LAPD Blog

Motorist Hits Two Pedestrians Leaving One Dead and One Injured

Los Angeles: A driver rendered aid to two teens after hitting them in an intersection in South Los Angeles.

On December 3, 2009, at 5:35 p.m., a man was traveling Northbound on Crenshaw Boulevard driving an Isuzu Rodeo when he struck two male teenagers who were walking Westbound across Crenshaw Boulevard at 50th Street.  The driver immediately pulled his car over to the side of the road and tried to render aid to the pedestrians.  Unfortunately, one of the young men died from his injuries at the scene of the accident.  The other was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for a back and pelvis, with numerous abrasions to his face and hands.

Anyone with information regarding this incident may call Los Angeles Police Department South Traffic Division Detective Jimmy Render or Officer Connie Free at 323-290-6063.  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.

Chief Charlie Beck Sworn in as the 56th Chief of Police

Swearing in ceremony

December 3, 2024 - During a sunny but cold Los Angeles morning, with City Hall serving as the background, Charlie Beck was sworn in as the 56th Chief of Police of the Los Angeles Police Department at the New Police Administration Building. In an expression of support the ceremony was attended by City officials, surrounding law enforcement entities, and former Los Angeles Police Chiefs William J. Bratton and Darryl F. Gates.

Most importantly Chief Beck was surrounded by his family who demonstrated tremendous pride and respect as he was sworn in by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The Mayor praised Chief Beck by describing him as a progressive reformer, and a man of great character and integrity. Villaraigosa further stated that “Chief Beck is a man who understands the past, is an important part of the present and is the right man at the right time to shape the LAPD in the future.”

Chief Beck was appointed Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department on November 17, 2009. Chief Beck is now responsible for overseeing the third largest police department in the United States, which include 9,963 sworn officers and approximately 3,000 civilian employees. He joined the LAPD in March 1977. In June 1984, he promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant in April 1993, Captain in July 1999, and Commander in April 2005. In 2006 he reached the rank of Deputy Chief, the same rank his father George Beck, a retired LAPD Officer achieved during his tenure.

Chief Beck concluded the ceremony by thanking his family, city officials, his mentors and the entire LAPD family for giving him the opportunity to lead the LAPD “Thank you for the opportunity, thank you for the partnerships of the future and the partnerships of the past.”

Chief Beck celebrates with his Troops at the Police Academy

Chief Beck podcast

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck and his wife were welcomed with a standing ovation by the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department as they walked hand in hand across the Elysian Park Police Academy field. 

After his public swearing in ceremony this morning, Chief Beck relaxed at the all too familiar Police Academy with the rank and file of the Department.  Chief Beck humbly walked around the tables shaking hands and thanking his personnel for attending the meet and greet event. 

After greeting hundreds of troops, Chief Beck took the podium for the first time to address his personnel.  He thanked the men and women for attending the barbecue and stated, “I have attended a couple of events but this is the one that matters the most to me, being with the men and women of the Department.”  After thanking his classmates, class 3-77, he was welcomed by a loud hoorah.  He acknowledged recruit class 6-09, jokingly stating he was very familiar with the class by saying, “I think I have shinned some of their equipment.”

He continued his speech with, “I want to thank you in advance because I am going to be asking a lot from you.  I know we’re going to make a difference, that’s what cops do, make a difference.”

He ended his speech the same way he began, thanking the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department.

40-Year-Old Man Killed While Driving His Motorcycle

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public's help in locating a motorist who is responsible for a hit-and-run incident, killing 40-year-old Los Angeles resident Ronald Smith.

On November 30, 2009, at around 8:45 p.m., Smith was on his motorcycle traveling southbound on Main Street towards 120th Street when a motorist in a white van travelling northbound on Main Street made a left turn in front of him.  The motorcycle Smith was driving collided with the van and caused him to be ejected onto the roadway.  The motorist in the white van momentarily exited his vehicle, looked at the injured driver, then entered his vehicle and drove away from the scene without rendering aid or identifying himself as required by law. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorist in the van is described as a black male, with no further description.  The vehicle is described as an older-model white van with blue racing stripes on the side.  There may be damage to the right side of the white van that is consistent with this traffic accident.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact South Traffic Division Detective Jones at 323-290-6064.  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.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics December 01, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                              281*             345            -18.6%
Rape                                    700               768             -8.9%
Robbery                            11114            12075            -8.0%
Agg Assaults **                    9802            11049           -11.3%
Total Violent Crimes       21,897           24,237           -9.7%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             16,440          17,751            -7.4%
BTFV                                 25,963           27,321           -5.0%
Personal/Other Theft         24,864           25,409           -2.1%
Auto Theft                         16,485           20,396         -19.2%
Total Property Crimes     83,752          90,877           -7.8%
Total Part I Crimes        105,649        115,114          -8.2%

* 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

Murder after Discovered Affair

Los Angeles: LAPD detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Julio Rodriguez, the suspect wanted for the brutal killing of Larry Duran, Jr.

On Saturday, November 28, 2009, at 1 p.m., 29-year-old Larry Duran, Jr. was working in the 16100 block of Nordhoff Street in North Hills when Julio Rodriguez walked into his place of employment and started arguing with him.  During the argument, Rodriguez demanded that Duran get into his car where he drove him to a nearby alley.  As soon as Rodriguez parked the car Duran jumped out and attempted to run away.  The suspect then pulled out a hand gun and shot Duran multiple times before driving away from the alley.  Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived at the scene and pronounced Duran dead.

Witnesses say that Rodriguez had an ongoing dispute with Duran after discovering that his girlfriend was having an affair with the victim.  Julio Rodriguez is described as a 31-year-old male Hispanic.  He was last seen driving a grey 2010 Ford Focus.

Anyone with information about this crime or the suspect is asked to call Devonshire Area Homicide Detective Floyd Walton or Ruben Arellano at 818-832-0554.  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.

Chief Beck Names Three New Commanders and Continues Reorganization

 Los Angeles:  Today, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck announced that Captains Blake Chow, Bob Green and Mike Moriarty will each be promoted to the rank of Commander.  In addition to the new members of his leadership team, Chief Beck revealed the next phase in his effort to reorganize the Police Department for efficiency and effectiveness.  The following changes, subject to budgetary review and approval, will be effective January 3, 2010. 

Office of Operations

·         Commander Dave Doan will become the Assistant to the Director, Office of Operations.

·         Captain Blake Chow will be promoted to the rank of Commander and will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations- Central Bureau.

·         Captain Bob Green will be promoted to the rank of Commander and will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations- South Bureau.

·         Commander Andrew Smith will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations- West Bureau.

·         Commander Sharon Papa will become an Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations- Valley Bureau.

·         Commander Jorge Villegas will remain an Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations- Valley Bureau.

Office of Special Services

·         Commander Scott Kroeber will become the Assistant to the Director, Office of Special Services.

·         Commander Joan McNamara will remain the Assistant Commanding Officer, Counter Terrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau.

·         Captain Mike Moriarty will be promoted to the rank of Commander and will become an Assistant Commanding Officer, Detective Bureau

·         Commander Jeff Greer will become an Assistant Commanding Officer, Detective Bureau

·         Commander Michael Williams will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Special Operations Bureau

Office of Administrative Services

·         Commander Bill Fierro will become the Assistant to the Director, Office of Administrative Services.

·         Chief Psychologist Kevin Jablonski will remain the Commanding Officer, Behavioral Science Services.

·         Commander Stuart Maislin will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Personnel and Training Bureau.

·         Police Administrator II Gloria Grube will become the Commanding Officer, Personnel Group

·         Dr. Luann Pannell Ph.D, will remain the Director, Police Training and Education

·         Police Administrator II Nancy Gennusa will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Administrative Services Bureau.

·         Commander James Cansler will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Technology Bureau.

·         Police Administrator II Peter DiCarlo will become the Assistant Commanding Officer, Communications and Records Bureau.

Professional Standards Bureau

·         Commander Rick Webb will remain the Assistant Commanding Officer, Professional Standards Bureau.

Chief of Staff

·         Commander Jose Perez will remain the Employee Relations Administrator.

·         Public Information Director II Mary Grady will remain the Commanding Officer of the Public Information Office

 The specific entities and functional responsibilities for each command and biographical information for each commanding officer will be released to the media and at LAPDonline.org as it becomes available.  

 Questions related to this News Release should be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Man and Woman Commit a Series of Robberies and Take Their Two Small Children Along for the Ride

Los Angeles:  A Van Nuys couple was arrested early this morning after a brief, but high speed, pursuit.  The pair had been seen leaving an Encino International House of Pancakes (IHOP) restaurant located at 15635 Ventura Blvd at approximately 3:00 a.m. 

Two California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers were about to patronize the restaurant when they were alerted by an employee who had seen a loan male suspect in the restaurant wearing a ski mask pointing a handgun at two co-workers.  At that instant, the suspect exited the restaurant and immediately saw the CHP officers.  The suspect ran to and entered a black Nissan Maxima get-away car, driven by a female accomplice.  She immediately sped off with the CHP in pursuit. 

Within a short distance the CHP unit conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) and brought the pursuit to an end.  Once the suspect vehicle came to a stop the two suspects were taken into custody.  CHP Officers then discovered that there were two young children reportedly 6 and 4 years-of-age in the backseat of the car.  Officers had no idea the children were in the car when they engaged in a chase and when they decided to conduct the PIT maneuver.  Neither of the children suffered any injuries as a result of the maneuver.

The investigation into the robbery at the IHOP also linked the pair to two additional robberies during the early morning hours of November 30, 2009.  The first robbery occurred at 2:45 a.m. at the Rite Aid located at 13333 Riverside Drive in Sherman Oaks.  The second was at an Encino CVS Pharmacy at 17320 Ventura Blvd, which occurred at 3:00 a.m., only minutes before the IHOP robbery. 

The suspects have been identified as 28 year old William Farag and 28 year old Nadia Redoble, both of Van Nuys.  They each have been booked for three counts of robbery and their bail has been set at $150,000 each.  The case will be presented to the District Attorney for filing; investigators will also ask the District Attorney to consider charges for Child Endangering, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Felony Evading.  The children are in protective custody.

Anyone with information that can assist with this investigation is urged to call West Valley Area Robbery Detectives at 818-374-7730, during normal business hours.  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.

Parolee is Wanted for Questioning on Numerous Westside Burglaries

Los Angeles:  A man, who is currently on parole for burglary, is wanted for questioning in multiple residential burglaries by the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) West Los Angeles Area detectives.  

In the month of October 2009, near the Santa Monica border, LAPD’s West Los Angeles area has seen a spike in daytime residential burglaries.

In one of the burglaries that occurred on October 16, 2024 at around 10 a.m., in the 800 block of Gretna Green Way, LAPD detectives recovered a cell phone a suspect dropped that had been taken during a burglary in Santa Monica in the 400 block of San Vicente Boulevard one hour earlier.  Santa Monica Police detective’s investigation discovered a fingerprint that revealed that Daniel Perez was involved.  Further investigation by LAPD detectives revealed that Perez is tied to another West Los Angeles burglary that occurred later that evening at around 7:20 p.m. in the 11900 block of Rochester Avenue.  

Daniel Perez is described as twenty-eight year old male Hispanic, with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands at five feet nine inches tall and weighs one hundred and eighty-five pounds.  

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact West Los Angeles Burglary Detective Robert Guervara at 310-444-1523.  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.