LAPD Blog

College Student Missing

UPDATE
July 21, 2024

Missing person Ashley Barraza heard she was on the news and contacted her mother. She is safe and reunited with her family.

 

Los Angeles:  The family of Ashley Barraza and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in finding Ashley.

On Monday July18th, 2011 at around 6:30 a.m., Ashley was dropped off at the Carl’s Jr near East Los Angeles (LA) City College by a family member. Ashley is a resident of the Southwest Area of Los Angeles and a student at East LA City College, but never made it her summer college classes on July 18th 2011.  

Family members have told detectives that Ashley recently met a man online who is a student at another local college. The man was interviewed and told detectives that he met up with Ashley on Monday July 18, 2024 at around 7 a.m. at the Carl’s Jr. The two are alleged to have spent the day together before the man drove Ashley to Garvey Avenue and Garfield Avenue in Monterey Park and dropped her off at an unknown friend’s house. The man was driving a red 1995 Honda Civic, two door, license plate 3MRC318.

Ashley is an 18-year-old female Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and approximately 190 pounds.  She was last seen wearing a black T- shirt, blue jean shorts, black tennis shoes and was carrying a green backpack.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ashley Barraza is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit, Detective Kristin Merrill at 213-996-1800.  During non-business hours or 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 key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Newton Officers save Woman from Man Armed with Knife

Los Angeles: This morning, just after 8:00 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol officers from Newton Area saved a woman who was being attacked by a suspect armed with a knife.

On July 20, 2011, just after 8:00 a.m., Newton Area Officers responded to a radio call of a Robbery in Progress in the 3400 block of Broadway.   When they arrived, they saw a warehouse type building that was locked in the front by a large padlock.  The officers heard screams coming from inside the building and were able to remove the iron grid covering the door to enter the building.

As the officers stepped inside the building, they heard the screaming coming from a room to their left.  The officers attempted to enter the room but it was locked.  The officers called to the suspect and told him come out of the room.  The suspect told the officers he would kill them if they came into the room.  Fearing for the safety of the woman, the officers kicked a hole in the door, reached in and unlocked it. At this point they saw the suspect, described as a male white in his mid 40s, and a woman, later identified as Melanie Alvarado, a 49 year-old, female white, hidden behind a pillar.   An officer, seeing that Alvarado appeared to be trapped by the suspect, drew his weapon and stepped in the room.  Once inside the room the officer could see that Alvarado was being held with a knife to her throat and bleeding profusely from the face and neck.  The suspect, released the woman, and then charged in a threatening manner pointing the knife toward the officer.  At this point, the officer fired multiple rounds at the suspect, striking him in the upper torso.

The suspect went down to the ground and was immediately taken into custody.  The woman was removed from the room and taken from the building.  

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.    The woman was transported to a local area hospital where she was admitted for her injuries.  The woman is listed in stable condition.  

No officers were injured in the incident.  A serrated folding knife was recovered at the scene.

LAPD Newton Area detectives are investigating the initial crime 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 Newton Area Detectives at 323-846-5363. 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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 July 19, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Chief Charlie Beck thanked and congratulated organizers of the recent 405 Freeway shutdown.  He said it went as well as can possibly go and added the efforts of the individuals involved transcended all levels of government.

• The verbal presentation from the General Manager, Personnel Department relative to the timeline for selection of Inspector General was given by Ms. Gloria Sosa.  Ms. Sosa informed the Board the position will be open for filing from July 21 – August 19 and will be posted online on the City and other attorney websites.  She added they would begin scheduling interviews August 29 for the week of September 5.  Ms. Sosa finished by saying they should have a new Inspector General chosen by September 12.

• The Department’s report, dated July 6, 2011, relative to transmittal of the Los Angeles County fiscal year 2011-12 Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Program Grant, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated July 6, 2011, relative to the proposed addition to council approved records retention schedule PDX 62, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

• The Department’s report, dated July 1, 2011, relative to the Inmate Welfare Fund 2010 annual expenditure report, was approved and transmitted to City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated June 29, 2011, relative to confidential financial disclosure inspection, as given by Police Auditor Randy Khatami, was approved.  Mr. Khatami said there were no issues to date with the financial disclosure process.  He added he is constantly updating information and currently has 785 financial disclosures on file.

• The Department’s report, dated June 27, 2011, relative to Gang Enforcement Detail/Community Law Enforcement and Recovery Program – Selection Criteria Audit (IAID No. 11-021), was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated July 6, 2011, relative to 2011 K-9 platoon procedures and guidelines handbook, was continued.

• The Department’s report, dated June 27, 2011, relative to Detective Support and Vice Division Animal Cruelty Unit Inspection (IAID No. 11-037), was given by Lieutenant Bert Mora.  Lieutenant Mora said six objectives were reviewed and 50% of the findings were moderate to high risk.  Captain Ann Young, who oversees the unit, said the audit revealed areas where the unit could improve and vowed to improve its status.

• The Departments report, dated June 23, 2011, relative to Detective Support and Vice Division Mental Evaluation Unit Assessment (IAID No. 11-037), was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated June 28, 2011, relative to Digital In-Car Video System Audit (IAID No. 11-158), was given by Deputy Chief Patrick Gannon.  Chief Gannon said 100% of officers in South Bureau have been trained on using the system and any new officers who transfer into the bureau cannot work the field until they are trained.  He added each Area has two officers who monitor in-car video each day.

• The Department’s report, dated June 30 2011, relative to the Sexual Orientation Non-discrimination Inspection (IAID No. 11-060), was continued.

• The Department’s report, dated June 27, 2011, relative to the vehicle pursuit management inspection (IAID No. 11-066) was continued.

• The Department’s report, dated June 27, 2011, relative to Detective Support and Vice Operations Inspection (IAID No. 11-037) was continued.

• The Department’s report, dated June 29, 2011, relative to the Department-Wide Training Content Inspection, was continued.

• The Department’s report, dated June 29, 2011, relative to due date extension request for complaint, form 1.28, investigations audit, fourth quarter, fiscal year 2010/2011 (IAID No. 11-017) was received and filed.

Missing Person Lauren Keefe

UPDATE
July 19, 2024

Last night, missing person Lauren Keefe, in need of medical attention, was located by her father and sister at a friend’s apartment in West Los Angeles.  Her father took her to a local hospital for treatment.

Los Angeles:  The family of Lauren Keefe and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in locating her.

Keefe was last seen on July 15, 2011, at about 3:00 p.m., in the 1600 block of Durango Avenue in West Los Angeles. She may have also recently been in the North Hollywood area near the 10900 block of Fruitland Drive and near Oxnard Boulevard and Bonner Street.

Her family is very concerned for her welfare as she has never had an unexplained disappearance before. Keefe also suffers from a medical condition that may require medication.

Keefe is a 20-year-old White woman with brown hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs approximately 110 pounds, has a thin build, and tan complexion.  She was last seen wearing a red shirt, tan shorts and tan boots.   

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Lauren Keefe is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit, Detective Marla Ciuffetelli at (213) 996-1800.  During non-business hours or 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 key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Missing person’s family will handle all press contacts and can provide more photos if needed.  For additional information, please call Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910.

Foothill Officers Respond to a Domestic Violence Call; Armed Suspect Shot by Officers

Los Angeles: Last night, just before 5:00 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol officers from Foothill Area shot and killed a suspect armed with a handgun.

On July 18, 2011, just about 5:00 p.m., Foothill Area Officers responded to a radio call of a man with a gun, possible Domestic Violence, at 10461 Ilex Avenue.  While on their way to the call, the officers saw the possible suspect seated with a female next to brick fence, a few houses south of the radio call at 13000 block of Terra Bella Street.  The officers believed it was the described suspect from the radio call.  The officers stopped, got out of their car and approached on foot.  They gave several commands to the suspect, later identified as Jose Torres who was seated next to his estranged wife.

As the officers came closer to Torres, he placed his arm around his wife and produced a semi-automatic handgun which he proceeded to put against her head and body.  All of the officers surrounded Torres and gave several commands to drop his gun.  Torres ignored the officers.  When Torres moved the gun towards his wife once again in a threatening manner, two officers fired multiple shots, striking Torres.  Torres was struck multiple times in his torso and slumped forward to the ground.  The other officers immediately moved forward and pulled his wife to safety as Torres was taken into custody.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced Torres dead at the scene. Torres’ wife did not sustain any serious injuries as a result of this incident.

No officers were injured in the incident.   Three occupants were removed from the residence uninjured. A loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene.

LAPD Foothill Area detectives are investigating the initial crime and LAPD Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating the officer involved shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Foothill Area Detectives at 818-834-3115. 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.

17-year-old Arrested in Smash+Grab Robbery, More Suspects on Video

 Los Angeles.  Los Angeles detectives arrested a 17-year-old man from South Los Angeles after he was identified in surveillance footage as the suspect wielding the hammer to smash a jewelry case and steal gold chains, along with at least three other accomplices.

“We want to put an end to this spree of smash+grabs,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division.  “We’ve had six similar robberies along Broadway, downtown, since June 21, 2011.”

According to detectives, none of the six robberies are the same suspects, but they all appear to be crews of robbers from South Los Angeles gangs.  “We saw a similar pattern this time last year,” Lt. Vernon said.  “We made a number of arrests then and the activity stopped.”

Detectives have arrested the suspect seen wielding the hammer in the video at the Guadalajara Jewelry Plaza robbery on July 12, 2011.  Witnesses wrote down the license plate of a black BMW.  Detectives later found it and arrested the 17-year-old inside.  They also found a cloth bag containing hammers in the car.  The subject’s parents identified him in the video as the suspect with the hammer.

According to detectives and crime analysts, the smash+grab robberies are region-wide.  “With the price of gold now at $1,600 an ounce, gang members have seen the benefit in taking the risk,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “We’ve been in contact with a half dozen other agencies from Riverside to Ventura counties that have experienced similar robberies by the same type of suspects:  groups of 4 to 5 Black gang members, between 17 and 30 years old.”

Since June 21, detectives have made nine arrests among 3 of the 6 robberies, and they have foiled robberies by detaining suspects seen casing Broadway stores.  In one case, July 6, detectives arrested 4  suspects.  “We were able to show a conspiracy to commit robbery among 4 men after officers saw them casing stores.”

Police hope that releasing the video will do two things:  “First we want to tell the suspects we will catch you, so don’t try it; second, we want the public to help us identify more of the guys who have already committed the deed,” Lt. Vernon said.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Central Detectives 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, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Video is also available for viewing at Central Police station and will be uploaded to internet.

Graduation Ceremony

Click for podcast:  Part 1   /   Part 2   /   Part 3

Los Angeles:  Friday, July 15, 2025 – After completing a challenging and rigorous 920 hours of training over a grueling 24 weeks, Class 1-11 had their graduation ceremony this morning at the Los Angeles Police Academy.  Chief Charlie Beck, joined by representatives from the Mayor’s Office of the City of Los Angeles and LAPD Board of Commissioners, welcomed to the LAPD family the 43 new police officers.

Chief Beck tells the new officers they represent the law, constitution, and the Los Angeles Police Department, and as Chief he demands they morally and legally do the right thing. For the full address, please lick on the link below.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics July 16, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2011**           2010**          % Chg

Homicide                              156*                174         -10.3%
Rape                                     359                 433        -17.1%
Robbery                               5372               5991        -10.3%
Agg Assaults **                     4815               5180         -7.0%
Total Violent Crimes            10702             11778         9-.1%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 8805             9173          -4.0%
BTFV                                    13630           15548        -12.3%
Personal/Other Theft            14146           14610          -3.2%
Auto Theft                             8330             9227         -9.7%
Total Property Crimes        44,911         43,558        -7.5%
Total Part I Crimes            55,613         60,336        -7.8%

* 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

Baby Killed Two Injured in a Traffic Collision

Los Angeles:  A baby was killed and two others injured when a driver loses control of his car in Central Los Angeles.

On July 14, 2011, at around 9:20 p.m., a 22-year-old man driving a 2002 Cadillac Deville was attempting to park southbound on Spring Street, just south of 4th Street, when he drove up onto the sidewalk hitting three people.  One of the victims was a 7 week-old named Marcello Vasquez of Montebello, the second victim was a 27-year-old woman, and the third was a 25-year-old man.  Vasquez was thrown from a stroller due to the force of the impact.  LAFD rescue ambulance responded and transported the newborn to LAC USC Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.  The adult victims were transported to another local hospital and treated for minor injuries.  Detectives say that the driver was unlicensed and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Central Traffic Division, Detective Felix Padillia at 213-972-1851. During non-business hours or 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 key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Los Angeles Unified Command Tips Hat to Our Communities

Los Angeles:  Public Safety attributes success of weekend freeway closure to the voluntary cooperation of the public.

The complete closure of the busiest freeway in the Nation presented a significant challenge for the City of Los Angeles.  The traffic experts from Caltrans and Metro were projecting 28 mile traffic jams and gridlock throughout the impacted area.  The unprecedented 10 mile closure of the 405 Freeway seemed a daunting task for the public safety community.  The question of how to divert nearly 350 thousand vehicles away from the 405 Freeway was the question.  The answer was clear but seemed highly unlikely, just ask the public to Avoid the Area.

The highly publicized; “Carmageddon” actually turned out to be “Carmaheaven” for those involved with public safety.  Thanks in part, to a very successful messaging campaign and comprehensive public outreach plan, the anticipated traffic nightmares were non-existent.  The creative use of social networking and the 405 Freeway Expansion Project, allowed the entire community to plan ahead, avoid the area or just stay home.  We would like to say thank you to the Los Angeles community for their participation in the weekend events, mainly, for their alternative planning and commitment to stay off the roads.