LAPD Blog

NOTES: June 2, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

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After a quorum was established, Commissioner Robert Saltzman opened the meeting with a reminder about this evening’s LGBT pride month reception in the Compstat Room for all Department employees.

The meeting proceeded to the Report of the Chief of Police. Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger was sitting in for Chief Charlie Beck. Chief Paysinger mentioned that last week was the official launch of the LAPD Dodger baseball cards. He went on to talk about the purpose and value of the cards and his hopes to realize the program’s benefits to community youth. He concluded his report with current crime statistics.

There was no report from the Inspector General; so the meeting proceeded to the Consent Agenda Items, which were approved, and the meeting proceeded to the Regular Agenda Items.

There were nine Regular Agenda Items, two of which were verbal presentations. Commissioner Saltzman made a motion, which was seconded, to approve Items C through I as follows:

• Item 8C, the Executive Director’s Report, dated May 14, 2015, relative to the proposed change in the corporate ownership of Gary Baines, Inc., dba Los Angeles Tow (L.A. Tow), Official Police Garage for South Bureau heavy duty service area of the LAPD, Contract #C1321706 to Jose Acosta, pursuant to LAMC Section 80.77 (E)(2), as set forth, was approved.
• Item 8D, the Department’s Report, dated May 19, 2015, relative to the agreement between the City of Los Angeles and the Special Olympics International, Inc. for Unified Relay Across America, as set forth, was approved.
• Item 8E, the Department’s Report, dated May 25, 2015, relative to the extension and reprogramming of funds for the 2013 Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program, as set forth, was approved.
• Item 8F, the Department’s Report, dated May 27, 2015, relative to the Robbery-Homicide Division Command Accountability Performance Audit (AD#14-040), as set forth, was approved.
• Item 8G, the Department’s Report, dated May 27, 2015, relative to the Suspected Child Abuse Report Audit (AD#14-078), as set forth, was approved.
• Item 8H, the Department’s Report, dated May 18, 2015, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, Fourth Quarter 2015, as set forth, was approved.
• Item 8I, the Department’s Report, dated May 27, 2015, relative to the Third Amendment to Contract #C-12332 with Raytheon Communications, Inc., to provide professional services to implement Phase II of the Digital In-Car Video System, as set forth, was approved.

The meeting proceeded with two verbal presentations. The first presentation, Item 8A, was an overview and update from the Foothill Area’s commanding officer and a representative from the area’s Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) concerning community initiated problem solving, crime strategies and other programs and goals within the area. Representing the Department before the Commission were Foothill Area Commanding Officer (Captain) Ernie Eskridge and his C-PAB Co-Chair.

Item 8B was the second presentation, a discussion about the status of the implementation of the Digital In-Car Video System in Operations-Central Bureau and the deployment of on-body video cameras. Representing the Department before the Commission were Chief Information Officer Maggie Goodrich and Sergeant Dan Gomez, both from the Department’s Information Technology Bureau.

After public comments on this topic, Commission President Steve Soboroff had a couple of additional questions concerning video storage costs to the City and/or the Department. Ms. Goodrich answered that the police foundation would cover all storage costs for the first two years, including costs associated with maintenance, replacement and technology upgrades. Commissioner Paula Madison continued with a another question about a study of on-body cameras used by the Rialto Police Department. Ms. Goodrich was unable to answer her question.

Executive Director Richard Tefank made final comments about the establishment/appointment of a subcommittee to address follow-up issues that may surface in the Department for on-body cameras and policies that relate to them. Commissioner Saltzman felt the follow-up issues should not be handled by a subcommittee but by the full Commission itself. The city attorney stated a determination of how follow-up issues would be handled would have to be addressed at a future Commission meeting.

LA Man Wanted for Murder, Arrested in Las Vegas

Reseda: The wanted man in the February murder of Matthew Hanna was arrested in Las Vegas over 

this past weekend after he crossed over the double yellow line and nearly collided with an oncoming police car. An arrest warrant for Donte Daley, 39, was issued earlier this year after LAPD detectives tied Daley to Hanna's death.

"The word was, Daley could be anywhere from Las Vegas to Florida, or several states in between," said Capt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the West Valley Patrol Division. "US Marshals were working with us to find him. As it turned out, it was an officer from the Nevada Taxi Authority who ultimately took him down."

Matthew Hanna was an acquaintance of Daley through some other friends. Evidence and witness statements tied Daley to the shooting in late February. Hanna's parents found their son's dead body in his home, February 28, 2015, in the 16400 block of Gilmore Street. He had been shot multiple times, one or more days prior to the discovery.

Daley was known to be involved in illicit sales of prescription medicine and methamphetamine. He was, indeed, booked in Las Vegas for possessions for sales of prescription drugs and cocaine, after arresting officers found a stash in his Nevada registered car.

"Apparently Daley styled himself as a bit of a celebrity," Capt. Vernon added. "The arresting officer was incredulous when Daley asked, 'Where are the TV cameras?" then quipped, 'You know, I'm 187 out of Cali." The Nevada officer had to ask a partner what that meant. Translation: Daley was wanted for murder in California.

LAPD detectives will travel to Las Vegas to bring Daley back to Los Angeles for trial.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Matt Kohl, West Valley Homicide Unit, at (818) 374-7712. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers 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.

One Juvenile Arrested in Connection to Korea Town Double Murder

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department in conjunction with the FBI Taskforce arrested a juvenile involved in the murder of brothers Eleazar Lico 20 years-old, and Aurelio Lico 24 years-old, in Korea Town.

On Monday, June 1, 2015, around 2:25 p.m., a dispute between two groups resulted in a fight in the 3000 block of West Leeward Avenue. The fight escalated and the suspects group, possible gang members, armed themselves with a tire iron and a hand gun. The two victims tried to get away and ran in opposite directions on Leeward Avenue. Eleazar Lico ran westbound toward Vermont Avenue and collapsed after he was shot and hit with a tire iron by one of the suspects. Aurelio Lico ran eastbound toward Westmoreland Avenue when he was shot in the head.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the other died from his injuries while being transported to the hospital.

On June 2, 2015, around 2:30 p.m. the LAPD/FBI Taskforce arrested a 16 year-old male Hispanic at his residence in Hollywood in connection with this double murder. The circumstances and motive for this homicide are still under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting can contact West Bureau Homicide detectives at (213) 382-9470. During non-business hours or on the 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.LAPDOonline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Running One of Three Routes to the Special Olympics World Games Finish Line

Los Angeles: With a finish line thousands of miles away, three teams of runners, consisting of law enforcement and volunteers carrying a symbolic torch, are methodically advancing towards the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

Recently retired LAPD Officer Tyler Izen is currently on the route known as the "Southern Route" of the Special Olympics journey appropriately called the "Flame of Hope." This integral part of a trio of torch runs, at a distance of over 4,000 miles, culminates into the three torches lighting the iconic flame at the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

"It's an amazing experience," Izen said as he and his team members triumphantly paraded into their next destination, the city of Durham, North Carolina. It's quite a distance from where Officer Izen was assigned only a few months ago. Izen, who recently retired as the President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, was accustomed to high level negotiations and overseeing a budget equal to a small corporation. Now he is escorting a Special Olympics runner and community volunteer through the rolling hills of North Carolina.

Eventually arriving in Los Angeles in late July, Izen will escort the Southern "Flame of Hope" where it will be united into the Special Olympics caldron prominently featured at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum located next to the University of Southern California campus.

For current progress and updates concerning the Special Olympics World Games, see the website at unifiedrelay.org, or call LAPD Media Relations at (213) 486-5910.

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Armed Robbery Suspect Hits Two Restaurants Back to Back

Westchester: The Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Area robbery detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that will lead to the identification and arrest of an armed suspect that robbed two local restaurants.

On Friday, May 29, 2015, around 9:45 a.m., officers responded to a radio call of a robbery at the IHOP Restaurant located on the 8600 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.

A suspect armed with a handgun attempted to rob a waitress at the restaurant. The suspect placed a brown paper bag on the counter and demanded money from the waitress. The suspect was startled and ran from the restaurant, got into a vehicle and fled eastbound on Manchester Avenue.

On Friday, May 29, 2015, around 9:55 a.m., the same suspect entered the Denny's Restaurant located on the 8600 block of Bellanca Avenue. The suspect was still armed with a handgun. He placed a paper bag on the counter and demanded money from one of the waitress, the waitress complied and the suspect grabbed the paper bag containing an undisclosed amount of money and fled the location in a vehicle, eastbound on Arbor Vitae towards Aviation Boulevard.

The suspect is described as a 40 to 50 year old male Hispanic or light skinned male Black, with a thick dark mustache and possibly a goatee. He stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs between 150-175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a brown beanie or knit cap, a black jacket with a gray liner, light blue jeans and black boots. The suspect is to be considered armed and dangerous.

 

       

The getaway vehicle is described as a 1st or 2nd generation 1998-2010 Ford Focus, white four-door with altered or dealer plates and a rear bumper sticker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone with information in regards to this case are urged to call LAPD Pacific Division Robbery Detective Jurado at (310) 482-6373, or the Pacific Division Watch Commander at (310) 482-6357. 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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Suspect who Swindled 92-year-old Woman Flees from Police

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area detectives are asking for the public's help in finding Carlson A. Jackson, a 58-year-old man who "swindled" a 92-year-old female, and is nowhere to be found.

On Thursday, May 7, 2015, Wilshire Area detectives received a suspected Elder Fiduciary Abuse Report from Adult Protective Services. The report alleged how Jackson, who is not a relative, befriended the victim during the past year. In May 2014, the victim "sold" her eight unit apartment building, located in the 1900 block of Palm Grove for $250,000 to Jackson's company, CAJ Properties, LLC. Jackson then opened a joint bank account with his and the victim's name and transferred the money to it.

Adding to the suspicious circumstances is the fact that the apartment building is appraised for approximately $850,000 to $1,000,000. The building was free of any mortgage debt and was the victim's only source of income and residency. She has been living in the building for 40 years and has been left with no financial means to support herself. The rental checks have also been re-routed to a P.O. Box in Los Angeles where Jackson has been collecting them.

During an initial telephonic interview with Jackson, he refused to answer questions and has not cooperated with investigators. He is described as a male Black, who stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 290 pounds. Jackson has connections in Detroit and Michigan.

Anyone with information to Jackson's whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Wilshire Area Detective Veda Young at (213)922-8257. 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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Armed and Dangerous Gangsters on a Crime Spree Captured

Los Angeles: On Friday, May 29, 2015, LAPD Topanga Area officers captured two dangerous suspects who had earlier committed several violent crimes in the northern suburb of Topanga, in the city of Los Angeles.

On May 28, 2015, 21-year-old Francisco Mercado was positively identified as a suspect involved in two armed robberies and two burglaries in the Topanga area. Mercado is a known gang member on parole and he allegedly pointed an unknown caliber semi-auto handgun at his victim and then demanded their property. The following day, May 29, 2015, after Mercado reportedly committed another Robbery, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a crime alert detailing Mercado's physical description and the vehicle he was believed to be driving.

During the Robbery on May 29th, Mercado was joined by a female accomplice who was later identified as 19-year-old Angela Ajzip, an employee of the store he robbed on the 7600 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Topanga Area officers were responding to a radio call when they recognized Mercado and Ajzip fleeing the area. Officers attempted to stop their vehicle as Mercado jumped from the car and Ajzip drove off southbound on Farralone Avenue, crashing into an uninvolved citizen's vehicle. Officers immediately took Ajzip into custody and a large perimeter was set up to capture the fleeing Mercado. Following his bailing out of the getaway vehicle, Mercado broke into a nearby unoccupied residence and secreted himself into a closet where he was later discovered and bit by a police dog and then taken into custody. Both Mercado and Ajzip were booked for 211 PC, Robbery.

Anyone with information about this incident is requested to call LAPD Topanga Area Robbery Detectives at (818) 756-4830. During non-business hours or on the 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.

Officer Involved Shooting in Rampart

Los Angeles: On May 26, 2015, around 10:00 p.m., Rampart Area patrol officers were in the area of 6th Street and Coronado Street when they were flagged down by two male pedestrians.

The pedestrians reported that they had encountered two white males who were armed with a handgun and threatened them. The victims directed the officers towards the 600 block of south Coronado Avenue where the suspects were located and identified.

The officers immediately issued commands to the suspects to stop, but they did not comply. One suspect, later identified as Jason Bangle crouched behind a vehicle with his hands in his waistband. Bangle refused to surrender and began to advance on one of the officers, resulting in an officer-involved-shooting. The second suspect, later identified as Craig Curry, was apprehended shortly thereafter without incident.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Bangle to a local hospital where he was listed in critical, but stable condition. No officers were injured during this incident and a handgun was recovered at scene.

Note: Initial reports at the scene stated that the suspect pointed a handgun at the officers. As the investigation progressed, it was determined that the suspect did not point a handgun at the officers as was initially reported.

Force Investigation Division responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer-involved-shooting. The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department's use-of-force policy which states that an officer's use-of-force actions must be objectively reasonable. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the officer-involved-shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. 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.