LAPD Blog

Woman Fatally Shot LAPD Detectives Searching for Person of Interest

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area detectives have identified a “person of interest” who may be connected to the fatal shooting of a woman yesterday evening in the Wilshire district.

Around 11:13 p.m. a patrol unit was dispatched to investigate a call about gunshots in the 4800 block of St. Charles Place.  When the officers entered the home, they found a Hispanic woman in her 20s or early 30s shot to death.  The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has listed the woman as Jane Doe.   

Ignacio Perez is the victim’s boyfriend, and police want to question him about the killing. Investigators believe Perez may have fled to Mexico.

A photo of Perez is available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information regarding this crime or the whereabouts of Perez is urged to contact Wilshire Area homicide detectives at 213-473-0446.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Suspect Sought in Medical Marijuana Clinic Murder

Los Angeles: Investigators are asking for the public’s help to locate 27-year-old Raymond Lemone Easter, a suspect in the murder of Matthew Butcher.

On June 24, 2010, just before 4 p.m., three suspects entered the Higher Path Holistic Care Collective in the 1300 block of West Sunset Boulevard.  Once inside, the suspects disarmed the security guard and began ransacking the business, robbing the business of various items.  As the suspects left the business they shot both Butcher and the security guard in the head.  Butcher was pronounced dead at scene.  The security guard, whose name is being withheld for his safety, was transported to a local hospital.  He is recovering from his injuries.

On July 21, 2010, 31-year-old Daniel “Scooter” Hinton was arrested and has been charged with murder and attempted murder (with the special circumstance of murder during the commission of a burglary).  He is being held without bail, awaiting trial.

On July 28, 2010, District 1 City Councilmember Ed Reyes introduced a motion to offer a reward in this case.  A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the remaining suspects.

On August 3, 2010, Easter was charged with murder and attempted murder (with the special circumstance of murder during the commission of a burglary) and is currently being sought by police.


Anyone with information related to this case or the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call Robbery Homicide Division Detectives Dennis English or James King at 213-486-6890.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.



 

LAPD Searches for Missing Man

Los Angeles.  A local family and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in finding a 54-year-old missing man from the Liemert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Thomas Spruill was last seen near his home in the 1700 block of 45th Street.  He has not been seen or heard from since August 2, 2010.  Spruill’s family told police that he suffers from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, is mentally impaired and does not have any teeth.

Spruill is described as a male Caucasian who is bald with brown eyes.  He’s 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs  210 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, blue and gray checkered shorts and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Spruill is asked to call Missing Persons Unit Detective Kristin Merrill at 213-996-1800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.


 

Man Arrested for Narcotics Dies in Police Custody

Los Angeles: A man who was arrested for selling narcotics died while in police custody.

On July 22, 2010, officers from LAPD’s Hollywood Narcotics Enforcement Detail and special agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration were involved in a joint task force targeting narcotics.  Around 8 p.m., officers monitored a drug transaction in a business parking lot near Cahuenga Boulevard and Yucca Avenue in Hollywood.  At the completion of the transaction, authorities arrested a suspect later identified as 45-year-old Alberto Arriaga.

LAPD officers transported Arriaga to Hollywood station for booking. After he was booked, Arriaga complained of pain to his chest area.  Officers summoned a rescue ambulance and Arriaga was rushed to Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital where he died the next day.

The specific cause of Arriaga’s death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

LAPD’s Force Investigation Division will handle the in-custody death.

National Night Out 2010

The 27th annual National Night Out was observed on Tuesday, August 4, 2010, with communities and Police Departments across the country participating in what has become a successful program. With the LAPD in their 10th year of participation, the Department in conjunction with local businesses and community organizations held numerous events throughout the City.

One of Northeast Community Police Station’s events was held in the parking lot of the Walgreen’s located on Sunset Boulevard.  This event had free screenings for glaucoma provided by the Lions Club, food giveaways and plenty of activities for the kids such as face painting, jumpers and joust.

In the Rampart Area a rally was held outside the Police Station.  This event featured live entertainment by local performers, and plenty of free food provided by local eateries.  An estimated 500 people were in attendance.

These were just two of approximately 50 city-wide events held as part of the National Night Out campaign.  In its 27th year, the National Night Out campaign is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. 

The Department would like to thank all of the organizers, volunteers, sponsors and people in attendance who helped make National Night Out 2010 a success!

LAPD Arrests Loan Modification Scam Suspect Detectives Looking for Second Suspect

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives from the fraud section of the Department’s Commercial Crimes Division have arrested one of two suspects who stole more than $60,000 from three victims in a fraudulent loan modification scam.

On July 23, 2010, around 10 a.m., detectives arrested 42-year-old Ana Linares for grand theft, money laundering and burglary.  Her accomplice, Maryori Deybi Muralles, is still at large and a felony warrant has been issued for her arrest.  The two suspects worked together as “loan modification specialists” but neither were licensed nor worked for a broker or attorney.  After approaching their victims and claiming they worked for Samsarah Financial Services, they handed out business cards and offered their services for a $2,000 fee.  

Unfortunately, all three victims paid the suspects all or part of the service fee and two of the victims gave the suspects their mortgage payments and/or property taxes as part of the scam.  The suspects then deposited the money into various personal bank accounts and used it for other purposes.

Linares was originally arrested in LAPD’s 77th Division for grand theft last Oct. 5 after she arrived at the home of one of her victims who had alerted police.  She was later released and re-interviewed, during which time she implicated Muralles as her partner in the loan modification scam.  An extensive investigation confirmed the two suspects were working together.

Detectives believe Linares and Muralles have been taking advantage of the economic and real estate market downturn by targeting Spanish-speaking individuals.  Essentially, the suspects focused on victims with language barriers who had difficulty paying their mortgages and lacked knowledge about complex loan modification processes.  They gave the victims a sense of hope that they wouldn’t lose their homes.  But in the end, the victims were scammed out of thousands of dollars and in risk of foreclosure.  

Anyone with information about the location of suspect Muralles is asked to call CCD Detective Ernest Munoz at 213-486-8714.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Police Commission Re-Elects John W. Mack As President And Alan Skobin As Vice President

Los Angeles –  On August 3, 2010, the members of the Police Commission unanimously re-elected Police Commissioner John W. Mack to the post of President and  Police Commissioner Alan J. Skobin to the post of Vice President.  Commissioner Mack has served as a Police Commissioner since 2005 and has held the President position from 2005 to 2007, and then was re-elected in 2009.  Under the City Charter, an individual may hold the President position for unlimited terms, yet not more than two consecutive years at a time. Commissioner Skobin has served as a Police Commissioner since 2003. He was first appointed to the Police Commission by Mayor James Hahn, and then reappointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in 2005.  He held the Vice President position from 2003 to 2007, and was re-elected in May, 2010, when the Vice President post was vacated.

The Police Commission now currently consists of President John W. Mack, Vice President Alan Skobin, Commissioner Richard Drooyan, Commissioner Robert Saltzman, and Commissioner Debra Wong Yang.

Commissioner Mack, the former President of the Los Angeles Urban League, thanked his fellow Commissioners, ”I am honored to continue as the President of the Police Commission.  Collectively, this Commission has been the driving force behind some important accomplishments at LAPD, such as the installation of In-Car Video Cameras. I look forward to more accomplishments that benefit the diverse communities of Los Angeles.”

Commissioner Skobin is the Vice President and General Counsel of Galpin Motors, Inc., in the San Fernando Valley. He is widely recognized for his expertise in many areas of law enforcement, including efficient use of resources, officer use of force incidents, technology, employee relations, and community based policing. Commissioner Skobin stated, “I am once again humbled with this honor and look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners as we continue the significant progress that has been made.”

Teenager killed by train while spraying graffiti, police say

August 3, 2024 03:10 PM
By June Q. Wu, Globe Correspondent Boston.com

A teenager who was spraying graffiti on an abandoned building was killed by an oncoming train in Worcester Monday night, police said.

Michael Sclamo Jr., 19, of Southbridge, was with two friends at about 9:40 p.m. when they saw lights in the distance and heard the approaching Amtrak train sound its horn, police said in a statement. The three started running along the tracks across a bridge, and his two friends jumped out of the train’s path.

Sclamo, however, hesitated at the bridge and was struck by the train traveling at roughly 50 miles per hour, police said.

Police arrived on the scene shortly after the incident and discovered Sclamo on the embankment near Worcester’s Price Chopper on Cambridge Street.

The train, which had more than 100 passengers on board, was en route to Union Station in Worcester from Springfield.

Though the train engineer pulled the emergency brakes when he saw the teenagers, the train took about a mile to come to a complete stop, Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole said. No passengers were injured.

Sclamo graduated from Shepherd Hill Regional High School in 2009 and had been working at a local factory with his father, said Gwen Bultron, 38, who is engaged to Sclamo’s father and considers Sclamo her own son.

“He was a teenage boy, a good kid who did right, never had a drink, never had a drug in his life,” said Bultron, who has been living with Sclamo for the past five years. “He was with the two best friends he had in the world, just doing their boy things, and this tragic accident happened.”

Sclamo’s passions ranged from photography to cars to skateboarding, Bultron said. Just three days ago, Sclamo told Bultron he wanted to go back to school.

“We wanted to look it up online, see what options were available, but we never got that chance,” Bultron said.

“Lock It, Hide It, Keep It”

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Los Angeles:   The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched a new campaign today aimed at informing the public of burglary and theft from motor vehicles (BTFV and BFMV), and providing a few simple steps to keep from becoming victims of these crimes.

On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at 2 p.m., Operations Valley Bureau kicked off the “Lock It, Hide It, Keep It” campaign from its Headquarters in Mission Area.  Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese provided statistics from the first six months of 2010 that clearly identified BTFV and BFMV as a problem in the San Fernando Valley.  “The irony is that if folks would take a few extra seconds to properly store their belongings, this crime could be eliminated.  There is no good reason to be the victim of a BTFV or BFMV,” Albanese said.  The average cost of a BTFV to each victim is roughly $1885.00.   

In February 2010, Chief Albanese recognized the high incidents of property crimes within Valley Bureau and focused Bureau resources to work exclusively on those property crimes.  One of the most effective components of the VCTF has been the Bait Car Unit.  Video taken during actual Bait Car Sting Operations were shown at the news conference and can be viewed on the Department’s website at www.lapdonline.org.  The video is evidence that objects left in plain sight, in unlocked vehicles, are a crime of opportunity for many criminals.  

The message is simple:

• Lock It: Lock your vehicle every time you leave it unattended and take your valuables with you.  
• Hide It:  Hide your valuables in your trunk, under the seats, in the glove box, or other compartments within the vehicle.  Ideally, take your property with you.
• Keep It:  Personal responsibility is the best prevention to safeguard personal property and to prevent becoming a victim.

The campaign will be emphasized throughout Valley Bureau over the next several months.  Banners, billboards, and public service announcements will also be included to remind the public that property crime prevention is largely dependant upon an individual’s willingness to take the necessary precautions.

For further information please contact Officer Tracy Andres at 818-644-8105.

Notes from the August 3, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The Board of Police Commissioners elected John Mack as their President and Alan Skobin as their Vice President.  Both expressed their thanks and appreciation to their fellow Commissioners for their continued support.
• Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger said he is always looking to enhance the Department’s youth programs and has reached out to faith based organizations in an effort to increase participation.  He added many of the Department Area Divisions are participating in the National Night Out campaign this evening with activities planned throughout the City.
• The Executive Director’s report, dated July 29, 2010, relative to modification to the Los Angeles Municipal Code to authorize the Executive Director to approve Police Permits under certain conditions, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.
• The Department’s report dated June 22, 2010, relative to the Professional Services Agreement with Pro 911 Systems for the Central Area Little Tokyo-Skid Row surveillance room/video feed upgrade and wireless camera integration, as given by Captain Daryl Russell, was approved.  Captain Russell informed the Board the use of the upgraded camera system will enhance the Department’s ability to reduce crime and monitor the Skid Row and Little Tokyo area.  He added the agreement allows for an upgrade to existing camera systems as well as the ability of new cameras purchased by business owners in the area to be integrated into the system.
• The Department’s report, dated July 30, 2010, relative to Response to City Council Action relative to training, was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated July 20, 2010, relative to Biased Policing update, Quarterly Report, 2nd Quarter, 2010, as given by Commander Richard Webb, was approved.  Commander Webb stated the Constitutional Policing Unit was up and running, focusing on complaints dealing with biased and constitutional policing.  He added the Department was still in a transition agreement with the Department of Justice with regards to bias policing and the early stages of new protocols have been put in place.
• The Department’s report, dated July 21, 2010, relative to training requirement for sworn personnel selected for a Gang Enforcement Detail or Community Law Enforcement and Recovery Program Assignment – Established, was continued one to two weeks.  
• The Department’s report, dated July 27, 2010, relative to Secret Service Funds Systems Audit, Narcotics and Vice (IAID No. 09-130), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated July 26, 2010, relative to North Hollywood Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 10-035), was approved.