LAPD Blog

SWAT Sergeant Steve Gomez Retires -Last Active SWAT Officer Who Confronted Dangerous Suspects at NoHo BofA Shootout

podcast of Chief Beck and Sergeant Gomez

Los Angeles: Today, the Los Angeles Police Department held a special retirement ceremony for the senior supervisor of the Department’s SWAT team, Sergeant Steve Gomez.  He is the last active SWAT officer who directly confronted suspects in the historic North Hollywood Bank of America Shootout in February 1997.  The event was also a tribute to fallen SWAT Officers Robert Cottle and Randy Simmons.

Feb. 28, 1997, is a date that will forever be etched in the annals of LAPD history as one of the most violent encounters Department officers ever endured.  Commonly known as the North Hollywood Bank of America Shootout, the incident quickly appeared on news channels throughout the nation as the drama unfolded.  Over 300 law enforcement officers from various divisions responded to what became a citywide tactical alert. By the time the shooting stopped, the two suspects, both wearing protective body armor, had fired about 1,300 rounds of ammunition at officers...nearly one round every two seconds.

A veteran of the Department with over 30 years of service, retiring SWAT supervisor, Sergeant Steve Gomez, has been awarded two prestigious Medals of Valor during his career.  The first was awarded in 1985 for his actions during a hostage rescue, and the second was for his actions during the North Hollywood Bank of America Shootout.  Sergeant Gomez is the last of three SWAT officers who directly engaged in a close-combat gun battle with suspect Emil Matasareanu.  

Images of the violent encounter were forever captured as a news helicopter covered the drama live from above.  Sergeant Gomez and his two SWAT partners engaged the suspect from less than 20 feet away with their only protection being a police car between them and the suspect’s AK-47 automatic rifle.  Their heroism embodied all that a police officer strives to be.

As part of today’s observance, Sergeant Gomez formally passed his badge to his successor.  He also placed a wreath on the memorial for fallen SWAT Officers Robert Cottle and Randy Simmons as a tribute to the bravery and dedication of all SWAT officers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Department, the City of Los Angeles and their country.

Joining Gomez today at his farewell ceremony were Chief Charlie Beck and numerous Department personnel, along with family members who included Gomez’ wife of 32 years, Jeri, his son Matthew with his wife Adriana, and his daughter Jamie.  Gomez also has a son, Steve, who was unable to attend because he is currently serving in the United States Navy.

Hot Prowl Robbery in Alexandria Hotel

Los Angeles:  LAPD detectives released video today of a man wanted in an early-morning robbery at the Alexandria Hotel located at 501 South Spring Street.

“This man startled a married couple out of their sleep as he stood over them with a knife,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division.  “The suspect stole cash, laptops, and ATM cards, which he used to withdraw cash later.”

Around 4 a.m. on September 21, a Black man, wearing a light polo shirt, burst into a room at the Alexandria Hotel where a married couple was sleeping.  Seeing the knife, the victims agreed to cooperate with the suspect, which included giving him their PINs to ATM cards.

Surveillance cameras in the hotel captured the suspect’s image walking through the garage and up a stairway in the hotel.

“Most burglars go out of their way to avoid confrontation,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “This suspect was not afraid of running into his victims, and perhaps, intended to all along.  That makes him more dangerous.”

Police use the term “hot prowl” to describe a burglary in which the suspect enters with a resident present.  Hot prowls occur less often than traditional burglaries, but they raise the level of concern and the threat of violence.

“It’s possible the suspect lives in the hotel himself, or in the neighborhood,” Lt. Vernon added.  “We hope someone will recognize him so we can arrest him before he hurts someone.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Alfredo Rasch, Central Robbery Unit, at 213-972-1245. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org by clicking on “webtips” and following the prompts.

Critical Mass Bike Ride and The LAPD

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Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department supports and encourages responsible cycling as well as cyclists’ right to fair and equitable use of the roadways.  The Department is also committed to protecting cyclist’s 1st amendment right to call attention to issues affecting their community.
In keeping with the Department’s mission and in response to the cycling community’s calls for police involvement and participation, the LAPD will be present at the next Los Angeles Critical Mass ride scheduled for September 24, 2010.

Critical Mass attracts hundreds, and at times, thousands of cyclists.  People come together for a variety of reasons:  To assert their right to cleaner air, less congestion, safer roads, more infrastructure, as well as celebrating riding in solidarity with others.   

However, there are some that use Critical Mass as an opportunity to commit illegal and dangerous activities, which are counterproductive to the intended message of Critical Mass and generate many community complaints.  
The LAPD wants to ensure responsible cyclists who participate in Critical Mass that the Department will be there to support the riders and the underlying message of Critical Mass.

LAPD officers will be present to ensure the safety of all those who lawfully participate and will take enforcement action against those who violate the law or the vehicle code.  

The LAPD’s position is “Follow the Ride, Follow the Law.”

Those coming to Critical Mass and engage in any of the following activity who cast the event in a negative light, will be subject to citation or arrest:

• Vandalism
• Thefts
• Assaults
• Criminal Threats
• Drinking in Public
• Smoking/using illicit substances
• Driving/Riding under the influence
• Running red lights/Stop sign
• Crossing the center line or riding against traffic
• Participants under the age of 18 must wear a helmet
• Participants should have necessary lighting equipment
• All bikes must have brakes or otherwise comply with the braking requirements
  

The LAPD says come and ride Critical Mass responsibly. We will see you there!!!

For further information, please call LAPD Bicycle Liaison, Sergeant David Krumer at 213-486-6059.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Teen Points Gun at Undercover Officers

North Hollywood:  Undercover LAPD narcotics officers shot and wounded a 16-year-old teen who pulled a gun on them during a drug investigation yesterday evening in North Hollywood.

The incident happened around 6:40 p.m. near Saticoy Street and Morella Avenue when plainclothes officers were conducting narcotics enforcement in the area.  Investigators said that when officers spotted the teen and attempted to talk to him, he pulled out a semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the officers.  The officers then shot the teen, who fell to the ground. A loaded handgun was recovered at the scene.

The suspect was rushed to a local hospital where he has been listed in critical condition.  He was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.  No officers were injured, and the LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is investigating the officer involved shooting.

Notes from the September 21, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President John Mack attended the 25 year pin ceremony held in the PAB Auditorium honoring employees who have served at least 25 years in civil service. President Mack remarked at the tremendous commitment and dedication of the employees honored and thanked them for their service.

•    Police Commission Vice-President Alan Skobin thanked the University of Southern California doctors and staff for their professionalism and attention to detail in finding Melanoma during a recent screening.  He also stressed the importance of screening oneself for those types of illnesses. 

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board he attended two demonstrations regarding the recent Rampart Area officer involved shooting over the weekend and both were very peaceful and were without incident.  He added the outreach Central Bureau has done is paying off.  Chief Beck also attended the Central American Parade which he said was a wonderful event. 

•    The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Mission Area was given by Captain William Scott and C-PAB Co-Chair Ms. Betty Ley.  Captain Scott informed the Board there are currently 27 active members of the Mission Area C-PAB with more than 100 block watchers.  Some of the goals of the C-PAB are to increase collaboration with neighborhood watch, get more teens involved and to work with neighborhood councils.  They currently are working on an Officer Appreciation Day set for October and the first Neighborhood Watch Summit tentatively set for March of 2011.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated September 15, 2011, relative to recommendation of qualified vendor to provide official police garage heavy duty towing & storage services in South Bureau in response to RFP 07-980-003, was approved and transmitted to City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 8, 2010, relative to professional services agreement with Oak Tree Gun Club for rifle range services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 16, 2010, relative to transmittal of the grant application for the Driving Under the Influence Enforcement and Awareness Program (DEAP) Grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 21, 2010, relative to destruction of obsolete duplicate records, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics August 21, 2024


VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                              208*                233           -10.7%
Rape                                     541                 612          -11.6%
Robbery                               7930               8811           -10.0%
Agg Assaults **                     6803               7933          -14.2%
Total Violent Crimes           15482             17589         -12.0%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                11964            13004          -8.0%
BTFV                                    19912            20581          -3.3%
Personal/Other Theft            18643            20045          -7.0%
Auto Theft                            11962            13008          -8.0%
Total Property Crimes       62,481         66,638          -6.2%
Total Part I Crimes            77,963         84,227          -7.4%

* 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

Woman Arrested After a Fatal Collision

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) South Traffic detectives are asking for the public’s help with providing any information about a traffic collision that occurred in South Los Angeles resulting in the deaths of two people.

On September 18, 2010, at around 2:55 p.m. LAPD South Traffic Division officers responded to a traffic collision call at Western Avenue and 77th Street.  When the officers arrived they discovered two cars that appeared to have collided with each other.  Inside of the first car were a female driver and four passengers who were suffering from injuries.  Two of the passengers in the car were unresponsive.  Inside of the other car was a man, also suffering from his injuries.

L.A. City Fire personnel responded and transported all of the injured parties to a nearby hospital.  The two unresponsive passengers in the Cadillac, 21-year-old Semaj Mcknight and 26-year-old Jessie Jackson, were pronounced dead at the hospital.  The others that were involved are in stable condition.   Both Mcknight and Jackson were Los Angeles residents.  

South Traffic Division detectives’ investigation revealed that 20-year-old Los Angeles resident Tamesha Bingham was driving north bound on Western Avenue in a dark-colored 2003 Cadillac CTS with four passengers at a high rate of speed.  As the car approached 77th Street it crossed over the center divider into the opposite lane of traffic.  She crashed head-on into a man driving a 2008 Honda Accord who was traveling southbound on Western Avenue.  Bingham lost control of her car and it came to rest on private property.   Further investigation revealed that Bingham was under the influence of an intoxicant.  She was arrested and booked for Felony D.U.I Manslaughter (191 P.C.).

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call LAPD South Traffic Division Officer Rubin Mendoza at 323-290-4098.   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.

Woman Shot and Killed By Passing Vehicle

Los Angeles.  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Newton Homicide Detectives are searching for suspects who shot and killed a 23-year-old woman in a parked car.

On July 27, 2010, at around 9 p.m., 23-year-old Shaquana Watson, was shot and killed in the 5300 block of South Broadway.  She was a passenger in a car that was parked at the curb when she was struck by gunfire that came from a passing white van.  The suspects drove by the location and were shooting at several male, African-Americans who were walking on the sidewalk directly behind where Watson’s car was parked.

No other persons were hit by the gunfire and the suspects drove north on Broadway.  The driver of the car that Watson was sitting in drove her to the area of 50th Street and Flower Street.  Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Watson to a local hospital where she died from her injuries.

The suspects are described as male, Hispanics and are still outstanding.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Newton Homicide Detective Richard Arciniega or Julio Benavides at 323-846-6556.  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.