LAPD Blog

Public’s Help Needed in Brutal Home Invasion

UPDATED INFORMATION

On March 20, 2009, at 8:15a.m., Victim Eusobia Rojas died from her injuries suffered during the robbery/attack on March 10, 2009.

There have been no further developments in the case.  The Mission Division Homicide Unit is assuming investigative responsibility.

Los Angeles: Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a home invasion robbery suspect who left an elderly woman in grave condition in Arleta.

On March 10, 2009, at approximately 11:20 a.m., an 86-year-old woman saw a man that she did not recognize on her rear patio area.  Since the victim did not recognize the man, she confronted him about what he was doing there.  The man quickly left the backyard down the victim’s driveway.

About twenty minutes later the suspect returned and knocked on the victim’s front door.  Once the victim opened the door, the suspect punched her in the face and dragged her to the master bedroom.  There, he began ransacking the house.  Prior to leaving with some of the victim’s property, the suspect again attacked the victim, leaving her severely injured. 

Over the course of several days that followed the beating, the victim’s condition continued to deteriorate.  She was placed on life support where she remains in critical condition.

The suspect is described as an approximately 40-year-old Hispanic man with black hair, tall, heavy set, with a mustache, wearing a gray hat and red jacket.

Anyone with information about this crime or the suspect is asked to call Mission Area Detectives Sergio Hernandez or DeanWatts at 818-838-9896.  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.

LAPD Explorer Chief Selected

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is proud to announce the selection of its Explorer Chief, Gloria Hernandez.

Chief Explorer Hernandez presently holds the rank of Captain at the San Pedro High School Police Academy Magnet Program and was also an Explorer Commander.  She also received notification last night that she had been accepted to attend the University of California, Los Angeles where she intends to study law.  In her new role, Chief Explorer Hernandez exercises functional command for all Department Explorers under the guidance of the Office of Operations.  She also supervises the twelve Explorer Commanders who serve as liaisons to the Area Posts.

Gloria cites as some of her many goals the chance to enhance leadership opportunities and develop age-appropriate training not only for Magnet Cadets and Explorers, but also for the thousands of young people who participate in our other Department youth enrichment initiatives.  She is a superb example of how an investment in our youth today has the great potential of paying meaningful and rich dividends in the future.
 
Chief Earl Paysinger, Commanding Officer of Operations, said “Please join me in congratulating Explorer Commander Gloria Hernandez for being named the next Chief Explorer for the Department Explorer Program.  This is a truly wonderful honor for an outstanding young lady!”

Chief Explorer Hernandez succeeds Eduardo Vega who celebrated his 21st birthday this month.  Her assignment to this position is effective immediately.

Chief Bratton Hosts Media Availability News Conference for March Topics Include Honors for Heroism and Chief’s Request for Federal Law Enforcement Funds

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Los Angeles:  At a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) news conference today, Chief William J. Bratton discussed his recent trip to Washington, D.C., in connection with asking the federal government for funds from the economic stimulus package for law enforcement.  His goal is to fund continued hiring for law enforcement agencies throughout the country as they face potentially higher crime rates resulting from the economic downturn.
In part, Chief Bratton’s proposal stems from a recent study by the Rand Corporation that calculates the high cost of crime and emphasizes the importance of maintaining low crime levels nationally because better policing efficiency has substantial cost savings and is a vital investment in the future.  Furthermore, Chief Bratton’s impressive track record as LAPD’s highest ranking officer has shown that more effective policing produces significant results.  Since Bratton became the Department’s chief in 2002, Part I crime has declined 33 percent, which includes a 41 percent reduction in homicides.
Currently in the City of Los Angeles, LAPD officers are looking at various crimes that can rise during economic distress, including property crimes, shoplifting and domestic violence.  There is also a focus on crimes and violence linked to drug cartels that could be spreading into the area from Mexico.
Besides saving money, additional benefits of making communities safer that Chief Bratton emphasizes include the creation of more jobs, educational opportunities and increased revenue from tourism.
Fire safety for officers was another topic Bratton discussed.  During recent brush fires in local communities, it was observed that officers assigned to these incidents lacked appropriate safety equipment. As a result, new fire kits will be introduced as part of the regular safety equipment officers carry in their vehicles. The kits include disposable respirator masks, gloves, and safety goggles.  They will initially be distributed to the Department’s West and Valley Bureau officers, with a goal of eventually providing them to all officers. 
Also featured during today’s news conference were commendations to acknowledge the dedication, bravery and tenacity exhibited by LAPD officers who responded to an apartment fire on Feb. 4, 2009.  The incident began around 8:30 p.m. when Officers Jesse Drenckhahn and Ronald Berdin smelled smoke in the air and saw flames coming from the rooftop of an apartment building at 33rd Street and Central Avenue.  With a fire extinguisher, they entered the building and fought back flames in the hallway as trapped residents escaped from the rear stairwell.
Also at the scene were Sergeant Lawrence Martinez and Officers Bryan Goland, Arturo Urruita and Hector Ulloa who had gathered at the front entrance to the building.  Having no time to wait for firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the officers entered the building as trapped

residents screamed for help from the second floor, which was totally engulfed in flames.  Officers were able to guide several residents safely out of the building and also door-knocked several units to ensure they were clear.  One apartment contained several residents who were unaware of the fire and had to be evacuated through thick smoke.  Other residents still in the building had to be rescued through windows, so additional officers at the scene, Officers Ruben Banuelos, Charles Kumlander, Edward Maciel and Chris Giagiari obtained a ladder.  Officer Banuelos climbed the ladder and the other three held it steady while all of the trapped residents successfully descended the ladder to safety.  By then, the LAFD had arrived, and after the fire was extinguished, it was discovered that all residents had been safely evacuated from the complex.
In an interview two days after the incident, LAFD Firefighter Paul Hamilton who provided assistance at the scene, said the residents probably would have been seriously injured or died had it not been for the actions of the brave LAPD personnel.  For going above and beyond the call of duty in the most challenging of circumstances, the officers will be considered as recipients of the Department’s Medal of Valor.

Victim Missing From Traffic Accident

Los Angeles:  On March 18, 2009, at around 11:30 p.m., a 30-year-old Black female was walking southbound on Figueroa Street and was struck by an eastbound vehicle on Manchester Avenue.  The driver and his passenger exited the vehicle and pulled the victim out from under the vehicle.  The driver and unknown passengers placed the injured victim into their vehicle and drove southbound on Figueroa Avenue.

Witnesses described the vehicle as a white Dodge Charger with custom white rims and tinted windows. The driver of the vehicle was a Black male and the passengers were a Black male and a Black female.

Los Angeles Police Department SouthEast Division detectives are handling the investigation.  Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Detectives Patty Batts or Donna Wheeler at 213-972-7865.  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.

Sexual Assault Suspect Sought

Los Angeles:  A woman was sexually assaulted Wednesday, while out on an early morning jog in Van Nuys area of the San Fernando Valley.

On March 18, 2008, at around 5:45 a.m., a 32 year-old woman jogging in the 6200 block of Blucher Avenue was sexually assaulted by a Hispanic man, 29-35 years of age, approximately 5'6" tall with a thin build, who began running close behind her.  Suddenly, the suspect grabbed the victim from behind, pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.  The victim was able to fight off her attacker, causing him to run southbound on Blucher Avenue.  

The victim got a good look at the suspect and an LAPD Composite Artist was able to sketch the suspect's likeness. Van Nuys Sexual Assault Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.

Anyone with information about this crime or the identity of the suspect is asked to call Detectives Dennis Derr or Cynthia Torres at 818-374-0040.  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.

Officer Threatened by Gunman

Los Angeles: A suspect pointed a handgun at an officer, resulting in an officer involved shooting.

On March 11, 2025 at about 8:30 p.m., Southwest Area Patrol Officers conducted an investigative stop of possible narcotics suspects in a car in the 1500 block of West Adams Boulevard. They saw a pedestrian standing in the street leaning into the vehicle talking with the four male occupants inside.  Officers directed the pedestrian onto the sidewalk and Officer Ruben DelCastillo approached the vehicle's driver.  The driver suddenly pointed a handgun at Officer DelCastillo, resulting in DelCastillo shooting at the suspect. The suspect accelerated and drove the vehicle, eastbound on Adams Boulevard.  The involved officers stayed with the pedestrian, requested help from other units and broadcast the direction of travel and vehicle description. 

The suspect vehicle drove eastbound and made a right turn on Menlo Avenue.  At Menlo, the suspect's vehicle collided with a student shuttle bus.  The bus driver and about ten students were not injured. 

The suspect vehicle continued southbound on Menlo for several hundred feet colliding with several parked cars and a construction trailer before coming to a stop.  The driver remained in the car injured and the three other occupants ran from the car. 

When officers approached the suspect's disabled vehicle, they discovered that the driver had suffered a gunshot wound.  Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and treated the suspect, identified as 25 year-old Cesar Osbaldo Ramirez.  Ramirez was transported to a local hospital where he died. 

Two handguns were recovered during the incident, and the three suspects who fled were all subsequently located within the perimeter and arrested.  
 
Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation.

Wilshire Division Gang Officers and Detectives Crack Burglary Operation Array of Stolen Property is Recovered

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Division Gang Enforcement Detail officers and robbery detectives have recovered a large amount of stolen property from gang-related robberies.  Recovered items include a collection of rare antique coins.

On Friday, March 6, 2009, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Wilshire Gang Enforcement Detail officers conducted a traffic stop on a silver Range Rover that matched the description of a vehicle suspected of being involved in burglary activity.  There were several occupants in the vehicle.  One of the occupants was a parolee and another was on probation.  During subsequent contact with the occupants, the officers recovered a plastic bag full of jewelry that was suspected of containing stolen property.

During the past several weeks, Wilshire Gang Impact Team detectives were investigating a gray Range Rover with paper plates that had been involved in residential burglaries in the mid-city area.  Detectives believed this vehicle was being used by local gang members to commit residential burglaries. 

A follow-up investigation resulted in a Wilshire patrol officer advising gang officers that he had just completed a burglary investigation in the 300 block of South Mansfield Avenue. The discussion between the officers led to matching the jewelry taken from the Mansfield address to the jewelry recovered from the Range Rover.  Wilshire Gang Impact Team detectives were notified and responded to assume the investigation.

During the investigation, detectives were able to determine that Anthony Gamell, a known gang member, was involved in the burglary from the 300 block of Mansfield Avenue. Further investigation led to the recovery of additional stolen property from three other locations associated with Anthony Gamell.  The stolen property included firearms, a large amount of cash, electronics, video games and antique coins.  The property has been linked to burglaries in the Wilshire, West Los Angeles and Olympic Areas, as well as the City of Las Vegas, Nev.  Detectives are continuing to identify additional burglaries related to this operation and are requesting the public’s assistance with identifying the rightful owner of the rare coins that have been recovered.  They are described as a collection of U.S. coins dated from the 1800’s and are believed to be taken from a burglary. 

Anyone with information about the burglaries is encouraged to contact Wilshire Gang Impact Team detectives at 213-473-0444.  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 Attacked While Collecting Recyclables

Los Angeles: A 71-year-old man was stabbed as he searched for recyclables early Friday morning.

On March 13, 2009, at around 6:40 a.m., the victim was in the rear alley of the 14000 block of Ventura Boulevard collecting recyclables.  A White man with blond hair, weighing 160-180 lbs., 40 to 50 year of age, began arguing with the elderly man; the reason remains unclear.  The suspect stabbed the victim with an unknown sharp weapon.

The elderly victim was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Van Nuys Homicide Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Van Nuys Homicide Detective Pedro Barba at 818-374-0040.  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.

Public's Help Needed in Brutal Home Invasion

Los Angeles: Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying a home invasion robbery suspect who left an elderly woman in grave condition in Arleta.

On March 10, 2009, at approximately 11:20 a.m., an 86-year-old woman saw a man that she did not recognize on her rear patio area.  Since the victim did not recognize the man, she confronted him about what he was doing there.  The man quickly left the backyard down the victim's driveway.

About twenty minutes later the suspect returned and knocked on the victim's front door. Once the victim opened the door, the suspect punched her in the face and dragged her to the master bedroom.  There, he began ransacking the house.  Prior to leaving with some of the victim's property, the suspect again attacked the victim, leaving her severely injured. 

Over the course of several days that followed the beating, the victim's condition continued to deteriorate.  She was placed on life support where she remains in critical condition.

The suspect is described as an approximately 40-year-old Hispanic man with black hair, tall, heavy set, with a mustache, wearing a gray hat and red jacket.

Anyone with information about this crime or the suspect is asked to call Mission Area Detectives Sergio Hernandez or DeanWatts at 818-838-9896.  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.

Pedestrian Killed by Hit and Run Driver

Los Angeles: Early this morning at around 12:05 a.m., a 34-year-old homeless man from Van Nuys was found lying in the road by the edge of the sidewalk.

The police (LAPD) were called to Haynes Street just west of Van Nuys Boulevard, in Van Nuys, to investigate the incident.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The investigation determined that the victims' injuries were consistent with a vehicle versus pedestrian collision.  The driver and the hit and run vehicle are still outstanding.

The vehicle is described as a 1980 to 1989 Honda Civic, 4-door, beige in color with minor damage to the right front passenger side just above the headlight.  The driver is described as a male White in his late 40's, salt and pepper hair, parted in the middle. His hair covered his ears.  The driver at this time is considered as a 'person of interest'. 

The name of the victim will not be disclosed until the family has been notified. 

Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division (VTD) detectives are handling the investigation.  Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Menesez at 818-644-8026 or Detective W. Bustos at 818-644-8021.  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.