LAPD Blog

16-Year-Old Hit and Run Victim in Coma

Los Angeles:  A teenager was hit on Thursday night when he was riding his bicycle inside a marked crosswalk.

On May 8, 2009, at around 9:00 p.m., 18-year-old Diana Williams was driving a 1992 Plymouth Breeze southbound on Compton Avenue towards 104th Street when she hit the bicyclist who was eastbound on Compton Avenue.  Ms. Williams left the scene without identifying herself or rendering aid as required by law and abandoned her vehicle.

A witness was able to describe the driver as a female Black with two female passengers.  Approximately two hours later, officers at the scene received information concerning the location of the two passengers and possibly the driver.  The officers conducted a follow-up to the location and were able to identify the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle.  

Williams was arrested for felony hit-and-run and is being held on $50,000 dollars bail.

The victim was transported to UCLA Medical Center and is listed in extremely critical condition from head trauma.  

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact South Traffic Detectives at 323-290-6067.  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’s Hollywood Division Inspection

Freshly pressed uniforms, boots with a mirror-like shine, and badges that resemble the crown jewels was the theme this morning as LAPD's Hollywood Division held its annual Formal Command Inspection.  Joined by Police Commissioner Robert M. Saltzman and Command Staff, Chief William J. Bratton proudly walked the rank and file and thanked the officers and civilian personnel for their hard work, dedication and a successful inspection.  "Command Inspections are part of what makes this a great Department, a tradition of the Department." Chief Bratton also cited the current economic challenges that face not only the city, but the country. Chief Bratton was proud to announce that in spite of predictions of an increase in crime and poverty due to the economy, that has not happened in Los Angeles and is not expected to happen.  With the decrease in crime, LAPD officers essentially cost the city nothing; "Cops Count, Police Matter."   

Recalling a proud moment, Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger told of when he came to work Hollywood Division as a Sergeant in 1985. The experience was one of the most interesting and proudest times in his career.  Chief Paysinger not only recognized the contribution of the patrol officers, but applauded the civilian staff and members of the community that contribute to the success of Hollywood Division.  "They represent the infrastructure, the engine that allows those of us that wear the badge to do the good work that we do."

Operation West Bureau Deputy Chief Tery Hara echoed the sentiments of pride that was well deserved by the hard working officers of Hollywood division.  "Hollywood continues to be the focal point worldwide, everybody comes to see Hollywood. You continue to work hard to make this division one of the safest places in Los Angeles."

Later this month, Chief Bratton will announce the Hollywood Entertainment District Deployment Plan.  The plan calls for an increase deployment of officers to further support and enhance the viability of the entertainment district in Hollywood.

West Valley Detectives Investigate Armed Robbery

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying two suspects in a robbery.

On Wednesday, May 5, 2009, at around 12:40 p.m., two male blacks entered the Money Tree check cashing store, located on the 7200 block of Tampa Avenue.  Once inside, while one suspect acted as a lookout, the other suspect pulled out a handgun, pointed at the clerk, and jumped the counter.  Both suspects ran out of the store with money and other properties.   

There were no shots fired and the clerk was not injured.

The armed suspect was described as having black hair, brown eyes, between 5' 11"- 6' 1" tall, weighing between 170-180 pounds.  He had mustache/goatee and was wearing a blue or green knit beanie and a white shirt.

The other suspect had black hair, brown eyes, between 5' 5"- 5' 7" tall, weighing between 140-160 pounds.  He had mustache/goatee and was wearing a light blue hat, and a long sleeve white shirt.  Both suspects were in their 20s.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact West Valley Detectives at 818- 374-7740.  During off-hours, call the 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.
 

Los Angeles Police Memorial Ceremony

The Department held a ceremony at Elysian Park Police Academy to pay homage to the 202 men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. Members from the Police Protective League, Command Staff, Department Employees, family and friends, joined Chief Bratton in honoring the fallen officers. Chief Bratton honored not only the profession but also the men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty, "We will always be there to remember their sacrifice."

 

Glynn Martin of the Los Angeles Police Historical Society further paid tribute to an additional twenty three officers, who perished in the line of duty, from 1895-1907, and whose names are not documented  in the Department's Memorial Monument.  Mr. Martin recognized the names somehow slipped from memory, "Tradition may have muted their names, today we stop to remember their lives….remember them anytime we see our brothers and sisters in blue".

The formal Memorial Ceremony included the "Walk of Heroes" procession, followed by a twenty-one rifle volley, performed by the LAPD Honor Guard. Air Support Division executed a Fly Over in the Missing Man Formation. The ceremony culminated with the symbolic sounds of bagpipers playing Amazing Grace and buglers playing Taps.

Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended the annual Memorial Ceremony held at the Elysian  Park Police Academy.  He was impressed with the turn-out and thanked the Department for the opportunity to attend. 

•First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell informed the Commission there were no major disturbances and no arrests made during the recent May Day rallies held around the City.  He also announced the LAPD is sending a contingent to participate in the 2009 Police Unity Tour.  He finished by adding the Department's Memorial Ceremony had a good turn-out and was a solemn reminder of the dangers officers face every day.

•The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Hollywood area was given by Captain Beatrice Girmala.  The Captain informed the Commission the Hollywood area has had revitalization over the past decade due to a commitment to public safety.  The Hollywood C-PAB has several different committees including homeless outreach, nightclub, traffic and youth.  Each places emphasis on quality of life and works with area developers, businesses, nightclubs and other organizations.  The Hollywood area also works in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to keep the rail system safe. 

•The Department's Report, dated April 17, 2009, relative to the Department's response to the recommendation of the Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigation's, Fourth Quarter Audit (AD No. 07-004), June 2008, was received and filed.

The Department's report, dated April 20, 2009, relative to the Department's response to the recommendation of supervisory performance evaluations audit, fourth quarter, fiscal year 2007/08 (AD No. 07-023), June 2008, was received and filed.

•The Department's report, dated April 24, 2009, relative to the Department's response to the recommendation of the gang awareness training audit, third quarter (08-024), March 2009, was received and filed.

•The Department's report, April 21, 2009, relative to the Board of Police Commissioners Quarterly Report 1st Quarter 2009 (January-March), was approved.

•The Department's report, dated April 30, 2009, relative to the Awarding of the LAPD Purple Heart Medal to Sworn Personnel, as given by Commander James Cansler, was approved.  The Commander informed the Board in January Police Commissioner Alan Skobin proposed the “Purple Heart” for officers shot or wounded in the line of duty.  After some research and proposals to the Chief of Police and senior command staff, the idea went forward to the Commission for approval.  All officers who have been killed in the line of duty would be awarded the medal posthumously and active officers who have suffered serious injuries in the line of duty would now qualify.

•The Department's report, dated February 13, 2009, and Inspector General's Report, dated April 23, 2009, relative to the Department's Quarterly discipline Report for the fourth quarter of 2008, were approved.

POLICE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES THE LAPD PURPLE HEART MEDAL

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Police Commission unanimously approved the creation of the "LAPD Purple Heart Medal," which will be awarded to the families of officers killed in the line of duty and to officers who sustain traumatic physical injury during an on-duty tactical situation.

"Today, the Commission made a strong statement about its appreciation for the sacrifices our officers and their families make, day in and day out," stated Police Commissioner Alan Skobin.  "This day, and the LAPD Purple Heart, belongs to all of those who have protected the City we care so much about."

Commissioner Skobin expressed his gratitude to the officers who brought the need for a formal form of recognition to his attention.  "Knowing that it was the right thing to do, these officers did not give up in their quest to create the Purple Heart Medal.  I am so appreciative they had the confidence in me to share their passion and commitment for creating this award. I agree, it is the right thing to do, and I applaud my fellow Commissioners and Chief Bratton for their support."

"I am very glad my fellow Commissioners and I had the opportunity to create this important medal for the LAPD officers," stated Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco.  "While it will be awarded under very traumatic circumstances, it is an important statement in the Department’s commitment to the officers who bravely risk so much for the safety of the people of Los Angeles."

All Commissioners agreed that this new medal is an additional way to express appreciation for the sacrifices LAPD officers make, however, they also expressed their desire to maintain strict criteria for the granting of medal.  To begin immediately, the Purple Heart Medal will be awarded to the families of officers killed in the line of duty and to those who sustain traumatic physical injury during an on-duty tactical situation. 

The Purple Heart Medal will also be awarded retroactively to the families of officers killed in the line of duty, and to active officers who meet the Purple Heart criteria. Under these circumstances, families and officers meeting the criteria would have six months to submit a request to the Commendations Board through the Division of occurrence.  It is estimated that an average of five officers per year will qualify for the Purple Heart Medal.

Man Swinging Machete Leads to Officer Involved Shooting

Los Angeles:   A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer shot a suspect who threatened him with a machete in Highland Park.   

On May 3, 2009, at about 6:30 p.m., 911 operators received an anonymous report of “screaming and yelling” coming from a residence in the 300 block of N. Avenue 66, north of Ruby Street.  The call was dispatched to Northeast Area patrol officers as an “unknown trouble” at the residence.

The officers arrived at the residence and encountered a male Hispanic adult, later identified as
50-year-old Ramon Alaniz of Highland Park, armed with a machete.  When Alaniz refused to comply with the officers’ commands to drop his weapon and moved toward the officers, an officer-involved shooting occurred.  Police Officer II Gregory Ibanez, 3 years 9 months with the Department, fired multiple rounds at Alaniz, striking him once in the head.  Alaniz was then taken into custody without further incident and transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.  No officers were injured.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division is responsible for conducting the investigation.  Charges against Alaniz are pending, based on additional investigation.

Persons with information related to this incident are requested to call the Department’s 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, the text portion of the message should always begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner may remain anonymous.

Man Injured While Resisting Officers

Los Angeles:  On April 13, 2009, at around 11 p.m., several Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Hollenbeck Area patrol units responded to a radio call in the 1500 block of Michigan Avenue about a disorderly man, possibly with a weapon.  The officers listed below arrived and attempted to detain the man, Moses Fernandez, as a possible suspect.

Fernandez refused to comply with the officers’ commands and resisted them.  A fight ensued between Fernandez and the six officers as they attempted to detain him, but Fernandez was taken into custody and then transported to a local hospital for treatment.  

Four officers sustained minor injuries during the incident, and the LAPD Force Investigation Division is conducting an investigation.  Hollenbeck Area detectives are investigating the crimes against the officers who are listed below:

Police Officer II Hyong Perkins, 4 years, 1 month with the Department.
Police Officer I Pedro Alvarez, 9 months with the Department.
Police Officer I James Castillo, 1 year, 6 months with the Department
Police Officer II Jonathan Maldonado, 4 years, 2 months with the Department.
Police Officer II Juan Contreras, 9 years with the Department.
Police Officer I Andrew Woods, 1 year, 6 months with the Department.

Burglary Suspect Injured Resisting Arrest

On April 3, 2009, at around 11:30 p.m., Police Officer III Roy Guthrie, 20 years and seven months with the Department and Police Officer I Reynaldo Solorzano, one year and three months with the Department, received a radio call about people chasing a burglary suspect.

When officers arrived, they saw a citizen holding the suspect with a bear hug.  As officers exited their vehicle, the citizen released the suspect.  Officers then gave the suspect several verbal orders, but he failed to obey.  They approached the suspect and used a firm grip to walk him over to the front of their police vehicle, but while attempting to handcuff the suspect, he began to physically resist them.  Officers utilized a maneuver known as a foot sweep to take the suspect to the ground, but he continued to resist; so Officer Guthrie struck the suspect twice.  Consequently, the suspect stopped resisting and was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect, who was booked for burglary from a motor vehicle, was transported to a local hospital and treated.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is conducting an investigation into the incident, and the LAPD  Foothill Detective Division will be handling the criminal prosecution of the suspect.

Missing Man’s Brother Arrested for His Murder

Los Angeles:  Detectives are investigating the murder of a man who has been missing for more than a year; the man’s brother has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder.

On May 16, 2008, 48-year-old Mohammad Reza Shirazi was reported missing by his family members.  He was last seen on or about April 24, 2008, at his home in West Hills.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit (MPU) has been investigating Shirazi’s disappearance.  All efforts to locate Shirazi have failed, and Shirazi has made no attempts to contact his family, causing increasing concern that he has met with foul play.  In February 2009, family members contacted a private investigator to help search for Shirazi.

Over the course of interviewing Shirazi’s family members, the private investigator uncovered information that led him to believe that Shirazi had indeed become the victim of a violent crime.  That information was relayed to the MPU who passed it on to West Valley homicide detectives in March 2009.

After all of the information and evidence was gathered, detectives determined that Shirazi had been murdered on or near the date that he was last seen alive, April 24, 2008.  Though his body has yet to be found, efforts to locate Shirazi’s remains are ongoing.

On April 30, 2009, Detectives arrested Shirazi’s 34-year-old brother, Hossein Shirazi of Canoga Park for murder.  He is being held on $1 million bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Valley Homicide Detectives John Doerbecker or Gregory Crowe at 818-374-7725.  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.