LAPD Blog

NOTES FOR THE May 20, 2025 POLICE COMMISSION WEEKLY MEETING

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco and Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended South Bureau’s Commanding Officers meeting.

•    Commissioner Andrea Ordin continues to work with Commission staff on various issues.

•    Commissioner Alan Skobin participated in a meeting with taxi industry leaders in relation to the City’s Bandit Taxi ordinances.  He also attended meetings with the Chinatown Public Safety Association and West Valley Station.

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco and Commissioner Alan Skobin attended the LAPD Celebrity Golf Tournament on May 17, 2008.  All proceeds from the event benefited the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation.

•    Assistant Chief Sharon Papa reported although academy classes are slightly below anticipated at a little over 50 candidates per class, next year’s budget will allow for 60 recruits per class.

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco requested clarification on instances where discipline was imposed upon an officer and the officer was able to utilize insurance coverage to recoup any salary loss.  He asked that a report be provided detailing how the insurance coverage works and the possibility of revising the disciplinary process.   

•    The Department’s report, dated May 14, 2008, relative to an update of the Internal Affairs Group investigative protocols for Racial Profiling investigations as presented by Commander Richard Webb was approved.  Commander Webb reported since the Internal Affairs Group’s (IAG) last presentation to the Commission in November 2007, IAG’s Review and Evaluation Section has closed 76 racial profiling investigations and 100% of the cases have been in compliance with application of Racial Profiling Investigation Protocols.  He noted several management strategies have been implemented by IAG since November 2007, including: providing each IAG investigator a copy of the racial profiling protocols, as well as posting the protocols on the IAG intranet site for ease of access for all Department personnel; conducting Internal Investigations Courses which include a four-hour block of instruction on investigating racial profiling allegations; and, designating an auditor within the Review and Evaluation Section as the coordinator for reviewing racial profiling cases, including an additional review by the Criminal Investigation Division Commanding Officer.  As requested by Commander Webb, Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco directed the Inspector General’s office to coordinate an additional review of IAG’s efforts.  Executive Director Richard Tefank stated two additional reports would be presented to the Commission after July 1.  One report will include the Department’s analysis and the other will include Commission staff’s analysis of other law enforcement agencies relative to racial profiling investigations.   

Police Officers Encounter Armed Juvenile

Los Angeles: Officers responding to a man with a gun radio call become involved in Officer Involved Shooting (OIS).

On Saturday May 17, 2008, at 7:20 p.m., Newton Area officers responded to a radio call of a “415 man with a gun” in the 100 block of West 45th Street. 

Upon arrival, officers saw a suspect with a gun situated in his front waistband standing in front of 128 West 45th Street.  After exiting the police vehicle, officer’s repeatedly ordered the suspect to place “his hands above his head.”  Ignoring the officers’ commands, the suspect removed the gun from his waistband, which led to the officer involved shooting. 

The suspect, a 17 year-old juvenile, sustained multiple gun shot wounds to his upper torso, and was transported to California Hospital where he died from his wounds. 

Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the Officer Involved Shooting.  The suspect’s weapon, a toy replica of a semiautomatic handgun, was recovered on scene by investigators. 

Officer Isaac Moreno, 7 years with the Department and Officer Abel Cepeida, 1 year with the Department were not injured.   

For any additional information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3565.

$10,000 Reward Offered in Two Double Homicide Cases

CORRECTION: PLEASE NOTE, THE REWARD AMOUNT OFFERED SHOULD BE $10,000 NOT $20,000.  WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE CONFUSION

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are asking for the public’s help in finding the persons responsible for the deaths of four people in two separate incidents.

The first incident occurred on March 18, 2003, at about 12:30 p.m.  Victims Marcus Tonodeo Jr. and Demetrius Coleman, were driving northbound on Wall Street at 88th Place when they were approached by suspects in a southbound vehicle who began firing at them, forcing the victims to pull to the curb. The suspects then stopped their vehicle, exited and began firing multiple rounds from assault rifles at the victims. The victims died at the scene, and a 3-year-old child playing in a nearby front yard also survived gunshot wounds from the incident. The suspects, who were driving a white, four-door vehicle, drove away from the scene.

A second incident occurred on August 5, 2003, at 11:15 a.m., while Fabian and Tracy Alexandria, along with their 14-year-old son, were parked at a Kentucky Fried Chicken drive-through window at Manchester and Central Avenues. Three suspects approached their vehicle on foot and fired multiple rounds. Nearby, a vehicle was waiting in which the suspects drove away. Fabian and Tracy Alexandria did not survive the attack; however, their son, who was in the backseat of the car, was not injured.

Tests of firearms and ammunition from these murders, conducted by the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, have linked these and several other murders to the same suspects.

At a Parker Center press conference earlier today, representatives from the ATF announced their offer of a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these brutal crimes.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Grace Garcia, or Detective Juan Guerra, LAPD Robbery Homicide Division at 213-485-2129, or the 24-hour toll free number, 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Shooting Causes Death of 20 year old

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying suspect(s) responsible for murder.

On Friday, May 16, 2008, at around 7:50 p.m., 20 year old, Guillermo S. Trinidad, was standing in a rear parking lot in the 4800 block Slauson Avenue. A male suspect drove up to him in a red pick-up truck.  The suspect exited the truck and walked up to Trinidad shooting him several times in the chest.  The suspect then left the area in the truck, northbound in the alley towards Braddock Avenue.

Trinidad died from his injuries.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, no further information is available.

The motive for this murder appears to be gang retaliation.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is asked to call Pacific Detectives at 310-482-6313.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

An early morning start for LAPD’s Recruitment Section

(Thursday, May 15, 2025) A few minutes past 5:00 am, Officer Julian Canales, Recruitment Section, found himself in the make up chair for the first of two television interviews on Telemundo’s Channel 52 weekday morning show, ‘Buenos Dias.’ Officer Canales was there to promote the LAPD Latino Recruitment Seminar taking place Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the Ahmanson Recruitment Training Center. 

Quickly after wrapping up his second live television interview, Officer Canales then traveled two blocks down to W Radio 690AM where he was a guest on Hoy X Hoy with hosts Gerardo Lorenz and Mirthala Salinas.  Officer Canales was given the entire 10-minute segment to inform radio listeners about the written examinations and qualifications to become a LAPD officer.   

His day was just beginning!  Next stop was across town at the Spanish Broadcasting System radio studios.  Officer Canales was in studio for 45 minutes with ‘El Cucuy De la Mañana’ (The Boogy Man of the morning) on La Raza 97.9FM.  The highly rated radio show broadcasts in several different markets across the country.  Officer Canales was asked about the areas of the City he had been assigned to, the challenges police officers face in the field, the career opportunities available within the Department, and the salary one can expect as they advance in rank. 

Officer Canales’ partner, Officer Louis Origel, was also busy promoting the recruitment seminar.  Located down the hall from La Raza 97.9FM, Latino 96.3FM generously donated time from its already packed Thursday morning schedule to allow Officer Origel to record a 10-minute interview they would air the next morning.

“I’m very grateful to Telemundo, W Radio, El Cucuy and Latino for their assistance once again with our Department’s recruitment efforts. They were all kind enough to have me on as a guest in January when we had our previous Latino Recruitment Seminar,” said Officer Canales.   “The majority of the people who attended in January said they learned about our recruitment event from the media interviews we did the week prior to the event.”

“We expect a healthy turnout on Saturday from the media interviews we did this morning,” added Officer Origel. 

Last week on Thursday, May 8, 2008, La Ranchera 980AM also assisted with recruitment efforts by promoting the LAPD Latino Recruitment Seminar on their weekday morning show.

The interviews were scheduled by the Public Relations Unit, Public Information Office, and are part of the LAPD’s media campaign established with Spanish language media outlets to help bridge the communication gap between the Department and the Hispanic community.

DUI Prevention Presentation at University High School

(May 12, 2025) In a series of scenes and skits, the Drama class at University High School conveyed the important message of the dangers of drinking and driving.  With the entire Senior class in attendance, the students were enthralled by the performances, which had relevance to their experiences.  Skits entitled “First Date”, “Faceless”, “Mama with a Bottle”, and “8 Years Later”, all shared a theme in which underage drinking and driving led to their ultimate demise.

After the assembly and during the school’s lunch hour, the LAPD’s West Traffic Division, in conjunction with Safe Moves, had on display a vehicle that had recently been involved in an alcohol related accident.  Students were able to see first hand the consequences of driving under the influence.  Officers from the Department answered student’s questions and performed field sobriety tests with students willing to be the subject.  Brochures with information on transportation alternatives were available, as were handouts on the consequences of under-aged drinking and driving.

With the Senior Prom season in full swing and graduation just around the corner, these presentations and displays come not a moment too soon.  The Department takes a proactive approach by annually conducting its “Safe and Sober Graduation” operation as well as on-campus presentations on the dangers of drinking and driving.  With the help of high school students around the City, the Department can spread this message and help ensure a safe and happy, prom and graduation season. 

Safe Moves is one of the leading authorities in traffic safety education in the country for children, teens and their families.

Click images to enlarge:

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics May 03, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**              2007**        % Chg

Homicide                             148                 136            +8.8%
Rape                                    273                 301            -9.3%
Robbery                              4481               4772            -6.1%
Agg Assaults **                    4217               4442            -5.1%
Total Violent Crimes           9119               9651            -5.5%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                               6676              6973            -4.3%
BTFV                                  10494            11382            -7.8%
Personal/Other Theft           9079               9790            -7.3%
Auto Theft                          7757               8525             -9.0%
Total Property Crimes     34,006            36,670             -7.3%
Total Part I Crimes          43,125            46,321             -6.9%

Notes For The May 13, 2025 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco provided an update on the Commission’s investigation into the Explorers Program’s compliance with the City’s non-discrimination policy.  He stated that the Department of Public Works Bureau of Contract Administration was currently investigating the Explorers Program’s affiliation with the Learning for Life Program and examining the City’s social policy ordinances, including all non-discrimination ordinations.  Once a ruling has been made in the case, the Police Commission will be able to proceed and agendize the matter.

•    Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended a workshop at the University of Southern California on counter-terrorism with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

•    Commissioner Andrea Ordin attended a series of internal meetings on the Department complaint process.

•    Commissioner Alan Skobin attended a meeting with Captain Ann Young and Lieutenant Patrick Shields regarding the City’s hotel ordinance.  He also attended a board meeting and retreat for the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County and attended a luncheon for the Task Force for Regional Auto Theft Prevention. 

•    Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger commended the Department on its recruitment efforts.  He noted that the Department’s current composition is 12.2 % African Americans, 40% Latinos, 6.6% Asians, and 39% Caucasians, and that the Department is the most diverse law enforcement agency in the nation. 

•    The verbal presentation relative to the status of Personnel Complaint Investigations arising from the May 1, 2025 MacArthur Park Incident was given by Commander Mark Perez.  He stated that the complaints are in the process of adjudication and should be ready for presentation to the Chief of Police in two weeks.  After presentation to the COP, the accused officers will be skellyed, at which time they can provide a response. Commander Perez stated the cases were still several months away from being presented to the District Attorney.  He recommended to the Board that another presentation be scheduled in four weeks to update the Commission at that time.

•    The verbal presentation and discussion relative to the Autism Awareness Program Training was presented by Captain Ann Young.  She stated that the Department is leading the way with Autism training and has trained over 500 officers and civilians this year.  It is her hope that the training be offered to Detention Officers as well.  She also stated that they are in the process of putting together a video to be played at roll call and plan to have an Autism Awareness Day later in the year.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 6, 2008, relative to the City Council Motion (Council File No. 07-0071), concerning the Community-Based Gang Intervention Model, was approved.

•    The Department’s Report, dated April 30, 2008, relative to the Transmittal of the Grant Application for the 2008 Click It or Ticket Program from the California Office of Traffic Safety, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 23, 2008, relative to an Approval of Professional Services Agreement between the City of Los Angeles and LexisNexis for Computer Assisted Research Services, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 23, 2008, relative to the Supplemental Police Account First Quarterly Report (January through March 2008), to comply with the provisions of Article 17, Section 5.115 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 23, 2008, relative to the Timekeeping and Fair Labor Standards Act Audit, March 2008, as presented by Police Auditor Erin Kenney was approved.  She reported no FLSA violations were found.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 1, 2008, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, First quarter, 2008, was received.

•    The Department’s report, dated January 30, 2008, and Office of the Inspector General’s report, dated May 2, 2008, relative to the Review of the Ethics Enforcement Section’s Quarterly Report, Fourth Quarter, 2007, was approved.

Missing Person in Need of Medical Attention

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing person that is in need of medical attention and is unable to care for himself.

On Sunday, May 11, 2008, at around 8:40 p.m., 47-year old, John Dixon walked away from Northridge Hospital in Reseda.  Mr. Dixon is described as a male, Black, with black hair; brown eyes, stands 5’4” and weighs about 180 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a gold sweater, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.  Mr. Dixon has a tattoo on the left arm of the word “microphone” and the right arm of the words “Big city records.”

West Valley Area officers have conducted follow-up investigations to several locations but have been unsuccessful in locating him.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Dixon is asked to call the West Valley Area Watch Commander at 818-374-7611.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

L.A. City Councilman Sponsors Reward for Homeless Man Killer

Los Angeles:  Detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding the person responsible for the death of a 69-year-old homeless man.

On April 14, 2008, at around 10 p.m., an unidentified Hispanic man in his mid-20s approached Gene Loftis, an elderly homeless man, and punched him in the face near an El Pollo Loco Restaurant at Roscoe and Reseda Boulevards. Loftis fell to the ground, hitting his head on the sidewalk. He was then admitted to Northridge Medical Center, where he remained in a coma until his death on May 1, 2008. The motive for this assault remains unknown.

At a press conference earlier today at LAPD’s Devonshire Community Police Station, 12th District Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith announced his sponsorship of a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call LAPD Devonshire detectives at 818-832-0609. After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).