LAPD Blog

2014 Capabilities and Inspection of Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau

March 12, 2025 – In an empty parking lot overlooking the City of Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium the sworn and civilian employees of the Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau stood at attention as Police Chief Charlie Beck and Deputy Chief Michael Downing walked the ranks, inspecting the officers in their formal Class A uniforms from head to toe.  Stopping to speak with officers individually, Chief Beck took the opportunity to thank each one for their service to the City.

“The threats we face today are changing quickly.  They are more diffused and complex, said Chief Downing. “Support each other, care for one another, and find joy in what you do.  You are in the best profession in the world – in my opinion – there is great purpose and meaning in what you do.  Not only do you protect humans from physical harm, you protect a society’s civil liberties/civil rights so that they can be free to choose their faith, express their ideas, keep their traditions, chose their sexuality, appeal to the government, protest or demonstrate against policies they perceive as unfair and compete on an equal playing field – we protect all that as well. This is the great American lifestyle and being American is perhaps the greatest opportunity and advantage we have in the free world.”  

Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau consists of a variety of specialized divisions which include Major Crimes, Air Support, Emergency Services, Emergency Operations, and Metropolitan Division.  Metropolitan Division includes SWAT, Mounted Unit, Bomb Squad, K-9, Underwater Dive Unit and Dignitary Protection Detail. Combined these divisions’ primary focus is to prevent terrorist attacks and protect societies civil liberties and civil rights.

Every division in the Department holds formal inspections from time to time.  It serves as an opportunity for sworn and civilian employees to build comradery and to return to the basics of police formalities.  

20-Year-Old Man Arrested On Criminal Threat Charges for a Twitter Post

Los Angeles: On Wednesday, March 12, 2014, around 9:30 a.m., LAPD Central Area patrol officers received information about a possible public safety Twitter post.

Officers utilized Department resources to investigate the social media account.  During the investigation, officers discovered multiple pictures displaying an unknown type of rifle pointing in the direction of various Los Angles city streets with the captions “100 RT’s (Re-Tweets) and I’ll shoot someone walking.”

During the course of the investigation, officers were able to determine the location where the pictures were taken and the identity of the Twitter account user.  The account user was identified as 20-year-old Dakkari McAnuff, a resident of Los Angeles.  Officers responded to McAnuff’s residence in the 700 block of 9th Street, took him into custody and transported him to Central Division for further investigation.  An air rifle was recovered at the scene.

McAnuff was arrested and booked for 422 PC-Criminal Threats and is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact LAPD Central Division Detectives at (213) 972-1203.  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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Man Found Fatally Shot in Sylmar

Sylmar:  CHP officers, responding to reports of a traffic obstruction, discovered a driver apparently shot, sitting in a Mitsubishi on the Roxford Street off ramp of the westbound 210 freeway, this morning, March 14, 2014.

“Preliminary evidence tends to show this is a case of road rage,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “Bullet impacts and glass fragments lead us to think the shooter fired at the victim from the victim’s side of the car.”

The report of the traffic obstruction came around 12:50 AM.  A sheriff deputy arrived first and reported the driver had apparently been shot.  Paramedics took the victim to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The dead driver was a local man in his mid-30s.  “He did not appear to have a criminal record nor to be affiliated with any gang activity,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “It may be he was coming or going to work.”

Detectives will look into other reports of shots fired, reported around 11 PM, near Fenton Street and Tyler Street, about one mile from this crime scene.  Responding LAPD officer found no witness, nor victim in that case.  “Given the 2 hour lapse in time between the two incidents, it’s doubtful they are related, but we’ll have to see,” Vernon said.

Police are asking for anyone who saw the Mitsubishi on the off ramp to call police to help establish a timeline as to how long the victim might have been there before police arrived.

CHP closed the westbound 210 freeway for about 1 hour while detectives walked the freeway from the crime scene to the Polk Street exit, looking for evidence of the shooting.  The freeway was reopened by about 4:15 AM, in time for the morning rush.

Anyone with information is urged to call Det. Gretchen Schultz, at (818) 838-9951.  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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Biography of Officer Nicholas Lee

Nicholas Choung Lee was born on August 16, 2024 in Seoul, Korea and moved to the United States with his parents Heung Jae Lee (father), and Choung Ja Lee (mother) when he was six years old.  Nicholas has a younger brother Danny and a sister, Jenny.  Nicholas was raised in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California.  Nicholas graduated from University High School, Los Angeles in 1991 and attended California State University Fullerton where he graduated in 1996.

Nicholas met Cathy Kim and they married in May 2001.  Their first daughter, Jalen, was born in April 2000, followed by daughter Kendall in November 2007.  Nicholas loved his girls and would go scootering with the girls as he took them to school.  Nicholas loved barbecuing and serving family and friends.  Nicholas was a loving father, husband, and a great provider.  Nicholas ensured his family came first in all aspects of his life.

Nicholas Lee joined the Los Angeles Police Department on August 31, 1998, a member of the 8B-98 Class. In March 1999, Officer Nicholas Lee completed his academy training and was transferred to Van Nuys Division.  Nicholas completed probation at Van Nuys and transferred to Hollywood Division where he worked patrol.

Nicholas was selected as a Police Officer III on October 19, 2024 and assigned to the Juvenile car where he worked for over 2 years.  Nicholas transferred to Wilshire Division in December 2005 where he worked as a Training Officer and was later selected to work Wilshire Vice.  Nicholas returned to patrol in March 2008 as a Field Training Officer in Hollywood Division.

Nicholas was an exemplary police officer and received numerous awards and commendations for his work ethic, professionalism and compassion.  In addition to the many Department commendations, Officer Nicholas Lee was the subject of myriad Citizen Commendations.  On July 10, 2004, Officer Lee was commended for helping a stranded motorist by pushing her car two city-blocks to a gas station where he waited till help arrived; On September 7, 2005, Officer Lee was commended for his dedication and compassion in the search and location of a missing child; On January 25, 2006, Officer Lee put an end to a crime spree by taking two narcotic suspects off the streets.  

“Nick was a great cop.  His hard work, dedication and leadership helped mold young police officers into law enforcement professionals,” said Chief Charlie Beck. “Nick's death is a great loss to our police family, all of law enforcement and the residents of Los Angeles. The LAPD is forever grateful for the 16 years he spent protecting our great City. I send my most sincere thoughts and prayers to his wife, two daughters, and the entire Lee family. “

Officer Nicholas C. Lee
EOW: Friday, March 7, 2025

 

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Notes from the March 11, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The Board of Police Commissioners opened the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of Hollywood Area Police Officer Nicholas Lee who was killed in the line of duty last week.  Police Chief Charlie Beck stated the Department was mourning Officer Lee’s loss and he appreciated the outpouring of condolences from the public.

• Police Commission President Steve Soboroff said he visited Officer Lee’s partner in the hospital and found her to be in good spirits.  He said it was a miracle she was able to walk out of the hospital over the weekend.

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman commended the Department for successfully policing the Los Angeles Marathon over the weekend.  He said it was a testament to the Department’s professionalism to continue to perform its duties despite the circumstances.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board Police Officer Nicholas Lee’s death was the 205th in the 140 plus year history of the LAPD.  He said his death was the 54th since he has been with the Department and the 3rd since he has been Chief of Police.  Chief Beck completed his comments by saying the Department mourns all of its losses but the most recent one hurts the most.

• The Department’s verbal update and discussion relative to the status of the field test of the On-body Camera Project was given by Chief Information Officer Maggie Goodrich.  Ms. Goodrich informed the Board the project is currently 60 days into the 90 day testing window which began January 15 in Central Area.  She said there are 32 cameras with 50 users and 2,253 videos created.  Ms. Goodrich added after the 90 day trial period ends the Department will switch use to the other supplier of cameras and begin a new trial period.  She said the entire pilot program will be complete by the end of summer.

• The Department’s report, dated March 7, 2014, relative to the request for approval of selected proposer, LexisNexis Claims Solutions, Inc., to provide a community online reporting service and report distribution service, was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated March 5, 2014, relative to the transmittal of the grant application and award acceptance for the 2014 minor decoy/shoulder tap grant program, was approved and transmitted concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Inspector General’s report, dated March 6, 2014, relative to the inspection at 77th Street Jail and Metropolitan Detention Center, was approved.

43-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles:  The family of Mauricio Baez and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help to find Mr. Baez.

On February 10, 2014, around 8 a.m., Mr. Baez was last seen in the 300 block of West 13th Street in the City of Los Angeles. He left the location and never returned, which is very unusual to his friends and family.  He was last heard from on the same day around 3:30 p.m.

Mauricio Baez is described as a 43-year-old male Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes, stands 6 feet tall, and weighs around 375 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black sweat jacket and gray sweats.

He was last seen driving a 2000 Black BMW with California License plate number 4GSP115.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Mauricio Baez, please contact Missing Persons Unit, Detective K. 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 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 was Shot and Killed in Echo Park Area

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who killed a 45-year-old man. The victim’s name is not being released pending next of kin notification.

On March 09, 2014, around 4:35 p.m., Officers responded to a radio call of an “ADW shooting” at the 900 block of North Academy Road. According to detectives the victim was involved in a dispute with the suspect. The suspect produced a handgun and shot the victim multiple times.

The victim was transported to a local hospital by private vehicle where he died a short time later from his injuries.

The motive for the murder appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Northeast Homicide Detectives Dicroce or Yamada at (323) 344-5744.  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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Memorial Services to Honor LAPD Officer Nicholas Lee Who Was Killed in a Tragic Traffic Collision on Friday, March 7, 2025

Rosary Service for LAPD Officer Nicholas Lee
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
7:00 p.m.
St. Basil Catholic Church
3611 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90005
 
Memorial Service Inside the Cathedral  Immediately followed by Traditional Honors Outside in the Cathedral Plaza
Thursday, March 13, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Los Angels
555 W. Temple Street
Los Angeles CA 90012
 
Funeral Procession and Gravesite Burial
Thursday, March 13, 2025
11:30 a.m.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1712 S. Glendale Avenue
Glendale CA 91205

For additional information, contact the LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

City Attorney Feuer and Chief Beck Discuss Prop D Enforcement

"Campaign Launched To Assist Realtors and Property Owners To Comply With Prop D Which Regulates Medical Marijuana Dispensaries"

podcast of discussion

LOS ANGELES – City Attorney Mike Feuer and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck joined together today to discuss their collaborative efforts in enforcing Proposition D which regulates the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the City. They also announced the launch of a campaign to assist real estate professionals and landlords on how they can comply with Propostion D.

“With the invaluable work of our partner LAPD, we have been successfully and aggressively enforcing Proposition D and upholding the will of the voters,” said Feuer. “Today we launch additional efforts including assisting the real estate industry and property owners in complying with Prop D.”

"The Los Angeles Police Department is committed to partnering with the City Attorney's Office to close the marijuana dispensaries that are in violation of Proposition D which was approved by the voters," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. "We believe the City Attorney's Office has developed an efficient prosecutorial template to target both business and property owners that are in violation. In addition, we are significantly increasing the number of LAPD officers trained in
Proposition D enforcement protocols, and we will subsequently increase the number of cases we submit for prosecution."

Feuer has filed criminal charges against hundreds of defendants including dispensary owners, operators, managers and property owners with over 100 dispensaries closing since enforcement of Proposition D began. The City Attorney has successfully won over 20 legal challenges to the new law.

As part of his Office’s increased enforcement efforts, Feuer announced that he recently hired two new attorneys to work exclusively in prosecuting Proposition D cases.

"Our association supports the City Attorney in his enforcement of Proposition D,” said Jim Link, chief executive officer of the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS. "Our role is to do all we can to make sure our REALTOR members who engage in property management or leasing are educated as to their responsibilities under the law so that they and their clients do not inadvertently violate any of the provisions of Proposition D."

Proposition D offers limited immunity from prosecution for medical marijuana businesses that meet a series of requirements. It is the property owner’s responsibility to determine that a medical marijuana business has met all of the requirements necessary to qualify for limited immunity under Proposition D. It is important when renting property to a medical marijuana business to verify that requirements have been met under Proposition D.

Man Arrested in 2012 Cold Case Murder

Los Angeles: Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division are announcing the arrest of the suspect responsible for an unsolved 2012 Los Angeles murder. On January 17, 2012, LAPD was notified of a human head found in Griffith Park near the Hollywood sign.  The head was discovered by two women who were walking several dogs through a trail in the park. With the help of a cadaver dog and additional department resources additional body parts were found near the same area where the head was discovered. On January 19, 2025 the identity of the body parts was determined to belong to a reported missing person, 66-year-old Hervey Coronado Medellin, a Los Angeles resident. On March 9, 2014, LAPD Robbery Homicide Detectives with the assistance of the San Antonio Police Department arrested 38-year-old Gabriel Campos Martinez for the 2012 murder of Mr. Medellin. Campos Martinez was arrested in the city of San Antonio, Texas being held without bail and is awaiting extradition proceedings. Robbery Homicide Detectives are handling the investigation.  All questions should be directed to LAPD Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910. 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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