LAPD Blog

MISSING PERSONS UNIT BEGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH KAZA – TV CHANNEL 54

July 15, 2025 - The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit (MPU) handles nearly 3,500 adult missing person investigations annually.  When combined with the number of juvenile missing person reports that are handled at the Divisional level, the City of Los Angeles leads the nation in missing person investigations.  The MPU consists of four D-1s (1-per Bureau) and two D-2s who provide oversight and assist with the massive volume of reports.

Although the MPU experiences an annual clearance rate between 90% and 95%, some investigations involve foul play.  Recently, over a four week period, two missing person investigations have evolved into homicide investigations.  Fortunately, due to the meticulously detailed investigations conducted by the MPU detectives, a quality investigative report was provided to Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) for a follow-up that resulted in the timely arrest of both suspects by RHD.

Last week, the Missing Persons Unit (MPU) was approached by KAZA-TV (Channel 54) to assist with a weekly television segment dealing with the profiling of various missing person investigations to the Spanish speaking community.  Mr. Carlos Zapata, a reporter for Channel 54, will be hosting the segment every Thursday.  Mr. Zapata will be contacting the MPU each week for a missing person investigation to be profiled.  This is obviously an outstanding opportunity for the MPU to work in partnership with the community, and will result in a higher level of service to the community, thus enhancing one of our Department’s Core Values.

On July 15, 2008, the MPU profiled its first missing person case with Mr. Zapata.  The coverage took place in the MPU office, with Officer Jose “Ricky” Rodriguez as the MPU spokesperson.  Officer Rodriguez presented the case before the camera, and in the background was MPU office staff hard at work, answering phone calls and taking down information.  The setting was not a “sterile” environment; it depicted an office that reflected LAPD detectives hard at work.  The MPU looks forward to its newfound partnership with Channel 54 and the community.   

Body Found by Cal-Trans Crew

Los Angeles:  A badly decomposed body was found by a Cal-Trans crew that was clearing debris and shrubs along the freeway early Saturday morning.

On July 12, 2008, at about 8:30 a.m., members of a Cal-Trans crew were working in the area near the Stadium Way off-ramp of the southbound 110 Freeway.  The crew was clearing debris and shrubs when they smelled a foul odor coming from an area near the embankment.  When they checked the area closer, they discovered a badly decomposing body lying in the shrubbery.

An autopsy was performed, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.  There was no identification on the body and detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northeast Detective Division, Detectives James Yamada or Harold DiCroce at 213-847-4261 or 213-485-2566.  During off hours and weekends, calls may directed to a 24-hour, toll-free Detective Tip Line at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics July 12, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              202*               198            +2.0%
Rape                                    394                 470          -16.2%
Robbery                              6606               7152            -7.6%
Agg Assaults **                    6395               6860            -6.8%
Total Violent Crimes       13,597           14,680           -7.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              9861             10375            -5.0%
BTFV                                 15556             16520            -5.8%
Personal/Other Theft         13782             14635            -5.8%
Auto Theft                        11599              12656            -8.4%
Total Property Crimes    50,798           54,186           -6.3%
Total Part I Crimes         64,395           68,866           -6.5%

* 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

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              202*               198            +2.0%
Rape                                    394                 470          -16.2%
Robbery                              6606               7152            -7.6%
Agg Assaults **                    6395               6860            -6.8%
Total Violent Crimes       13,597           14,680           -7.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              9861             10375            -5.0%
BTFV                                 15556             16520            -5.8%
Personal/Other Theft         13782             14635            -5.8%
Auto Theft                        11599              12656            -8.4%
Total Property Crimes    50,798           54,186           -6.3%
Total Part I Crimes         64,395           68,866           -6.5%

* 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

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              202*               198            +2.0%
Rape                                    394                 470          -16.2%
Robbery                              6606               7152            -7.6%
Agg Assaults **                    6395               6860            -6.8%
Total Violent Crimes       13,597           14,680           -7.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              9861             10375            -5.0%
BTFV                                 15556             16520            -5.8%
Personal/Other Theft         13782             14635            -5.8%
Auto Theft                        11599              12656            -8.4%
Total Property Crimes    50,798           54,186           -6.3%
Total Part I Crimes         64,395           68,866           -6.5%

* 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

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              202*               198            +2.0%
Rape                                    394                 470          -16.2%
Robbery                              6606               7152            -7.6%
Agg Assaults **                    6395               6860            -6.8%
Total Violent Crimes       13,597           14,680           -7.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              9861             10375            -5.0%
BTFV                                 15556             16520            -5.8%
Personal/Other Theft         13782             14635            -5.8%
Auto Theft                        11599              12656            -8.4%
Total Property Crimes    50,798           54,186           -6.3%
Total Part I Crimes         64,395           68,866           -6.5%

* 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

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              202*               198            +2.0%
Rape                                    394                 470          -16.2%
Robbery                              6606               7152            -7.6%
Agg Assaults **                    6395               6860            -6.8%
Total Violent Crimes       13,597           14,680           -7.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              9861             10375            -5.0%
BTFV                                 15556             16520            -5.8%
Personal/Other Theft         13782             14635            -5.8%
Auto Theft                        11599              12656            -8.4%
Total Property Crimes    50,798           54,186           -6.3%
Total Part I Crimes         64,395           68,866           -6.5%

* 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

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              202*               198            +2.0%
Rape                                    394                 470          -16.2%
Robbery                              6606               7152            -7.6%
Agg Assaults **                    6395               6860            -6.8%
Total Violent Crimes       13,597           14,680           -7.4%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              9861             10375            -5.0%
BTFV                                 15556             16520            -5.8%
Personal/Other Theft         13782             14635            -5.8%
Auto Theft                        11599              12656            -8.4%
Total Property Crimes    50,798           54,186           -6.3%
Total Part I Crimes         64,395           68,866           -6.5%

* 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

Barricaded Suspect Surrenders After Standoff With Police

Los Angeles: A rape suspect kept police at bay for nearly two hours early this afternoon before surrendering peacefully to police.

On July 16, 2008, at about 6:30 a.m., Officers from West Valley Station had been called to a local hospital to investigate a sexual assault. During the course of their investigation they received information that the suspect, later identified as Robert McCord IV, was possibly at his residence in the 23700 block of Hartland Street.

When Officers arrived at the residence they contacted McCord by telephone.  In a conversation with detectives McCord refused orders to come out of the house and talk with detectives.  It was determined that he had armed and barricaded himself inside the residence.  The Los Angeles Police Department SWAT Team was called out.

After an approximate two hour standoff, McCord walked out of the house and surrendered without incident.  He was arrested and booked for Forcible Rape and is being held on $130,000 bail.

The victim was treated and released from the hospital and did not suffer life threatening injuries.

The investigation is being conducted West Valley Division Detectives, Detective Joel Price.  He can be reached at 818-374-7721.  During off hours and weekends call the toll free Detective Tip Line at 1-877-LAWFULL.

Teen Shot and Killed

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives have arrested a tagger in the shooting death of a 16-year-old male.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at about 2:25 p.m., several students from Los Angeles High School and neighborhood youths went to Windsor Park near Olympic and Plymouth Boulevards for a fight between several tagging crews.  Witnesses saw spectators who were planning to film the event.

The fight escalated and a 16-year-old tagger pulled a handgun out and fired one shot into the crowd.  The shot struck the victim in the chest.  Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and took the victim to a local hospital where he died of his gunshot wound.

Wilshire Homicide investigators went to the crime scene and were able to identify the shooter with the help of witnesses.  The suspect was arrested and booked for murder.  He is being held without bail.  Due to the suspect’s age, his identity is being withheld.

Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining the video recording surrounding the fight and shooting. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Wilshire Area Homicide Detective John Shafia at 213-473-0446.  After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

NOTES FOR THE July 15, 2025 POLICE COMMISSION WEEKLY MEETING

 •    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco, Police Commission Vice President John Mack and Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended a briefing with United States District Court Judge Gary Feess regarding financial disclosure.

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco and Commissioner Robert Saltzman met with Deputy Chief Charlie Beck to receive an update on Detective Bureau and audits.

•    Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended the Department’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Forum on July 8, 2008.  Topics included Department policy and training in regards to transgender persons and outreach to the GLBT community.  Commissioner Saltzman stated relations with the GLBT community have significantly improved.  Commissioner Saltzman also attended the Mayor’s breakfast with the City’s gay and lesbian appointees.

•    Commissioner Alan Skobin attended a fundraiser for the Devonshire PALS, an appreciation lunch for the Hollywood Jeopardy Program and a meeting of La Ley Educational Foundation.

•    Chief William Bratton reported all four bureaus are showing declines in crime.  As of this morning, he stated every category is negative.  He also noted police pursuits are down 35%.

•    The Department’s report, dated July 3, 2008, relative to the Transmittal of the Grant Application and Standard Agreement for the 2008-2009 Operation ABC Grant Award from the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated July 8, 2008, relative to the Police Commissioners’ request regarding the Legal Defense Program administered by the Los Angeles Police Protective League as presented by Captain Michael Moriarty was continued.  Captain Moriarty reported the program does not negatively impact the Department’s disciplinary system.  Chief William Bratton added the Department has a very good discipline program in place.  Commission President Anthony Pacheco requested the matter be continued to further discuss, specifically, whether the payroll reimbursement option minimizes any discipline that may be imposed on officers.  Commissioner John Mack asked the discussion be expanded to include the American Civil Liberties Union whose letter to the Commission prompted the investigation and the Los Angeles Police Protective League.  Commissioner Robert Saltzman also requested a comparative investigation be conducted in regards to other payroll reimbursement option programs across the nation. 

•    The Department’s report, dated July 9, 2008, relative to a Response to Police Commission Request for Issues Relating to Reserve Police Officers was approved.

Robbery Suspects Assault Detectives

Los Angeles: Detectives conducting an investigation into a string of robberies became involved in an officer involved shooting after one of the suspects pointed a handgun at them.

On Friday, July 11, 2008, Detectives assigned to the Special Investigations Section, were investigating two suspects believed to be involved in a string of robberies in the Los Angeles area.  At around 6:00 a.m., the investigating detectives witnessed the suspects commit an attempt armed robbery at Lawry's Restaurant located in the City of Beverly Hills. 

The suspects left the restaurant with the detectives following.  As the suspects came to the intersection of Fairfax Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard the detectives attempted to stop the suspects.

As one of the suspects, Felton Kyles Bradford, 48-years of age, got out of the car he pointed a handgun at the detectives.  Detective Jeff Nolte, 19-years with the LAPD, fired one round, striking the suspect in the left arm.  Bradford was subsequently taken into custody, along with the second suspect, Floyd Nelson, also 48-years of age.

Suspect Bradford was booked for Attempt Murder on a Police Officer and Suspect Nelson was booked for a charge of ex-felon with a gun.

None of the detectives involved were injured.

Force Investigation Division will be handling the investigation.

For further information, contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Los Angeles Police Commissioner Alan Skobin Approved For Additional Five-Year Term

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s appointment of Commissioner Alan Skobin for a second term on the Los Angeles Police Commission, the five-member panel that oversees the Los Angeles Police Department.  Commissioner Skobin was first appointed to the Police Commission by Mayor James Hahn in 2003, and was the only Police Commissioner to be retained by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in 2005.  Each Commissioner may serve up to two, five-year terms, upon City Council approval. 

In his first five-year term, Commissioner Skobin has been instrumental in numerous enhancements to the LAPD, and the LAPD’s service to the community.  Most recently, after learning that the ASTRO radios that the officers carry, were in failing condition, Commissioner Skobin recognized the serious officer and community safety issue and immediately began the political and budgetary process to replace all radios.

"Commissioner Skobin is a dedicated, effective leader for our police department and our City," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "He is committed to the public safety of every Angeleno and he understands the importance of keeping Los Angeles safe and secure for future generations. I look forward to continue working with him to protect our neighborhoods and strengthen our police force."

Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco stated, “I am more than pleased to be serving with someone like Commissioner Skobin.  His renewal is confirmation that the members of City Council also agree that he is an outstanding Police Commissioner.”

Police Chief William Bratton added, “Commissioner Skobin brings a great deal of experience and passion to the Police Commission.  He is extremely dedicated to the men and women of this Department and is always looking for ways to improve our service to the people of Los Angeles.”

Missing Person-Roxana Romero

Update:  The victim, Roxana Romero was discovered deceased on May 16, 2008.  A homicide investigation was initiated and is ongoing.

Los Angeles:  Family members and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the publics help in locating a woman missing for over a week.

Detectives said that Roxana Romero left from work at California Hospital on Saturday,
April 19, 2025 at around 7:00 p.m.  She phoned her relatives to tell them that she had to work the next day, but would be in touch with them on Sunday.

Romero’s boyfriend of eight years told investigators that Romero returned to their home in the 700 block of North Edgemont Street in Los Angeles, after getting off work Saturday night,
April 19, 2008.   Romero left that same evening at around 9:00 p.m., saying she was going to a club with some of her co-workers.  Romero did not leave in her car and it is unknown who she may have left with.

Romero is described as a twenty-eight-year-old female Hispanic, 5’02”, 130 lbs., with blond hair and brown eyes.  Romero’s family said the she was in good mental and physical condition. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit, Detectives Bruce Kuehl or Ralph Bassett at 213-485-5381.  During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Driver Arrested for Murder in Pedestrian Deaths

Los Angeles: A driver, suspected of driving under the influence and driving recklessly crashed his speeding vehicle into two pedestrians Sunday night, killing them both.

On July 13, 2008, at around 9:00 p.m., a West Traffic Division Officer was in the area of Highland Avenue near Camrose Avenue when he observed a 2005 Honda Civic travelling on the wrong side of the road (southbound in the northbound lanes of Highland Avenue.)  The driver, later identified as 29 year old Sergio Delgado, continued driving erratically, making unsafe lane changes, speeding, and dangerously passing other vehicles in an area congested with vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

With great concern for public safety, the Officer initiated a traffic stop in an effort to put an immediate stop to Delgado’s reckless behavior.  Delgado stopped briefly, at which time a passenger got out of the car.  Delgado however, continued speeding southbound on Highland, again crossing over the dividing line into the oncoming traffic lanes, and continuing to run red lights along Highland Boulevard before turning eastbound onto Hollywood Boulevard.

Due to Delgado’s total disregard for public safety and his refusal to stop his car, the Officer went in pursuit and requested a backup unit and department police air unit to assist in capturing this dangerous suspect.   Delgado in his attempt to elude capture was able to create a two-block distance between himself and the Officer.  Delgado continued driving with wanton disregard for public safety eastbound on Hollywood Boulevard.  When he got to Wilcox Avenue Delgado’s vehicle hit two pedestrians walking northbound in the crosswalk.

Continuing eastbound on Hollywood Boulevard, Delgado ran the red light, failing to stop to render aid and identify himself as is required by law.  As Delgado neared Cahuenga Boulevard he stopped his car and attempted to run from the scene.  Two witnesses were able to prevent Delgado from escaping and held him until Hollywood Division Officers arrived and took him into custody.

The two victims, a male and female Hispanic in their late 20’s, died at the scene.  Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the pair, who did not have any identification on them.  The female victim was wearing a turquoise blue top, beige shorts, and blue sandals.  The male victim was wearing a white T-shirt with “Welcome to Hollywood” printed on the front, olive green pants, and black work boots.

Delgado was booked for Murder and is being held on $1 million dollars bail.  The passenger in Delgado’s vehicle has not been identified, but Detectives want to speak with him and are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating him.

Anyone with information about the this crime should contact West Traffic Detective  Nelson Hernandez or Officer Lee Wilmon at 213-473-0234.  During off hours and weekends call the toll free Detective Tip Line at 1-877-LAWFULL.