LAPD Blog

Man Shot Multiple Times with Shotgun

Los Angeles:  Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollenbeck Division are hoping for public assistance for their investigation of a man who was shot to death. On April 19, 2014, around 12:20 a.m., 25-year-old Ramon Gerardo Vera was in a parking lot at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of East Olympic Boulevard when someone shot him multiple times with a 12-gauge shotgun.  Vera was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. Detectives believe the motive for the shooting is gang related. Anyone with information about this murder is urged to contact Hollenbeck Homicides Detectives Eagleson or Chavez at (323) 342-8957.  During business hours, calls may also be directed to the Hollenbeck Watch Commander’s Office at (323) 342-4100.  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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Remembering Police Officer II+2 Christopher Cortijo Motor Officer of the Year - 2013 Valley Traffic Division

Los Angeles:  Officer Cortijo was born on August 13, 1962, in Torrance, California. He was raised in a variety of cities including Torrance, Simi Valley and North Hollywood.  As a young boy, he took up surfing and fit the mold of the Southern California lifestyle including driving a Volkswagen bug. As a young man, he demonstrated his loyalty and commitment to serving others and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a member of the Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment and served as a member of the Military Police. Officer Cortijo continued a life of service as a 26-year veteran with the Los Angeles Police Department.  Officer Cortijo joined the Department in July 1987.  After his probation, he transferred to West Traffic Division and ultimately dedicated his law enforcement career to traffic enforcement.  He worked in the capacity of a Collision Investigator for three years in both Central Traffic Division and West Traffic Division.  He became a two-wheel motor officer in 1992.  Officer Cortijo was assigned to Valley Traffic Division in 1995 and worked the DUI Task Force Team for seventeen years.  He committed his daily efforts to arresting DUI drivers and making the streets safer. Officer Cortijo was well respected and had a decorated career receiving more than 120 commendations for his significant contributions including teamwork, professionalism, dedication, integrity, acceptance of responsibility and personal pride.  Above and beyond those accolades, Officer Cortijo was honored as employee of the year both in 2002 and recently in 2013, when he was publicly recognized for making 171 DUI arrests during the course of the year.  He has dedicated himself to protecting others and keeping the community safe.  In doing so, Officer Cortijo was responsible for the arrest and apprehension of more than 3,000 DUI drivers.  This is a true testament to his commitment to public service. Officer Cortijo was well recognized for his involvement and success in the coordination and management of the San Fernando Valley DUI Checkpoints.  In addition, he has been influential in the continued success of receiving grant funding for future operations. It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to a brother, described by his friends and family as a good man with a big heart, who selflessly dedicated his life to protecting others and saving lives.  Those who knew him, will always remember that proud and distinct smile he wore when speaking about his son. Officer Cortijo patrolled the streets of the San Fernando Valley, which encompasses the area south of Foothill Boulevard to Mulholland Pass and between Valley Circle and Lowell Avenue, approximately 244 square miles.   Officer Cortijo was a valuable member of the VTD team and his knowledge in DUI enforcement cannot be overstated.  His peers and supervisors often relied on Officer Cortijo’s knowledge of DUI enforcement and DUI case law to improve DUI enforcement efforts. There is no doubt that Officer Cortijo’s dedication to DUI enforcement has saved numerous lives and made Los Angeles and its surrounding communities a much safer place to commute and reside.  The Los Angeles Police Department, VTD, is honored and appreciative of Officer Cortijo’s dedication and loyalty to the communities he served.   Officer Cortijo is survived by his beloved partner Lillie Price, his son Jonathan Cortijo, brother Jonathon Womack and daughter Christina Beal.

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Request to Immediately Discontinue the Circulation of Arrestee Robert Ransom’s Photograph

Los Angeles:  It has been brought to the attention of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) that an entity outside the LAPD has released a photograph of arrestee Robert Ransom to news outlets without consulting with LAPD investigative units. The Department is respectfully requesting that all media outlets discontinue the publishing of this image in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation and potential future investigations where additional witnesses and victims may be interviewed. The continued circulation of this photograph could taint or jeopardize witness and victim identification. We thank you for your cooperation and understand that this photograph is out in the public domain. We would like to mitigate any future or additional publishing of his photograph. For more information, please contact LAPD Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910.

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Donation Account Opened to Assist Officer Christopher Cortijo’s family

Van Nuys:  In response to the tragic death of LAPD Officer Christopher Cortijo, the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) has opened a Blue Ribbon Trust Fund account to assist his family. Officer Cortijo was a 26 year Department veteran who died on April 9, 2025 as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic accident on April 5, 2014. Interested parties may contribute funds via the following options: •    The Public may mail in a donation.  Checks must be made payable to “Blue Ribbon Trust for Christopher Cortijo” and send to: Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union Attn: Blue Ribbon Christopher Cortijo P.O. Box 10188 Van Nuys, CA 91410 •    LAPFCU members may donate to this account through PATROL Online Banking at www.lapfcu.org, or by calling 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732) and pressing 2, please enter account #2030077 S4.86 followed by BLU (first three letters of the account name). For additional information, please contact LAPFCU Vice President of Marketing, Manny Padilla Jr., at (818)779-3311. About LAPFCU The Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) was established in 1936 to serve the financial needs of the sworn and civilian employees of the Los Angeles Police Department and their families.  Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, with branches located throughout Los Angeles, LAPFCU has over $786 million in assets and more than 39,500 members.

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50-year-old Female and 40-year-old Male Arrested for Human Trafficking

Los Angeles:  Based on a criminal investigation initiated on March 25, 2014, by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Robbery Homicide Division Detectives working the Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Human Trafficking, arrested a 50-year-old female and a 40-year-old male for alleged human trafficking violations. The arrests were the result of an ongoing three week labor related human trafficking investigation involving an 11-year-old female.  The investigation led Robbery-Homicide Detectives to the arrest of 50-year-old Dora Alicia Valle and 40-year-old Estrada Melvin Sandoval. After reviewing the investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, filed multiple charges against Valle and Sandoval for the claim of human trafficking of a minor. Anyone with further information regarding this matter is asked to contact the LAPD, Robbery-Homicide Division Detectives at (213) 486-6840.  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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Identify Cell Phone Store Bandits

North Hills:  Detectives are asking the public’s help in identifying pictures of two of three suspects who robbed a North Hills cell phone store, March 21, 2014, making off with several Samsung and Apple smartphones. “These guys are brazen and determined,” explained Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “They clearly had a plan, with one acting as a lookout and the other two cutting security cables.” The after-market value and popularity of smartphones has led to them eclipsing money as the top thing crooks are looking for when committing thefts and robberies.  Street robberies of cell phones are, in some weeks, more common that money robberies.  “The demand and price of these phones makes them easy to sell second-hand online to people who want a deal and don’t care the item they are buying is stolen,” Lt. Vernon said.  “Someone might pay $300 to $400 for a phone on Craigslist, but how many people are walking down the street with $300 cash in their hand.  So stealing a smartphone out of someone’s hand or from a store is like stealing gold and just as easy to sell.” Two of the three robbers’ faces were captured on cameras at the T-Mobile Store last March.  While the men entered the store and went straight to cutting cables and taking the phones, they did not hesitate to simulate they had guns and threaten employees once confronted, making the crime a robbery.  The two suspects pictured were wearing hoodies.  All three were Black and in their mid 20s.  They got away in a 90s model white Pontiac sedan. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Det. Chris Rodriguez, Mission Robbery detectives, at (213) 838-9964. 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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Notes from the April 15, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The Police Commission opened their weekly meeting by observing a moment of silence for Police Officer Christopher Cortijo who passed away last week as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.  Police Commission Vice President Paula Madison informed the public the funeral services for Officer Cortijo will be held next Tuesday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman said he went on a ride along with Hollywood Vice on Friday night/Saturday morning.  He thanked Captain Peter Zarcone for the opportunity.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck thanked the Commission for recognizing Police Officer Christopher Cortijo.  He said the ultimate irony was Officer Cortijo spent his entire career protecting people from DUI suspects but was ultimately killed by one.  Chief Beck said he spoke to the District Attorney and was pleased by the progress of the case.  He said he is hopeful there will be some measure of justice.

• The Department’s verbal report and discussion as requested by the Board of Police Commissioners relative to the Digital In-car Video System audio recording antennas for Operations-South Bureau and Southeast Area was given by Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger, Deputy Chief Rick Jacobs and Deputy Chief Bob Green.  Prior to their comments Police Chief Charlie Beck said the Department believes in civilian oversight and attributed the success of the Department to it. He added that if the Commission believed the Department failed to notify them properly then the Board was correct. Assistant Chief Paysinger said the Department strongly believes in the In-car Video technologies because it promotes transparency.  Deputy Chief Green informed the Board the Department discovered the discrepancies in the video system last July but after careful consideration believed the scope of the investigation would be too large. Instead the Department sent out notices, implemented start of watch and end of watch inspections as well as supervisor field inspections. Deputy Chief Jacobs then informed the Board the Department did not immediately bring the issue to the attention of the Board and was an oversight on the part of the Department. Deputy Chief said the oversight was not an intentional act and checks have been put in place to ensure it does not happen again.  

• The Department’s report, dated April 11, 2014, relative to the grant application and award for the 2013 Port Security Grant, was approved and transmitted concurrently to the Mayor and City Council. 

National Child Abuse Awareness Month

WHAT:    April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month WHEN:   Thursday, April 17, 2025 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE:    LAPD Headquarters Plaza Area 100 West First Street Los Angeles, Ca 90012      WHO:    Abuse Child Unit Detectives, Juvenile Division          WHY:      April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month.  In conjunction with Juvenile Division, the Los Angeles Police Department will bring recognition and awareness to child abuse prevention as Juvenile Division hosts the Department’s Awareness Campaign. There will be information tables staffed with experienced investigators to answer questions and disseminate information regarding the prevention of child abuse, infant deaths and safe sleeping, safe surrender, child home alone, internet and athletic safety tips for children. By educating the public and providing community members and employees with information, it is hopeful that we can prevent the loss of a child’s life and continue to protect them from harmful situations.  In addition, topical informational brochures will be available at local LAPD Police Stations.   Juvenile Division will also take this opportunity to make available lapel pins for a $5 donation. The lapel pins are engraved with “LAPD Stop Child Abuse.” Proceeds will be used to support the annual Holiday Party for child abuse victims.              CONTACTS: Should you have any questions or need further information, please contact Detective Chris Ruedas, at (213) 486-0585.

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21st Annual TOP COPS Awards, LAPD Officer Recognized for Bravery

Washington, D.C.; The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), President Thomas J. Nee and Executive Director William J. Johnson recently announced NAPO’s list of winners and honorable mentions for the 21st Annual TOP COPS Awards. NAPO announced LAPD Officer Donald E. Thompson will receive the prestigious Honorable Mention Award. On December 25, 2013, just before 2:00 p.m., Officer Don Thompson, a 26-year veteran with the Los Angeles Police Department was headed to work on the freeway when he saw a vehicle crash into the center divider. The collision was so violent that the vehicle immediately began to catch on fire. Officer Thompson stopped his truck and ran to the burning vehicle to render aid. The elderly driver of the vehicle was unconscious and trapped behind the wheel as the flames began to engulf the front compartment. Without regard for his own safety, Officer Thompson forced the door open and tried to get to the driver to safety but his seatbelt was securely fastened. Realizing that his life and the victim’s life were at their crossroads, Officer Thompson fought through the intense heat and smoke to free the victim. Bearing the full weight of the unconscious driver, Thompson pulled him out of the car and saved his life. Each year since 1994 NAPO has presented the TOP COPS Awards® Ceremony.   The purpose of the TOP COPS Awards® is to educate the American public about our nation’s heroes and to pay tribute to law enforcement officers in federal, state, county, and local agencies from across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty during the preceding year. Our TOP COPS® are nominated by fellow officers.  An independent Awards Selection Committee comprised of national law enforcement representatives review hundreds of nominations, and select from each of the 50 States and U.S. territories.  Officers from the top ten cases are selected as the 2014 TOP COPS®.  In each remaining state, one case is selected for which the officer(s) will receive an Honorable Mention award. “The TOP COPS Awards® provide an opportunity for all of us to recognize the brave men and women in America’s law enforcement community who selflessly put their lives on the line day in and day out” said Nee.  “Law enforcement officers care deeply about the citizens and communities they serve, and this honor is one way of letting them know their contributions are not taken for granted.” The Twenty-First Annual TOP COPS Awards® Dinner will be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington, D.C. at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014. Many celebrities from NBC’s hit programs Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, CBS’s Cold Case, NCIS and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation will serve as award presenters.  In past years, civic leaders including the President and Vice President as well as the Attorney General of the United States have helped honor these brave men and women by attending and speaking at the ceremony. All proceeds from the TOP COPS Awards® benefit the Police Research and Education Project (PREP), NAPO’s 501(c) (3) sister organization which promotes the well-being of officers and their families and educates and informs the public about the role of law enforcement in a democratic society. NAPO is a coalition of more than 1,000 police units and associations representing 241,000 rank and file law enforcement officers from across the United States.  For more than thirty years, NAPO has been instrumental in the passage of many important laws protecting citizens and police officers. NOTE TO MEDIA: TOP COPS® and Honorable Mentions will be available for print and broadcast interviews prior to the Awards Dinner on Monday, May 12, 2014.  Please contact Elizabeth Loranger at eloranger@napo.org or (703) 549-0775.

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Benedict Canyon Murder Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Bureau Homicide detectives announce the arrest of the suspect responsible for the murder of 28-year-old Angelo Armani Eppolito-Autry. On Saturday, April 12, 2014, around 3:55 p.m., West Los Angeles Area officers responded to a radio call of a possible homicide in the 10000 block of Westwanda Drive in the Beverly Crest Area of Los Angeles. When the officers arrived at the residence they discovered the body of Eppolito- Autry with apparent gunshot wounds. Detectives along with officers worked around the clock and arrested 31-year-old Gerson Sanchez, in Lakewood. Sanchez is a former employee of Eppolito-Autry and the two had an ongoing dispute over money. Sanchez bail has been set at $1,000,000 and he will be arraigned on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Anyone with information is urged 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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