LAPD Blog

Missing Man Despondent and in Need of Medication

Update

This morning, on December 16, 2009, Claude David Graham was found safe and in good condition in Denver, Colorado.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Missing Persons Detectives and the family of Claude David Graham are asking for the public’s help to find Mr. Graham.  Mr. Graham is reported to be severely depressed over his failing health and is in need of medication.

Mr. Graham left his residence in the 2200 block of West 6th Street, in the Rampart Area of Los Angeles, on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at around 3:45 p.m.  He has not been seen or heard from since and his family is extremely concerned for his welfare.

He is a male Black, 43-years of age, black hair, brown eyes, 6 feet tall, 165 pounds and was last seen wearing a gray jacket, white T-shirt, and black pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Missing Person Unit, Detective Jessamyn Morales at (213) 996-1800.   After hours, callers may also phone a 24-hour, toll-free tip line number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Tipsters may also text “crimes” with a cell phone.  All messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Home Invasion Robbery Leads to a Hollywood Arrest

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Hollywood Area officers have arrested four suspects in a home invasion robbery.     

On December 16, 2009, at around 1:40 a.m., LAPD Hollywood Area patrol officers responded to a 911 call of a “robbery in progress” in the 8200 Block of Mannix Drive in the Hollywood Hills.  Witnesses reported a white Dodge Charger leaving the scene shortly after hearing several gunshots.

As officers arrived in the area, they saw a car matching the description given by witnesses leaving the scene.  Officers immediately pursued the suspects into the Wilshire Area where they crashed near Pico Boulevard and Hauser Avenue.   A perimeter was established after the suspects got out of the car and ran away.  LAPD’s Wilshire Area patrol, Metropolitan Division and K-9 units were called in to search for the suspects, and all four were taken into custody without incident.  Evidence from the robbery was recovered at the scene, and a search for the suspects’ weapons is still ongoing.

Preliminary information from the investigation suggests that three suspects forced their way into a residential home on Mannix Drive, while a fourth suspect waited inside the getaway car.  At gunpoint, the suspects demanded the victim open up the family safe.  Once the victim opened the safe, the suspects grabbed large amounts of cash, shot the victim and the family dog, and left the scene.  There were two more occupants in the home which included a newborn baby, but fortunately, they were not injured.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.  The dog was transported to an emergency veterinary clinic and is undergoing surgery.

LAPD Hollywood Area detectives would like to thank all the witnesses who called 911 with critical information on the suspects’ vehicle description, which led to the arrest of all suspects involved.  

Anyone with information regarding the crime or recovering any weapons at either location is encouraged to contact LAPD Hollywood Area Robbery Detectives Dave Vinton or Warrant Eberhardtl at 213-972-2967.  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, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics December 12, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                              291*             361            -19.4%
Rape                                    728               806             -9.7%
Robbery                            11539            12640            -8.7%
Agg Assaults **                  10066            11461           -12.2%
Total Violent Crimes        22,624           25,268          -10.5%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             17,139          18,515            -7.4%
BTFV                                 27,146           28,521           -4.8%
Personal/Other Theft         25,917           26,523           -2.3%
Auto Theft                         17,169           21,271         -19.3%
Total Property Crimes     87,371          94,830           -7.9%
Total Part I Crimes        109,995        120,098           -8.4%

* 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

Bicyclist’s Life Stripped Away While a Driver is Wanted for Murder

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in locating a motorist who is responsible for a hit-and-run incident, and killing of bicyclist Robert Painter.

On December 2, 2009, at around 5:10 p.m., a man, driving a dark green or black Jeep Grand Cherokee, was traveling northbound on Laurel Canyon Boulevard when he struck Painter who was riding on his bicycle through a crosswalk at Archwood Street.  The impact of the collision launched Painter off of his bike into the air and falling to the ground where he suffered severe injuries.  The suspect immediately fled the scene without rendering any aide.   Los Angeles paramedics responded to the scene and transported Painter to a nearby hospital where he was in labeled in critical condition. 

The driver of the car is described as a male Hispanic 30 to 35 years old with dark hair and dark clothes.   There was also a female passenger who was described as possibly wearing a red coat.  The suspect’s car is said to have collision damage on the front end of the driver’s side.  The suspect’s car was last seen entering an Arco gas station at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Van Owen Street a block north of where the collision occurred.  

On December 12, 2009, Robert Painter, a Canadian citizen who had been residing in North Hollywood, died at the hospital from his injuries during the collition.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives Doug Larkin at (818) 644-8036 or Detective William Bustos at 818-644-8020.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-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, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Increased Enforcement of Reckless Motorcycle Driving

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation to combat reckless driving.

On Thursday, December 17, 2009, extra officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists where crashes often occur.  Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers that lead to injury and fatal motorcycle traffic collisions.

Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 91 percent from 275 killed in 2000 to 533 killed in 2008.  Fatal motorcycle traffic collisions in Los Angeles County have increased 62 percent from 70 in 2004, to 114 in 2008.  In the same period, injury motorcycle collisions have increased 47 percent from 1,996 to 2,927 in the same period. 

Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and/or other drugs by motorcyclists and other drivers. 

The Los Angeles Police Department is reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcyclists, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Another major factor leading to fatal and injury motorcycle collision is inexperience.  Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information.  Many people are riding motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license and without the skills necessary to ride safely.

It is every motorcyclist's responsibility to be properly licensed and have the skills necessary to ride safely.  Rider's can receive training through the California Motorcycle Safety Program, and information is available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877-RIDE411 or 1-877-743-3411.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Training Safety through the National Highway Safety Administration.
 
For further information, please contact LAPD Traffic Coordination Section, Officer Don Inman at 213-486-0703. 

Police Seek Help Identifying Eyeglass Burglars

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives are investigating a rash of burglaries that have occurred at optometry businesses throughout the Valley and are asking for the public's help in identifying a pair of thieves whose images were caught on surveillance tape.

Since April 2009, the pair has hit over a dozen optical outlets. The most recent burglary happened on November 25, 2009, at the New York Style optometry business located in the 17600 block of Sherman Way in Van Nuys.  Surveillance video showed two men wearing black bandanas covering their faces, force entry by using a crowbar to smash a glass front door.  Once inside, the suspects took about $75.000 worth of expensive prescription eyeglasses, eyeglass frames and sunglasses from display cases and left the scene.  Investigators have not been able to identify the suspects.

Images of the suspects involved in the incident were captured by surveillance camera and are available at www.lapdtv.org. 

Anyone with information or who recognizes the suspects is urged to call Commercial Crimes Division, Burglary Special Detectives at 213-486-6940.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to 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, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Chief Beck reaches general and ethnic media

Since being named the new Chief of Police, Charlie Beck has been busy doing media interviews, answering questions about his plans and goals with his administration.

On Thursday December 10, Chief Beck was invited to be a guest on “On air with Ryan Seacrest,” the morning show of 102.7 KIIS–FM. During the 30 minute interview, Chief Beck was asked about a police pursuit that was aired live on television the previous night, talked about the joy any father would have when he presided over his son’s graduation, and the importance of continuing to hire new police officers.  Chief Beck invited KIIS-Listeners to participate in the Department’s Angels in the Community Book Toy Fair Drive, asking them to donate a gently used book or toy to any of the Department’s 21 community police stations that will go to brighten up a child’s holiday season.

The next morning, in his continuing community outreach efforts Chief Beck was on the national morning shows of two Univision Radio stations – Recuerdos (Memories) KRCD/KRCV 103.9/98.3 FM and “La Nueva” (The New One) 101.9 FM.  Chief was interviewed by Amalia Gonzalez, program director and on air personality of Recuerdos and was a guest on “El Piolin Por La Mañana” (The tweety bird of the morning) hosted by Eddie Sotello.

Chief Beck talked about the importance for the Hispanic community to get to know their Senior Lead Officers, their area Captains, and how they can make a difference by becoming volunteers. When asked by Piolin about the role of police enforcing immigration laws, he replied the LAPD is doing it right by not using a person’s immigration status as a point of detention and contact.

The Chief talked about his goals to continue the progress of the Department in keeping crime down, keeping the City safe from terrorism, continuing to police constitutionally, and collaborating with the community.  Captain Rigoberto Romero served as translator.

Chief Beck returned to the police administration building to record a series of interviews with LA18 in the 2^nd floor studio of the Public Information Office. These interviews were in efforts to reach out to the Asian - Pacific Islander community of the City. These interviews will be aired in the month of January.  LA 18 / KSCI-TV reaches 6.2 million households in the six counties of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and San Diego.

LAPD Chief Reaches Out To Diverse Communities

 On Thursday December 10, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck was invited to be a guest on “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” the morning show on 102.7 KIIS–FM. During the 30 minute interview, Chief Beck was asked about a police pursuit that was aired live on television the previous night, talked about the joy any father would have when he presided over his son’s graduation, and the importance of continuing to hire new police officers.  Chief Beck invited KIIS-Listeners to participate in the LAPD Angels Community Toy and Book Drive, asking them to donate a gently used or new book or a new toy to any of the Department’s 21 community police stations.  The toys and books will be distributed to needy children throughout the city. 

The next morning, in his continuing community outreach efforts Chief Beck was on the national morning shows of two Univision Radio stations – Recuerdos (Memories) KRCD/KRCV 103.9/98.3 FM and “La Nueva” (The New One) 101.9 FM.  Chief Beck was interviewed by Amalia Gonzalez, program director and on air personality of Recuerdos and was a guest on “El Piolin Por La Mañana” (The tweety bird of the morning) hosted by Eddie Sotello.

Chief Beck talked about how important it is for the Hispanic community to get to know their Senior Lead Officers, their area Captains, and how they can make a difference by becoming volunteers. When asked by Piolin about the role of police enforcing immigration laws, he replied the LAPD is doing it right by not using a person’s immigration status as a point of detention and contact.
The Chief talked about his goals to continue the progress of the Department in keeping crime down, keeping the City safe from terrorism, continuing to police constitutionally, and collaborating with the community.  Captain Rigoberto Romero served as translator.

Chief Beck returned to the police administration building to record a series of interviews with LA18 in the 2nd floor studio of the Public Information Office. These interviews were an effort to reach out to the Asian - Pacific Islander community of the City. The interviews will be aired in the month of January.  LA 18 / KSCI-TV reaches 6.2 million households in the six counties of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and San Diego.

Missing Woman Last Seen Downtown

UPDATE

12/11/09 – 10:20 a.m.

Ms. Serrano has been located and is completely unharmed.  There was no foul play involved with this incident.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives have released the photograph Amy Giselle Serrano, a 20-year-old Downey resident.  She was last seen by friends who visited the La Cita Bar in the 300 block of Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles last night.

“The family and friends are very concerned for Amy’s safety,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, who is in charge of investigations downtown.  “According to her girlfriends, they last saw her around 11:40 p.m. in the bar having a drink with a 20- to 25-year-old White man.”

A friend was holding Amy’s cell phone, so there is no way to contact her directly.  Police and family have contacted many of the persons listed in the phone’s address book but have had no success finding her.  Amy is a student at Cal State Long Beach who was working on final projects this week.

“I just want my daughter here with me now,” said her mother Viannette Serrano. Amy has family who live in Lancaster and Downey, California.  

Amy’s description:
5 feet tall, 100 pounds
Black hair, brown eyes
DOB: 8/23/89  (20 years)

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Division detectives at 213-972-1203 or the Downey Police Department at 562-904-2324. After hours, callers may also phone a 24-hour, toll-free tip line number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Tipsters may also text “crimes” with a cell phone.  All messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Mother of Three, Missing Since Veterans Day

UPDATE

On December 10, 2009, the missing person’s mother informed police that missing person Lakisha Simpson had made a contact with her and she would like to cancel the press release.

Los Angeles:  The family of Lakisha Simpson and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating her.

Lakisha Simpson was last seen on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, at about 12 p.m., in the 1400 block of West Jefferson Boulevard.  Family and friends told police that it is out of character for Lakisha not to contact her family and friends.  Lakisha has three small children, who have not seen or heard from their mother in four weeks.

Lakisha Simpson is described as a 33-year-old female African American with black hair, brown eyes, 5’02” and weighs approximately 135 pounds.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lakisha Simpson, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Merrill: 213-996-1800; of the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-529-3855.