LAPD Blog

Notes from the August 20, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Assistant Chief Michel Moore reported there is a 11% decrease in violent crime, with a 5.4% total crime reduction.  There are 9,968 sworn with 2,814 civilians, with 333 civilian vacancies.

The executive director’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the approval of a Firearms/Ammunition Sales Police permit for Chih Hao Ho, as set forth [BPC #13 -0281] was approved.

The executive director’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the approval of a Firearms/Ammunition Sales Police permit for Harold David Ovando, as set forth [BPC #13 - 0282] was approved.

A verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer Captain Stephen M. Carmona and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) co-chair representative Josh Rubenstein was given regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the North Hollywood Area.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, in response to request from City
Council Public Safety Committee re analysis of Assembly Bill 109 (Realignment) costs, presented by Captain Ann Clark, Gang and Narcotics Division, as set forth [BPC #13 -0277] was approved and will be transmitted to Public Safety Committee. 

The Department’s report, dated August 8, 2013, in response to Motion (LaBonge) re adoption of an ordinance regulating “Party Houses,” presented by Captain Mulldorfer and Detective Eric Moore, Detective Support and Vice Division, as set forth [BPC #13 -0278] was approved and will be transmitted to Public Safety Committee.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the Destruction of Obsolete Original Records for Van Nuys Area, as set forth [BPC #13 - 0279] was approved and will be transmitted to the City Clerk.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the Destruction of Obsolete Duplicate Records for Hollywood Area, as set forth. [BPC #13 - 0280] was approved and will be transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

The Department’s report, dated August 9, 2013, relative to the Destruction of Obsolete Original Records for Gang and Narcotics Division, as set forth. [BPC #13 - 0283] was approved and will be transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

85-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles: A friend of Charles Fredrick Randall and the Los Angeles Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating Randall.

Randall was last seen on August 13, 2013, around noon, at his home in the 600 block of Wall Street in Los Angeles.  He has not been seen or heard from since his friend went to provide him lunch.  His friend is extremely concerned for his welfare due to Randall’s health condition.

Randall is described as an 85-year-old male white with gray hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, khaki pants and black shoes.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Randall please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit’s  Detective Saiza at 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should 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 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.

Suspect Sought in Animal Cruelty Incident

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Animal Cruelty Task Force, Detective Support and Vice Division are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who was seen pulling a critically injured dog from the bed of his truck. On July 4, 2013, a witness observed a male suspect in the alley between Kittridge Street and Hamlin Street, one block east of Laurel Canyon Road pulling an injured dog from his collar while the dog was attached to the bed of his truck. The suspect left the dog for dead.  The suspect was confronted by a witness and the suspect fled the area. The truck is described as a possible late 80’s white Toyota Pick-up, with dark stripes on the side of the vehicle, a toolbox in the bed of the truck, large off-road tires, a sunroof, and small extra cab windows. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact LAPD Animal Cruelty Task Force, Detective Support and Vice Division at (213) 486-0450. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should 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 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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Hit and Run Suspect Arrested and a Toddler Seriously Injured

Los Angeles:  Officers arrest an unlicensed driver for a hit and run involving a 3-year-old toddler.   On Friday, August 17, 2013, around 6:10 p.m., a felony hit and run collision occurred at 42nd Place and Wadsworth Avenue.  The victim in this collision is a 3-year-old male child. The suspect fled the scene without stopping or rendering aid.  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted with severe injuries. A license number for the hit and run vehicle was obtained and Central Traffic Detectives conducted subsequent follow up investigations with the assistance of Central Traffic Collision Investigation Officers.  The suspect was located and identified as 50-year-old Froebel Sanchez of Los Angeles.  Sanchez was an unlicensed driver.   Sanchez was booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center for felony hit and run with injuries. The case will be submitted to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Officer for consideration by Central Traffic Division Detectives, next week. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call LAPD Central Traffic Division Detective Meneses at (213) 972-1825. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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Hit and Run in Sherman Oaks

Update The Suspect’s vehicle is described as a 2010-2013, gray 4-Door SUV Hyundai, Tucson. Los Angeles: LAPD Valley Traffic detectives’ are asking for the public’s help in providing any information about a hit and run in Sherman Oaks. On August 18, 2013, around 1:45 a.m., a car described as a silver newer model Hyundai Sedan was traveling westbound on Ventura Boulevard west of Kester Avenue.  The Hyundai collided with the driver’s opened door of a parked Ford Focus with two pedestrians standing by the driver’s door.  One of the pedestrians is a parking valet who was opening the door for the owner of the Ford Focus when the impact occurred. The Hyundai continued and collided with the left rear of an unattended parked vehicle located directly in front of the Ford Focus. The driver of the Hyundai failed to stop to render aid and sped away westbound on Ventura Boulevard. The owner of the Ford Focus, a 22-year-old resident of Van Nuys, sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.  The parking valet did not sustain any injuries.  The hit and run driver remains outstanding. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Martinez at (818) 644-8032 or Officer Fredo at (818) 644-8037. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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Fictitious Pick-Up Cargo Thefts

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Commercial Crimes Division Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information on the individuals responsible for a series of fraudulent cargo thefts commonly referred to as “Fictitious Pickups,” throughout the Los Angeles area and across the United States. A fictitious pickup is conducted when a truck driver presents counterfeit documentation in order to pick up cargo.  By doing so, the driver is able to obtain cargo often without leaving a trace as to his or her true identity. On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, detectives discovered a cold-storage warehouse located in the 12900 block of Saticoy Street in North Hollywood, California.  Inside the location, detectives recovered beef, shrimp, energy drinks and various frozen foods.  The vast majority of the recovered frozen foods were reported stolen by means of fictitious pickups. The suspects are believed to belong to Armenian Organized Theft Groups and have targeted cargo shipping companies across the United States. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call LAPD Commercial Crimes Division, Cargo-Hijack Unit, Detective Zavala or Woods at 818-832-7510 or 818-832-7508.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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Fatal Stabbing in Central

Los Angeles: A dispute leads to an altercation and eventually a fatality in Downtown Los Angeles.  LAPD Central Homicide Detectives are investigating. On Saturday, August 17, 2013, around 10 p.m., LAPD Central Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of an assault in the 600 block of Wilshire Boulevard.  When officers arrived they found a man on the ground suffering from a possible stab wound.  LAFD paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.  Officers also arrested a man who appeared to be a responsible suspect in the incident. LAPD detectives’ investigation revealed a man was setting-up camp in front of the 600 block of Wilshire Boulevard when some campers approached asked him to move down the street.  As the man slowly started to collect his belongings about six males surrounded the victim and told him to move faster.  As the man began walking eastbound on Wilshire Boulevard, he attempted to kick at one the campers’ dog but missed.  The camper reacted by striking the victim several times.  Two additional suspects struck the victims several times.  During the altercation the victim was stabbed with an unknown sharp item.  As the victim attempted to flee he collapsed.   The suspect that was arrested was identified as 23-year-old Anthony Johnson.  There were two more suspects involved who are currently outstanding; they are described only as male African-Americans.  The identity of the victim will not be release until next-of-kin is notified. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact LAPD Central Homicide Detectives at (213) 972-1203.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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Hit and Run Traffic Collision in Studio City

Los Angeles:  Hit and Run Traffic Collision on Ventura Boulevard east of Fairway Avenue. On Saturday August 17, 2013, around 11:42 p.m., a car versus pedestrian, hit and run traffic collision occurred in Studio City.  A possible white Mercedes Benz CLS with black paper plates with Encino written in yellow on them, traveling eastbound on Ventura Boulevard collided with a pedestrian crossing northbound across Ventura Boulevard east of Fairway Avenue.  The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene by The Los Angeles Fire Department.  The hit and run driver failed to stop and render aid.  The pedestrian has been identified as a 35-year-old male resident of Santa Monica. Notification to next of kin is pending. The Mercedes involved in the collision sustained major front-end damage and was last seen eastbound on Ventura Boulevard.  The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Detectives, Officer Fredo at (818) 644-8037 or Detective II Deaton at (818) 644-8035.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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Los Angeles Man Shot and Killed Inside His Vehicle

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspect(s) who shot and killed a man Saturday morning. On August 17, 2024 around 12:30 a.m. officers from Pacific Division responded to a call of shots fired in the 4600 block of Berryman Avenue in the City of Los Angeles.  Officers located the victim who was sitting inside his parked vehicle, a white Honda Civic. Los Angeles City Fire Department responded and paramedics pronounced the man dead.  The victim was later identified as 25-year-old Francisco Javier Ayala. The LAPD West Bureau Homicide Detectives investigation revealed that Ayala was shot as he  pulled away from the curb. It is unknown at this moment if the suspect(s) were on foot or in a vehicle. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call West Bureau Homicide Detectives Carranza and Pierce at (213) 382-9470.  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 Stopper 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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North Hollywood Detectives Arrest Serial Child Sexual Assault Suspect

Los Angeles: North Hollywood detectives continue their investigation after arresting a sexual assault suspect. On July 29, 2013, around 4:30 p.m., North Hollywood Detective Division detectives arrested           34-year-old Marcelo Alonso Lozano, a suspect identified in a series of child sexual assaults in the San Fernando Valley.  A subsequent investigation has revealed that the he is possibly involved in additional sexual assaults of victims throughout the San Fernando Valley area of the City of Los Angeles.  The known victims ranged from eight to fifteen years of age at the time of the sexual assaults. Lozano was affiliated with the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Sun Valley as an usher for approximately six years and used this position to initiate a relationship with his victims and their families.   Anyone with additional information about this case is urged to contact LAPD North Hollywood Sexual Assault Detectives at (818) 623-4090 or (818) 623-4045.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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