LAPD Blog

LAPD Hollywood Detectives Investigate a Burglary at a Local Church

Los Angeles: LAPD Hollywood Area Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that will lead to the arrest of a suspect who burglarized a church in the Hollywood Area.

On December 22, 2012, an unknown individual entered the Holy Transfiguration Russian Orthodox Church, located at 5400 block, gained access to the Altar Room and stole numerous religious artifacts. A total of thirty-seven artifacts were taken.

**Click here for the pictures of the stolen artifacts **

Hollywood Detectives are requesting that anyone with information related to this incident contact Hollywood Area Detective Division at 213-972-2931. 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.

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Train

Los Angeles:  On December 27, 2012, around 1:25 p.m. a Union Pacific train travelling southbound at approximately 38 mph in the area of San Fernando Road and Desmond Street had a fatal collision with a pedestrian.    

The pedestrian, who died at the scene, was described as a Hispanic male in his mid 30s wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and cowboy boots.  There was no identification found on his person and he is listed as a John Doe at this time.

Witnesses or anyone with information regarding this traffic collision are urged to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Krajchir at 818-644-8034 or Detective Bustos at 818-644-8021. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7  (1-877-527-3247). 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”

Motorcyclist Killed in Traffic Collision

On December 26, 2012, at around 3:35p.m., a two party traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Yolanda Ave & Ingomar Street in West Valley Area. 

Eddie Moore Jr, 38-years-of-age, was riding a 2007 Yamaha R1 northbound on Yolanda Ave at a very high rate of speed.  A 1999 Toyota Camry, traveling southbound on Yolanda Ave, was in the process of negotiating a left turn when Moore struck the right rear portion of the Camry and was ejected, landing about 60 feet north of the intersection.  The motorcycle continued skidding on its side, out of control, for a distance of over one block before coming to a complete stop.  Moore was transported to a local hospital by a rescue ambulance where he later died due to internal injuries.

Moore did have a valid motorcycle M1 endorsement and was wearing a helmet.  The driver of the Toyota Camry was not injured and had a valid Cal Op.    

Anyone who may have witnessed the traffic collision is being asked to contact Detective Stephanie Krajchir, Serial No. 26481, Valley Traffic Division Detectives, at 818-644-8034. 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.

Gun Buyback Program Takes Over 2,000 Firearms Off City Streets In Time for New Year

Click here for Podcast

Nearly 10,000 Firearms Removed from the Streets Since LA Began the Program in 2009; Shooting During New Years Eve Celebrations Discouraged

LOS ANGELES -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck joined with Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca to announce today that 2,037 firearms were collected during the December 26 Gun Buyback, bringing the total number of firearms collected since 2009 to 9,979.

In total, 901 handguns, 698 rifles, 363 shotguns, and 75 assault weapons were collected from the two Gun Buyback locations in South Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

An initiative of the Mayor's Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) Office, the Gun Buyback rewards the voluntary surrender of firearms while engaging the community towards a common goal of reducing gun violence.

"For too long, dangerous weapons have contributed to countless unnecessary tragedies and deaths," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "This Citywide Gun Buyback effort takes dangerous weapons off our streets and rewards Angelenos who voluntarily surrender their firearms, making our communities safer for us all."

The Gun Buyback includes a grassroots outreach campaign that works with gang prevention and intervention agencies, community and religious leaders, and the Los Angeles Police Department. The comprehensive outreach effort serves not only to encourage participation in neighborhoods suffering from high levels of gun violence, but also to educate communities about the risks and dangers of gun and gang violence.

“We are grateful for the continued support of this program," LAPD Chief Beck said. "The fact that we continue to get participation from people all over Los Angeles is encouraging. Although the scope of today’s success cannot be measured, the guns displayed here will never be used to harm innocent people. It is also a solemn remembrance of those victims' lives lost this year due to gun violence."

In exchange for surrendering weapons, participants received a Ralphs pre-paid gift card. The LAPD Gun Unit determined the type and classification of the firearm surrendered. The cost per firearm is dependent on its type, up to $200 for assault weapons as specified by the State of California and up to $100 for handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

This expedited Gun Buyback program was held in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. and received $150,000 in donations from Ralph’s, The California Wellness Foundation and private donors.  KCAL/KCBS also acted as a sponsor for this effort.

Mayor Villaraigosa and the law enforcement officers present also took the opportunity to discourage individuals from firing their guns in the air during New Year’s Eve celebrations, noting that stray bullets pose a significant and dangerous threat to the many civilians who will be celebrating in the streets and other public areas during this festive occasion.

In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, Mayor Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and the District Attorney’s Office have embarked upon an awareness campaign, The Gunfire Reduction Campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that, while on the decline, has continued to be a deadly tradition in our County and City.

To make a significant impact on this problem, thousands of “Don’t Shoot” flyers and posters have been printed and distributed to the community to inform the public of the dangers and dire consequences of this irresponsible act. In addition, a technological tool called the Shotspotter is assisting Deputies in the field with locating people who fire guns. This piece of advanced technology is deployed in the Century Station area and can pinpoint gunfire within a few feet of where the shots were fired.

“This is beneficial because it can tell the Deputies where the suspect is located and the data allows them to develop violence suppression strategies and tactical plans. This has been extremely successful in our crime fighting initiative and one of many tools that help decrease crime in the County” said Sheriff Baca.

Celebrating the New Year with Gunfire will Not be Tolerated in the City and County of Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  Every year, a significant number of people throughout the City and County of Los Angeles engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.  In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, District Attorney’s Office, City Attorney’s Office and County Board of Supervisors have embarked upon an awareness campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that, while on the decline, has continued to be a deadly tradition in our County and in our City.

The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the County and City of Los Angeles.  California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms.  Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime.

Today, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and LASD Sheriff Lee Baca held a news conference to publicize their concern about holiday-related celebratory gunfire.  To make a significant impact on this problem, thousands of “Don’t Shoot” flyers and posters have been printed and distributed to the community.  It is the hope of both agencies that with the partnership of the media and the distribution of “Don’t Shoot” flyers, the public will be informed regarding the dangers and dire consequences of this irresponsible act.

In addition to the Gunfire Reduction Campaign, a technological tool called the Shotspotter is assisting Deputies in the field with locating people who fire guns.  This piece of advanced technology is deployed in the Century Station areas and can pinpoint gunfire within a few feet of where the shots were fired.  “This is beneficial because it can tell the Deputies where the suspect is located and the data allows them to develop violence suppression strategies and tactical plans.  This has been extremely successful in our crime fighting initiative and one of many tools that help decrease crime in the County” said Sheriff Baca.

On July 4, 1999, Brian Perez, a young, outgoing, 9 year-old boy was playing with family members in the front yard of his home.  Someone in the area shot a firearm into the sky and the stray bullet struck Brian in the head, killing him.  “Shooting guns in the air is dangerous and illegal. If you are caught shooting a gun in the air you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”, said Chief Charlie Beck. 

The public is also reminded that toy replica guns that resemble real weapons are also a concern for law enforcement officers and that playing with replica guns is strongly discouraged.  “For too long,

dangerous weapons have contributed to countless unnecessary tragedies and deaths across the country,” Mayor Villaraigosa said.

Together, the proud men and women of LAPD and LASD ask the public to STOP the senseless act of firing weapons into the air and CELEBRATE SAFELY. 

In addition, should a shooting occur, members of the community are encouraged to call 9-1-1.  
To report information regarding a crime, please call 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, or typing in: http://lacrimestoppers.org.

For more information, please call LAPD Media Relations Section, at 213-486-5910, or the LASD’s Public Information Office, Nicole Nishida, at 323-810-1973.

Bicyclist Critically Struck by Hit and Run Driver

Los Angeles:  On Friday, December 21, 2012, at around 8:50 a.m., an unidentified bicyclist was critically struck in the vicinity of 933 East 43rd Street.

The preliminary investigation revealed that both the victim and the hit and run driver were traveling westbound on 43rd Street, when the driver of the vehicle collided with the rear of the bicycle and fled westbound on 43rd Street without stopping to render aid which is required by law.

The hit and run vehicle is described as a red late model pickup truck with possible gardening tools in the bed.  The victim is a male Hispanic in his 20’s or 30’s.

The suspect is outstanding. The Los Angeles Police Department, Central Traffic Division, is seeking the public’s help in locating the responsible party of this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this traffic collision can contact Central Traffic Division, Detective Meneses at (213) 972-1850 during the weekdays between 7 am – 5pm.  After hours and weekends, please contact Central Traffic Division’s Watch Commander at 213-972-1853 or a toll free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  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.