LAPD Blog

Burglar Sought in Van Nuys

Los Angeles: West Valley Area burglary detectives are asking the public’s help in identifying a burglar who was caught on surveillance camera.

Detectives believe the suspect is responsible for breaking into two apartments in the same complex within two weeks; January 23rd, and February 3rd.  The apartment complex is located on Sherman Way near Woodley Avenue in Van Nuys. 

The suspect was recorded by a surveillance camera each day the burglary occurred.  He is seen in the photos using his cell phone while he awaits the front gate to be open by unsuspecting tenants.  Upon entering the complex, the suspect would break into individual apartments and removed jewelry, cash, and other valuables.

The suspect was described as a Black male in his 20s.  He stands 5’ 6” to 5’ 10” tall and weighs 160 to 180 pounds.

The suspect’s photographs are available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detectives Amy Lillenberg, West Valley Burglary Unit, at 818-374-7730.  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.”  All calls and contacts are anonymous.

Multi-Agency Task Force Combats Graffiti

Los Angeles: Early morning graffiti task force in Central Los Angeles. 

During the early morning hours of Thursday, February 12, 2009, officers from LAPD Operations- Central Bureau Gang and Narcotics Division participated in a multi-agency collaborative effort task force.  The Los Angeles Police Department joined forces with the Los Angeles School Police, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Probation, Department of Children Services and the Office of Beautification.

The task force focused on enforcement, education and eradication of graffiti within Central Bureau and targeted graffiti-related subjects who had arrest warrants and were currently on probation.  Eight arrests were made as a result of this effort that included arrest of suspects for probation violations, warrants, and narcotics.

For additional information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.  

Officer Attacked by Vicious Dog

Los Angeles: A dog was shot by an off-duty officer when it aggressively charged at him.

On February 5, 2025 at around 7:05 a.m., an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer from 77th Street Division shot an aggressive dog near the 1500 block of Lagoon Avenue when it charged at him.

The officer fired several rounds at the dog in order to stop its attack.  The dog was injured and treated by animal control.

Officer Enrique Robledo has been with the Department for 12 years and 2 months.

The officer was not injured during the incident.  Harbor Division Detectives are handling the investigation.

New Olympic Police Station Shows Very Positive Results Violent Crime Drops 13%, Arrests Up 60%

Los Angeles: The new Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Olympic Division, which opened just over a month ago, is already producing dramatic crime-fighting results for the communities it serves, with violent crime declining 13 percent and arrests rising by 60 percent.

The new station, located at 1130 S. Vermont Avenue, has literally brought hundreds of officers into the mid-city neighborhoods under its jurisdiction, areas that include Koreatown, Mid-Wilshire, Lafayette Park and Windsor Square.  Experienced homicide detectives have also been assigned to the division and are aggressively pursuing leads on cold case homicides dating back to the 1960’s. The increase in arrests is in part due to the re-deployment of officers to the new neighborhood station and is quite substantial:
•Robbery arrests up 75 percent
•Violent assault arrests up 52 percent
•Burglary arrests up 20 percent
•Violent crime arrests up 54 percent
•Other assault arrests up 57 percent
•Weapon arrests up 64 percent
•Prostitution arrests up 100 percent
•Narcotics arrests up 35 percent
•DUI arrests up 24 percent

In the first month of operation, 31 suspects (14 of which are affiliated with local gangs) have been arrested for robbery.  Weapons recovered include 14 firearms along with nine other dangerous weapons.   Response time to emergency calls is currently under five minutes.  This has resulted in the apprehension of suspects at the scene of the crime.  This emergency response time is more than a minute faster than the city average. 

One noteworthy arrest, primarily targeting Korean community members, involved a robbery that occurred on 5th Street and Ardmore Avenue in which three victims were robbed at gunpoint.  Investigators identified suspects from the robbery, and in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Fugitive Task Force, located suspects at a downtown hotel.  On Jan. 14, 2009, task force members conducted a parole search and recovered three loaded firearms, methamphetamine narcotics, multiple checks, a computer, acetone and a large number of identification and credit cards.  Two of these identification cards belonged to robbery victims.  Additional material recovered included a United States Postal Service employee’s jacket and key and credit card applications from a vehicle, linking the suspects to identity theft as well as robbery. 

Borders of the Olympic Police Station include the 10 Freeway on the south, Hoover Street on the east, Beverly Boulevard and Melrose Avenue on the north, and Arlington Avenue, Gower Street and Crenshaw and Plymouth Boulevards on the west.

Anyone with information regarding robberies and other crimes is encouraged to contact Olympic Detectives at 213-382-9460.  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 February 10, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco expressed concern regarding confidential files which were mistakenly posted on the internet releasing the names and information of officers subject to bias complaints.  He affirmed a full investigation would be conducted into the matter in order to prevent the situation from occurring again. 

•Police Commissioner Alan Skobin attended a dedication ceremony held at the West Valley Area Community Police Station to unveil a new memorial monument honoring officers who died in the line of duty in the West Valley Area.  He said it was a wonderful experience and was encouraged by the show of support from the community.

•Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman requested an update on the progress being made on the Department's DNA backlog and requested a copy of the Department's internal report.  Police Commission Executive Director, Richard Tefank, informed the Board the matter has been scheduled for the next Commission meeting.

•First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell informed the Commission a press conference was held by Police Chief William Bratton and Deputy Chief Charlie Beck to provide the public an update on the Department's DNA backlog.  Chief McDonnell reported in October, the Department conducted the most comprehensive review of frozen rape kits in the Department's history.  He noted the Department has a two step plan to eliminate the backlog: hiring more criminalists, technicians and equipment and contracting with outside accredited labs across the country with a goal of reducing the backlog to zero by 2013.  The investigation found a total of 4,423 untested CODIS eligible cases.  Of the 4,423 backlogged cases, 1,184 have been "cleared by arrest" and 1,796 have been presented to prosecutorial agencies and "declined for prosecution."  All 4,423 backlogged cases and all future cases will be tested to ensure a thorough and complete database.   

•The City Personnel Department's and Los Angeles Police Department's verbal presentation and discussion relative to the Police Officer Selection Process, as presented by Commander James Cansler was continued.  Commander Cansler reported in order to address discrepancies brought up by the Commission, he reassigned 3 recruiters to the mentoring team increasing the total from 8 to 11.  The mentors will be responsible for contacting candidates to assist them through the hiring process, specifically concentrating on the interview portion of the background.  He added the Candidate Assistance Program is also in place to assist recruits with the physical portion of the exam.  Commissioner John Mack and Commissioner Robert Saltzman expressed further concern with the discrepancies and stated they would work with the Department's Recruitment Section and Personnel Department to better identify the source of the discrepancies in order to better address them and will report back to the Commission with an update.

•The Department's report, dated February 2, 2009, relative to Approval of Twenty-Fourth Amendment to Agreement No. C-94580 with Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc., was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

•The Department's report, dated January 23, 2009, relative to summary of Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audits (AD No. C08-123), as presented by Consent Decree Bureau Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was received and the Office of the Inspector General was directed to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.  Mr. Chaleff stressed the importance of KAPPA audits and stated as the Department will eventually exit from the Consent Decree, the audit, at some point, will become an oversight audit.  Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco requested an analysis of the report by the Inspector General to determine the audit's thoroughness.  He stated his hope is to demonstrate to the Monitor, the public and others that the Department can efficiently monitor itself.

•The Department's report, dated February 2, 2009, relative to Biased Policing Update, Quarterly Report due to the Board of Police Commissioners, February 10, 2009, regular meeting, as presented by Commander Richard Webb was approved.  Commander Webb informed the Board the Department averages 200 bias policing complaints per year and noted he reviews all cases before they are closed out.  He added with 30% - 40% of cases eligible for mediation, the Department is investigating the feasibility of having experienced volunteers mediate cases.  Commander Webb stated although the volunteer mediators will need to be trained in law enforcement issues, he believes the program will work well.  He concluded protocols are in place to investigate allegations of bias policing and in the future, he hopes to be able to utilize the Teams II program to red flag bias policing issues.

•The Executive Director's report, dated February 5, 2009, relative to write off of uncollectable False Alarm Accounts Receivable, was approved and transmitted to the City's Board of Review.  

LAPD Announces Promotions and Movement of Command Staff

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Chief announces the promotion of two new LAPD Commanders, three new Captains and the reassignment of several members of his Command Staff.  The promotions and the reassignments are effective March 1, 2009.
 
In an effort to continue to reduce crime in the City of Los Angeles, and achieve an overall reduction of gang crime by 15% this year, Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton has promoted Captains Jorge Villegas and Mike Williams to Commander.

Commander Williams has been a police officer for over 32 years and has a varied law enforcement background, which includes patrol, detectives and administrative functions within the Los Angeles Police Department.  Commander Williams joined the Los Angeles Police Department in February 1978 after having served as a police officer in a local suburban police department.  Since joining the Los Angeles Police Department Commander Williams has worked as a patrol officer, training officer, vice investigator, homicide detective, field supervisor, watch commander and Internal Affairs Division investigator and section head.  He has also supervised various administrative functions within the Office of the Chief of Police.  Specifically, some of his operational assignments have included Southeast and Hollywood Patrol Divisions, Pacific Area Vice, Organized Crime Investigation Division, Metropolitan Division, West Bureau CRASH (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums), Southwest Area Homicide, Air Support Division and Special Investigation Section.  Commander Williams becomes the Department’s new Strategic Operations Commander, working out of Operations Bureau.  He will be tasked with developing immediate rapid response strategies to deal with gang crime.     

Commander Villegas was appointed to the Department on March 27, 1989.  His most recent assignment was as the Commanding Officer of Mission Area where he oversaw approximately 250 employees and all Area, Patrol and Detective operations. During his tenure, he has worked in many capacities, including patrol, narcotics, gangs, detectives, and in administration. His enforcement-oriented assignments include Hollywood, Rampart, Northeast and Van Nuys Patrol. He has also worked at Juvenile Division, the Office of Operations, Management Services Division, Operations-Central Bureau, and Detective Bureau. He has been the recipient of numbers internal and external commendations, and he has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation.  Commander Villegas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Organizational Management from Azusa Pacific University.  Commander Villegas has graduated from the Delinquency Control Institute at the University of Southern California, the FBI National Academy, and the West Point Leadership Development Program.  Commander Villegas’ time in the Valley will be a benefit to him as he begins his new assignment as Assistant Commanding Officer Valley Bureau.       

PROMOTIONS

Lieutenant II David Hanczuk, currently assigned to Teams II Development Division, will be promoted to Captain I and assigned to Devonshire Division.

Lieutenant II Daryl Russell, currently assigned to Internal Affairs Administrative Investigation Division, will be promoted to Captain I and assigned to Central Area.

Lieutenant II Ray Maltez, currently assigned to Personnel Division, will be promoted to
Captain I and assigned to Rampart Area.

UPGRADES

Captain II Regina Scott, currently assigned to Gang Narcotic Division, will be upgraded to Captain III and assigned to Communications Division.

Captain I Bill Scott, currently assigned as the Special Assistant Office of Operations, will be upgraded to Captain III Mission Area.

Captain I Justin Eisenberg, currently assigned as the Patrol Captain at Newton Area, will be upgraded to Captain II assigned to the Gang Narcotic Division.

Captain I Steve Ruiz, currently assigned as the Patrol Captain at Devonshire Area, will be upgraded to Captain III assigned to Rampart Area.
REASSIGNMENTS

Captain III Kevin McClure, currently assigned to Civil Rights Integrity Division, will be reassigned to Robbery-Homicide Division.

Captain III Jodi Wakefield, currently assigned to Central Area, will be reassigned to Civil Rights Integrity Division.

Captain III Blake Chow, currently assigned to Hollenbeck Area, will be reassigned to Central Area.

Captain III Anita Ortega, currently assigned to Communications Division, will be reassigned to Hollenbeck Area.

Captain III Jim Miller, currently assigned to Van Nuys Area, will be reassigned to Air Support Division.

Captain III Bill Eaton, currently assigned to West Los Angeles Area, will be reassigned to Van Nuys Area.

Captain III James Craig, currently assigned to Southwest Area, will be reassigned West Los Angeles Area.

Captain III Steve Zipperman, currently assigned to West Valley Area, will be reassigned to Southwest Area.

Captain III John Egan, currently assigned to Rampart Area, will be reassigned to West Valley Area.

Captain I Paul Hernandez, currently assigned to Rampart Area, will be reassigned to Hollenbeck.

Captain I Tina Nieto, currently assigned to Hollenbeck Area, will be reassigned to Newton Area.

Captain I Ruben De La Torre, currently assigned to Pacific Area, will be reassigned to West Los Angeles Area.

Captain I James West, currently assigned to West Los Angeles Area, will be reassigned to Pacific Area.

Captain I Dave Lindsey, currently assigned to Harbor Area, will be reassigned to Northeast Area.

Captain I Rick Wall, currently assigned to Central Area, will be reassigned to Harbor Area.

Captain I Greg Allen, currently assigned to 77th Area, will be reassigned to Special Assistant, Office of Operations.

Captain I Lance Smith, currently assigned to Northeast will be reassigned to 77th Area.

Local Church Vandalized and Burglarized

Los Angeles: 77th Area burglary detectives are investigating the vandalism and burglary at a local church in South Los Angeles.

On Sunday, February 8, 2009, 77th Area officers responded to a report of burglary at the Saint Mark United Methodist Church, located at 8305 South Gramercy Place.  

A preliminary investigation revealed during the early morning hours of February 8, unknown suspect(s) severely vandalized and burglarized the church.  A stained glass window of the church was shattered and several walls including the Holy Cross were spray painted with obscenities.  

Additionally, the suspect(s) gained entry into the sanctuary and removed a drum set.

The total damages exceed $21,000.  

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detectives Ross Nemeroff or Jorge Trejo, 77th Burglary Section, at 213-485-4175.  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.”  All calls and contacts are anonymous.

21-Year-Old Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are investigating the shooting death of 21-year-old Gilberto Solano of North Hollywood.

On February 10, 2025 at about 9:15 p.m., LAPD and Los Angeles Fired Department (LAFD) personnel responded to a radio call of a possible shooting at the 6600 block of Laurel Canyon Blvd.  When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his chest.  

LAFD personnel rushed Solano to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.  

Investigators determined that the victim and the suspect got into a heated argument about their rival gangs.  When the victim walked away, the suspect went to his vehicle, retrieved a gun and then confronted the victim.  The suspect fired one shot into the victim’s chest and fled in his vehicle with an accomplice.

Detectives have few leads and no suspect or vehicle description.  

The motive of the shooting appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact North Hollywood Homicide Detective Richard Wheeler 818-623-4075.  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.”  All calls and contacts are anonymous.

L.A. City Councilman Reyes Donates Vehicles to Three LAPD Divisions T3 Personal Mobility Vehicles Are State-of-the-Art

Los Angeles: At a news conference today, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officially acknowledged District 1 Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes’ donation of six “T3” Personal Mobility Vehicles to the Department, valued at approximately $10,000 each.

Distribution of the vehicles will be split evenly between three LAPD divisions (Central, Northeast and Rampart) with each receiving two units.  “We are most grateful and absolutely delighted to receive these generous T3 donations from Councilman Reyes,” said LAPD Central Bureau Operations Deputy Chief  Sergio Diaz.  “These vehicles have many practical uses and advantages that will enhance public safety, especially in places or at events where crowds gather.”

T3 Personal Mobility Vehicles are manufactured locally and are designed with substantial input from LAPD.  For example, a key suggestion from the Department that became a feature in the final design was 45-degree-angle rotating headlights.  

The electrically powered vehicles accommodate one person at a time and are designed to be operated by drivers in a standing position.  They have a top speed of 25 miles per hour and enhance patrol efficiency by allowing officers to cover large areas in a short amount of time. They also improve visibility because drivers stand on a raised, eight-inch platform as they maneuver easily through crowds and tight spaces with the maximum stability of a three-wheel design.  

Unlike conventional motor vehicles and as part of the Department’s effort to utilize environmentally friendly technologies, the T3s have the added benefits of zero emissions and an operating cost of only 10 cents per day.

Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested, Additional Victims Sought

Follow up:   It was originally reported that all of the victims in this case were female, however both male and female victims have been identified.  Additionally, it was learned that Carlos Aguirre Jr. attended Banning High School in 2002 and 2003 and may have targeted students at that time.  Anyone with information regarding this case, or who believes they may have been victimized by this suspect, is asked to contact detectives.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward after a 23-year-old Wilmington man was arrested and charged in connection with the sexual assault of three minor females.

On December 17, 2008, detectives executed a search warrant at the home and business of Carlos Aguirre Jr. and charged him with lewd act on a child, rape of an unconscious person, criminal threats, and possession of narcotics for sale.

All of the alleged assaults are believed to have occurred at the “Simplemente Beatriz” wedding store located at 922 North Avalon Boulevard in Wilmington. The business is owned by Aguirre’s mother and provides weddings, proms, quinceneras, first communions, and baptisms services.  

All three victims were minors.  Aguirre apparently used alcohol and the illicit drug Ecstasy to sedate his victims and then he sexually assaulted them.   He remains in custody on a $1.5 million bail.

A photo of the suspect is available through Media Relations Section.

 Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to call Harbor Division detectives at 310-522-2035.  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.  Tipsters may remain anonymous.