LAPD Blog

Police Chase Turns Deadly in Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  A 59-year-old man is dead after a police chase in the Central Area of Los Angeles  took a deadly turn on Thursday, March 12, 2009.

The chase began around 5:30 a.m. when officers tried to pull over Samuel Richardson in a dark- colored SUV for his suspected involvement in an assault with a deadly weapon and a hit and run incident near 4th Street and Central Avenue.

Richardson led police on a low speed televised chase through downtown.  During the chase, Richardson intentionally rammed several squad cars that were responding to the scene.  A Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver that was used in an attempt to stop Richardson’s vehicle, proved unsuccessful.  A short time later, Richardson tried to make a U-turn on 4th Street and then drove south on San Pedro.  An additional PIT maneuver caused Richardson’s vehicle to spin.  Richardson accelerated his vehicle and rammed another police vehicle.  The impact of his vehicle pinned an officer inside his squad car leaving him trapped.  Richardson repeatedly rammed his SUV into the trapped officer’s car, and an officer involved shooting occurred.

Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene.  Four officers were injured during the incident and taken to local hospitals where they were treated and released.

There were four officers involved in the shooting.  Their names are Sergeant Alcenda Neal, 15 years with the Department and Officers Jose Galvez, Hector Tejada and William Johnson, all having 2 years with the Department.

Force Investigation Division will investigate the shooting.

Deceased Female Discovered in Alley

Los Angeles:  On March 12, 2009, at about 7:50 a.m., a resident in the area telephoned the Northeast Area desk and informed the desk officer that a female appeared to be sleeping in the rear alley of 1160 ½ North Madison Avenue.  The person reporting was concerned that she might be “run over” by vehicles using the alley way.  Northeast Area officers and LAFD personnel responded to the location.  Paramedics determined that the female was deceased.

Northeast Area Homicide and Robbery Homicide detectives responded to the location.  At this time, no cause of death has been determined pending an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.  The identity of the deceased female will be withheld pending notification of the deceased’s family members. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Division, Detectives Jay Moberly or Maria Perez, at 213-485-2531.  On weekends and during off-hours, calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

CARE Alert Issued for Child Abduction

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting that the media provide the public with the following information to assist law enforcement efforts in locating a possible abducted child.

On March 12, 2025 at about 5:15 p.m. an elementary-aged child reported witnessing a man taking a child from outside an elementary school in Canoga Park and driving away with her.

The child is described as a possible white female about 8-9 years old, with shoulder length brown hair.  The little girl was described as wearing a pink tank top with black or blue Capri pants.   

The suspect is described as a male Black, 30-35 years of age wearing tan bagging pants, a blue hoodie sweatshirt and a black beanie on his head.
 
The suspect’s vehicle is described as a possible 1970’s Ford Blue van with pink and green graffiti on it.  It also has damage on the passenger side along with a broken right passenger window.

The investigation is on-going but thus far, no child matching that description has been reported missing and an abduction has not been confirmed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Topanga Are Watch Commander at 818-756-4800.  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.”  All calls and contacts are anonymous.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics March 7, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**             2008**      % Chg

Homicide                             56*                  81         -30.9%
Rape                                  141                 152           -7.2%
Robbery                            2346               2299            2.0%
Agg Assaults **                  1908               2111           -9.6%
Total Violent Crimes       4,451             4,643          -4.1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              3294              3452          -4.6%
BTFV                                   5361              5511          -2.7%
Personal/Other Theft           4558              4897          -6.9%
Auto Theft                          3232               3956        -18.3%
Total Property Crimes     16,445          17,816       -7.7%
Total Part I Crimes          20,896          22,459       -7.0%

* 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

K9 Assists in Catching Robbery Suspects

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Police k-9 helped capture a Robbery Suspect who hid from police by hiding under a parked vehicle.

On March 8, 2009, at 8:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of a robbery in progress in the 800 block of Central Ave at the Burger King Restaurant.  When the officers arrived, they were met by the robbery victims who gave a brief description of the suspect(s).  The officers established a perimeter and a police dog was requested to search for the suspect(s).  During the search,  k-9  found 26-year-old Lorenzo Uriel, who refused to surrender to officers.  The K-9 bit him on both arms.  The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital where he was admitted and treated for his injuries on both arms.

The police also found a 17-year-old boy hiding underneath a parked vehicle with Lorenzo Uriel.  The boy surrendered immediately to police and did not obtain any injuries.

Neither the officer nor the dog were injured.  

Force Investigation Division will handle the dog bite investigation.

Famed Boxing Manager’s 32 Year-Old Murder Remains Unsolved

Los Angeles:  March 9, 2025 marks the 32nd anniversary of the murder of Howard (Howie) Steindler a famed boxing manager and owner of the celebrated Main Street Gym.

Mr. Steindler was a well known personality in the sport of boxing and was the inspiration for the character portrayed by Burgess Meredith in the Rocky films. On March, 9, 1977, at about 7:00 p.m., a witness observed Mr. Steindler at the corner of Lindley Avenue and Killion Street which was only a block from his home.  Steindler was involved in a confrontation with two unidentified black males who began beating Steindler and then forced him into his own vehicle, driving him away from the scene.  Within an hour, Steindler’s vehicle was discovered abandoned on the Ventura Freeway and Steindler was found dead in the car.  The investigation revealed that Steindler was robbed and to this day no suspects have been identified in this case.

The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the murder.  The crime occurred in the North Hollywood Area of Los Angeles.

Robbery-Homicide Division detectives assigned to this investigation believe that people in the community or people within the boxing industry may have information that may lead to the assailants of Howie Steindler.   

 

Anyone with information concerning this kidnapping and murder is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Detectives Daniel Jaramillo or Greg Stearns at 213-485-2129, during regular business hours.  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.

Barricaded Suicidal Woman Results in Officer-Involved Shooting

Los Angeles: The incident began about 7:30 p.m. on March 5, 2025 when officers were dispatched to a residence where a woman was threatening to commit suicide in the 8900 block of La Tuna Canyon Road.

Officers were met by two adults outside of the home, who reported that there was a woman inside the home, who had fired shots from a handgun and threatened to kill herself. No shots were known to have been fired at the adults or officers.

While the officers were outside of the home trying to communicate with the woman, additional shots were heard.

The LAPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called and arrived with a crisis negotiation team. The team began trying to communicate with the woman, who appeared to be distraught over personal problems.  

On March 6, 2009, at 11:40 a.m., the woman emerged from the house with a gun and walked toward a SWAT armored vehicle.  Several times, officers yelled for her to stop and drop her weapon, but she continued walking alongside the SWAT vehicle and around the back of it where containment officers were located.  Preliminary information indicates that she raised her gun, and officers fired a round of less lethal ammunition but didn’t strike her.  She then raised her gun and pointed it at the officers, at which time an officer involved shooting occurred.

The officers involved in the shooting were Officer Kelly Sandell, 14 years with the Department, Officer Gary Koba, 19 years with the Department and Officer Howard Ng, 15 years with the Department.

LAPD had arranged for an LAFD rescue ambulance to stand by, and the woman was immediately transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The female has been identified as 53 year-old, Victoria Fox of Sun Valley.

A .38 caliber revolver was recovered at scene.

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation.

Dog Charges officers

Los Angeles: Officer involved shooting occurred when dog charged at investigating officers. 

On Saturday, March 7, 2025 at around 4:00 a.m. officers were conducting a follow up to a radio call of a domestic violence, violation of a restraining order in the 3800 block of Wall Street.  Upon arrival, officers saw the suspect at the location and a struggle between the officers and the suspect ensued.  The dog charged at the officers which resulted in the officers shooting at the dog to stop its attack.

The officers involved were Officer Christopher Ercolano, and Officer Nicholas Balzano both have been with the Department for three years.

Newton Detective Division is handling the investigation.

An Angel Gets His Wings

It was a celebration of a life well lived at the Faith Dome Sanctuary yesterday as dignitaries, family, friends and colleagues remembered their dearly beloved Deputy Chief Kenneth O. Garner.  Thousands of mourners filled the church to pay tribute to the community legend and to reminisce and exchange memories of him, each more wonderful than the next. 

Affectionately nicknamed Kenny G., Deputy Chief Garner was known throughout the City as a humanitarian for his deep compassion for the community, positive outlook and steadfast conviction that things can always get better.  Chief William J. Bratton commented on the humble leader, “He was a dreamer who got things done, a maker of those dreams.”    

As each speaker honored Deputy Chief Garner, one thing became apparent – there were three loves in his life: his love for his family, first and foremost his baby girl Lauren, his love for his Department, and his love for his community. Considered his “wingman,” Jim Tanner spoke of his good friend, “My wingman got his wings.”

Deputy Chief Garner proudly served the Department for nearly 32 years, most recently, returning to the community where he grew up and spent most of his early years in life when he assumed command of Operations-South Bureau.  He will be profoundly missed by all those who knew him.

8-Year-Old Girl Shot in Front of Her Home

 Los Angeles: A suspect fired at undercover narcotic officers which resulted in an officer-involved shooting.

On March 8, 2025 at about 6:50 p.m., Olympic Area Narcotic Enforcement Detail (NED) Officers were in plain clothes driving a plain car.  The officers were in the 1800 block of Orchid Avenue when they saw a car commit a traffic violation with three people inside. 

The officers followed the car into the alley behind 1800 Orchid Avenue.  The car suddenly came to a stop and the suspect in the rear seat exited.  The suspect produced a semi automatic handgun and fired at the officers and the officers returned fire. 

An 8-year-old girl almost a block away was struck by the suspect's gunfire and was transported to a local hospital where she was listed in stable condition.

The officers were not injured.

The officers' names are not being released due to their undercover status. 

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the officer-involved shooting and the crime against the officers.  Force Investigation Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT) is pursuing the suspects, assisted by Robbery Homicide Division (RHD). 

Persons with information related to this incident are requested to call the 24 hour tip line at 1-877 LAPD 24-7  (1-877-527-3247).   Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellular phones and text to "CRIMES" or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on "webtips."  When using a cell phone always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD.  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.