LAPD Blog

Chief Beck reaches general and ethnic media

Since being named the new Chief of Police, Charlie Beck has been busy doing media interviews, answering questions about his plans and goals with his administration.

On Thursday December 10, Chief Beck was invited to be a guest on “On air with Ryan Seacrest,” the morning show of 102.7 KIIS–FM. During the 30 minute interview, Chief Beck was asked about a police pursuit that was aired live on television the previous night, talked about the joy any father would have when he presided over his son’s graduation, and the importance of continuing to hire new police officers.  Chief Beck invited KIIS-Listeners to participate in the Department’s Angels in the Community Book Toy Fair Drive, asking them to donate a gently used book or toy to any of the Department’s 21 community police stations that will go to brighten up a child’s holiday season.

The next morning, in his continuing community outreach efforts Chief Beck was on the national morning shows of two Univision Radio stations – Recuerdos (Memories) KRCD/KRCV 103.9/98.3 FM and “La Nueva” (The New One) 101.9 FM.  Chief was interviewed by Amalia Gonzalez, program director and on air personality of Recuerdos and was a guest on “El Piolin Por La Mañana” (The tweety bird of the morning) hosted by Eddie Sotello.

Chief Beck talked about the importance for the Hispanic community to get to know their Senior Lead Officers, their area Captains, and how they can make a difference by becoming volunteers. When asked by Piolin about the role of police enforcing immigration laws, he replied the LAPD is doing it right by not using a person’s immigration status as a point of detention and contact.

The Chief talked about his goals to continue the progress of the Department in keeping crime down, keeping the City safe from terrorism, continuing to police constitutionally, and collaborating with the community.  Captain Rigoberto Romero served as translator.

Chief Beck returned to the police administration building to record a series of interviews with LA18 in the 2^nd floor studio of the Public Information Office. These interviews were in efforts to reach out to the Asian - Pacific Islander community of the City. These interviews will be aired in the month of January.  LA 18 / KSCI-TV reaches 6.2 million households in the six counties of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and San Diego.

LAPD Chief Reaches Out To Diverse Communities

 On Thursday December 10, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck was invited to be a guest on “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” the morning show on 102.7 KIIS–FM. During the 30 minute interview, Chief Beck was asked about a police pursuit that was aired live on television the previous night, talked about the joy any father would have when he presided over his son’s graduation, and the importance of continuing to hire new police officers.  Chief Beck invited KIIS-Listeners to participate in the LAPD Angels Community Toy and Book Drive, asking them to donate a gently used or new book or a new toy to any of the Department’s 21 community police stations.  The toys and books will be distributed to needy children throughout the city. 

The next morning, in his continuing community outreach efforts Chief Beck was on the national morning shows of two Univision Radio stations – Recuerdos (Memories) KRCD/KRCV 103.9/98.3 FM and “La Nueva” (The New One) 101.9 FM.  Chief Beck was interviewed by Amalia Gonzalez, program director and on air personality of Recuerdos and was a guest on “El Piolin Por La Mañana” (The tweety bird of the morning) hosted by Eddie Sotello.

Chief Beck talked about how important it is for the Hispanic community to get to know their Senior Lead Officers, their area Captains, and how they can make a difference by becoming volunteers. When asked by Piolin about the role of police enforcing immigration laws, he replied the LAPD is doing it right by not using a person’s immigration status as a point of detention and contact.
The Chief talked about his goals to continue the progress of the Department in keeping crime down, keeping the City safe from terrorism, continuing to police constitutionally, and collaborating with the community.  Captain Rigoberto Romero served as translator.

Chief Beck returned to the police administration building to record a series of interviews with LA18 in the 2nd floor studio of the Public Information Office. These interviews were an effort to reach out to the Asian - Pacific Islander community of the City. The interviews will be aired in the month of January.  LA 18 / KSCI-TV reaches 6.2 million households in the six counties of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and San Diego.

Missing Woman Last Seen Downtown

UPDATE

12/11/09 – 10:20 a.m.

Ms. Serrano has been located and is completely unharmed.  There was no foul play involved with this incident.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives have released the photograph Amy Giselle Serrano, a 20-year-old Downey resident.  She was last seen by friends who visited the La Cita Bar in the 300 block of Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles last night.

“The family and friends are very concerned for Amy’s safety,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, who is in charge of investigations downtown.  “According to her girlfriends, they last saw her around 11:40 p.m. in the bar having a drink with a 20- to 25-year-old White man.”

A friend was holding Amy’s cell phone, so there is no way to contact her directly.  Police and family have contacted many of the persons listed in the phone’s address book but have had no success finding her.  Amy is a student at Cal State Long Beach who was working on final projects this week.

“I just want my daughter here with me now,” said her mother Viannette Serrano. Amy has family who live in Lancaster and Downey, California.  

Amy’s description:
5 feet tall, 100 pounds
Black hair, brown eyes
DOB: 8/23/89  (20 years)

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Division detectives at 213-972-1203 or the Downey Police Department at 562-904-2324. After hours, callers may also phone a 24-hour, toll-free tip line number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Tipsters may also text “crimes” with a cell phone.  All messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Mother of Three, Missing Since Veterans Day

UPDATE

On December 10, 2009, the missing person’s mother informed police that missing person Lakisha Simpson had made a contact with her and she would like to cancel the press release.

Los Angeles:  The family of Lakisha Simpson and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating her.

Lakisha Simpson was last seen on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, at about 12 p.m., in the 1400 block of West Jefferson Boulevard.  Family and friends told police that it is out of character for Lakisha not to contact her family and friends.  Lakisha has three small children, who have not seen or heard from their mother in four weeks.

Lakisha Simpson is described as a 33-year-old female African American with black hair, brown eyes, 5’02” and weighs approximately 135 pounds.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lakisha Simpson, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Merrill: 213-996-1800; of the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-529-3855.

Police Seek Help Identifying Eyeglass Burglars

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives are investigating a rash of burglaries that have occurred at optometry businesses throughout the Valley and are asking for the public’s help in identifying a pair of thieves whose images were caught on surveillance tape.

Since April 2009, the pair has hit over a dozen optical outlets.  The most recent burglary happened on November 25, 2009, at the New York Style optometry business located in the 17600 block of Sherman Way in Van Nuys.  Surveillance video showed two men wearing black bandanas covering their faces, force entry by using a crowbar to smash a glass front door.  Once inside, the suspects took about $75.000 worth of expensive prescription eyeglasses, eyeglass frames and sunglasses from display cases and left the scene.  Investigators have not been able to identify the suspects.

Anyone with information or who recognizes the suspects is urged to call Commercial Crimes Division, Burglary Special Detectives at 213-486-6940.  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.

Woman Pregnant with Twins, Murdered in Her Home

Los Angeles. Pacific Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the brutal rape and murder of a woman four months pregnant with twins.

On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at around 10 p.m., Officers responded to call for service in the 1600 block of Electric Avenue.  As Officers were arriving at the residence they saw a possible suspect running from the location.  He was taken into custody without incident.

When Officers entered the house they discovered a 39-year-old female of Asian descent suffering from multiple stab wounds.  She was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.  It was believed at that time that a single unborn child also died in the incident. Later in the day, it was determined that in fact twin unborn babies had died in the assault. 

Boneetio Kentro Washington, a 22-year-old male Black from Culver City was arrested and booked for Murder with Special Circumstances and is being held at Van Nuys Jail without bail.

The victim's identity is being withheld until her family who lives out of town is notified.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Pacific Homicide Detectives Luis Carranza or Joe Lumbreras at 310-482-6313. Callers can also phone the 24-hour number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Tipsters may text "crimes" with a cell phone.  All messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Bus Driver Arrested for Sexual Battery

Los Angeles: 21- year old Daniel Charles Elliot was arrested December 08, 2009, at approximately 1:05 p.m. for a sexual assault that occurred after he offered two female University of Southern California (USC) students a ride home. 

On December 5, 2009, at approximately 3:30 a.m. two teenage USC students were walking in the 3100 block of Figueroa Blvd.  A bus driver, later identified as Daniel Charles Elliot, approached the female students and offered to drive them home.  The young women, believing that Elliot was an official driver of a USC transportation vehicle, accepted the ride.  Elliot drove the bus on the USC campus and then to the student's residence.  When Elliot brought the bus to a stop at the women's residence, he refused to open the door and asked the women to dance for him.  Elliot allegedly sexually battered one of the young women.  Both women attracted the attention of a passerby and Elliot opened the door allowing the victims to escape.  Elliot then drove away.

Acting on a variety of tips and leads, Los Angeles Police Department Detectives and members of the USC Department of Public Safety established probable cause to believe that Daniel Charles Elliot had committed the sexual battery. 

Elliot was arrested and booked for sexual battery he is being held in lieu of 25,000.00 bail.

Anyone with information about this sexual battery is asked to call Southwest Detectives, Officer McDonnell at 323-290-2975 or 213-485-2585.  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.

A Lose-Lose Holiday Proposition

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police detectives broke up a downtown gambling ring last Saturday, December 5, 2009, with the arrest of an 8-person shell game in the 500 block of Los Angeles Street.  The eight arrested, ages 27 to 67 years old, were booked on felony conspiracy charges and illegal gambling with bails set at $20,000 each.

“Any shopper who thinks they can parlay gift money into a big wad of cash is going to be sadly disappointed,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, who is in charge of detective operations for downtown.  “No one ever wins in a shell game, and what’s worse, much of the money lost goes right into the pockets of gang members who tax the gambling rings.”

Detectives attributed about one dozen grand-theft and robbery reports to shell games along Los Angeles Street since last November.  Shell games occurred during the holiday season in 2008, resulting in a similar spate of crimes.

According to detectives, the shell game is based on the proposition that the gambler can pick the ball hidden under one of three shells, which the “tosser,” or dealer, mixes as the gambler watches.  If the gambler guesses correctly, he doubles his bet.

“That’s the hook,” Vernon explained.  “It looks so easy --- guess where the ball is --- but the tosser uses slight-of-hand to hide the ball.  You’ll never find it.”

The tosser also employs shills who pose as gamblers and are allowed to win, which entices victims to play.  The tosser uses lookouts and enforcers to alert them to police and to intimidate local business owners who don’t want the gambling in front of their businesses. The operations are set up to be mobile, using collapsible cardboard boxes and towels that can be rolled up.

“We want everyone to stay clear of these games,” Lt. Vernon warned.  “They are a nuisance that separates one from one’s money, while attracting and supporting a dangerous criminal element.  Typically, we see crime drop in the immediate area after making these arrests.”

Among the eight arrested were Juan Arroyo, 42, the ring leader; and the two tossers, Santana Valencia, 67, and Adrian Sanchez, 43.  Twenty-seven year old Olga Candia was the only woman arrested.  All eight arrested live in Los Angeles.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Division detectives at 213-972-1203. Callers can also phone the 24-hour number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Tipsters may text “crimes” with a cell phone.  All messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Newsrooms may find on the internet a demonstration video of how the shell game works.  It was filmed by the Los Angeles Times for a similar story in January 2009.

77th 8th Annual Holiday Tree Trimming

Los Angeles Police Department 77th Street Community Police Station and The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Victim Assistance Program presents the 8th Annual Holiday Tree Trimming.

Click here for flyer

Robbery Suspect Attempts to Shoot Officers, But Handgun Malfunctioned

Los Angeles: A robbery suspect attempting to elude police, tried to shoot two officers who were about to confront him, when an officer involved shooting occurred.  

On December 3, 2009, at around 10:15 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Sergeant Fernando Zuniga and his partner, were working a plainclothes detail, the Fraudulent Documentation and Gang Extortion Task Force, and were in a marked black and white police car.  

Sergeant Zuniga was driving near Hoover Street and 5th Street, while monitoring a broadcast by an LAPD Air Unit who was tracking a vehicle in that area.  The vehicle was believed to have just been involved in a robbery at a check cashing store in the 2900 block of West Beverly Boulevard.

At one point the Air Unit broadcast that the suspects, later identified as 21-year-old Anthony Fagan, 25-year-old Rushawn Gibson, and 28-year-old Davon Roebuck, had abandoned their car at Hoover Street and 5th Street and were running north on Hoover Street.  

As Sergeant Zuniga was driving north on Hoover Street, he and his partner, saw Fagan pop out of a driveway of an apartment complex in the 400 block of South Hoover Street.  Sergeant Zuniga stopped his car and as he and his partner officer were getting out of the car, Fagan turned and attempted to shoot the officers, at which time Sergeant Zuniga fired two rounds from his semiautomatic service pistol at Fagan.  Fagan’s gun had malfunctioned and the round did not go off.  The loaded handgun was recovered at scene and booked into evidence.

Fagan immediately surrendered and was not hit by the Sergeant’s gunfire.  No other injuries were reported. 

After an extensive search of the area, Gibson and Roebuck were also taken into custody, along with an additional firearm believed used in the robbery.

Fagan was booked for Robbery and Attempt Murder on the Police Officers and is being held on $155,000 bail. 

Gibson was booked for Robbery and is being held without bail.  Roebuck was booked for Robbery and is being held on $100,000 bail.

Sergeant Zuniga has 23-years and 3-months of service with the LAPD.

Force Investigation Division is handling the crime against the officers and the officer involved shooting.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact Rampart Area Robbery Detectives, Detective Rick Ramos at 213-484-3658.   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.