LAPD Blog

LAPD’s Annual Above and Beyond Event Honors Officer Heroism Gala Bestows Medal of Valor and Purple Heart Awards to 42 Recipients

Los Angeles: Today, the Los Angeles Police Foundation hosted the annual Above & Beyond Ceremony to honor and celebrate Los Angeles Police Department officers who have demonstrated exceptional bravery and heroism in the line of duty. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, city officials and others were joined by KTLA news anchor Chris Schauble who acted as master of ceremonies and narrator for the program’s many inspiring, crime-fighting scenarios of exceptional bravery and heroism.  This year, 42 officers were selected to receive a Medal of Valor or Purple Heart award in connection with incidents going all the way back to 1946.  Two officers received the Medal of Valor, while 40 received the Purple Heart.  Award recipients were as follows: 2013 Medal of Valor Recipients     Sergeant Michael Flanagan                     Officer Nuria Vanegas 2013 Purple Heart Recipients   Captain Thomas McMullen Lieutenant Darnell Davenport Detective Gabriel Rivas Officer Michael Chapman Officer Guillermo De La Riva Officer Steve Jenkins Officer Sal Obaidee Officer Antonio Salazar Detective Brian Mathews (retired) Detective John Krulac     (retired) Detective Michael D. Lewin (retired) Detective Norman Roberge (retired) Detective Steven Nielsen (retired) Sergeant Dean Haynes (retired) Sergeant Eric L. Birkeland (retired) Sergeant Robert Hamilton (retired) Sergeant Tedford E. Severns (retired) Officer Arthur Nevarez (retired) Officer Carrol Faulkner (retired) Officer Dalton Postma (retired) Officer Daniel Johnson (retired) Officer Elizabeth Green (retired) Officer James C. Van Pelt Jr. (retired) Officer Jan McGaff (retired) Officer John D. Hall (retired) Officer Martin Whitfield (retired) Officer Michael G. Sullivan (retired) Officer Robert Gollhofer (retired) Officer Robert Parker (retired) Officer Robert Schneider (retired) Officer Ron Traurig (retired) Officer Ronald G. Mueller (retired) Officer Rudy Limas (retired) Officer Stuart Guy (retired) Officer Timothy Russell (retired) Officer Wayne Valdez (retired) Reserve Officer George Booker Mogle (awarded posthumously) Officer Sidney Riegel (awarded posthumously) Officer Ken Shipp (awarded posthumously) Officer Eugene P. Fogarty (awarded posthumously) Events inspiring the awards include the 1965 “Surry Street Shootout” in Hollywood, during which a man causing a disturbance and armed with a shotgun, rifle and revolver took an officer hostage and barricaded himself inside a house.  For 90 minutes, 50 officers battled with the suspect until teargas finally enabled them to take him into custody. Three of today’s honorees are veterans of the historic shootout, which led Daryl F. Gates changing police tactics for handling snipers and barricaded criminals. Thus was born the elite, well-known Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, commonly known as the SWAT Team. The Los Angeles Police Foundation (LAPF) engages prominent community leaders to help fund LAPD youth programs, training, community outreach, equipment and technology not provided in the city budget. Support from event sponsors enables the LAPF to fulfill its mission of creating partnerships that provide resources and programs enabling  the police to serve at their highest level and to enhance LAPD community relations.  Since its founding in 1998, the LAPF has awarded more than $18 million in grants to the LAPD. More information about the LAPF is available by visiting www.lapolicefoundation.org or by calling  (213) 489-4636.

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29-Year-old San Fernando Valley Man Missing

Los Angeles: The family of Miguel Angel Garcia and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating Miguel Angel Garcia.

Garcia was last seen on September 15, 2013, in the 13500 block of Pierce Street, in the Pacoima.  Garcia’s family is extremely concerned for his health and advises that he may be depressed or suicidal.  Garcia lives in Reseda, however frequents the Pacoima area.   He was last seen near the hills above Sylmar.

Garcia is described as a 29-year-old male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue pants and black shoes.   

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Garcia, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit at (213) 996-1800.  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 www.LAPDOnline.org  click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

 

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Notes from the September 17, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The Board of Police Commissioners held a moment of silence to open the meeting in honor of the victims who lost their lives in the Washington D.C. Naval Base mass shooting.

• Police Commission President Steve Soboroff said the response and warmth felt from the Department and the Commission staff last week during their first meeting was overwhelming.  He also stated next week he will announce Commission liaisons in which each Commissioner would be assigned a specific responsibility pertaining to issues or areas of the Department that they can gain a more intimate knowledge of.  President Soboroff added Vice President Paula Madison will be working with the City Personnel Department and meet with staff regarding the police recruitment and hiring process.

• Police Commissioner Sandra Figueroa-Villa thanked Chief Beck for his recent comments in the Los Angeles Times regarding the passage of a State Senate bill which will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license.  She said the bill was a step in the right direction.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck remarked at the bravery of the first responders at the mass shooting at the Naval Base in Washington D.C.  He added law enforcement needs to do all they can to get firearms out of the hands of those who have mental illness so another mass shooting tragedy can be avoided.  Chief Beck also thanked the Commission for their attention to the Department’s hiring practices.   

• 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 Pacific Area was given by Mr. Rob Kadota.  Mr. Kadota informed the Board some of the challenges the area faces are vending ordinances, park curfews, homelessness and medical marijuana dispensaries.  The priorities for Pacific Area C-PAB include crime prevention and community engagement, emergency preparedness, and social media outreach.  Mr. Kadota concluded by saying the area has three youth programs including the Cadets, Junior Cadets, and the Jeopardy program.

• The Department’s report, dated September 13, 2013, relative to the commendation of private persons by Department – revised and renamed, was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated September 11, 2013, relative to the Risk Manager’s quarterly status report, second quarter 2013, as given by Risk Manager Beth Corriea, was accepted.  Ms. Corriea informed the Board there has been a 53% reduction in internal lawsuits filed by Department personnel as compared to 2012.  She added preventable traffic collisions, workers compensation claims, and use of force lawsuits have decreased 12%, 3%, and 18% respectively as compared to 2012 with no new lawsuits pertaining to Fair Labor and Standards Act as well.

• The Department’s verbal report and discussion relative to the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the Office of the Inspector General’s employment litigation audit, dated June 27, 2013, and the Department’s response dated July 19, 2024 was continued.  The Board requested the Department compose a written report for presentation and Inspector General review.

19-Year-Old Student Missing

Update
Choi has returned home to her family.

Los Angeles:  The family of Janet Ji Young Choi and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Choi who is missing from the Los Angeles Area.

On September 14, 2013, around 11:50 a.m., Janet Ji Young Choi was last seen at her residence in the 4900 block of Maplewood Avenue in the City of Los Angeles. Ms. Choi has not been seen or heard from since.  This is very unusual for Ms. Choi since she never made it to her Saturday Art School.  Ms. Choi’s family is extremely worried and concerned for her safety.

Janet Ji Young Choi is described as a 19-year-old female Korean, with black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs around 90 pounds.  

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Janet Ji Young Choi, please contact Missing Persons Unit, Detective A. Mercado at (213) 996-1800. 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 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.

 

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20-Year-old Missing Man

Los Angeles: The family of Joseph Swett and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating Joseph Swett.

Swett was last seen on September 17, 2013, in the 8600 block of Sunland Boulevard, in Los Angeles.  Swett’s family is extremely concerned for his health and advises that he is autistic.  Swett may be in the area of Echo Park due to him living there several years.  He may also be in Burbank or LAX airport area. 

Swett is described as a 20-year-old male White with brown hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds.  He was wearing a black sleeveless T-shirt, black pants and white shoes.   

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Swett, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Saiza: (213) 996-1800.  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

 

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A Robber Murders a Store Clerk and Mother of Five in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Criminal Gang/Homicide Division is asking for the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for the murder of 39-year-old Martha Sanchez.

On Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at 8:50 p.m., Sanchez was working as a store clerk at a local 99 Cent store in the 7400 block of South Broadway.  A suspect, described only as an African-American male, walked into the store, robbed it and shot Sanchez numerous times.  The suspect then ran out of the store heading south on Broadway.

Shortly thereafter, a customer walked into the store and discovered Sanchez injured and telephoned for assistance.  LAPD 77th area officers and investigators searched for the suspect while Los Angeles City Fire Department responded and transported Sanchez to a local hospital where she later died. 

Mrs. Sanchez is survived by her husband and her five children, which range from the ages of 3 to 19-years of age. Detectives believe motive for this incident is robbery.  The suspect and weapon are outstanding.

Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective Eric Crosson or John Ferreria at (213) 485-1383.   During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).  ). During non-business hours, weekends and holidays, contact LAPD’s RACR Division at 877 LAPD 247 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). To send text tips, text the word TIPLA, a space, and then your message to CRIMES (274637). To send web tips, log onto www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips”.

 

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Korea Town Gambling Houses Busted

Los Angeles:   The Asian Crime Unit, within the Gang Support Section of Gang and Narcotics Division, initiated an illegal gambling investigation in August 2013.  The investigation focused on several residences situated within the Korea Town community of Los Angeles that housed illegal gambling equipment, including slot machines and card tables.  The residences are privately owned and an onsite “gaming manager” would typically allow members of the public to enter and play, generally from mid-morning to late at night.  

In the months preceding the investigation, the gambling locations had become a blight on the neighborhoods surrounding them.  A search warrant was secured by investigators, and on September 17th, 2013, approximately 100 officers assigned to Gang and Narcotics Division, augmented by resources from Olympic Division, converged on seven locations in the vicinity of Olympic Boulevard and Normandie Avenue.  Warrant service occurred simultaneously at 7:30 AM.

Several tenants and “gaming managers” were detained without incident.  Officers confiscated thirty-five slot machines and approximately $36,300.00 in U.S. currency.  Ten individuals were cited, and subsequently released, for 330(A) P.C., Illegal possession of a Slot machine, a misdemeanor.  

The investigation is on-going regarding potential suspects responsible for organizing the multiple location operation.  

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact Gang & Narcotics Division, Lieutenant Mike Oppelt 213-486-5391. During non-business hours, weekends and holidays, contact LAPD’s RACR Division at 877 LAPD 247 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). To send text tips, text the word TIPLA, a space, and then your message to CRIMES (274637). To send web tips, log onto www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips”.

Missing Man in Need of Medical Attention

UPDATE

Missing Person was located in good condition

 

Los Angeles: The family of Andre Melchor and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help in locating him.

On September 15, 2013, around 8:00 p.m., Melchor was last seen at the 5000 Block of Zelzah Ave in the City of Los Angeles.  Melchor left his residence on foot and has not been seen since. Melchor’s family is very concerned about him since he may be in need of medical attention for a medical condition.  

Melchor is described as a 28-year-old African American male with brown hair and brown eyes.  He is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds.

Anyone with information on Andre Melchor’s whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Missing Persons Unit, Detective Merrill at 213-996-1800.  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

64-Year-Old Missing Male

Los Angeles:  The family of Thomas Katz and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help in locating Katz.

Katz was last seen on Tuesday, August 30, 2013, around 8 a.m., at his residence in the 13700 block of Burbank Boulevard, in the Van Nuys area.  Katz’s vehicle, a dark green 1998 four door, Honda, CRV with California license plate number 6NQC016 was found in Burbank, California. He has not been seen or heard from since.  Katz may be despondent. His family is very concerned for his safety. 

Katz is described as a 64-year-old male White with gray hair and hazel eyes.  He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. 

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Katz please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Carlton at (213) 996-1800.  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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "web tips" and follow the prompts.

 

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67-Year-Old Critical Missing In Electric Wheelchair

Los Angeles:   The Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Division is asking for the public’s in locating a 67 year-old man who is missing from his care facility near downtown Los Angeles

Mr. Angel Benitez is 67 years of age and was last seen in his care facility located at 340 S. Alvarado Street in Los Angeles.  Mr. Benitez utilizes an electric wheelchair and relies on oxygen to assist with his breathing.  Benitez was last seen on September 14th around 9:30 at his care facility in Los Angeles.  It is believed that Benitez may be en route to 1170 Logan Street in the Echo Park area.  Benitez is in good mental health but it is feared that if his portable oxygen tank runs out he will be in physical distress as he relies on the portable oxygen to assist with his breathing.
 
Mr. Benitez is a male Hispanic mostly bald with brown hair and brown eyes.  He is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds with a medium build and light complexion.  Mr. Benitez is utilizing an electric wheelchair with a portable oxygen tank. 

DMV photo of Benitez from 2013

Anyone with information on Benitez’ whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Rampart Division at (213) 484-3400.  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.

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