LAPD Blog

Van Nuys Home Invasion and Robbery

Los Angeles:  A home invasion and robbery occurred in the 15000 block of Wyandotte Street in Van Nuys early this morning at about 2:20 a.m. when four or five suspects described as Black males dressed in dark clothing and hooded sweatshirts knocked on the residential front door of rap music producer Noel Fisher, also known as "Detail." 

After pushing their way in, using physical force and simulating the use of guns, suspects forced the two residents to lie on the floor as they ransacked the home and took computers, software, jewelry and other equipment belonging to the record producer. The suspects then left the area in an unknown vehicle.

Fisher is a successful music producer responsible for several top-selling songs performed by a recording artist known as "Akon."

The incident is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section.  Anyone with information is asked to contact robbery-homicide detectives at 213-485-2511.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 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. 

Trespass at Studio Lot

Los Angeles: Studio security personnel found and detained a trespasser on a television production lot in the 7800 block of Beverly Boulevard and held him for LAPD officers. 

At about 5 p.m. on March 23, 2009, LAPD Wilshire Area officers responded to a call of a Tresspass Suspect at the location.  The suspect being held by studio security was then taken into LAPD custody.  The investigation led them to the suspect's parked car, where it was determined that he was illegally in possession of firearms.

The suspect, Robert Michael O'Ryan, 34, of Yullee, Florida, was arrested and booked for possession of a firearm and is being held in lieu of $35,000 bail.

The investigation is being handled by Detective Support and Vice Division.

Officer Involved Shooting with Hit and Run Suspects

Los Angeles:  An off-duty officer was involved in a shooting with a hit and run suspects in San Diego County.

On March 22, 2009, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Officer Ramon Zepeda was in his personal vehicle westbound on Interstate 8 at the Los Coches exit.  In the officer's vehicle were his wife and his 3-year-old son who was in the rear seat.  Officer Zepeda exited the Los Coches off ramp with his family with the intention to visit a McDonald's restaurant when his vehicle was struck from behind by either an older model Ford Taurus or Tempo.  Officer Zepeda pulled his vehicle over to the shoulder to exchange information, but the other vehicle failed to stop and drove away.  Officer Zepeda drove his vehicle back onto the roadway and followed the hit and run suspect in an attempt to obtain the license plate number.  As Officer Zepeda followed the hit and run suspect, his wife called 9-1-1 with the intention of seeking police assistance. 

Officer Zepeda followed the suspect's vehicle into a residential area near East Lakeview Road and Kay Jay Lane and believed the suspect was going to park his vehicle.  Officer Zepeda exited his vehicle with the intention of identifying the suspect.  As Zepeda started to approach the hit and run vehicle he realized it had not stopped and now was driving directly at him.  At this time, an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The suspect's vehicle did not stop and was last seen eastbound from the location.  San Diego County Sheriff's Department personnel responded to the call, along with California Highway Patrol personnel.  The San Diego County Sheriff's Department will be handling the criminal investigation and California Highway Patrol personnel will be handling the hit and run traffic collision.

The hit and run driver was described as a White male in his 20s.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are conducting an administrative investigation of the officer-involved shooting.

15-Year-Old Attacked by Violent Sexual Predator

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying a violent sexual predator who attacked a young girl.

On March 19, 2009, at around 5:55 p.m., the victim was waiting for a ride to her home, on the campus of the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, when she was viciously attacked.  The suspect grabbed the victim from behind and dragged her into nearby bushes where he brutally beat, kicked, and attempted to sexually assault the girl.  She fought back and was successful in warding off her attacker.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, 18-20 years of age, 5'8"-5'11" tall, with a shaved head (with hair that was beginning to grow out).

After the attack, the suspect ran from the scene.  Witnesses told investigators they were in the area and saw a person closely matching the suspect's description running away from the scene.  He got into a 2005-2008 silver, 4 door, Volkswagon vehicle and drove away.

Video surveillance is available to view at www.lapdtv.org

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Robbery Homicide Division, Special Assault Section, Detectives Sharlene Johnson or Jesse Alvarado at 213-485-2921. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 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 are anonymous.

Notes for the March 24, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco offered his condolences on behalf of the Commission to the Oakland Police Department and the families of the four officers who were killed in the line of duty this past weekend.  The Commission observed a moment of silence in their honor.

•Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman commented that he attended the Shomrim Society's Installation Banquet where fellow Police Commissioner Alan Skobin and Assistant Sheriff Paul Tanaka were honored.  He added that Commissioner Skobin has been promoted to the rank of Chief in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Reserves.

•Assistant Chief Sharon Papa reported the Department has welcomed 63 new recruits to the Academy.  Chief Papa added the Department is sending a contingent of officers to Oakland for the funeral services.

•The Department's report, dated March 10, 2009, relative to the Police Commission Report on the feasibility of 24/7 Detectives in the Mental Health Evaluation Unit, was approved.

•The Department's report, dated March 17, 2009, relative to the request for approval of the Professional Services Agreement with TLC Veterinary Centers, Inc. for Canine Veterinary Services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor's Office.

•The Department's report, dated March 13, 2009, relative to the Categorical Use of Force Systems Audit (AD No. C08-007), as presented by Police Auditor Erin Kenney, was approved.  Ms. Kenney stated out of 19 objectives, 13 were found to be in compliance with the Consent Decree. Most of the issues pertained to time reporting and notification of incidents by Real-Time Analysis and Critical Response Division.  Use of Force Division Captain Kris Pitcher noted quality control takes a little more time due to the complexity of cases.  He added a response to UOF incidents can become a problem if there are three incidents in a 24 hour period, due to home garaging issues.
  
•The Department's report, dated March 9, 2009, relative to the initiation of complaints audit (AD No. 08-019), as presented by Commander Richard Webb, was approved.  Commander Webb stated the Department was in compliance with paragraph 74 of the Consent Decree, regarding the Department's provision for the receipt of complaints.  He added during the third quarter of last year, the Department received 1,400 complaints, most of which were telephonic.  Commander Webb noted the Ethics Enforcement Section of Professional Standards Bureau conducts random audits at area stations and the Department takes complaints from any source, including online. 

LAPD 911 Operator to Provide Help to Oakland Dispatch Center

Los Angeles: Following the tragic shooting deaths of four Police Officers from the City of Oakland, the Los Angeles Police Department's Communications Division is sending help."Shots fired…Officer down!" are words that a Public Safety Dispatcher [PSD] never wants to hear over the police radio.  But when the call does come in, PSDs must immediately react with superior skill, reassurance, and professionalism.  Almost like a machine, PSDs dispatch additional resources, coordinate communications, and provide support for Police Officers responding to the incident, all while dealing with a tremendous amount of stress and emotion.

Such was the case last Saturday, March 21, 2009, when a man wanted on a parole violation gunned down four Oakland Police Officers in two separate incidents.  The shootings prompted an outcry of support and outrage from community members in Oakland and across the nation.

In response to the shootings, the California Tactical Dispatchers Association [CTDA] sent an urgent email to its members saying, "Oakland PD needs our help."  CTDA began soliciting PSDs from across the state, asking them to come to Oakland Wednesday, March 25th through Friday, March 27th.  The squad of PSDs will be providing coverage at Oakland PD's 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, allowing their personnel to attend the funerals and memorial services for the slain Officers. 

Todd Austin, a member of CTDA, and PSD Supervisor for the Los Angeles Police Department [LAPD] 9-1-1 Dispatch Centers, notified his Commanding Officer of CTDAs urgent call for help.  Without hesitation, Captain Regina A. Scott, who oversees LAPD's two Dispatch Centers, authorized Austin's assignment to Oakland PD March 25th through March 27th.  Austin, a 10-year veteran of LAPD, will be assisting Oakland PD with call-taking and dispatching duties for several days, along with PSD personnel from across the state. 

"I am honored to be traveling to Oakland to help our brother and sister Dispatchers", Austin said.  "The loss of any Police Officer in the line of duty is tragic and emotional, but losing four Officers in one day is difficult to even fathom." 

Austin said that in California, PSDs receive the same basic training whether working for a large Department such as LAPD or a smaller agency like the San Fernando Police Department.  Because of this standardized training, Dispatchers can work at any agency in California.  "The training we receive is particularly beneficial during large scale events requiring the response of multiple agencies, such as the Metrolink collision in Chatsworth last year" Austin explained.  When he arrives in Oakland, Austin said the transition from handling calls at LAPD to Oakland PD should be minimal, as both agencies use some of the same equipment and applications.  "The terminology Oakland uses on the police radio may differ from LAPD, but we are all dedicated professionals and will make it work…that's what we do.", Austin said."We [PSDs] have chosen this career to answer the calls for help from the communities we serve," Austin summarized, "Only this time, the call came from another law enforcement organization.  Help is on its way, Oakland."
 
For more information contact LAPD's Communications Division at 213-978-6585, or visit the California Tactical Dispatchers Association website at www.tacticaldispatch.com

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics February 21, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**             2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             64*                 96            -33.3%
Rape                                  161                 181           -11.0%
Robbery                            2819               2750              2.5%
Agg Assaults **                  2358               2632           -10.4%
Total Violent Crimes       5,402             5,659            -4.5%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              3965              4144            -4.3%
BTFV                                   6523              6682            -2.4%
Personal/Other Theft           5633              5974            -5.7%
Auto Theft                          3895               4756          -18.1%
Total Property Crimes     20,016          21,556           -7.1%
Total Part I Crimes          25,418          27,215           -6.6%

* 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

Memorial Services Held for “Dr. Dave Minister of Leather”

Los Angeles:  It is with great sadness and regret that the Los Angeles Police Department announces the death of 56 year-old David Lee Briggs Sr., aka “Dr. Dave Minister of  Leather.”

Mr. Briggs passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.  Mr. Briggs has been a fixture on the ground floor of Parker Center for the last 21 years.  He assisted Department employees of all ranks by ensuring they had an extra shine on their shoes and leather gear.  All of us mourn his passing, but take comfort in the knowledge that he lived his life well and provided faithful and loyal service to the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Chief William J. Bratton said, “It did not matter if you were the Chief of Police or the newest officer, Dr Dave’s standard for spit shined leather was second to none.  He was just as much a member of the LAPD family as any of those who benefited from and at times took full credit for his work.  Born David Briggs, over 20-year’s time, he became known to all as Dr. Dave – the Parker Center Minister of Leather.  Truth be told, he ministered to us in more profound ways. His care for our leather was surpassed only by his honest advice and listening ability.  All future spit shines will be judged by the high standards of a man who enriched our lives.  Parker Center will never be the same.”

Mr. Briggs was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on October 6, 1952.  He is survived by his son, David Lee Briggs, Jr.