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LAPD Captures Suspects Wanted for Violent Robbery at Medical Marijuana Clinic

LAPD Captures Suspects Wanted for Violent Robbery at Medical Marijuana Clinic

Los Angeles: Detectives are asking for the public’s help to provide more information about suspects involved in a violent robbery of a medical marijuana clinic.

On Feb. 27, 2009, just before midnight, three suspects armed with handguns entered a medical marijuana clinic located in the 900 block of South La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. Once inside, one of the suspects placed his gun to the forehead of an employee and forced all occupants to the rear of the business.  The suspects then removed several containers of marijuana and other property from the location.

On Oct. 1, 2008, at a marijuana clinic just one block from the above mentioned location, a security guard was murdered when he attempted to stop a robbery.  Recognizing the high propensity of violence during these types of crimes, detectives from Wilshire Area aggressively investigated these incidents.  

On March 3, 2009, Wilshire Division robbery detectives identified the suspects of the February 27th robbery as Inglewood resident Kwinton Dillard, age 22, and Los Angeles resident Jarell Green, also 22.  On March 4, 2009, both Dillard and Green were arrested in the City of Inglewood.  Detectives recovered evidence linking both suspects to the robbery.

As part of a thorough investigation, Wilshire Area Robbery Detectives are asking for the public’s help to provide additional information about this or other possible crimes committed by Dillard and/or Green.  Information regarding the third suspect is also being sought.

For inquiries or to provide further information, calls should be directed to Wilshire Area Robbery Detective Robert Palacios at 213-922-8266.   During off-hours, 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.”  All tips may remain anonymous.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics February 28, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**             2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             50*                  65             -23.1%
Rape                                   121                 134              -9.7%
Robbery                             2098                2036              3.0%
Agg Assaults **                  1738                1841             -5.6%
Total Violent Crimes       4,007             4,076            -1.7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              2958              3015            -1.9%
BTFV                                   4841              4914            -1.5%
Personal/Other Theft          4022              4269            -5.8%
Auto Theft                          2894               3516          -17.7%
Total Property Crimes     14,715          15,714           -6.4%
Total Part I Crimes          18,722          19,790           -5.4%

* 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

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**             2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             50*                  65             -23.1%
Rape                                   121                 134              -9.7%
Robbery                             2098                2036              3.0%
Agg Assaults **                  1738                1841             -5.6%
Total Violent Crimes       4,007             4,076            -1.7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              2958              3015            -1.9%
BTFV                                   4841              4914            -1.5%
Personal/Other Theft          4022              4269            -5.8%
Auto Theft                          2894               3516          -17.7%
Total Property Crimes     14,715          15,714           -6.4%
Total Part I Crimes          18,722          19,790           -5.4%

* 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

13-Year-Old Critically Injured in Hit & Run

Los Angeles:  A 13-year-old youth riding his bicycle Sunday afternoon was struck and critically injured by a motorist who fled the scene.

On Sunday, March 1, 2008, at around 3:30 p.m., a motorist driving a gold Nissan sports utility vehicle traveling eastbound on 58th Place from Normandie Avenue hit a bicyclist and continued driving.  The motorist, described as a 35-40-year-old Black female with short brown hair, failed to stop and render aid or identify herself as required by law.

The child has been hospitalized with serious injuries and is in critical condition. 

Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect and the vehicle she was driving.  Anyone with information is asked to call South Traffic Division Detective Rodney Jones at 213-290-6063.  During off-hours, 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.

Four-Car Pile-up Results in One Fatality

Los Angeles:  A man was killed in a chain reaction crash that injured three other people.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2008, at around 3 p.m., 63-year-old Vachik Yedigarvan was driving a GMC Sonoma pickup truck northbound on La Tuna Canyon Road when for unknown reasons he crossed over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic.  His truck collided head-on into a southbound Chevy truck on La Tuna Canyon Road.  A Subaru car driving behind that truck also struck the oncoming GMC truck and was forced into the northbound lanes, where it hit a Nissan Altima head-on.

Yedigarvan was pronounced dead at the scene.  The drivers of the other vehicles, all traveling alone, were each transported to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.

Valley Traffic Detectives are handling the investigation and wish to remind all drivers to wear their seatbelts and to watch their speed during inclement weather.  Detectives are investigating whether Yedigarvan was properly wearing his lap and shoulder belt and whether it contributed to his death.

Anyone with information or questions may contact Officer Doug Larkin or Detective William Bustos at 818-644-8036.  During off-hours, 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.

Man Killed After Stepping into Roadway

Los Angeles:  A 69-year-old man was struck and killed Wednesday afternoon by a passing motorist.

On March 4, 2008, at around 2:30 p.m., Thomas Brown had been working on a road construction project on San Fernando Road north of Sunshine Canyon Road.  Brown had just stepped over a cement barrier situated on a curve into the curb lane of the roadway when he was struck by a 1992 Mercury Sable traveling northbound on San Fernando Road.

The driver of the vehicle stopped, rendered aid and called for paramedics as required by law.  There was no crime involved, and the driver was not cited.

Valley Traffic Division Detectives are handling the investigation.  For further information, contact Valley Traffic Detectives Shondie Jackson or William Bustos at 818-644-8036. 
 

Three Men Shot in Boyle Heights

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects responsible for the shooting death of 22-year-old Francisco Tomas and the shooting of Adolfo Delgado, 21, and Christian Linares, 19.

On Friday, February 27, 2025 at about 10:45 p.m., the victims were in the 3300 block of East Olympic Blvd when two suspects walked towards them.  The suspects asked the victims where they were from and suddenly began shooting.  Tomas sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.  Delgado sustained a gunshot wound to the hip and Linares received a gunshot wound to his hand.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victims to a local hospital.  Tomas later died of his injuries.  Delgado is listed in stable condition and Linares was treated and released. Detectives have determined that the shooting is gang related. The suspects are described as two male Hispanics, approximately 17 to 20 years of age.   

Anyone with information regarding this murder investigation is asked to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Jacob Dugger or Araceli Negrete at 323-526-3142 or (323) 525-3091.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) 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.  All tips may remain anonymous.

38-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the shooting death of 38-year-old Timothy Edward Record.

On Saturday morning, February 28, 2009, between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m., the victim was sitting in the driver’s seat of his 1997 Honda Accord in the 100 block of South Utah Street when an unknown suspect(s) fired multiple rounds into his car.  The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds. 

During the investigation, residents said they heard multiple gunshots in the early morning hours, at about 3:00 a.m., but no one notified the police.  At about 7:30 a.m., a construction worker, who was reporting for work, saw Record sitting in his vehicle and numerous spent shell casings strewn about the area.  He then called police.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. 

The motive of the shooting is unknown. 

Anyone with information regarding this murder investigation is asked to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Jacob Dugger or Araceli Negrete at 323-526-3142 or 323-525-3091.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) 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.  All tips may remain anonymous.

Suspect's Caught on Video, Burglarizing Home

Los Angeles:  Two burglary suspects have been caught on video burglarizing a home, with their faces clearly visible. Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects.

On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, two suspects broke into a residence in the La Cienega Heights area of Los Angeles, near La Cienega Boulevard and Cadillac Avenue.  The suspect's pried open a rear security screen and broke the glass in the door to gain access.  Once inside, the suspects are seen ransacking rooms and removing electronic equipment, cash and firearms.

Suspect-1 is described as a Black man, 5'9", 165 lbs., in his 20's with a bleached faux-hawk.  Suspect-2 is also a Black man, 6'0", 180 lbs., in his 20's with his hair braided in corn rows.

The public is warned not to approach or engage either of these suspects.  If they are seen or located, the public is encouraged to immediately call 911.

Anyone with information about these suspects is asked to call West Los Angeles Detectives Gregory Davis or Allan White at 310-444-1568.  During off-hours calls may be directed to our 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes" with a cell phone of 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.

Newton Area Inspection

Los Angeles:  Come rain or shine, Newton Area’s finest were proudly on display.  Dark clouds and rainy weather could not diminish the sheen of Newton Area’s badges as they held their formal inspection this morning.  Captain Mark Olvera, Commanding Officer of Newton Area, proudly lead Councilmember Jan Perry, Police Chief William J. Bratton, Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger and Deputy Chief Diaz as they inspected the division’s rank and file.

Recognized as one of the Department’s toughest divisions, Newton Area is considered by many a “workhouse” and its officers among the most devoted.  Chief Bratton commended the staff for their commitment and dedication to improving trust and relationships in the community.  Congratulating them on a successful inspection, he expressed his gratitude, “Thank you for the work that you do and the phenomenal story I get to tell.”  

Also rallying the officers, Assistant Chief Paysinger noted, “There’s something special about this place. With a deep, double-digit waiting list to get into this station, it definitely has something to do with who you are.”  Councilmember Perry thanked the officers for their service, noting they are “not only officers, but also friends to the community.”

Newton Area encompasses an area of nine square miles and has a population of approximately 150,000.  The Newton Community Police Station serves the neighborhoods of Produce/North-End Business District, Fashion District, South Park District, and Pueblo Del Rio Housing Development.

Why Safer Cities Initiative?

Los Angeles:  Picture in your mind, a loved one; your mother, father, son or daughter.  Now picture that same loved one struggling with addiction and homelessness in one of the most crime ridden areas in the city of Los Angeles, Skid Row.  Imagine them being unable to break the cycle of addiction because of constant temptations despite help in the form of a rescue mission or drug program, just steps away.  This is the cruel reality for countless members of the skid row community, who have the desire to change their lives, but crumble under the weight of criminality.  This is also the reason why the Los Angeles Police Department has a Safer Cities Initiative.  Many in the Skid Row community and outside of it have asked and have been asked “Why SCI?”  Some have said that it is for gentrification, others have tried to tout that this is some adversarial movement against the poor.  These are complete falsehoods because the service providers of Skid Row are not going anywhere.  We fully recognize the need for shelters, service and low income housing in the area.  Of course we wish that other cities would open their minds and hearts to helping those in need, but we clearly understand that until that happens, Skid Row is where it is at.  I personally have spoken up for SRO housing when there was talk of shutting the program down.  This would have been disastrous for the hundreds of residents that live in the hotels, and many of the employees. Some of these employees are in the recovery community, and would have been out of a job if that would have occurred.  We are not for shutting down the service community.  What we are for is ridding this community of the lawlessness that sometimes makes its way into the service community thus hindering the efforts of the services, and the continued growth of those in recovery.

In other words, we are trying to create an environment conducive to real change in the lives of those with the will to change.  Currently that task is very difficult for many who are routinely faced with the same temptations that brought them to the programs awaiting them while they are trying to better their lives.  Our desire is that the LAPD be allowed to strengthen the influence of the service providers and those with a desire to make skid row a safe community.    Those influences need to be stronger than that of the addicts that refuse to change, gang members and the drugs they peddle.  We all know their sole desire is to keep their pockets lined with money as they keep their customers dependant on the products they sell.  We reduce their influence by continuing to try to bring order to Skid Row.  As a result, fewer people are dying at the hands of others, and by their own hands.

Now there are those that say that Skid Row is more dangerous because of the police presence.  This is usually said in an effort to derail the SCI program, which is responsible for saving more lives since its inception.  When I hear these things, it bothers me because to say that skid row was safer before SCI is to dishonor every victim of rape, overdose, murder, or violent assault that occurred before it was implemented.  Those who would say that are either in a severe state of denial about the positive changes, or they are lying for a specific purpose or agenda.  It says to me that one human life lost on skid row is not as important as their ideology.  Yet in my opinion, every life spared whether dying from exposure while living on a sidewalk to an overdose, is a blessing.  For the LAPD, it is not our job to protect an ideology over the individual human.  It is our job to do the best we can to protect and preserve the lives of every individual we serve for the good of all.  I admit that it is not always pretty, nor are we perfect as law enforcement officers (especially not me), yet whether you believe we care or not, our presence is necessary to keep skid row from returning to the state of lawlessness that reigned before SCI. 

So the next time you ask or someone asks you, “Why SCI?” the answer is simple.  It is to create an environment conducive to change so that those without hope today may find it tomorrow.

God Bless you all.

From Your Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph.