LAPD Blog

Military Flight Training Exercises

Los Angeles:  On November 8 and 9, 2009, military flight training exercises will occur in and around the greater Los Angeles area.

The military operation will be doing routine proficiency flight training exercises.  Training sites have been carefully selected so that activities will not interfere with the daily routines of the community.  Training will occur after 5 p.m. each day and will be generally in Central and West Valley Areas.

The training is not open to the public.

Questions or concerns may be directed to Officer Steve Scallon at (213) 305-4685 or LAPD Media Relations at (213) 485-3586.

Class 5-09 Recruit Graduation

Temp Chief Downing at the Graduating Class 5-09

November 6, 2024 – On the athletic field at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park, the newest members of the Department proudly stood at attention as they were presented with their diploma of graduation.  Forty-two individuals underwent six months of intense training which culminated with today’s ceremony in front of Department brass, dignitaries and their family and friends.

Temporary Chief of Police Michael Downing, who was participating in his first graduation as Chief, offered words of encouragement to the young officers.

“You’ll be a hero to some, an enemy to a few and a beacon of hope to many,” said Chief Downing.  “Every time you step out of your police car, someone is looking to you for your leadership and no matter what your rank, you’re a leader.”

There is little down time for these new officers as many of them will begin their new assignments on the street of Los Angeles within the next 36 hours.  For more information on how you can become a Los Angeles Police officer, please visit www.joinlapd.com

Sexual Assault Suspect Lures Young Girls to Apartment Buildings

Los Angeles:  For over one year, a suspect operating in the mid-city area of Los Angeles has been periodically approaching young girls, enticing them into apartment buildings, and sexually assaulting them.

On November 4, 2009, at about 7:20 a.m. A 10-year old girl was walking to school near Beverly Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue when she was approached by a man who engaged her in friendly conversation.  The man lured her into an apartment complex in the 100 block of South Commonwealth Avenue.  He gained access to the building by waiting for someone to exit the rear stairwell.  When someone exited, he pretended that he had forgotten his key and walked in with the girl.  The man guided the girl up the stairwell to the roof area where he attempted to sexually assault her.  The girl begged the suspect to stop his advances and repeatedly pushed him away.  It is believed that the victim’s persistent actions caused the suspect to stop and leave the location.

Images of the suspect on November 4, 2009, were captured on an apartment complex video surveillance system.  The video shows the suspect walking with the victim and then later running alone northbound on Commonwealth Avenue.

On July 10, 2025 at around 7 a.m. a 10-year-old girl was walking in the area of 3rd and Hoover Streets.  The suspect approached her and somehow enticed her into an apartment building in the
300 block of South Hoover Street where he took her to the roof.  Again, something apparently startled him, so he suddenly departed and left the victim behind.

Images of the suspect on July 10, 2009, were captured on an apartment complex’s video surveillance system showing him walking and conversing with the victim as they approached the building.  Later, he is also shown running out of the building.  The investigation connected two similar crimes that occurred last year.

On April 30, 2008, at around 7:30 a.m., an 8-year-old girl was walking in the 600 block of South Burlington Avenue in Los Angeles when the suspect approached her and led her into an adjacent apartment building where he attempted to sexually assault her in a secluded area of the property.  Again images of the suspect were captured by a nearby video camera showing the suspect walking and conversing with the victim as they approached the apartment complex.

On February 29, 2008, at about 7 a.m., a 9-year-old girl was walking in the area of James M. Wood Boulevard and Hoover Street in Los Angeles when the suspect approached her on foot, conversed with her and eventually pulled her into an apartment building in the 2700 block of James M. Wood Boulevard.  He then attempted to sexually assault her.

The suspect is described as a 25- to 45-year-old male Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighing between 150 and 170 pounds.

Parents are reminded to discuss safety issues with their children, especially in reference to not talking with people they don’t know.  Parents are also encouraged to accompany their children to school or arrange for them to walk in groups.  Community members are reminded to use caution when allowing persons in their apartment building that they do not recognize or that do not have keys, especially males being accompanied by elementary aged children.

** Composite sketches of the suspect are attached to this release and is available through LAPD Media Relations Section**  

Detectives are asking for the public's help.  Anyone with information about the suspect, additional victims, or witnesses are asked to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division, Special Assaults Section 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 (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.

Suspect Identified in 1997 Double Murder Case DNA Evidence Provides the Investigative Link

Los Angeles:  Today, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) North Hollywood Division detectives announced that a suspect has been identified through DNA evidence whom they believe is responsible for the brutal 1997 double murders of 57-year-old Nancy Boehm and her mentally impaired 23-year-old son, Shawn.

On Sept. 21, 1997, the bodies of mother and son were discovered inside their North Hollywood home in the 5700 block of Riverton Avenue.  They had been stabbed multiple times,and efforts to identify a suspect were  unsuccessful until now.

In 2005, the case was reexamined when DNA material was collected from Ms. Boehm's fingernail clippings.  However, at that time, the samples were not suitable to be uploaded into the federal CODIS databank.  CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System, and the CODIS software permits qualified DNA laboratories to share and compare DNA data related to crimes and convicted offenders.

In May of this year, detectives requested to once again take a look at the previously collected DNA samples.  This time, the results of the analysis met the CODIS standards.  A partial suspect profile was uploaded into CODIS and the suspect, 37-year-old Rafael Martinez, was identified.  Martinez is currently serving time in a California state prison, but was a local North Hollywood resident at the time of the murders.  The motive for the crimes is believed to be related to a business dispute.

Suspect Arrested for Posing as Coca-Cola Employee to Steal Money from Vending Machines

Los Angeles:  A burglary suspect, Van Nuys locksmith Jay Ybarra, who has been posing as a company representative for Coca-Cola has been arrested for stealing money from local vending machines.

Following is a typical example of how the suspect has been operating since the last week of August 2009.  On Oct. 13, 2009, at around 12:30 p.m., a suspect wearing a "Coke" baseball cap and a gray jacket with a "Coke" logo drove his white van to the rear of a business in the 6500 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.  After entering through a door in the garage at the back of the building, without raising suspicions because of his appearance, he proceeded to open a vending machine with a key and transfer money from the machine into a bag.  Afterward, the suspect secured the machine and left in his van.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers had been working closely with a Coca-Cola field security manager on the investigation to furnish local businesses with the suspect's description and some details of his operations.  On Oct. 30, the suspect abruptly left when he was questioned by business personnel at a location where was attempting to access a vending machine.  Those who questioned him also provided details to police that led to his arrest on Nov. 2.  At that time, some evidence in the case was also recovered.

The LAPD gratefully acknowledges the cooperation of Coca-Cola Enterprises and local business personnel, without which Ybarra might not have been identified and arrested.

Domestic Violence Suspect Causes Serious Injury to Estranged Wife

Los Angeles:  An estranged husband attacked his wife early Wednesday morning, hitting her multiple times with a brick, stabbing and cutting her with a knife, causing life threatening injuries.

On November 4, 2009, at around 8:00 a.m., the victim, a 38-year-old woman, had just dropped off one of her children at school.  When she returned to the car, she was surprised by her estranged husband, 43-year-old Miguel Angel Amaya, who was waiting for her inside the car.  

Amaya demanded the victim drive him to his residence in the 12500 block of Telfair Avenue. The victim stopped in front of Amaya's residence.  Amaya asked the victim to reconcile with him, but she refused.  Amaya became angry and repeatedly hit the victim with a brick.  He also took out a knife a stabbed the victim multiple times before cutting her throat.

Amaya also stabbed himself in the neck prior to running from the location on foot. Responding Officers searched for hours for Amaya, but he was able to elude capture.

A photo of Amaya is attached and Detectives are asking for the publics help in finding him.  He is facing numerous charges including Attempt Murder.  He should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and was reported in serious but stable condition.

Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Miguel Amaya is asked to call Mission Area Detectives, Detective Edgar Villalta at 818-838-9810.  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." Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Burglars Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public's help in identifying three suspects whose images were caught on surveillance video burglarizing a local optical store in the West Los Angeles area on two different occasions.

On September 19, 2009, at around 6:50 a.m., a male suspect broke into a business located in the 1800 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.  The thief forced entry into the business by breaking a glass door, then ransacking the business and taking a large quantity of sunglasses.Surveillance video inside the store caught the crime on video.

The male suspect is described as a White male with grey hair, wearing a dark colored jacket, white shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. He is 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall.  Detectives believe there was another suspect who did not enter the business, but the surveillance camera did not capture his image.

On October 11, 2009, at 4:35 a.m. this business was burglarized again, this time by two male suspects who entered the business by breaking one of the front glass windows with a rock.  The two suspects again took a large quantity of sunglasses. Both suspect's images were captured on the store's surveillance equipment.

The first suspect is described as a male Black, grey hair, grey beard, between 30 to 40 years old, wearing a dark colored jacket with Dodgers in cursive writing on the back, dark pants, about 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, and 170 to 180 pounds.

The second suspect is described as a male Black, black hair, wearing a dark colored jacket, white shirt, dark pants and black shoes, between 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, between 170 to 180 pounds.

*Surveillance footage of the suspects is available through Media Relations Section. 

Anyone with information or who recognizes the suspects is urged to call LAPD's West Los Angeles Area Burglary Detective R. Guevara at 310-444-1523 or 310-444-1522.  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.

Concerned Citizen Conducts Welfare Check,Finds Man Dead in His Apartment

Los Angeles: Hollywood detectives are investigating the murder of a man who was found in his apartment.

Yesterday, at 5:01 p.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Hollywood Division drove to the 1700 block of North Cherokee Avenue to follow up on a reported death investigation.  When the officers arrived at the apartment, they found a 52-year-old male Hispanic not breathing and unresponsive.  Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department also arrived at the location and pronounced the victim dead at 5:15 p.m.      

LAPD Hollywood Area homicide detectives said "the victim was discovered by a maintenance man who went to the victim's apartment to conduct a welfare check. According to those who knew the victim, he had not been seen for several days."

Evidence at the crime scene indicates that the victim was murdered.  The cause of death will be determined after the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office completes their examination.  

The victim's name is being withheld pending notification of his family.  

Information regarding this crime may be directed to the Hollywood Area Homicide Unit at 213-972-2910, or 213-972-2911. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) 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.

Notes from the November 3, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Cmmission President John Mack said he and the other members of the Board would be participating in Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's press conference to announce his selection for the new Police Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

•Police Commissioner Alan Skobin said the In-Car Video Cameras have rolled out in South Bureau and have been in use by Senior Lead Officers for one week.  He added there have been some minor glitches with the system but the vendor has been very responsive to those needs. 

•Temporary Chief of Police Michael Downing said being appointed Chief was completely unexpected but was honored to serve, even for a short time.  He said he is taking the job very seriously and is looking forward to the future challenge.  Chief Downing added he observed the operation in Hollywood Division for the Halloween festivities over the weekend.  He said the operation went flawlessly with only a few minor incidents.

•The Department's report, dated October 28, 2009, relative to the Urban Police Rifle and Shotgun Slug Ammunition – Renamed: Miscellaneous Department Manual Sections – Revised; and Special Duty Assignments – Established, was approved.  

•The Department's report, dated October 23, 2009, relative to the Professional Services Agreement with Phillips Services Corporation for Hazardous Materials/Waste Management Services, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

•The Department's report, dated October 26, 2009, relative to the Professional Services Agreement with Clean Harbors Environmental Services for Routine Hazardous Materials/Waste Management Services, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

•The Department's verbal presentation, discussion and possible Board action concerning the status of the Law Enforcement Explorer Program was given Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger and Sergeant Joseph Kuns.  Sergeant Kuns outlined the Department's plan to transition the Explorer program away from the Learning for Life Organization to an independent program run entirely by the Department. The new program would require entirely new uniforms for members including new logos and a new name.  The Department would seek public input on various aspects of the program and would launch the newly formed program sometime in February of 2010.  The Board of Police Commissioners then filed a motion to terminate their current contract with Learning for Life and transition the program to Department control without interruption by no later than December 31, 2009.

Sexual Assault Suspect Dubbed Sparking Brakes Suspect

Los Angeles:  A sexual assault suspect has been targeting lone females driving in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles.  The suspect uses a ruse to get women to pull their cars to the curb and then offers to help them before he sexually assaults and gropes them.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives have released a composite sketch of a male Hispanic they believe is responsible for six sexual assaults, with the likelihood of additional, unreported assaults.  The suspect drives a late 1990's white compact car.

The first incident occurred back in August of this year, and there were five similar assaults reported last month.  Generally, the suspect pulls up next to a woman driving alone in her car and communicates with her that her car tire is sparking.  He instructs the victim to pull to the curb and then offers to check the victim's brakes and tires.  Once he is in close proximity to the women, he sexually assaults them.

All of the incidents have occurred on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.  Investigators are asking for the public's help to identify this suspect and are also warning people to be aware of this scam to avoid being victimized.  The suspect's behavior is becoming more aggressive and detectives are hoping to capture him before he seriously injures someone.  So far, none of the victim's have required medical treatment.  

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD's Operation West Bureau Sex Crimes Detail, Officers Flores or Cruz at 213-473-0447.  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." Tipsters may remain anonymous.