LAPD Blog

46-Year-Old Missing Adult

Los Angeles:  The family of Alesia Parker and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help in finding her. Parker was last seen on April 9, 2025 around 1:00 a.m., at 45th Street and Western Avenue in Los Angeles. She was last seen entering a silver Chrysler 300 with an unknown license plate. Parker’s family is very concerned for her safety. Parker is described as a 46-year-old female Black, with black hair and brown eyes.  She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Parker is asked to call the LAPD Missing Persons Unit, Detective Baca 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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Man Shot on Sidewalk

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the shooting death of Kallen Mahone. On Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at around 1:15 a.m., LAPD Olympic Division uniformed officers responded to a shooting radio call in the 800 block of S. Gramercy Drive.  When the officers arrived, they found Mahone suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital where he died from his wounds. The investigation revealed that Mahone was on the sidewalk when an unknown suspect approached and shot him several times.  Mahone collapsed on the sidewalk and the suspect left the location in an unknown direction. Mahone is described as a 31-year-old male Black who moved to Los Angeles less than one year ago.  The motive for this crime is unknown at this time. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact West Bureau Homicide Detectives at 213-382-9470.  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.”

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LAPD Reminds the Public “If You See Something, Say Something”

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department reminds the public to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings for behaviors connected to terrorism.  The LAPD designed iWatch  to provide a reporting mechanism for members of the public who witness suspicious behavior or activity that may have a nexus to terrorism. iWatch, referred to as the “21st century version of Neighborhood Watch,” is designed to enable members of the public to help protect their communities by identifying and reporting suspicious behaviors and activities possibly linked to terrorism.  The Los Angeles Police Department unveiled iWatch, the community reporting component of “If You See Something, Say Something.” “As LA’s Chief of Police, it is my primary duty to keep everyone safe,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  “The iWatch program is the embodiment of community based policing and the police partnering with the community.  If You See Something, Say Something, go to iWatchLA.org is a clear message that encourages people in our communities to report suspicious behaviors and activities that may have a nexus to terrorism.” Not only does iWatch provide Los Angeles residents a venue to report suspicious behaviors, but more importantly it involves and educates the public about suspicious activities and behaviors, not personal characteristics, that may be associated with terrorist activities.  Such activities include but are not limited to, unusual interest in building security measures, unattended vehicles in No Parking zones, and purchasing of equipment that can make bombs.  All reports are reviewed by trained detectives and kept confidential.  Reporters can remain anonymous if desired. A simple observation, a single report can lead to actions that may stop a terrorist attack.  Individuals can call the threat line at 1-877-A-THREAT (1-877-284-7328), call 911 if an emergency or crime is occurring, contact their local police station or go to www.lapdonline.org/iwatchla to file a report.  At the website, more terrorism related information is also available by viewing an educational film or PSA.  For more information, contact Sergeant Rudy Lopez, iWatch Liaison Officer, at 213-486-5902 or LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

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Robbery Suspect Caught on Tape

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Hollenbeck Detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect who robbed a woman and took her gold necklace. On April 8, 2013, around 6 p.m., a man walked up to the victim and pulled her gold chain from her neck. The crime occurred in the area of east 8th Street and Evergreen Avenue. The suspect was last seen running from the scene with the victim’s property.  Nearby surveillance cameras show the suspect arriving in a dark-blue Chevrolet Blazer, taking the victim’s gold chain and fleeing the location in the same vehicle.   The suspect is described as a 30 to 35-year-old male Hispanic, standing 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing about 180 pounds. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a 1993-1995 dark-blue Chevrolet Blazer with mag rims, chrome door handles, and side-view mirrors. Detectives believe the suspect may be responsible for other similar crimes in the area. Anyone with information about this crime, suspect, or vehicle, is asked to contact Hollenbeck Area Robbery Detective Miguel Barajas at (323) 342-8991.  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 "web tips" and follow the prompts.

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Notes from the April 16, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    The Board of Police Commissioners began their meeting with a moment of silence in honor of the people killed and injured in the Boston Marathon terror attack.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended the Department’s LGBTQ Community Forum with fellow commissioners Richard Drooyan, Rafael Bernardino, and Andrea Ordin.  He said the good turnout was an example of the extraordinary change in the relationship the Department has with the LGBTQ community.  Commissioner Saltzman also visited Hollywood Division to meet with officers and command staff.  He said he was very impressed with the many youth programs at Hollywood Division.

•    Police Commissioner Rafael Bernardino said he attended the LGBTQ Forum as well and thanked Deputy Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur for organizing the event.  He said he was impressed with Captain Dave Lindsay’s remarks at the forum.

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck expressed his compassion and support for the first responders and the people affected by the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon yesterday.  He said he has been in contact with Commissioner Ed Davis and thought his police department has done an incredible job of responding.  Chief Beck said his heart goes out to the families of the deceased and injured and added the incident underlies how suspicious activity reporting is everyone’s responsibility.  He completed his comments by stating he was a participant in the annual Baker to Vegas Relay Race and the both the Department’s Elite and Women’s team took home top honors. 

•    The Department’s report, dated April 5, 2013, relative to the Memorandum of Agreement between the Los Angeles World Airports and the Los Angeles Police Department, as given by Captain Melissa Zak, was approved.  Captain Zak said the agreement outlines the coordination and collaboration between the two agencies and delineates responsibilities for reimbursement, staffing, investigations, labor demonstrations and training.  Commissioner Richard Drooyan said this Memorandum of Agreement was a significant improvement over the previous version from 2006.

Up-skirt Peeping Tom Arrested, Caught on Video

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives have arrested a Monrovia man after he was seen by a customer pointing his cellphone under a woman’s skirt in line at a Panorama City convenience store, April 3, 2013.  His actions were also captured on video tape. “It’s pretty disturbing to think what this man did,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “In most cases, these crimes are never seen and rarely reported.  Thankfully, another customer saw the man.” The female witness never confronted the man in the store, but followed the victim to the parking lot and told the fellow customer what happened.  The victim took pictures of the man in his car and of the car’s license plate.  After running down the car’s owner and several other contacts, detectives identified Joaquin Cortes Rodriguez, 33, as a possible suspect.  The 27-year-old victim was able to pick his image out of a line up. Detectives spoke to Rodriguez at his home and were able to use his statement and the other evidence to get an arrest warrant.  Rodriguez was booked April 12 on a misdemeanor Peeping Tom charge and his bail was set at $50,000.  A federal immigration hold was placed on him as he had been previously deported and re-entered the country. “This case shows how widespread cameras really are; there are cameras watching cameras,” Lt. Vernon added.  “And thanks to the observant witness and the quick actions of the victim, we have a good reminder for men: Be a gentleman! And ask yourself how would you feel if this happened to your sister or daughter?” The convenience store is located in the area of Roscoe Boulevard and Ventura Canyon Boulevard.   Surveillance video from the store is available to be viewed by media by coming to the Mission Police Station.  Detectives are asking that the image of the women in the video be pixelated. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Stephen Bell, Mission Sex Unit, at 818-838-9971. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can be directed to 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 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.

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One Arrested; One at Large in Gang Shooting from March 17 NR13122pv

Panorama City:  After several weeks of investigation, detectives arrested 22-year-old Raul Benitez for the shooting death of Alex Moran, 25, outside a medical marijuana clinic on March 17, 2013. “Detectives had a tip where Benitez would be and were waiting for him,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “But when he didn’t stop, we followed him into Burbank then took him into custody.” Detectives also released a photo of Santiago Gutierrez, 23, who remains at large and is wanted as a co-principle in the shooting.  Gutierrez is a documented gang member who goes by the moniker Ya Ya.  He is 5’11” tall and weighs 250 pounds (photo inset). Detectives believe Gutierrez and Benitez confronted a rival gang member in the marijuana clinic.  That man was a passenger in the car Moran was driving.  When Gutierrez and Benitez left the clinic, one approached Moran, who was sitting behind the steering wheel, and shot him several times. “This was a cold-blooded gang shooting, nothing less,” Lt. Vernon added.  “Now we need someone to step up and tell us where Gutierrez and the murder weapon is.” Following Benitez’s arrest, police searched three locations, including Benitez’s home, but did not find any weapons.  One of the homes searched in Arleta was a large property with dozens of fighting roosters, which police turned over to Animal Services. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAPD Mission Area, Homicide Detective Ryan Verna at 818-838-9976.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) 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.

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Continuation School Student Arrested for Kidnapping Classmate

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Mission Division officers arrested 18-year-old Jesus Gabriel Lares for Kidnapping, after a 17-year-old classmate reported that Lares pulled her into the boys’ restroom and began assaulting her. On April 10, 2025 at around 2:00 pm, Lares and the victim were at Valley High School, a private continuation school for grades 7 through 12. According to investigators, the crime occurred after lunch when Lares grabbed the victim by her arm and pulled her into the boys’ restroom, then closed the door behind her.  Lares began kissing her but his actions were interrupted when another student knocked on the door. Lares was separated from the victim by a teacher after she discovered they were inside the boy’s restroom.  The victim told the teacher what Lares had done to her at which time the she notified authorities.  The victim was not physically injured during the attack. Lares was arrested on campus shortly after the incident was reported.  Lares was booked for Kidnap with the Intent to Commit Rape and his bail was set at one million dollars. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Luz Montero at 818-838-9941.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to the 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Anyone wishing to report a crime may remain anonymous by calling 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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