LAPD Blog

Notes from the June 14, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

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

Commissioner President Matthew Johnson reflected on the tragedy that took place in Orlando, Florida over the weekend. He requested a moment of silence for the victims, family, and friends who were impacted by this senseless tragedy.

During Commission Comments Commissioner Robert Saltzman stated he along with Commissioner President Matthew Johnson and members of the Los Angeles Police Department attended the Gay Pride Celebration Parade. Commissioner Saltzman thanked Chief Beck and Assistant Chief Girmala and members of the police department who put forth the effort to participate and support the LGBTQ community.

Chief Beck acknowledged the two Law Enforcement Officers from France who were assassinated by an act of terrorism. He authorized the mourning band to be worn by LAPD personnel to note the loss of the two officers and the 49 lives lost in Orlando, Florida. Fearing there might be a copycat or connected attack, Chief Beck placed all Officers attending the pride parade to on-duty status and shifted from a support mode to a protection status. The outcome was a safe and well organized parade. Chief Beck invited the Commissioners to attend a press conference with members of the LGBTQ and Muslim community to talk about community unity. Chief Beck further stated that an Officer-Involved-Shooting occurred in 77^th Division when Gang Enforcement Officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle with multiple individuals. A documented gang member exited the vehicle armed with a handgun. An Officer-Involved-Shooting ensued and the suspect was fatally shot.

There are 9,901 sworn police officers, 33 recruit officers in the academy, 2,720 civilian employees, about 400 LAPD Reserve officers, 283 specialist volunteers, 60 chaplains, and 7,861 LAPD Police Cadets. 

Executive Director’s Report, dated June 8, 2016, relative to the Fiscal Year 2016-17 proposed adjustments to fees for Special Services established by the Board of Police Commissioners, as set forth, was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Department’s Report, dated June 10, 2016, relative to Motorcycle Trainingcontract – agreement no. 15112109, as set forth, was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Department’s Report, dated June 9, 2016, relative to the Arrest, Booking, and Charging Audit, as set forth, was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Department’s Report, dated June 9, 2016, relative to the Foothill Area Detective Command Accountability Performance Audit, as set forth, was approved and will be transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

Police Commission Mtg. 6/14/16

 

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21-Year-Old Critical Missing Woman

June 15, 2025
Update

On June 14, 2016, Michelle Jamal Haddad was located and reunited with her family.


Los Angeles: The family of Michelle Jamal Haddad Steele and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in finding Ms. Steele.

On June 12, 2016, around 2:30 p.m., Ms. Steele was last seen in the Topanga Mall on the second floor of Macy's Department Store in the 6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, in the City of Canoga Park. She has not been seen or heard from since and her family is extremely concerned for her welfare. Ms. Steele has the mentality of a 6-year-old.

Ms. Haddad is described as a 21-year-old female White, with brown hair, and brown eyes. She stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds. She was last seen wearing a green shirt, brown laced skirt, turquoise jacket, and white shoes.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Michelle Jamal Haddad Steele, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit Detective Palmer 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.

88-Year-Old Critical Missing Man

Los Angeles: The family of James Adam Smith and the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in finding Mr. Smith.

On June 13, 2016, around 7:00 a.m., Mr. Smith was last seen leaving his residence in the area of 300 block of East 80th Street in the City of Los Angeles. He has not been seen or heard from since and his family is extremely concerned for his welfare. Mr. Smith is suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer's.

Mr. Smith is described as an 88-year-old male Black, with grey hair, and brown eyes. He stands about 5 feet 1 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a Raiders Hat, black shirt and black pants.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of James Adam Smith, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit Detective Mercado 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.

COP News conference

 

COP news conference with various Community members

News Conference Podcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unveiling of the First Fully Staffed Koban at The Grove

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and Caruso Affiliated are proud to announce the opening of the first fully staffed LAPD koban.

Today the LAPD furthered their commitment to enhance community based policing by opening the first fully staffed LAPD koban at the Grove.  The koban, also known as a police box, originated in Japan in the 1870s.  Kobans focus on creating a closer relationship between the communities they are based in and local law enforcement.

In determining the location for a koban, the LAPD sought a place which could accommodate the unique structure and allow officers to interact with a large volume of citizens of Los Angeles and visitors to our City.  LAPD is fortunate to have always had a strong partnership with Caruso Affiliated and The Grove and appreciate the opportunity to establish the koban at The Park.

"For years I have supported community-based policing initiatives and am delighted the Los Angeles Police Department has chosen The Grove as its first-ever fully staffed location to create a permanent “koban” to interface with Angelenos. We have enjoyed a strong relationship and support from the LAPD for years and know that by having a strong police presence at The Grove crime in the greater area around our property has dropped by 40%. So not only is this good for us and the residents and businesses around The Grove, it is a great way to put a personal “face” on our city’s finest with a meaningful way to educate and interact with the public.” Rick J. Caruso, founder and chief executive officer of Caruso Affiliated.

We invite the public to stop by the koban and speak with one of our officers.

Notes from the June 7, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Police Comm 6-7-2025

Commissioner President Matt Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established.  There were no commissioner comments; so the meeting proceeded to the Consent Agenda Items, all of which (1A through 1J) were approved with no discussion.

The next item of business was the Report of the Chief of Police.  Chief Charlie Beck reported on the UCLA incident last week in which the LAPD responded to a murder/suicide investigation.  He was pleased with the response and collaboration with the UCLA police, FBI, and other agencies; this could’ve easily resulted in an active shooter situation.  He also appreciated the cooperation of Minnesota Police Department on the murder investigation that preceded this event.

Chief Beck participated in the Police Memorial Run over the weekend where over 500 people participated.  Future memorial runs will be held in the renovated Elysian Park Academy.  The Grim Sleeper is only midway through sentencing, but the Chief is proud of the way Robbery Homicide Division has been handling the case.  
Chief Beck would like to report that over the weekend there were no homicides in the City of Los Angeles, no victims shot in either Central or South Bureau.  This is the first time in his career that he can remember ever to have been reported.  He believes it to be a result of the newly established Community Relationship Division, reorganized Metropolitan Division and other area Units created in the Department implemented over several months to combat crime within the City.  Lesser aggravated victims of minor crimes are up, property crime is down, motor vehicle crime is up, Part I crime has increased from 2015.  Gang related crime has gone up as well.  
There are 9,901 sworn, 120 in retirement, 2,720 civilians, 400 reserve officers, and 861 in the cadet program on the Department.

Commissioner Matt Johnson notes the reduction in crime to the Chief of Police and contributes it to his leadership and hard work of all police personnel.  He hopes that the trend will continue with the measures that the Chief has put in place.

80-Year-Old Critical Missing Woman

Los Angeles: The family of Bennie Ruth Bowell and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in finding Ms. Bowell.

On June 8, 2016, around 12:00 p.m., Ms. Bowell was last seen leaving her residence in the area of Carmona Avenue and Packard Street in the City of Los Angeles. She was driving a grey 2008 Cadillac DTS with a California license plate "6BPF973". She has not been seen or heard from since and her family is extremely concerned for her welfare. Ms. Bowell is suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer's.

Ms. Bowell is described as an 80-year-old female Black, with grey hair, and brown eyes. She stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 180 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and green olive pants.

Bennie Ruth Bowell

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Bennie Ruth Bowell, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit Detective Mercado 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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Homicide Investigation in Olympic Area

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department, West Bureau Homicide Detectives are investigating an attempt homicide and homicide in Olympic Area.

On June 7, 2016, around 5:25 p.m., Olympic Area patrol officers responded to the 600 block of South Berendo Street.

Detectives from West Bureau Homicide responded to the location. The preliminary investigation revealed that Kevin Yoo a resident of Los Angeles suddenly attacked the victim, a female Asian, without provocation and stabbed her. The victim's boyfriend was waiting for her at the car. The boyfriend chased Yoo and shot him after firing a warning shot.

Paramedics responded to the area transported the victim to a local area hospital where she is listed in serious but stable condition. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Kevin Yoo of Los Angeles. Yoo was a known gang member and had an extensive criminal record with a pending case for kidnapping. He was out on bail with a pending court case in Los Angeles.

The name of the victim and the shooter in this incident are not being released at this time. The shooter in this incident was questioned and released. This investigation will be presented to the District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.

This is an ongoing investigation. Persons with information regarding this incident should contact LAPD West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. 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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