly circulation of 85,000.

Said Governing executive editor Alan Ehrenhalt, "These individuals have each changed their governments for the better. They have provided their organizations with something that was desperately needed—be it fiscal discipline, managerial skill or a commitment to bipartisan conciliation—and in doing so have improved the lives of their citizens. Public officials across the country can learn from their outstanding examples."

In addition to Chief Bratton, the other recipients of Governing magazine’s 2007 Public Officials of the Year are Washington Governor Christine O. Gregoire; Houston Mayor Bill White; California Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez; Chief Financial Officer of Washington, D.C. Natwar M. Gandhi; Bill Leighty, a top civil servant in Virginia for two decades; Charlotte, North Carolina planning director Debra D. Campbell; Missouri’s Deputy Chief Information Officer for Operations Bill Bott; and Wisconsin Bureau of Assisted Living Director Kevin Coughlin.

The award winners are profiled in the November issue of Governing and can be viewed on the Department website at www.lapdonline.org.

Hit & Run Suspect Sought by Police

Los Angeles: Police are asking for the publics help in locating a driver who caused a serious accident and left his passenger with life threatening injuries.

On Monday, November 5, 2007, at around 10:10 p.m., Gustavo Felix was driving a black, 2007 Lexus LS460, in the 4200 block of Alameda Street.  Felix was attempting to make a left turn into the driveway of a business when he turned directly in the path of a 1997 Chevy Suburban (SUV), driving south on Alameda Street.

The SUV driver was unable to avoid a collision and smashed into the passenger side of Felix’s car.  A passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, a female, 28 years of age, was critically injured in the crash.  She was transported to a local hospital where she underwent life saving surgery, but remains in critical condition.

The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital.

Felix immediately ran from the location, failing to identify himself or render aid to the injured parties as is required by law.  He is described as a Hispanic man, 33 years old, black hair, brown eyes, 5’5” tall and 155 lbs.

A photo of Felix is attached.  A video showing the aftermath of the impact on the SUV is also available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Traffic Detectives Michael Kaden or
Jose Garcia at 213-972-1825.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Chief William J. Bratton Named One of Governing Magazine's Public Officials of the Year

Los Angeles, CA.: Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton will receive one of Governing magazine's Public Official of the Year awards on Wednesday, November 7, 2024 at a private dinner ceremony hosted by the magazine in Washington, D.C.  Chief Bratton is one of nine officials to be awarded, and is only the second police chief ever to be recognized in the history of the magazine.

The Public Official of the Year awards are given in recognition of outstanding achievement at the state and local levels.  This year's group of recipients is the fourteenth to be honored in the magazine's annual awards program.  Governing magazine is an independent national magazine devoted to the coverage of state and local governments.  It was launched in 1987 and has a monthly circulation of 85,000.

Said Governing executive editor Alan Ehrenhalt, "These individuals have each changed their governments for the better.  They have provided their organizations with something that was desperately needed—be it fiscal discipline, managerial skill or a commitment to bipartisan conciliation—and in doing so have improved the lives of their citizens.  Public officials across the country can learn from their outstanding examples."

In addition to Chief Bratton, the other recipients of Governing magazine's 2007 Public Officials of the Year are Washington Governor Christine O. Gregoire; Houston Mayor Bill White; California Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez; chief financial officer of Washington, D.C. Natwar M. Gandhi; Bill Leighty, a top civil servant in Virginia for two decades; Charlotte, North Carolina planning director Debra D. Campbell; Missouri's deputy chief information officer for operations Bill Bott; and Wisconsin Bureau of Assisted Living director Kevin Coughlin. 

The award winners are profiled in the November issue of Governing.  Links to the magazine features are below.

Public Official of the Year awards article- http://www.governing.com/poy/2007/index.htm
Chief William Bratton article- http://www.governing.com/poy/2007/bratton.htm
Video from the awards dinner- http://www.governing.com/xtras.htm

14-Year-Old Gunned Down

Los Angeles: A gang motivated shooting kills a young boy Monday evening.

On Monday, November 5, 2007, at around 8:15 p.m., Rene Vargas was in the 1300 block of West 7th Street.  A black SUV drove up to where Vargas was standing and the passenger got out and walked up to him.

The suspect had a gun and fired numerous rounds at Vargas, striking him several times in the upper body.  As the SUV began to drive away the suspect jumped in and the vehicle sped off.

After being shot, Vargas tried to run for help but collapsed near the intersection of  West 7th Street and Witmer Street.  Paramedics responded and transported Vargas to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives Michael Arteaga or John Motto at 213-207-2060.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

A Verbal Dispute Turns Into Murder

Los Angeles:  What began as a verbal dispute among a group of acquaintances suddenly turned to murder when one person was stabbed to death.

On Monday, November 5, 2007, at around 7:40 p.m., a group of nine young men gathered in a parking lot on the southeast corner of Woodman Avenue and Vanowen Street to discuss a previous incident between them.  The discussion quickly grew to a physical altercation. 

Moments into the fight, two additional males drove up in a black Lexus, got out of the car and began fighting with one of the individuals in the group.  One of the two suspects then stabbed the victim, Abraham Polisadzhyan, 19, in the upper torso.  After stabbing Polisadzhyan the suspects got back in the Lexus and drove away.

Polisadzhyan was treated by paramedics at scene and transported to a local hospital.  He died a short time later from his injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys Homicide Detectives Angel Lopez or Jim Nutall at 818-374-0040.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Jewelry Heist Caught on Video

Los Angeles: Detectives are hoping a jewelry heist caught on tape will help in identifying two of the robbery suspects.

On Thursday, October 11, 2007, at around 4:30 p.m., two suspects walked into the Dana Kathryn Jewelry store in the 12600 block of Ventura Boulevard, posing as customers.   Within a short period of time one of the suspects took a handgun from his pants pocket and pointed it at the owner and her 17-year-old son, whom the accomplice was distracting at another counter.   

The suspect walked behind the counter to where the owner, a 45-year-old woman, was standing and he began pistol-whipping and stomping her. After beating the woman unconscious, the suspect walked to the front of the jewelry counter and smashed a display case.  He and his accomplice began removing items of jewelry from the case.   They also took jewelry from an open safe in an adjoining room.  Detectives believe the value of the stolen jewelry to be nearly $30,000.

High quality images of the suspects were captured on the stores surveillance system.  Anyone who is an acquaintance of these suspects should be able to easily identify them.

Suspect 1 is described as a Black man, 25-30 years old, 5'11" tall, 180 pounds, wearing a blue "UCLA" baseball cap and blue jeans.  He had a goatee and possibly a tattoo on his right forearm.

Suspect 2 was a female, Black, 25-30 years old, 5'6" tall, 160 pounds, with long braided hair.

The suspects escaped in a vehicle being driven by a third suspect, described only as a male, Black.

Video and still photos of the two suspects can be obtained through Media Relations.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Hollywood Detective Mark Odonnell at 818-623-4061.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Woman Stabbed by Suspect Inside her Home

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating an attempt murder in North Hollywood.

On Sunday, November 4, 2007, at about 6:00 a.m., North Hollywood patrol officers responded to a radio call of a stabbing victim down in the 11500 block of Magnolia Boulevard.

When officers arrived they found the victim lying outside her third story apartment. The victim had been stabbed multiple times and was bleeding profusely, but was able to give officers information about her attacker.

Detectives believe the suspect entered the home to commit a home invasion robbery.

The suspect is described as a male, Hispanic, with short-cropped hair, 20 to 26 years old, 5'8" to 5'10" tall, and weighed approximately 150 pounds.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was listed in stable condition.

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Hollywood Detectives Tom Townsend or Tim Kirkpatrick at 818-623-4075. 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).

63-year-old Man Found Stabbed to Death

Los Angeles: A 63-year-old Los Angeles man was found stabbed to death early Friday morning.

Shortly after 9:15 a.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of South Western Avenue after receiving reports about a dead body.

They found Rogelio Humberto Perez dead inside his apartment.  He had died from multiple stab wounds authorities said.

No arrest has been made and the motive of the stabbing has not been determined.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilshire Homicide Detectives Victor Arellano or John Shafia at 213-473-0446. After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

4-Suspects Arrested in Late Night Crime Spree

Los Angeles:  A Saturday night crime spree involving at least eight victims netted four arrests, three adults and one juvenile.

On Saturday, November 3, 2007, at around 11:10 p.m., a group of five suspects, 3 males and 2 females, assaulted and carjacked three victims in the 16900 block of Devonshire Street.  The suspects drove off in one of the victim's 1998 Nissan Altima. 

Within minutes of the carjacking the same Nissan Altima was involved in a traffic collision near Lemarsh Street and Romar Street.  The suspects ran from the location before police arrived. However, based on the condition of the vehicle and evidence at scene, it was clear that at least one of the suspects had sustained moderate to severe injuries in the crash. 

At about 11:40 p.m., Devonshire officers received a radio call of a robbery and attempt carjacking in the 16800 block of Devonshire Street.

Two victims, sitting in the drive-through lane of a fast food restaurant were robbed by suspects matching the same description of the earlier carjacking, with an added description of a female suspect with a severe facial injury.  The suspects simulated a handgun and robbed two victims of their wallets.  As the suspects attempted to force their way into the car, the driver victim drove off, thwarting the carjack attempt.

Shortly afterward, at around 12:00 a.m., a third carjacking incident occurred when three victims at a gas station in the 14700 block of Devonshire Street were approached by suspects matching the description of the two previous carjack incidents, including the female suspect with a severe facial injury.  This time the suspects, armed with two handguns, forced their way into the vehicle, a 1994 Mitsubishi SUV. The driver and his two passenger victims were forced to drive a short distance from the gas station, robbed, and then let out of the car. The suspects left in the victims SUV. 

Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail Officers who had been monitoring the radio, gathered information on all four crimes. Their investigation led them to believe that the suspects where likely gang members from the Pacoima area.  Based on the information they obtained, they went to the area of Laurel Canyon and Paxton Boulevard to search for the suspects where, Pacas Trece and Pacoima Brownstone, gang members are known to frequent. 

After a brief search of the area, officers spotted the stolen Mitsubishi SUV, with all five suspects still inside.  The suspects led officers on a short pursuit before abandoning the vehicle and running in different directions.

The officers quickly set up a perimeter and captured four of the five suspects involved in the four incidents.  Sergeant Daryoush Sameyah said, "The Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail did a phenomenal job of monitoring the radio, devising a plan to capture these armed and dangerous suspects, and following up on the information they had gathered.  Their hard work resulted in the arrest of four very dangerous individuals.  It is fortunate that we were able to take them off of the streets before they could do any more harm or cause anymore damage."

The three adult suspects have been identified as Jesse Augustin, 24, of Lake View Terrace, Armando Mendoza, 18, of Arleta and Agapita Aguirre, 19, of Sylmar.  The fourth suspect, a male, juvenile, 14, from San Fernando was also taken into custody. 

All four suspects have been booked for Carjacking and face additional charges of Kidnap, Felony Hit & Run, and Assault.  The fifth suspect, a Hispanic female, with a partially shaved head was able to get away, but police believe she will be captured soon.

The juvenile received medical treatment for injuries he sustained in the initial collision and subsequent foot pursuit.  He is being held at Sylmar Juvenile Hall without bail.

Aguirre was hospitalized for a serious facial injury she received during the same crash.  She is being held on $245,000 bail. Augustin is being held without bail and Mendoza is being held on $220,000 bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mission Area, Sergeant Daryoush Sameyah at 818-838-9820.  After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).