LAPD Blog

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics December 20, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**             2007**          % Chg

Homicide                             362*               395               -8.4%
Rape                                    771                904             -14.7%
Robbery                            12914             13067              -1.2%
Agg Assaults **                  11651             12521              -6.9%
Total Violent Crimes       25,698          26,887             -4.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                            18814              19013           -1.0%
BTFV                                 28955              29527           -1.9%
Personal/Other Theft         26360              26720           -1.3%
Auto Theft                         21631             22673            -4.6%
Total Property Crimes    95,760           97,933            -2.2%
Total Part I Crimes       121,458         124,820            -2.7%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

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

Shooting Occurs When Officers Encounter a Suspect

Los Angeles: An investigation by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Rampart Division Patrol Officer II Frank Hernandez (11 years, eight months with the Department) and Patrol Officer I John Gallagher (one year, six months with the Department) resulted in an officer involved shooting (OIS) when a man suddenly pointed a handgun at them.

The incident occurred on Dec. 12, 2008 at about 9:30 a.m. as Officers Hernandez and Gallagher assisted with containment of a perimeter resulting from an assault with a deadly weapon (ADW) on an officer near Kellam Avenue and East Edgeware Road.  At that time, the officers observed two possible assault suspects, one of whom was later identified as 18-year-old Joseph Wolf, standing in front of a residence in the 1300 block of Kellam Avenue.

When officers approached Wolf and the other suspect, both initially tried to run away.  Then Wolf produced a handgun and pointed it directly at the officers, resulting in an OIS.  After he was shot, Wolf immediately went inside a residence but later submitted to arrest without incident. He was transported to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center with a single gunshot wound and was listed in stable condition.

Wolf is not believed to be the suspect officers were seeking in the original ADW incident. However, a search warrant was served at the residence where Wolf briefly eluded capture, and two replica handguns were recovered from inside that location.

No officers were injured during the encounter, and LAPD Force Investigation Division detectives are responsible for the investigations related to the OIS and the crimes against the officers.

2008 Helping Badge Christmas Toy and Food Giveaway Program

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department, Harbor Area Community Police Station, is announcing its 2008 “Helping Badge” Christmas Toy and Food Giveaway Program.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2008, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  This year’s theme is a “Harbor Winter Wonderland.”  The event will be held at the Harbor Pistol Range, 2981 North Gaffey Avenue, in San Pedro.   

The Harbor Area Community Relations Office developed the “Helping Badge” Christmas Toy and Food Giveaway Program” as a means to provide for less fortunate families in the Harbor Area during the Holiday Season.

“The best part of the holiday season is the giving,” said Captain William P. Hayes, Commanding Officer Harbor Area.  “And for years Harbor Division police officers have given away toys and food to local youngsters who might otherwise see the New Year without receiving a gift.”

350 families (nearly 2000 people) from Harbor Gateway, Harbor City, San Pedro and Wilmington communities will receive toys, food baskets, clothing and goodie bags, distributed by members of the LAPD’s Community Relations Office and Harbor Area Volunteer programs.

The event includes activities for the children such as a train ride through “Reindeer Forest,”  pictures with Santa Claus, toboggan down a real snow hill, Christmas Movies, live carolers and plenty of Christmas Refreshments.

For additional information contact Harbor Community Relations at 310-522-2042.

Gunfire Kills Two People Including Innocent Bystander

Los Angeles.  Los Angeles police need the public’s help in identifying the killer who fatally shot two people yesterday evening in South Los Angeles.  One of the victim’s was an innocent bystander.

At around 9:15 p.m., police were called out to the scene of a double shooting in the 1200 block of East 50th Street and found 34-year-old Adriana Pizarro suffering from a gunshot wound.  Pizarro was rushed to University of Southern California Medical Center, where she died an hour later.  

Pizarro stood 150 yards from where the actual shooting occurred.  Detectives believe she was not the intended target but merely an innocent bystander when she was struck.  Detectives also believed that the shots were likely aimed at 23-year-old Alexander Castro as he drove his car down the street.  Police found him inside of his car after he crashed into several parked cars.  Paramedics pronounced Castro dead at the scene.

Detectives are in the initial stages of their investigation and have yet to determine what prompted the shooting.  They have few leads and no suspect description.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton homicide detectives at 323-846-6556 during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll-free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-ASK-LAPD (529-3855).  Persons can also send anonymous tips by texting CRIMES (274637) and typing LAPD to start the message.

Multi-Million Burglary at Paris Hilton Home

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Detectives are investigating a burglary at the home of Paris Hilton in Sherman Oaks.

On December 19, 2008, at around 5 a.m., Van Nuys Area patrol officers responded to a report of a burglary in the 3300 block of Clarendon Road.  Burglary Special Section detectives immediately responded and began the preliminary investigation

Detectives have determined that the burglary occurred between the late evening hours on December 18 and December 19 at about 4 a.m.  Based on very preliminary investigation, a lone suspect entered Hilton’s home and removed approximately $2 Million dollars in jewelry.

The investigation is on-going.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to call Detectives Harvey Martin or John Clark at 213-485-2524.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org.  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Murder Suspect Sought in Hollywood

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for the shooting of two men, one was killed and the other was injured. 

On December 17, 2024 at about 8:40 p.m., officers responded to a shooting call in the 900 block of North Hobart Boulevard.  When the officers arrived, they found Jose Jorge Perez, a 29-year old resident of Hollywood, and his 41-year old companion inside a parked car at that location.  Both were suffering from gunshot wounds.
 
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced Perez dead at the scene and transported the other victim to a local hospital where he is in stable condition.

Based on preliminary information, detectives believe that Perez saw gang members vandalizing property with graffiti.   Perez decided to confront the gang members about the graffiti.  In an apparent response to the comments about the graffiti, one gang member pulled out a gun and fired into the car killing Perez and injuring his passenger.  The gunman ran from the scene southbound on Hobart Boulevard.

The injured victim is a 41-year old Hispanic man, who resides in Hollywood.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing about 160 pounds, approximately 21 years of age.  The suspect was wearing dark clothing. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Hollywood Homicide Detectives Rolando Rodriguez or Chris Gable at 213-972-2910 or 213-972-2901. After-hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll-free number,1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org.  Tips may remain anonymous.

77-Year-Old Woman Hit by Car

Los Angeles:  Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a hit and run driver who struck and fatally injured a 77-year-old woman.

On December 17, 2024 at about 6:30 p.m., a vehicle traveling northbound in the 1200 block of Westmoreland Avenue hit Los Angeles resident, Eop-Dong Yoo, who was crossing the street.  The driver of the vehicle failed to stay at the scene or render aid to Yoo.

Witnesses found Yoo lying in the street with a severe head injury.  Yoo was transported to a local area hospital where she died of her injures.

There is currently no description of the hit and run driver or vehicle at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Central Traffic Division Detectives Felix Padilla or Jose De Leon at 213-972-1825 of the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-972-1953.   After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips.  When using a cell phone, messages should always begin with “LAPD.”  All calls and contacts are anonymous.

Notes from the December 16, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief William Bratton announced that overall gang crime will finish down for the year.  He added there is going to be an announcement regarding a major gang initiative at the end of January. Chief Bratton also said the Department is the most diverse it has ever been with 10% black, 46% Hispanic, 5% Asian and 39% white officers on the force.

•    The verbal presentation and discussion by the Department, relative to the current status of home garaging authorities was given by Assistant Chief Sharon Papa.  In light of the city’s budget constraints, the Department looked at its home garaging authorities again.  Chief Papa said it was necessary to pull back all non-essential home garaging.  Typically personnel who receive 10 emergency call outs get a vehicle and after a review, the Department pulled back 115 home garaged vehicles.  The individuals were given a 30 day notice prior to the vehicle being pulled back.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 3, 2008, relative to the Blake-Justice Consent Decree Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2007-2008, was approved and transmitted to the Personnel Department, Public Safety Bureau.

•    The Department’s report, dated November 24, 2008, relative to the Hunter-La Lay Consent Decree Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2007/2008, as approved and transmitted to the Office of the City Attorney.  Captain Kevin McClure said education has become a key component of promotions and the Department is working with the Information Technology Agency to document the education of employees.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 8, 2008, relative to a request for payment of reward offer to individual(s) for providing information instrumental in the conviction of Frank Harris, (council file no. 04-0010-s55, renewed 08-2408), was approved and transmitted to the Public Safety Committee.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 8, 2008, relative to the Transmittal of the Grant Augmentation Award for the 2007/08 Internet Crimes Against Children Program (ICAC) from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor’s Office and City Council concurrently.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 10, 2008, in response to City Council Motion (CF #08-0615), relative to the Communication with Gang Intervention Workers, was approved and transmitted the entire matter to the City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 12, 2008, relative to City Council Motion (CF #04-1076), relative to Bicycle Licensing, as presented by Deputy Chief Sergio Diaz, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.  Chief Diaz said the Department was looking to do away with the bicycle licensing and that bike licensing is not the only way to recover and recognize a bike. 

•    The Department’s report, dated November 20, 2008, relative to the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009/2010, December 3, 2008, relative to the Revisions to Fiscal year (FY) 2009/2010 Proposed Budget (Second Edition), and December 11, 2008, relative to the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009/2010 – Third Edition, was approved.  Police Administrator III Rhonda Sims-Lewis stated the Department is co-operating with the city in making budget cuts.  She said the Department cut its budget by 1% at the request of the mayor, saying it saved the City $10 million in Overtime this year.  She added the Budget and Finance Committee was pleased with the cuts.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 4, 2008, relative to a request to award the Police Distinguished Service Certificate to the 22 individuals specified, was approved. 

•    The Department’s report, dated December 10, 2008, relative to Audit Recommendation Status Report, Second Quarter, Fiscal Year 2008/2009, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 1, 2008, relative to the Quarterly Status Report, Second Quarter, Fiscal Year 2008/09, was continued.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 4, 2008, relative to the Audiotapes used in Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigations (AD No. 08-028), was approved.

•    The Executive Director’s Report, dated December 11, 2008, relative to the Official Police Garage Towing and Storage rates 2009 – posting completed, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 15, 2008, in response to Board query, relative to the Communication Devices for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, was approved.  Captain William Scott said the LAX subdivision and the three area traffic divisions had no TDD devices but have since added some.  He added if the City has the ability to purchase video phone equipment, it would be very beneficial to the Department.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 3, 2008, relative to the Foreign Language and Telecommunications device for the Deaf Telephone Calls Audit – (AD No. 07-026) – Recommendation Item Nos. 3 and 5, was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated December 10, 2008, relative to the Supervisory Performance Evaluations, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2007/2008 (AD No. 07-023) – Recommendation item Nos. 1 and 2, was received and filed.

•    The Department’s reports, dated October 30, 2024 and December 8, 2008, relative to a special order entitled, “Policy Against Discrimination in Employment Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Gender Expression,” which will revise Department policy and amend Section 1/285 of the Department Manual, were approved, received and filed.

LAPD and “Operation ABC”

Los Angeles: LAPD has received $100,000 in grant money.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced the 2008/2009 Grant Assistance Program (GAP) recipients and awarded the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) a 13th consecutive grant.  LAPD received the maximum grant award in the amount $100,000.  

Captain Ann Young, Commanding Officer of Detective Support and Vice Division, who oversees ABC enforcement activities on a citywide level indicated that grant funds will be used to assist the LAPD in reducing the negative effects of alcohol-related crimes and improving the quality of life in and around ABC-licensed establishments within the City of Los Angeles.  The GAP program has been an essential part of vice enforcement for the City of Los Angeles for the past twelve years and has been directly responsible for closing 90 problematic ABC-licensed locations since the inception of Operation ABC.

The grant was awarded in July 2008 and formally approved by the Los Angeles City Council on October 23, 2008.  For further information, please contact Sergeants Steve Moore or Fernando Garcia, Operation ABC Coordinators, at 213-972-2500.

Suspect Arrested for Possession of Firearms on School Grounds

Los Angeles: On Dec. 5, 2008, at about 3:40 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Los Angeles Division detectives arrested 46-year-old Lynford Wiley for possession of a firearm on the grounds of Kenter Canyon Elementary School in the 600 block of North Kenter Avenue in West Los Angeles.

Initially, West Los Angeles Patrol Division officers responded to a call about “a man with a gun on campus” at the school. Upon arrival, officers were directed to a residence adjacent to the campus where they found Wiley and made contact.  The suspect was compliant and also consented to a search of his residence.  Inside, officers found numerous hand guns, rifles and other weapons.

After his arrest, Wiley was booked at LAPD’s Parker Center Jail and initially held without bail. However, he was arraigned a few days later on Dec. 9 in Los Angeles County Superior Court Division 144 (LAX Municipal Courthouse), and the presiding judge set bail at $500,000.  Wiley subsequently posted bail and has been released.  A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 23 in Department 142 of the LAX Municipal Courthouse.    

Anyone with information about Wiley or the incident is asked to contact LAPD West Los Angeles Division detectives at (310) 444-1580.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org. All calls and tips are anonymous.