LAPD Blog

Memorial Service for First Female Officer killed in the Line of Duty Officer Tina F. Zapata Kerbrat

Los Angeles:  Today, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Women’s Running Team, held a special memorial ceremony for slain Officer Tina F. Zapata Kerbrat who was killed twenty years ago today.

On February 11, 1991, only four months after graduating from the Police Academy, Kerbrat was the first female LAPD officer to die in the line of duty.  Kerbrat was on patrol with her partner in the North Hollywood Division.  While on patrol the officers pulled to the curb to conduct an investigation of two men who appeared to be drinking from an open beer can.  As Kerbrat was preparing to get out of the car, the armed suspect charged the car and fired severalshots into the car killing her instantly.  Kerbrat’s partner was able to return fire, killing the suspect.  Kerbrat, left behind her husband Tim and two small children, Craig six and Nicole three.

To honor her life and legacy, the LAPD Women’s Running Team–Team Tina Kerbrat, will run the 27th Annual Baker to Vegas 120 mile relay race in her memory.  The team consists of 25 female police officers. Their goal is to break a twenty year record of 15 hours 35 minutes and 50 seconds.

Joining Team Tina Kerbrat today at the memorial ceremony were Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese,numerous Department personnel, and Kerbrat’s widower Tim and her son, Craig. Kerbrat’s daughter Nicole lives out of state and was unable to attend the service.

Man Shot While Crossing Street

UPDATE
Feb. 15, 2010

At a news conference today, City officials announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the identity, arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for killing Herbert Eugene Seymour Jr.  Eighth District Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks is sponsoring the reward. Along with Parks, others attending the news conference included LAPD commanding officers and detectives, the victim’s family members and business colleagues from Best Buy where Seymour was employed.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in Identifying a suspect who shot a man in the back while he was crossing the street eastbound on 105th Street at Western Avenue.

Yesterday at about 10:40 p.m., 31-year-old Herbert Eugene Seymour Jr. was walking home from a nearby liquor store when a suspect approached him from behind and shot him several times for no apparent reason.  Seymour collapsed in the middle of the street, and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel who arrived at the scene pronounced him dead shortly before 11 p.m.

After the shooting, the suspect, who left the area on foot and headed north on Western Avenue towards 104th Street, has been described as a Black male in his late teens to early 20s.  The motive for the killing is unknown, and the suspect’s and weapon is currently outstanding.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 77th Criminal Gang and Homicide Division Detectives Eric Crosson or Sam Arnold at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting the 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 can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts

LAUSD Teacher Arrested for Distribution of Child Pornography Detectives Seek Possible Additional Victims

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying possible sexual abuse victims of Bradley Ratcliff, a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Teacher.

On February 2, 2011, the LAPD Juvenile Division’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit personnel arrested Ratcliff for Distribution of Child Pornography.  Ratcliff is currently the Dean of Discipline and Athletic Director at West Adams Preparatory High School in Los Angeles.  Ratcliff was also the former head varsity football coach for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

A search warrant was served at Ratcliff’s residence, which is also where Ratcliff was arrested. Ratcliff was in possession of numerous child pornography images and videos containing male victims.

At this time, LAPD investigators do not have any evidence that the images/videos Ratcliff was in possession of are of current or former students.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this suspect or the existence of additional victims are asked to contact LAPD ICAC detectives at 562-624-4027.  During non-business hours, please call 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may contact Crimestoppers by texting the 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 Robbed by Two Suspects

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Newton Area robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information that would lead to the arrest of two suspects responsible for robbing and shooting a 30-year-old woman.

On January 12, 2011, at around 8:10 a.m. a woman was walking to her vehicle in the area of 47th and Main Streets when two suspects in a car stopped next to her.  The first suspect, who was a passenger in the car, demanded her car keys.  As she tried to walk quickly to her vehicle in an attempt to get away, the passenger suspect walked toward her and grabbed her purse from her shoulder.  After a brief struggle, the suspect fired a shot at the woman, striking her in the neck.  He then ran with the purse to his waiting vehicle, and both suspects drove away to an unknown location.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported the woman to a local hospital where she was treated and listed in stable condition.

The passenger suspect is described as a 25- to 30-year-old Black male who stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.  He has black, curly, neck-length hair and light-brown eyes.

The second suspect, who was driving the suspects’ car, is described only as a Black male.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call LAPD Newton Area Robbery Detectives Humpherys or Matsuda at 323-846-6572.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 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) with 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.

Man Shot Answering His Front Door

Los Angeles:  A man answering a knock at his front door was shot and killed early Monday morning.

On February 7, at around 5:20 a.m., 51-year-old Charles Gonzales was preparing his breakfast when he heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door he was shot by an unknown suspect.

There was one other person in the apartment at the time of the shooting, but they did not witness the shooting or get a description of the suspect.

Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded to the scene and pronounced Gonzales dead a short time later.

The motive for this shooting is unknown and anyone with information is asked to contact Rampart Area Homicide Detectives, Detective John Motto or Detective Julian Pere at 213-484-3638. 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.

29-Year-Old Man Found Murdered in Stolen Lexus

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Area Detectives are investigating the death of a 29-year-old man found shot to death in a stolen Lexus early Friday morning.

On February 4, 2011, at about 7:00 a.m., Officers responded to a shooting call on Margaret Avenue, just North of Jefferson Boulevard.  When the officers arrived, they found Michael John Baldwin of Los Angeles shot to death while sitting in a stolen Lexus IS300.  Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced Baldwin dead at the scene.

It does not appear that the shooting was gang related and there is no suspect information available at this time.

During the course of the investigation, an unrelated arrest was made for felony evading.  The arrestee, Mario Lopez of Inglewood was booked for the charge and has since posted bail.  He was eliminated as the homicide suspect.  The investigation is currently ongoing.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Pacific Area Homicide Detectives at 310-482-6372.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.

Sex Crime Suspect Arrested in the Valley Detectives Seeking Additional Victims

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Devonshire Area, Sexual Assault Unit Detectives have arrested 33-year-old Marcelino Tinajero for Unlawful Sex with a Minor.

On December 24,2010, Devonshire Detectives became aware of allegations of an ongoing sexual relationship between Tinajero and the victim, a 16-year-old female. Tinajero had been working as a volunteer counselor at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch where the victim was a member.  

Tinajero has been volunteering at the church since August 2009, and Investigators believe there may be additional victims.  They are hoping anyone with information about this case, or any unreported cases, will come forward.

Tinajero is a male Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He was booked into Men’s Central Jail on January 27, 2025 and is facing multiple counts of sex crimes against a minor and is being held on $600,000 bail.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Devonshire Detectives at 818-832-0979 or 818-832-0978.  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.

Shop Owner Shoots and Kills Burglary Suspect

Los Angeles:  A business owner responding to information that his business was being burglarized confronted one of the suspects, shooting and killing the suspect as he tried to escape over a fence.

On Sunday, February 06, 2011, just after midnight, an auto wholesale business in the 5800 block of South Hoover Street was being burglarized by two men who were removing auto parts from vehicles parked at the business. A witness called to alert the owner’s of the business who then responded to the business to investigate. When the owners arrived one of them was armed with a handgun and confronted one of the suspects who was trying to escape over a rear fence. One shot was fired and the suspect was hit in the lower torso.

The owner immediately called for paramedics who transported the suspect to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Detectives believe the suspect, whose identity is being withheld until next of kin can be notified, went to the business with 19-year-old Charles Netherly to commit burglary. Netherly was subsequently taken into custody, along with a third accomplice hiding nearby, 19-year-old Christina Sharp.  Netherly and Sharp were booked for Burglary and are both being held at 77th Street Jail on $20,000 bail.

The shop owner was interviewed and released.   On Tuesday, February 08, 2011, Detectives will present this case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney Office for filing consideration.

Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detectives B. Durazo or Dave Ross 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.

30-Year-Old Man Found in an Alley Dies from Injuries

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Area Detectives are investigating a death 30-year-old man found in an alley early Saturday morning.

On February 5, 2011, at about 1:35 a.m., the male victim was found in the rear alley of the 400 block of North Avalon Boulevard. The victim had suffered a number of stab wounds.  As the man lay in the alley, a resident saw an unidentified white car run over the victim and leave the scene.  

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics rushed the victim to a local hospital where he died from possible stab wounds and/or trauma sustained from the traffic collision.

It is unknown at this time if the traffic collision and stabbing were committed by the same suspect(s). An aggravated assault and a robbery occurred within close proximity. Detectives are investigating these cases to determine if they are related.

There is no suspect(s) description and the identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Harbor Area Homicide Detectives Rivas or Paglialonga at 310-726-7880 or 310-726-7880. 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.