LAPD Blog

Statement of the Los Angeles Police Department on the Sentencing in the Criminal Trial of Officer Mary O’Callaghan

Los Angeles: Earlier today a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge sentenced Officer Mary O’Callaghan to 16 months in state prison.  The sentence comes after she was found guilty of felony assault under color of authority on June 5, 2015.  The charges stemmed from O’Callaghan’s conduct during the arrest of Alesia Thomas on July 22, 2012, while O’Callaghan was assigned to LAPD’s Southeast Division.

Ms. Thomas was arrested by LAPD officers on the evening of July 22, 2024 for child abandonment after leaving her minor children in the lobby of Southeast Area Community Police Station. O'Callaghan responded to the scene of the arrest to assist in taking Ms. Thomas into custody.  An LAPD Digital In-Car Video System recorded O'Callaghan making inappropriate comments and kicking Thomas in the stomach and groin while handcuffed in the backseat of the patrol car.  Thomas later died at the hospital and the Los Angeles County Coroner found that acute cocaine intoxication was the major factor in her death.

LAPD's Force Investigation Division immediately launched an investigation into Ms. Thomas’ death and uncovered O'Callaghan's conduct resulting in her removal from field duties and being relieved of duty without pay by the Chief of Police.  The LAPD also conducted a criminal investigation into her conduct in coordination with the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, Justice System Integrity Division, which filed criminal charges in 2013 for felony assault.

"As I expressed at the time, I was very concerned about this incident when it was first brought to light. It was our investigation that ultimately led to the criminal charges against her and now a prison sentence” said LAPD Chief Beck.  “It should be clear to everyone that the LAPD and the criminal justice system will hold officers accountable for their actions when they operate outside the law.”

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Man Arrested for Possession of Loaded Weapon

North Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Area detectives arrested a man for possession of a loaded weapon.

On July 22, 2015, around 9:15 a.m., officers were posted at the 6900 block of Tujunga Avenue. Larry Ira Estrin, a 62 year-old resident of Los Angeles was stopped at a check point when officers were alerted of a possible firearm in Estrins' vehicle.

A loaded weapon was recovered from Estrins' vehicle. Estrin was placed under arrest for possession of a loaded weapon.

Estrin is currently being held on $35,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Major Crimes Division at (213) 486-7280. 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). Tipster 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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July 21, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Election of officers is postponed until the next Police Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 4 when all police commissioner are present. No meeting will be held on Tuesday July 28, after which the regular weekly schedule meetings will be held for the exception of Tuesday after Labor Day.

Chief Beck provided an overview of crime statistics.  He reported there are 9,925 sworn Los Angeles police officers. Currently the Department has 2,678 civilian employees and 599 civilian vacancies. There are more than 400 reserve police officers, 372 specialist volunteers, 61chaplains, and 6,183 police cadets. Chief Beck said a new academy class began this past week with 49 recruit officers. This is one of four classes in the academy.

    •The Inspector General Alexander A. Bustamante announced Craig Jeffrey as a new investigator with the Inspector General’s office. Inspector Alexander A. Bustamante said Craig Jeffrey is a strong addition as he is an accomplished and decorated detective from Scotland Yard, London. Has received awards for bravery and commendations from the FBI and Scotland Yard has a civil rights background and is a tactics and firearms expert.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 7, 2015, relative to the Los Angeles Combined Charities Campaign for LAUSD Student Health Services Support Fund, as set forth [BPC #15-0206] was approved.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 7, 2015, relative to the Los Angeles Combined Charities Campaign for The Children’s Charity of Southern CA, as set forth, [BPC #15-0233] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 1, 2015, relative to recommendation of qualified vendor to provide Official Police Garage Towing and Storage Services for Service Area 11 (RFP #14-980-015), as set forth, [BPC #15-0215] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Executive Director’s report, dated July 14, 2015, relative to how the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) provisions regulating valet parking would apply to on-demand valet parking services, and if any amendments would be needed to effectively regulate on-demand Valet Services (CF 15-0559 Wesson-Blumenfield-Bonin), as set forth, [BPC #15-0216] was approved.

    •Inspector General’s report, dated July 15, 2015, relative to the investigation  of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Homicide Clearance Rates, as set forth, [BPC #15-0214] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated June 16, 2015, relative to the policies and procedures for Statements for Officers Involved in Shootings, In-Custody Deaths, and Use of Force Incidents Resulting in significant Injury, and the Heard Only Witness Form for LAPD Sworn, Form 01.71.02, and the Heard Only Witness Form for Civilians, Form 01.71.03, as set forth, [BPC #15-0205] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated July 2, 2015, relative the Third Amendment to Subleases between the Los Angeles Regional Crime Laboratory Facility Authority, California State University, Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles, as set forth. [BPC #15-0213] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Department’s report, dated June 26, 2015, relative to the Supplemental Police Account First Quarterly Report (January through March 2015), as set forth, [BPC #15-0212] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated June 19, 2015, relative to an agreement with selected proposer, Emergency Response Crimes Scene Cleaning, for emergency crime scene cleanup services, as set forth, [BPC #15-0204] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated July 17, 2015, relative to the selected proposer, LEXISNEXIS Claims Solutions, Inc., to provide a community online reporting service and report distribution service, as set forth. [BPC #15-0220] was approved and transmitted to Mayor and City Council.

    •Department’s report, dated July 9, 2015, relative to the fourth amendment to contract no. C-123897 with Motorola Solutions, Inc., to install an amplifier system and tactical area communications system for both the Northeast and Metro stations, as set forth, [BPC #15-0231] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated July 13, 2015, relative to the Non-Categorical Use of Force  Investigations Audit (AD No. 15-003), as set forth, [BPC #15-0230] was approved.

    •Department’s report, dated June 16, 2015, relative to Operations – West Bureau Narcotics Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (AD No. 14-037), as set forth, [BPC #15-0232] will be held over until the Tuesday August 4 Police Commission meeting.

 

Click here for Police Commission Notes

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Teacher Arrested for Sexual Abuse of 15-year-old

Los Angeles: Teacher from San Pedro High School arrested for sexually abusing her 15-year-old student.

In February 2015, 28-year-old Michelle Yeh assumed a temporary teaching assignment in the Science Department where the minor was a student in one of her classes. At the close of the 2015 school year, Yeh reached out to the victim and arranged private meetings. In July of 2015, the minor disclosed that Yeh sexually abused him on several occasions.

On July 17, 2015, Yeh was arrested and released on $100,000.00 bail. The investigation is still ongoing and detectives believe there may be other cases of unreported sexual abuse with other students. Yeh has held multiple temporary teaching assignments in the surrounding area and also provided tutoring online, allowing her contact with other minors. Anyone with further information is encouraged to come forward.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department's Harbor Area, Detective Division, Sex Crimes Investigation Unit (310) 726-7915. 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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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29-Year-Old Critical Missing Man

Los Angeles: The Family of Oswald Puldon and the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Division is asking for the public's help to locate the 29-year-old Northridge resident.

Mr. Puldon was last seen on July 20, 2015, at approximately 9:30 p.m., in the 10000 Block of Babbitt Avenue in Northridge. Mr. Puldon is diagnosed with schizophrenia and has the mental capacity of a 16 year old. His family is concerned for his welfare.

Oswald Puldon is described as a 29-years-old Male Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 270 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black Hawaiian shirt, blue jeans, and light gray tennis shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Oswald Puldon, please contact Devonshire Area Detectives at (818) 832-0633. 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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LAPD Recovers Weapons in West Los Angeles

Los Angeles: On Friday, July 17, at around 5:00 p.m., officers at West Los Angeles Area police station received a telephone call of a possible deceased person in a vehicle in the 1700 block of Palisades Drive in West Los Angeles. Police officers were dispatched to the scene and located a male adult deceased in a vehicle parked at the location. Officers were able to identify the individual and conduct a follow up to his residence on the same street.

Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD) detectives assumed responsibility for the case and obtained a search warrant to check the residence in an effort to determine the potential cause of the decedent's death. Upon entering the residence RHD detectives found a large quantity of firearms as well as ammunition. The LAPD Bomb Squad responded to ascertain whether there were hazardous devices or material in the residence or garage prior to the search of the location.

Detectives recovered more than 1200 firearms from inside the location, both handguns and long guns (rifles and shotguns). In addition a large quantity of ammunition, preliminarily estimated at more than two tons, was recovered. All weapons and ammunition were booked at LAPD Property Division.

RHD detectives are the lead investigative entity in case. They are being assisted by personnel from Detective Bureau's Gun Detail who are looking into the origin and legality of the firearms.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Division at (213) 486-6890. 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.

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Man Dies After Falling Onto the 110 Freeway

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Homicide detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would assist in the death investigation of Armando Sahagun, a 22-year-old Los Angeles resident, who fell from the Pasadena Avenue bridge onto the 110 Freeway.

On Saturday, July 18, 2015, around 7:45 p.m., motorists traveling northbound on the 110 Freeway observed Sahagun fall from the Pasadena Avenue bridge. Sahagun was then struck by a vehicle traveling on the freeway. The motorist remained at the location and called 911.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene, however Sahagun did not respond to their life saving measures and was pronounced dead at scene.

Detectives are seeking witnesses on or around the Pasadena Avenue bridge, who observed Sahagun prior to the fall.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Barajas and Soria at (323) 342-8957. 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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77 Year-Old Man Reported Missing

Los Angeles: The family of Benny Joe Arnold and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Person's unit are asking for the public's help in locating Mr. Arnold.

Mr. Arnold was last seen on Saturday, July 18, 2015, around 3:00 a.m., in the 800 block of Genesee Avenue in the City of Los Angeles. Mr. Arnold suffers from Dementia and is in need of his medication. His family is extremely concerned that he has not been located.

Mr. Arnold is described as a male Black with grey hair and brown eyes. He is 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. Mr. Arnold was last seen wearing a black shirt, dark jeans and black shoes.

Anyone with information on Mr. Arnold's whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Missing Person's Unit 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 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 promps.

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60 Year-Old Woman Reported Missing

UPDATE

Celia Salazar has been located and is in good health.

 

Los Angeles: The family of Celia Salazar and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Person's unit are asking for the public's help in locating Ms. Salazar.

Ms. Salazar was last seen on Friday, July 17, 2015, around 7:00 a.m., in the 3300 block of East 2nd Street in the City of Los Angeles. Ms. Salazar suffers from Dementia and is in need of her medication. Her family is extremely concerned that she has not been located.

Ms. Salazar is described as a female Hispanic with brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds. Ms. Salazar was last seen wearing a green shirt, dark blue jeans and black Sketchers shoes.


Celia Salazar

Anyone with information on Ms. Salazar's whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD Missing Person's Unit 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 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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Suspect(s) Vandalize and Steal from Church

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect(s) who burglarized and vandalized Saint Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.

The burglary occurred between the hours of 9:45 p.m. and 5 a.m. on July 15th and 16th on the 2700 block of Pico Boulevard in the heart of the Byzantine-Latino Corridor. The suspect(s) entered the church and ransacked the location taking several prized religious articles. One of the items was the church's golden tabernacle, a liturgical furnishing used to house the Eucharist outside of Mass and considered one of the most sacred items in a church. A gold cross used for the Procession was also taken. The other items that were stolen are of religious significance as well and decorated with ornate religious figures making them easily identifiable.

The suspect(s) also knocked over the pulpit used for services, breaking it in half. In addition, multiple glass cases which hold prayer candles were broken.

Detectives are requesting for the public's assistance to apprehend the suspect(s) and recover these items that have been a staple of the church and sacred symbols to the parishioners who worship there.


(Photo of similar tabernacle)

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAPD's Olympic Area Burglary Detectives at (213) 382-9446. 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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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