LAPD Blog

Three Suspects Burglarize Neighborhood Market

Los Angeles:  A trio of suspects burglarized a small neighborhood market in central Los Angeles, escaping with both cash and groceries.

On May 12, 2009, just before 10:30 a.m., three suspects entered a small market in the 4000 block of South Hooper Avenue.  The suspects are described as follows:

Sex	Race	Height	Weight	Age
Male	Black	5’10”- 6’3”	220 – 240	30 – 40
Female	Black	5’2” – 5’5”	130 – 150	30 – 40
Female	White	5’5” – 5’8”	150 – 170	35 – 40

                                  

                               

The white female suspect posed as a customer and purchased something a few minutes before the robbery.  Then the other two suspects entered the store, gathered some groceries and waited for other customers to leave before forcing a store employee at gunpoint to open the cash register.  The suspects then left the area in an unidentified vehicle.

Surveillance photos of the suspects and video of the incident are being sent with this release.  Suspect photos and are also available from the LAPD Media Relations Section, and the surveillance video of the incident will be available later today at www.lapdtv.org.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Los Angeles Police Department Newton Division Detective Marsden at 323-846-6572.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to the Newton Division watch commander at (323) 846-6547 or to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Tips may also be sent by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters “LAPD” or by submitting information on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.

Family Need Help Finding Missing Person

Los Angeles: A missing person’s family member and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating 79-year-old Blanca Rivera Menjivar who has been missing since the evening of May 14, 2009.

The family member described Menjivar as having a diminished mental capacity and also suffers from Schizophrenia and heart problems. She was last seen around 7:30 p.m., in the 12100 block of  Brookmont Ave, in Sylmar. Menjivar was wearing a black hat, blue jacket, and black pants.  Her family is concerned since Menjivar is relatively new to the area and may be lost. She is able to remember her name, but may not disclose that information to others.      

Menjivar is a Hispanic female.  She stands about 5 feet tall and weighs 130-135 pounds.  She has grey hair and brown eyes.     

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Menjivar, please contact LAPD’s Missing Person’s Unit at 213-485-5381. 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.

Hollywood Hills Burglars Caught on Camera

Los Angeles:  On May 12, 2009, a pair of burglars attempted to break into a home in the Hollywood Hills during broad daylight and their images were caught on surveillance video.  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating those suspects as well as the vehicle.

Just before 3:00 p.m., surveillance photos captured a 4-door gray Dodge Magnum station wagon with paper plates and custom wheels parked in front of the home with two men inside.  While the driver stayed inside, the passenger suspect stepped out of the vehicle, walked through a gate and entered the backyard of the residence located in the 2200 block of El Contento Drive.  Investigators believed that the suspect tried to gain entry by using an unknown type tool to pry open a back window and door.  After the unsuccessful attempt, the suspects drove off.

The photos showed one suspect covered his face with a bandana and was last seen wearing a two-tone baseball cap with an emblem, a tan or gray long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers.  Police were unable to provide a description of the suspect who stayed inside the getaway car.

Anyone with information about this attempt burglary is asked to call Hollywood Burglary Detectives at (213) 972-2930.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to 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.

Hollywood Hills Burglars Caught on Camera

Los Angeles:  On May 12, 2009, a pair of burglars attempted to break into a home in the Hollywood Hills during broad daylight and their images were caught on surveillance video.  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating those suspects as well as the vehicle.

Just before 3:00 p.m., surveillance photos captured a 4-door gray Dodge Magnum station wagon with paper plates and custom wheels parked in front of the home with two men inside.  While the driver stayed inside, the passenger suspect stepped out of the vehicle, walked through a gate and entered the backyard of the residence located in the 2200 block of El Contento Drive.  Investigators believed that the suspect tried to gain entry by using an unknown type tool to pry open a back window and door.  After the unsuccessful attempt, the suspects drove off.

The photos showed one suspect covered his face with a bandana and was last seen wearing a two-tone baseball cap with an emblem, a tan or gray long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers.  Police were unable to provide a description of the suspect who stayed inside the getaway car.

Anyone with information about this attempt burglary is asked to call Hollywood Burglary Detectives at (213) 972-2930.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to 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.

A SKID ROW COP'S OPINION--THE FREEDOM TO THINK FOR YOURSELVES

In the United States of America we are allowed freedoms that many other nations do not enjoy.  We have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom from unlawful searches and seizure.  Yet for many in the skid row area, there seems to be a lack of freedom to voice their opinions about issues within their residences.

Recently, several brutal murders occurred here which prompted meetings with many tenants of low income supportive housing.  They have expressed to me that they desire stronger police presence to deal with the criminal element that live in and loiter around the buildings they are trying to rehabilitate in.  But other tenants tell me that they have always wanted to speak out about the conditions that they were forced to live in, but intimidation plays a role in suppressing their ability to speak out.  They also advised that some managers have a very anti-police attitude; they would rather give those that break the law the freedom to engage in overdosing, narcotics sales, and prostitution.  It is all done under the mantra of “harm reduction,” rather than providing a real improvement of the quality of life within locations designed to provide a safe haven for those trying to conquer their addictions and have a sustained sobriety.

As a result, many of these hotels go unchecked because the managers and advocacy groups who say they are the voices of skid row give the perception to law enforcement that they do not desire our assistance in separating the wolves from the sheep in their buildings.

Over the past 11 years in Skid Row it has been my experience that you cannot have sobriety, and lawlessness bedded together, and expect the majority of people to change their lives for the better.  As I have said many times in regards to the Safer Cities Initiative, it is our strong desire to create an environment conducive to change in the lives of skid row residents.  So with that, I would like to dispel a few myths about SCI, so that the skid row community, not “radical” skid row advocates, can come forward and voice their desires.

SCI is not here to get rid of skid row programs that are desperately needed to help the majority of skid row resident with a desire to change. We clearly understand the missions and other services in skid row are the most important facet of change in skid row.

We are not here to shut down your hotel, or housing program.  In fact, in the past we have spoken out against the closure of these programs, because until other cities in LA County open up their hearts and minds to the plight of the mentally ill and homeless, the rehabilitative aspects of skid row must remain.

We are not trying to get rid of the homeless.  Of course we would love to see homelessness end with more housing and programs, but until that happens we are only one piece of the puzzle to helping the homeless by bringing safety and order, so the second and most important component (the service providers) can thrive and reduce the recidivism rate.  That can only happen when we restore order and reduce the temptations that for many in the skid row area causes them to fall back into the trappings that landed them here in the first place.

In the realm of individual freedoms, one does not have the right to sell or store narcotics in these hotels, or in the streets, nor do they have the right to traffic women, or engage in any other illegal activity within these hotels.

We as law enforcement recognize that the majority of residents in these hotels are not hardened criminals, but decent people seeking shelter as they try to deal with addiction, or mental illness, or simply need an affordable place to stay. Yet I will not turn a blind eye to the many that are engaged in criminal activity in these hotels.  I can say this boldly because I have been in some of these hotels, and arrested dealers within them, and have been and am currently receiving information from skid row community members about illegal activities within them. For the management of these hotels to refuse our assistance in ridding their hotels of these individuals is a disservice to those truly trying to rehabilitate.  I must state in fairness that I have had the pleasure of working with some of these hotels in the past in improving the lives of their residents, and these locations are still standing.  I would like to extend this invitation to others to work in partnership with us. To hotel management that refuse to report these criminals or deter them from entering their facilities under the guise of civil liberty, shame on you. Your political world view is not as important as helping individuals better their lives and ensuring they are safe where they live.

I encourage anyone that has the desire to speak out against this criminal activity to come forward, because that is your absolute right to do so.  We will also deal with anyone who comes against you or treats you unfairly for doing so.  You do not need anyone to speak your mind for you.  For those who have showed that courage over the last three years of this SCI endeavor, I thank you for your courage.

God bless you all

Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph

LAPD Chief William J. Bratton Responds to LA City Council Action to Cut Police Hiring

I am gravely concerned that the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee approved a proposal late today that calls for an end to police hiring beginning July 1, 2009.

While I appreciate the severity of the city’s financial situation and the difficult decisions city council members will be forced to make, it is shortsighted to consider stopping all police hiring, including hiring to replace retiring LAPD officers.  Public safety should never be sacrificed. 

If the entire city council approves this proposal, there is a strong potential that the eight straight years of crime decreases the LAPD has worked so hard to achieve, could come to an end.

The Department has proven that cops count, police matter.  Sufficiently resourced, we can and do save lives and make the city of Los Angeles safer. 
 

      

Domestic Violence, Murder, Kidnap, Carjack Suspect Leads Police On Dangerous Pursuit

Los Angeles: A suspect who had just shot and mortally wounded his ex-girlfriend, led police on a dangerous pursuit before being taken into custody, without incident, in the City of Corona.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2025 at around 12:05 p.m., Mission Area Patrol Officers were dispatched to a radio call of a shooting that had just occurred in the 8300 block of Van Nuys Boulevard.  Officers found the victim, a female, Hispanic, 27-years-old, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Witnesses described seeing the suspect, a Black man, later identified as 27-year-old Jasper Stallings, force the victim into a red Dodge Ram pickup truck that was parked in the Rite-Aid parking lot in the 8400 block of Van Nuys Boulevard.  They then heard gunfire as the truck drove away, across the parking lot.  As the truck neared the 24-Hour Fitness Center the victim either fell, or was pushed out of the truck.  Witnesses heard at least one additional gunshot.

Stallings drove away from the scene southbound through the parking lot, but not before witnesses were able to get the vehicle’s license plate number.  Officers broadcast the license plate number over police frequencies.  Two Detectives from North Hollywood Division believed the suspect might be headed to the 170 Freeway and waited nearby.  When they saw the suspect's vehicle enter the 170 Freeway, they began following it and requested black and white police vehicles to respond. 

Once on scene Officers in the marked police cars attempted to pull the suspect over by activating their overhead lights and sirens.  The suspect refused to stop and led police on a pursuit to the City of Corona, where he suddenly stopped and was taken into custody without incident. 

During the investigation Detectives discovered that the truck Stallings was driving had been taken in a kidnapping/carjack incident that had occurred earlier in the day in Foothill Area, at about 3:30 a.m.  The victim of that incident was forced at gunpoint to get into the passenger seat and was driven to the High Desert City of Victorville where he was robbed of his wallet and left at the side of the road, unharmed.  

The shooting victim, whose identity is being withheld until her family can be notified, was pronounced dead at a local hospital at about 2:50 p.m.

Stallings was arrested for Murder and is being held without bail.  He is facing additional charges including, domestic violence, kidnap, robbery, and carjacking.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact LAPD Mission Detective Jim Freund at 818-838-9810.  After hours and on weekends, 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.

Notes from the May 12, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Assistant Chief Sharon Papa informed the Commission the Gun Buy Back event held over Mother’s Day weekend was a tremendous success and exceeded expectations.  More than 1700 weapons were received in exchange for gift cards.  Chief Papa added it was the first time the Department held the event where people could turn in their weapons anonymously.

•    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 Wilshire Area was given by Captain Eric Davis.  Captain Davis said with the boundary change, due to Olympic Division, they lost 25% of their C-PAB however membership is in the 50-65 people range.  The three goals of the Wilshire Area C-PAB are to build bridges in the community between the police and public, strengthen those and existing relationships, and increase and share information with their public.  They are also working to develop programs for at-risk youth and with 77 members, they boast the highest number of Police Explorers.

•    The Department’s verbal update relative to the status of the new Police Administration Building, Metropolitan Jail, and other police construction projects was given by Police Administrator Thom Brennan.  Mr. Brennan stated this was the final year for facilities being built with Proposition Q funds.  Currently the new Police Administration Building (PAB) is the only facility still under construction.  All others are in the post-construction phase.  The new Hollenbeck station is set to open in two months followed by the new PAB.  The new Metropolitan Jail Division will open after the current PAB is vacated.  The new facilities built with Proposition Q funds are Harbor Division, Topanga Division, Olympic Division, West Valley, Hollenbeck, Metro/Jail Division, Emergency Operations Division and the Police Administration Building.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 28, 2009, relative to the request for approval of the professional services agreements with Marilyn Droz, Donna Cline, and Sketchcop Solutions, Corporation for Police Composite Artist Services, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

•    The Office of the Inspector General’s report, dated April 30, 2009, relative to the Office of the Inspector General’s Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigations Audit, Fiscal Year 2008/2009, was continued for one week.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 29, 2009, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section quarterly report, first quarter, 2009 was received and the Commission directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated May 8, 2009, relative to extension of official police garage contract for U.S Tow Inc., which expired on April 1, 2009, C-106370, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated May 8, 2009, relative to extension of official police garage contract for ATS Northeast Towing Inc., which expired on April 4, 2009, C-106443, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated May 8, 2009, relative to extension of official police garage contract for Nissley Inc., which expired on June 21, 2009, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

A SKID ROW COP’S OPINION

 THE FREEDOM TO THINK FOR YOURSELVES

In the United States of America we are allowed freedoms that many other nations do not enjoy.  We have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom from unlawful searches and seizure.  Yet for many in the skid row area, there seems to be a lack of freedom to voice their opinions about issues within their residences.

Recently, several brutal murders occurred here which prompted meetings with many tenants of low income supportive housing.  They have expressed to me that they desire stronger police presence to deal with the criminal element that live in and loiter around the buildings they are trying to rehabilitate in.  But other tenants tell me that they have always wanted to speak out about the conditions that they were forced to live in, but intimidation plays a role in suppressing their ability to speak out.  They also advised that some managers have a very anti-police attitude; they would rather give those that break the law the freedom to engage in overdosing, narcotics sales, and prostitution.  It is all done under the mantra of “harm reduction,” rather than providing a real improvement of the quality of life within locations designed to provide a safe haven for those trying to conquer their addictions and have a sustained sobriety.

As a result, many of these hotels go unchecked because the managers and advocacy groups who say they are the voices of skid row give the perception to law enforcement that they do not desire our assistance in separating the wolves from the sheep in their buildings.

Over the past 11 years in Skid Row it has been my experience that you cannot have sobriety, and lawlessness bedded together, and expect the majority of people to change their lives for the better.  As I have said many times in regards to the Safer Cities Initiative, it is our strong desire to create an environment conducive to change in the lives of skid row residents.  So with that, I would like to dispel a few myths about SCI, so that the skid row community, not “radical” skid row advocates, can come forward and voice their desires.

SCI is not here to get rid of skid row programs that are desperately needed to help the majority of skid row resident with a desire to change.  We clearly understand the missions and other services in skid row are the most important facet of change in skid row.

We are not here to shut down your hotel, or housing program.  In fact, in the past we have spoken out against the closure of these programs, because until other cities in LA County open up their hearts and minds to the plight of the mentally ill and homeless, the rehabilitative aspects of skid row must remain.

We are not trying to get rid of the homeless.  Of course we would love to see homelessness end with more housing and programs, but until that happens we are only one piece of the puzzle to helping the homeless by bringing safety and order, so the second and most important component (the service providers) can thrive and reduce the recidivism rate.  That can only happen when we restore order and reduce the temptations that for many in the skid row area causes them to fall back into the trappings that landed them here in the first place.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics April 25, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             99*                147           -32.7%
Rape                                  267                 291             -8.2%
Robbery                            4367               4500            -3.0%
Agg Assaults **                  3978               4212            -5.6%
Total Violent Crimes       8,711             9,150            -4.8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                               6395              6723           -4.9%
BTFV                                  10310            10673           -3.4%
Personal/Other Theft          9259              9658           -4.1%
Auto Theft                          6362              7791          -18.3%
Total Property Crimes     32,326         34,845          -7.2%
Total Part I Crimes          41,037         43,995          -6.7%

* 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