LAPD Blog

Attempt Murder Suspect Sought

Los Angeles: Robbery detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's 77th Street Area are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for several robberies and an attempt murder of homeless victims.

On May 19th, 2016, around 6:40 a.m., an attempt murder occurred in an empty lot at 83rd Street and Vermont Avenue. The suspect approached a homeless encampment and threw a flammable liquid on two victims and lit them on fire, causing serious injuries.

The suspect's name is Phillip Darryl Cole. He is a male Black with black hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds. The suspect is transient and believed to be in the area where the crime occurred.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department, 77th Street Robbery detectives at 323-786-5420. 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.

Robbery Homicide Division Seeks the Public’s Help in Identifying Bank Robbery Suspects NR16175ma

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division is requesting the public's assistance in identifying three suspects who have been involved in 24 bank robberies.

Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division detectives have partnered with investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Alhambra Police Department, Pasadena Police Department and Long Beach Police Department to identify suspects involved in a series of bank robberies which began in November 2015. The most recent robbery occurred in April 2016. The suspects enter the location and pass the teller a note. They demand money and claim to be armed while threatening violence if their demands are not met. In recent robberies, the suspects have become increasingly brazen and have jumped over the teller's counter. Law enforcement is greatly concerned that the level of aggression the suspects are displaying is increasing as the bank robberies continue.


The suspects are described as male Blacks, approximately 25 to 30 years of age. Two of the suspects are between 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 170 to 190 pounds. The third suspect is between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 140 to 160 pounds. All the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is urged to call Robbery Homicide Division Detective Koman or Detective Geiger at (213) 486-6890. After hours, please call 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."

Missing 75-year-old Man

Los Angeles: The family of Jimmie Giles and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public's help in locating him.

Mr. Giles was last seen on May 18, 2016, in the 1400 block of West 84th Place, in the City of Los Angeles. Mr. Giles suffers from dementia and is in need of medical treatment. The family is extremely concerned for his well-being.

Mr. Giles is described as a 75-year-old male Black with gray hair and black eyes. He stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 210 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red/black/white checkered shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and a black baseball hat.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jimmie Giles, please contact Missing Person's Unit Detective K. Thomas: 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.

53-Year-Old Missing Man

Los Angeles: The family of Antonio Moreno Aguilera and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help to find him.

On May 12, 2016, around 11:15 p.m., Mr. Aguilera was last seen at 800 World Way (LAX Airport) in the City of Los Angeles. His family is extremely concerned for his welfare.

Mr. Aguilera is described as a male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes. He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and beige hat.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Antonio Aguilera, please contact Missing Persons Unit, Detective L. Saiza 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.

LAPD Officer Donald Thompson Awarded the Medal of Valor by President Barack Obama

Washington D.C.: Today President Obama awarded LAPD Officer Donald Thompson with the Medal of Valor for an incident in December 2013.

On December 25, 2013, about 2:00 p.m., Officer Thompson was headed to work driving southbound on the 405 Freeway, south of the 101 Freeway. Officer Thompson saw a vehicle on the northbound side of the 405 Freeway crash into the center divider. The vehicle immediately caught on fire. Officer Thompson stopped his vehicle and ran to the aid of the driver who was unconscious and trapped in his vehicle. As the vehicle continued to fill with smoke and flames engulfed the front seat compartment, Officer Thompson cut the seatbelt of the vehicle so he was able to free the man and, with the aid of two citizens, pulled him to safety.

Today at the White House, Officer Thompson was one of thirteen public safety officers who was awarded the Medal of Valor by President Obama. The Medal of Valor is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage in the attempt to save or protect others from harm. The award is the highest national award for valor presented to public safety officers.

The LAPD is proud to have Officer Thompson acknowledged today by President Obama for his bravery in this incident.

Elderly Victim Sexual Assault Suspect Captured

North Hollywood: Detectives from LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD), Special Assault Section, arrested 32-year-old Danilo Arturo Gonzalez, a resident of North Hollywood, for a series of assaults against elderly women which he committed in LAPD's Devonshire Area.

On March 27, 2015, during evening hours, a 66 year old victim was walking to her home near Cozycroft Avenue and Mayall Street, when the suspect came up to her, rendered her unconscious, and then sexually assaulted her.

On July 30, 2015, the suspect entered the room of an 81 year old victim's room at a senior care facility located near Lindley Avenue and Parthenia Street in Northridge, through an unsecured sliding glass door. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim before leaving the location.

On September 30, 2015, the suspect entered a 71 year old victim's residence located near the 18600 block of Vintage Street in Northridge, through an unsecured sliding glass door. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and then fled the location.

On May 13, 2016, the suspect entered the room of an 81 year old victim's room at a senior care facility near Lindley Avenue and Parthenia Street in Northridge, through an unsecured sliding glass door. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and then went to the room of an 87 year old victim where he attempted to sexually assault her before leaving the location.

Detectives assigned to RHD, responded to the senior care facility and coordinated an investigation, subsequently identifying the suspect as Danilo Arturo Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was arrested from his residence in North Hollywood and booked for 220(b)PC, Assault with the Intent to commit a sex offense during the course of a Burglary.

Gonzalez is being held in lieu of a $2,150,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact Detective Kimberly Fairchild, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, Special Assault Section, at 213-486-6910. During non-business hours, 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 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.

Suspected Sexual Child Abuser Arrested

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department's Sexually Exploited Child Unit (SECU), Juvenile Division, conducted an investigation involving William Webb, an assistant principal at Ramon C. Cortines High School of Visual and Performing Arts.

The SECU detectives assumed investigative responsibility in February 2015, after receiving a Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) alleging that a prior student of Mr. Webb had been sexually abused by him while Webb was assigned to Vista Middle School. The abuse began in 2006 when the victim was 14-years-old.

On May 17, 2016, the investigation resulted in the arrest of Mr. Webb. His bail was set at $120,000. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has filed one count of 288(c)(1) PC -Lewd Acts with a Child, one count of 288(A)(B)(1) PC- Oral Copulation, and one count of 286(B)(1) PC- Sodomy.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Sexually Exploited Child Unit, Juvenile Division at 213-486-0580, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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."

Notes from the May 17, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

 

MAy 17
Commissioner President Matthew Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established. All Consent Agenda items were unanimously approved.  

Commissioner Robert M. Saltzman said it was pleasure to speak at the LAPD academy graduation on Friday May 13. Commissioner Saltzman said he is pleased with efforts to recruit minorities into the academy. Numbers are up with 11.5 % African American and female 23% which is significant.

Commissioner Johnson said Friday night in is a reminder how dangerous it is to be a police officer. Two Hollenbeck officers were injured; one of them was shot in an incident by a gang member. Both will be ok. Commissioner Johnson wished them a speedy recovery. On Sunday, Commissioner Johnson had the privilege of speaking at Ward AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church, one of the oldest African American churches in Los Angeles which was a great way to spend his Sunday morning.  

During the Report of the Chief of Police, Chief Beck commented on Don Thompson who was awarded Medal of Valor by President Barack Obama. He was awarded the Department’s Medal of Valor for same incident. Friday night, Hollenbeck officers addressing spike in gang violence confronted known gang members, one gang member fled. Officers began foot pursuit for about a block and half. Gang member turned and confronted both officers with pistol. Struggle ensued. Gang member shot six rounds, striking one officer in right bicep. Partner officer returned fire, killing the suspect. Chief beck responded to the scene as did Commissioner Johnson. This highlights dangers of policing, and wisdom of staying together. Had this been a single officer involved in this incident quite likely either may not have survived. Using good contact and cover tactics during the apprehension save their lives. This was a very dangerous situation.

Two homicides occurred over the weekend, both in Mission Division. The City had gone nine days without a homicide. There are 9,916 sworn police officers, 2,711 civilian employees, a little more than 400 LAPD Reserve officers, 283 specialist volunteers, 60 chaplains, and 7,405 LAPD Police Cadets. A cadet graduation will be held this Saturday May 21 at the USC Galen Center.

Inspector General’s provided a verbal update and discussion relative to the status of the recommendations contained in the Ten-Year Overview of Categorical Use of Force Investigations, Policy, and Training.

Department’s Report, dated May 4, 2015, relative to Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, Fourth Quarter, 2015, set forth was approved to receive the Department’s report and direct the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

DEPARTMENT’S REPORT, dated May 12, 2016, relative to the Risk Management and Harm Reduction Status Report, First Quarter 2016, approved the Department’s report.

DEPARTMENT’S REPORT, dated March 13, 2016, relative to the Biased Policing and Mediation – 1st Quarter 2016 report to the Board of Police Commissioners, approved the Department’s report.

Robbery Suspect Caught on Video at Local Sandwich Shop

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Southeast Area Robbery detectives are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a robbery suspect.

On April 23, 2016, around 5:15 p.m., the suspect entered a local sandwich shop located in the 600 block of East Imperial Highway in the City of Los Angeles. The suspect approached the counter and an employee approached the suspect to take his order. At this time, the suspect produced a semi-auto handgun from his right sweater pocket, pointed the handgun at the employee and demanded money from the register. The suspect observed a second employee walking out from the back and directed them to the register as well. The suspect threatened to shoot the employees if they did not quickly comply with his demands.

The suspect is described as a male Black, around 25-years-old. He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Southeast Robbery Detective Martinez at (213) 972-7931 or Detective Fairchild at (213) 972-7873. 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."

46-year-old Man Murdered

North Hills: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating the person responsible for the shooting that claimed the life of a 46-year-old man.

On May 15, 2016, around 3:11 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department Mission Area Patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon" in the 8500 block of Langdon Street in North Hills. Officers located the victim on the front porch of a residence, suffering from gunshot wounds.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at scene.

Detectives responded to the crime scene and the investigation revealed that the victim was walking eastbound on Chase Street from Orion Avenue. The victim passed a group that was drinking in front of an apartment complex on the south side of Chase Street. The group exchanged words with the victim then chased the victim eastbound on Chase Street and north on Langdon Avenue. The suspects caught up with the victim in a private driveway, where one of the suspects fatally shot the victim. The suspects fled west on Chase Street.

Four of the suspects are described as male Hispanics in their early 20s. An additional suspect is described only as a female Hispanic. The suspects were last seen entering a black Lincoln Towncar.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective John Doerbecker, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1941. 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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