LAPD Blog

Detectives Search for Robbery Suspects

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two armed robbery suspects.

On Sunday, July 27, 2008, at around 1:10 a.m., two suspects entered an auto dealership located in the 1000 block of North Gaffey Street in San Pedro. The business owners and clients were conducting a business meeting when the two suspects entered through the open front door.  The suspects both carried handguns and forced the occupants to lie on the ground.  The victim’s were robbed of their wallets, cash and cell phones then forced into a restroom while the suspects rummaged through the dealership offices.  The suspects left the location in an unknown direction.

No one was physically harmed during the incident.

It is unknown if the suspects had a vehicle to flee the location or if they remained on foot.  The first suspect is described as a male, White, about 27 years of age with a crew cut and receding hairline.  The second suspect was a male, White, about 24 years of age, with a light colored beard, lip ring on the right side, and an unknown type of tattoo on his left calf. 

A photograph of the suspects is available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Harbor Robbery Detectives at 310-522-2029.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

RESPECT

By Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph

Hello Skid Row. I would like to talk about respect.  On many occasions, when I walk down the street, the criminal element begins to scatter, and those that cannot move fast enough hide their illegal contraband and devices.  Others are ordered by members of the community to get up, so I could have my "respect".

I want to inform you that though we all should respect one another, it is your right to respect me or have distain for me. Whichever way one chooses to feel, I am mandated to show respect to all whether they respect me or not. Please know that I am not above you because of the badge I wear.  I am no more extraordinary or special than any other man or woman.  I have simply been given the honorable responsibility of ensuring public safety, and that all laws of this city are observed.  So if you respect me. That's nice.  I appreciate it.  But if you don't, that's fine too, as long as you respect the law.  That is my primary concern because when the laws are obeyed, lives, and the quality of life are preserved.

But I would like to discuss something that we all should respect in this area, and that is the diligent work of the service provider community (i.e. drug programs, shelters, alcohol programs, and mental health services). 

Nothing irritates me more than when people who seek assistance with beating their addictions within these safe havens in the community, are hurt by people who hinder their efforts by selling and using narcotics directly behind and sometimes within drug programs and shelters.

That to me is the height of disrespect.  If you do not respect yourself and do not want to change your life, no one should impede the service provider community's efforts to help change the lives of those with the desire to change via narcotics sales, usage, and other illegal acts. 

That is selfishness to the highest degree.  I believe in every human being is a capacity for decency.  So if you are a dealer or an addict that refuses to change, have the decency not to stand in the way of those who do want to do something better with their lives, as well as the people that are trying to help them.

To assist you in that, I will be adding enhancements to those arrested for selling narcotics, behind or within 1000 feet of any mission or shelter (11380.7 of the Health and Safety Code).   It should not have to come to that, but it may be necessary.

I am seeking your voluntary compliance before I take action.  I would like for all those in need of help to take advantage of the services offered in this area.  But if that does not interest you, stay away from the missions when you are violating the laws, and yourselves. 

Also, respect the men and women from within your community who are trying to bring art and beauty to the San Julian corridor, and taking it upon themselves to sweep the streets.  Respect them by utilizing the trashcans that are placed on the sidewalks with you in mind.  Show pride in your area, because if you don't respect where you live, no one else will.

For those trying to get control of your lives, you are in my constant prayers.  Please let me know when you graduate.  I would love to support you in anyway I can, because I believe that there is hope for skid row.  That is why I police the way I do.  I want to help create an environment conducive to positive change in your lives. 

God bless you all.

Missing 11-Year-Old-Boy was located

UPDATE:  Hugo Bernardo Rojas was located in East Los Angeles and is now back with his family.   

Family Pleads for Public’s Help in Finding Missing 11-Year-Old Boy

Los Angeles: The family of Hugo Bernardo Rojas and the Los Angeles Police Department request the public’s assistance in locating 11-year-old Hugo.

Hugo was last seen on August 6, 2024 at the 1100 block of East 41st Place in Los Angeles.   

Hugo is described as a male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes.  He is 4 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 80 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black shirt, blue shorts and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD’s Newton Division, Officer Lucas Padilla at 323-846-6576.  On weekends or during off-hours, please call the watch commander at 323-846-6547.

A photograph is available through Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

Early Morning Dispute Turns into Killing

Los Angeles: Foothill Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the murder of 55-year old Jubenal Guillen.

On Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at around 2:15 AM, Foothill Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the area of Kelowna Street and Kewen Avenue in Pacoima. 

Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, Mr. Guillen lying face up, dead from multiple gunshot wounds.  Responding detectives' immediate follow up investigation resulted in the arrest of 58-year old Raymundo Serrato.  Serrato was arrested and booked at Foothill Station for murder. 

Preliminary reports indicated that Serrato, a neighbor to the victim, awoke in the early morning hours and confronted the victim regarding loud noise.  The confrontation became a struggle then Serrato shot and killed the victim. 

The weapon is in custody and there are no outstanding suspects.

Serrato's bail was set at $1,000,000.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Foothill Area Homicide Detective Josh Byers at 818-834-3115.  On weekends or after hours, call the toll free 24-hour anonymous number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

$50K Reward Offered in Connection with Killing

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are seeking the public's help in locating the person responsible for the cold-blooded murder of 16-year-old Albert Elvira.

On April 27, 2008, at about 7:25 p.m., officers from the LAPD's Northeast Community Police Station responded to a "shooting just occurred" radio call at the 3100 block of Chaucer Street, in Cypress Park where they found Albert suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics attempted to render aid and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Albert was walking down the street when he was confronted by a rival gang member.  A dispute ensued and the suspect shot the victim several times.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 17-19 years of age.

Detectives and family members of the deceased hope that the $50,000 reward being offered will be an added incentive for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder.

"Albert was taken from his family far too young," said Councilmember Ed P. Reyes.  "Tragedies like these not only adversely impact families, but entire communities as well.  Our hope is that someone will come forward and help ease the pain that this horrendous crime has caused."

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Northeast Homicide Detectives Jose Carrillo or Lisa Governo at 213-847-4261. After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877- LAWFULL (529-3855).

Officers Investigate Man Accused of Child Abuse

Los Angeles:  A man accused of child abuse was found dead when police took him into custody.

On Thursday, August 7, 2008, at around 4:50 p.m., a police officer assigned to Mission Area was flagged down by a citizen to investigate a report of child abuse.  The police officer was directed to the suspect's location, a halfway house located at the 12000 block of Hubbard Street.  The suspect was later identified as 36-year-old Lionel Shaw Johnson.

Police Officer Justin Llorens who was working a one-person unit when he was flagged down by the citizen, requested a two-person unit to help him with the investigation.  Officers Samuel Briggs and his partner Officer Ramiro Gonzalez arrived at the location and entered the room where Johnson lived.  The officers saw Johnson face down on the bedroom floor.  The officers tried to communicate with Johnson, who did not respond.  Believing that Johnson might be intentionally ignoring the officers, they handcuffed Johnson to ensure their safety.

The officers noticed that Johnson appeared lifeless.  The officers began immediate resuscitative measures and requested an ambulance. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced Johnson dead at the scene.

Officer Llorens has two years with the Department; Officer Briggs has nine years and Officer Gonzalez has one year and four months.

Force Investigation Division personnel are conducting the investigation.

Los Angeles Police Department Supervisor Receives Fulbright Award

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Sergeant Timothy J. Kalkus has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to conduct research at the Peel Training Centre, Hendon, United Kingdom, during the 2008-2009 academic year, according to the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Sergeant Kalkus will be researching critical incident management training and the United Kingdom’s immersive Hydra training system. He is one of approximately 800 U.S. faculty and professionals who will travel abroad through the Fulbright Scholar Program. Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Program’s purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world.

The Fulbright Program, America’s flagship international educational exchange program, is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Since its inception, the Fulbright Program has exchanged approximately 273,500 people – 102,900 Americans who have studied, taught or researched abroad and 170,600 students, scholars and teachers from other countries who have engaged in similar activities in the United States. The Program operates in over 150 countries worldwide.

Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Among the thousands of prominent Fulbright alumni are: Craig Barrett, Chairman of the Board of Intel Corporation; Mohamed Benaissa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Morocco; Raoul Cantero, Justice, Florida Supreme Court; Luis Ernesto Derbez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mexico; Renee Fleming, soprano; Gish Jen, Writer; Dolores Kendrick, Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia; Daniel Libeskind, Architect; Aneesh Raman, CNN Baghdad Correspondent; Robert Shaye, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO, New Line Cinema; Ruth Simmons, President, Brown University; and Javier Solana, Foreign Policy Chief, European Union.

The Fulbright Scholar Program is administered by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please visit their website at http://exchanges.state.gov or contact Heidi Manley, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, at 202-453-8534, or e-mail academic@state.gov.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics August 9, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**            2007**       % Chg

Homicide                              225*                241            -6.6%
Rape                                    462                 549           -15.8%
Robbery                              7695               8210             -6.3%
Agg Assaults **                    7396               7905            -6.4%
Total Violent Crimes       15,778           16,905           -6.7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             11323             11969            -5.4%
BTFV                                 17838             18803            -5.1%
Personal/Other Theft         16058             16662            -3.6%
Auto Theft                        13333              14428            -7.6%
Total Property Crimes    58,552            61,862          -5.4%
Total Part I Crimes         74,330            78,767           -5.6%

* 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

Notes for the August 12, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco attended the National Night Out events held in the Newton and Central Areas and found them to be well attended and reflective of the communities they serve.  He also was a guest speaker for the 32nd Annual Junior Statesman Symposium.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman was away most of last week but offered his thanks to the Department staff who prepared the Explorer report regarding donations.  He also requested additional information on the subject.

•    Police Commissioner Alan Skobin attended the National Night Out event in the West Valley Area and was impressed with the participation.  He also attended a meeting with the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society.  At a Foothill Area roll call, he spoke about the Police Commission and its role in the Department, and was pleased to see the Autism Awareness Training.  He thanked Commissioner Pacheco for his role in providing this training.  He and Commissioner Ordin also participated in a meeting regarding the CREW program.

•    Police Commissioner John Mack attended the National Night Out event in the Wilshire area and thought the event was well organized and had a good turnout.

•    Police Chief William Bratton announced that all four Department bureaus have experienced crime reduction.  Since 2002, Central Bureau has seen a 38.5% drop, South Bureau a 35.1% drop, Valley Bureau a 27.5% drop and West Bureau a 36.4% drop in overall crime.  Chief Bratton also said that the Departments recruiting efforts are continuing.

•    The verbal presentation and update from Devonshire Area Captain Sean Kane and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative Larry Stearn regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Devonshire Area was received.  They stated that there was a high concentration of group homes in the area where a majority of the crimes were reported.  Their remedy was to put controls on the group homes.  One of the challenges facing the program was re-establishing a more youthful and diverse membership.

•    The verbal presentation and update relative to the status of Personnel Complaint Investigations arising from the May 1, 2025 MacArthur Park Incident, was given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  Deputy Chief Perez stated the investigations were completed, as well as the recommended dispositions.  He added that the findings were presented to the accused officers and that they were given the opportunity to respond.  Deputy Chief Perez stated that the cases are going to be presented to the Chief of Police on August 25 for final disposition and expects a final decision to be made sometime in September.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 2, 2008, relative to the Gang Enforcement Detail quarterly Status Report – Second Quarter 2008, was accepted.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 4, 2008, relative to the Explorer Post Donations – Fiscal Year 2007/08, was received and filed.  The report lays out all donations to the Explorer program and the purpose for use.  The Explorer Post program received a total of $242,000 in donations for the fiscal year 07/08. 

Narcotic Suspect Becomes Combative With Officers

Los Angeles: A combative man under the influence of narcotics was arrested for making terrorist threats against his family.

On August 8, 2008, shortly after 11 p.m., Hollenbeck Area officers received a radio call of a man under the influence of narcotics behaving erratically in the 5300 block of Huntington Drive.  When the officers arrived, they found the suspect, Rene Duarte, a 31-year-old Hispanic man acting violently.  Duarte refused to comply with the officers orders.

Because of Duarte’s behavior, the officers felt it was unsafe to approach him and Officer Rick Corpel fired a non-lethal bean bag round at the suspect in order to gain his compliance.  Duarte was arrested for making a terrorist threat against his family members and transported to a local hospital where he was treated for abdominal injuries.               

The Department’s Force Investigation Division will conduct a follow up investigation.