LAPD Blog

Canines Added to LAX

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On Thursday May 12, 2025 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa along with Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck, Councilmember Janice Hahn and Los Angeles World Airport Chief George Centeno held a news conference regarding new canines that will be added to the Los Angeles International Airport’s security to detect persons carrying explosives.

The canines joined the force after Mayor Villaraigosa directed the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles World Airport Police to conduct a security review of LAX.  The Mayor wanted to be consistent with the President’s direction to “aggressively pursue enhanced screening technology, protocols, and procedures” in the aviation sector following the failed 2009 Christmas Day terrorist attack.

 

The news conference was held at Los Angeles International Airport, Tom Bradley International Terminal.

 

18th Annual TOP COPS Awards LAPD Officers Recognized for Bravery

Washington, D.C.:  The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) President Thomas J. Nee and Executive Director William J. Johnson recently announced NAPO’s list of winners and honorable mentions for the 18th Annual TOP COPS Awards®.  

NAPO has announced that the Los Angeles Police Department has been recognized with four  personnel chosen to receive the award:

Police Officer II Gilberto Rendon, Jr.
Police Officer II Richard Garcia
Sergeant Greg Garcia
Sergeant John D. Shah

Each year since 1994, NAPO has presented the TOP COPS Awards® Ceremony to help educate the American public about our nation’s heroes and to pay tribute to law enforcement officers in federal, state, county, and local agencies from across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty during the preceding year.  All TOP COPS® are nominated by fellow officers through an independent selection committee of national law enforcement representatives.  Prospective recipients are selected from hundreds of nominations that include one TOP COP® case from each of the 50 States and U.S. territories.  Officers from the top ten cases are then  selected as the 2011 TOP COPS®.  In each remaining state, one case has been selected for which an officer will receive an Honorable Mention award.  (Please see attached list of winners).

“The TOP COPS Awards® provide an opportunity for all of us to recognize some of the brave men and women in America’s law enforcement community who selflessly put their lives on the line day in and day out” said Johnson.  “Law enforcement officers care deeply about citizens and communities they serve, and this honor is one way of letting them know their contributions are not taken for granted.”

The 18th Annual TOP COPS Awards® ceremony will be held at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2011.

The Master of Ceremonies for the 2011 TOP COPS Awards® is John Walsh, host of FOX’s America’s Most Wanted.  Many celebrities from NBC’s hit programs Law and Order, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and CBS’s NCIS, Cold Case and CSI: Miami as well as NFL Hall-of-Famer John Riggins, will serve as award presenters.  In past years, civic leaders including the President and Vice President as well as the Attorney General of the United States have helped honor these brave men and women by attending and speaking at the ceremony.

All proceeds from the TOP COPS Awards® benefit the Police Research and Education Project (PREP), Napo’s 501(c)(3) sister organization, which promotes the well-being of officers and their families and educates and informs the public about the role of law enforcement in a democratic society.

NAPO is a coalition of more than 1,000 police units and associations representing 241,000 rank and file law enforcement officers from across the United States.  For more than 30 years, NAPO has been instrumental in the passage of many important laws protecting citizens and police officers.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Some TOP COPS® and Honorable Mention honorees will be available for print and broadcast interviews prior to the ceremony on Thursday, May 12, 2011. Please contact Elizabeth Loranger at eloranger@napo.org or 703-549-0775.

Multiple Suspects Arrested for Killing and Injuring Hollywood Partygoers

On April 17, 2011, at around 3:12 a.m., 22-year-old Lorenzo Smith was at a party in the1600 block of North La Brea Avenue, when known gang members began to argue and confront Smith.  During the challenge, multiple suspects drew several guns and fired numerous times. The suspects’ gunfire killed Lorenzo Smith and seriously wounded another man.

Throughout the investigation, LAPD’s homicide detectives from Hollywood Division worked closely with LAPD gang and narcotics officers, gang deputies from the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Probation Office and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.  

The multi-agency investigation led public safety officials to serve 11 search warrants and fourteen parole/
Probation compliance checks in Compton and Long Beach.  On May 5, 2011, the Search Warrant and Parole/Probation checks were conducted leading to eight arrests and the recovery of evidence related to the Smith’s murder.     

Through the comprehensive and thorough investigation, the following suspects were arrested for killing Lorenzo Smith and for seriously injuring another man:

•    Glen Wagner, a 26-year-old man from Compton, charged with Murder, Mayhem and  Personal Use of a Firearm. A Gang Allegation Enhancement has also been added.

•    Miguel Estrada, a 21-year-old man from Compton, Charged with Accessory to Murder and Personal Use of a Firearm.  A Gang Allegation Enhancement has also been added.

•    Brittnay Jackson, a 23-year old female from Compton, Charged with Accessory to Murder and Personal Use of a Firearm. A Gang Allegation Enhancement has also been added.

In addition, detectives are looking for two additional suspects, Paul "Smiley" Benoit and Kevin "Killa" White.  Attached are photos of the suspects arrested for the murder of Lorenzo Smith and the outstanding suspects.  


Suspects Arrested for the Murder of Alonzo Smith

 

 

 

 

 

Glen                                   Miguel
Wagner                             Estrada

 

  


    
                        

       
Brittnay
Jackson


Outstanding Suspects

Paul                            Kevin
Benoit                        White

Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to call Hollywood Division Detectives Chris Gable or Brett Goodkin at (213) 972-2912.  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.

Notes from the May 10, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board that last week the Department held its annual Memorial Ceremony in front of the Police Administration Building to recognize the sacrifice of the 204 Los Angeles police officers killed in the line of duty.  He said it was a wonderful ceremony which was well attended.  Chief Beck added the Department held its 3rd Annual Gun Buyback on Saturday which netted more than 2000 weapons including 91 assault rifles.  The Chief said the City is safer as a result. 

•    The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Central Area was given by Captain Todd Chamberlain.  Captain Chamberlain said the Central Area C-PAB currently has 40 members which represent a diverse portion of the area.  He said the goals increase the community relationship with C-PAB, establish new relationships, develop a youth internship program and to develop a C-PAB specific Nixle system.  The Central area C-PAB currently meets on Tuesdays of each month.

•    The Department’s report, dated October 29, 2024 and Inspector General’s report, dated May 2, 2011, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section quarterly report, third quarter 2010, was given by Inspector General Nicole Bershon and Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  Ms. Bershon stated her office reviewed 20 complaint intake audits and 15 integrity audits. She reviewed all aspects and found all but two cases to be completed thoroughly and up to standards.  Ms. Bershon had issues with the recommendation for outcome on two of the complaints. Deputy Chief Perez, after reviewing the cases in questions, agreed with Ms. Bershon’s assessment and said he would go back and reconsider the recommendation for outcome.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 27, 2011, relative to pre-interview disclosure in complaint investigations was continued for one week.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 25, 2011, relative to response to the firearms inventory tracking audit (AD No. 08-095) was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 29, 2011, relative to categorical use of force systems audit – third quarter FY 2010/11 (IAID No. 11-021) was given by Police Auditor Jeff Phillips.  Mr. Phillips informed the Board the results of the audit were positive.  He said the only discrepancy was there was no log at RACR division which indicated if the Chief of Police had been notified of the incidents in question in a timely manner.  Department policy calls for the notification to be made as soon as possible and no more than 20 minutes after the incident occurred.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 3, 2011, relative to the Office of the Inspector General’s non-categorical use of force audit, dated December 16, 2010, was received and filed.
•    The Department’s report, dated May 4, 2011, relative to reclassification of low-risk categorical use of force in-custody death investigations to death investigations was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 29, 2011, relative to supplemental agreement to the professional services agreement C-114477 with King Van & Storage Inc. for moving and relocations services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 26, 2011, relative to supplemental agreement to professional services agreement No. C-103981-3 with Motorola, Incorporated, for upgrading the Voice Radio Switch and 9-1-1 customer premises equipment systems of the new dual dispatch centers, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

Olympic Officers Respond to an Assault-with-a-Deadly-Weapon Call Suspect Shot by Officer

Los Angeles:  On May 9, 2011, around 1:20 p.m., LAPD officers working patrol in the Olympic Area responded to an “ADW in Progress-Ambulance Cutting” radio call in the 1500 block of South Arapahoe Street in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles.  When officers arrived they were met by 85 year-old, Maria Gonzalez who was screaming for help and suffering from an injury to her hand.
 
Ms. Gonzalez told officers that her grandson, 36-year old Hector Hernandez, walked into his mother, 60 year old Blanca Hernandez’s bedroom unannounced and cut her throat.  As he left the bedroom, he cut and injured his grandmother's hand.  Ms. Gonzalez then ran downstairs and out the front door desperate for help.  

Officers entered the home to rescue the suspect’s mother and found her inside her bedroom, unresponsive and suffering from multiple stab wounds. They moved Hernandez outside in an effort to treat her.  A search of the home revealed the suspect was not inside.  As officers began searching the backyard they heard a scream coming from a rear guest house.  The officers were suddenly confronted by the suspect who had slashed his own throat and was bleeding. He charged at the four officers, each of whom shot at Hernandez one time, striking him in the abdomen and chest. The officers took the suspect into custody and immediately called for medical assistance. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
LAFD medical personnel who responded to the location also pronounced Blanca Hernandez dead at the scene.

Ms. Gonzalez, the suspect's grandmother was transported to a local area hospital where she was treated for minor injuries.

LAPD Olympic Area detectives are handling the investigation into the initial Homicide and LAPD Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating the officer involved shooting.  The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s use of force policy which states that an officer’s use of force actions must be objectively reasonable.  Additionally the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the Officer Involved Shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Olympic Area Detectives at 213-382-9381. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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.

Dead Body of Woman Found in South L.A. Alley

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Criminal Gang/Homicide Division Investigators are asking for the public’s help in their investigation of a 41-year-old woman found dead in South Los Angeles.

On April 15, 2010, around 3:35 a.m., Tina Marie Sanchez was discovered in the east-west alley south of 73rd Street, east of Crenshaw Boulevard by a community member.  According to detectives, she was shot in the head at an unknown location and her body was dumped in the alley.  

Investigators are seeking the public’s help with identifying a male Black, in his thirties or early forties, driving a white 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport-Trac.   

On May 10, 2011, a representative from Los Angeles City councilmember Bernard Parks office, stood with the LAPD to announce a $50,000 reward motion for information that would lead to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the shooting dead of Tina Marie Sanchez.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call 77th Division Criminal Gang/ Homicide detectives at 213-485-1383.  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 Gunned Down on Sunset Boulevard

Los Angeles:  On May 7, 2011, at around 12:30 a.m., a man running from suspects on Sunset Boulevard was gunned down in the street.

The shooting victim was Michael David, a White, 30-year-old resident of Echo Park.  According to witnesses, he was confronted by three suspects on the south side of Sunset Boulevard near Echo Park Street.  One of the suspects was yelling at David very loudly, although witnesses were unable to determine what the suspect was saying.  After a few seconds, David ran northbound across Sunset Boulevard and was chased by the three suspects.  One of the suspects could not keep up and fell behind.  

The victim proceeded to run about one block heading west on the north side of Sunset Boulevard as the suspects chased him. He then went south into the roadway on the boulevard when one of the suspects fired a shot at him from a short distance away.  Immediately after shooting him, the two suspects ran away on foot, heading east on Sunset Boulevard.  David fell as soon as he was shot but stood up and continued walking toward the intersection of Logan Street and Sunset Boulevard where he collapsed.  Michael David was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, but died around 7:42 a.m.

Detectives are still investigating the motive for the shooting. The three suspects are described only as Hispanic males in their early 20s.

Detectives from LAPD’s Rampart Division are investigating the incident and asking for the public’s help to provide more information about the location and identity of the suspects.   Anyone with information is asked to call Detectives Arteaga or Linscomb at 213-484-3639 or 213-484-3642, respectively.  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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.


 

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics May 1, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2011**           2010**          % Chg

Homicide                                98*                110          -10.9%
Rape                                     230                 269          -14.5%
Robbery                               3394               3923          -13.5%
Agg Assaults **                     2998               3236           -7.4%
Total Violent Crimes             6720              7538          -10.9%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 5562             5910           -5.9%
BTFV                                      8775            10382         -15.5%
Personal/Other Theft             8758             9338           -6.2%
Auto Theft                             5113             6172         -17.2%
Total Property Crimes       28,208         31,802         -11.3%
Total Part I Crimes            34,928         39,340         -11.2%

* 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

Man Found Shot to Death

Los Angeles:  A 30-year-old man was found shot to death in front of his apartment early yesterday morning.

On May 8, 2011, at about 6:10 a.m., officers from Wilshire Division were called to the 5600 block of Packard Street to investigate a call concerning an assault with a deadly weapon.  When they arrived, they found Los Angeles resident Gabriel Ben-Meir unresponsive and lying on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound.
 
Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the victim dead at scene.

Detectives believe he was shot some time between midnight Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday.  Investigators are still trying to identify suspects and determine a motive for the shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Wilshire Homicide Detectives Paul Funicello or John Jamison 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 at 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.

Teacher Arrested for Having Sex with Student Suspect Had Been Seeing the Victim since Last Year

Los Angeles: Today, Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Area detectives arrested 29-year-old Gazi Kabir, a history teacher at Van Nuys’ Montclair College Preparatory School, for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl.  Kabir conducted the relationship by periodically going to the victim’s home for sexual activity when she was alone.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify any additional victims or witnesses regarding this or similarly inappropriate relationships Kabir may have conducted.  Anyone with such information should call Van Nuys Area detectives at 818-374-0040. 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.