LAPD Blog

Ricardo Lizarraga Elementary School

Today, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles Police Department, parents and students participated in naming an elementary school for the first time after a fallen Los Angeles Police Officer. 

On February 20, 2004, Officer Ricardo Lizarraga, 31 years old, along with partner Joel Ruiz, responded to the aid of a Domestic Violence victim, when they were confronted by Kendrick Johnson, a known gang member and convicted felon. Johnson produced a handgun and fired several rounds at the officers fatally wounding Lizarraga. 

At the naming ceremony, attendees celebrated Lizarraga's life and spirit.  Chief William Bratton spoke of Lizarraga's gift of "giving" to the community.  Lizarraga's widow, Joyce, expressed her appreciation for honoring her fallen husband and spoke of his motto, "Don't ever give up." Other speakers included, Ms. Veronica Moscoso, Principal, Mr. Marvin Horner, Assistant Principal, Councilwoman Jan Perry, Los Angeles City Council, 9th District, and members of the LA Unified School District, all who elegantly praised Officer Lizarraga. 

As important, if not heart warming where the thoughts expressed by several students in their speeches.  Giovanny Chavez, 5th Grade, expressed how police officers help the community. Ivonne Hipolito, 5th Grade, pointed out the importance of police officers.         

It was a special day that captured Officer Lizarraga's spirit and soul. 

Missing Girl and Baby in South LA

UPDATE:  Daisy Munoz and Diego Padilla were found unharmed on Saturday.  Newton Detectives are handling the investigation. 

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating Daisy Vanessa Munoz,13-year-old and 18-month-old Diego Padilla, who were last seen yesterday in Central Los Angeles.

On Thursday, August 17, 2006, Daisy, a friend of the family, visited 18-month-old Diego and his grandmother at their home located in the 1600 block of 32nd Street.  Daisy asked the grandmother for permission to take Diego to a store to go buy some medicine. Daisy told the grandmother that a friend who is unknown to the grandmother was taking them to the Alameda Swap Meet located on Vernon Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard.  Daisy and Diego never returned. 

Daisy is a Hispanic girl 5' tall and weighs about 125 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and medium built. She was wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, brown sweater and white tennis shoes.

Diego is a Hispanic baby, 2'0 tall and weighs about 30 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was wearing a red shirt, black pants and red/black shoes. 

Anyone with information regarding Daisy and Diego whereabouts is urged to call Newton Division at 323-846-6547.  Weekend or during off-hours the public may contact the toll free-24 hours tip line at 1-877-LAW FULL (1-877-529-3855).

SWAT CALL OUT - NEWTON AREA

During the early morning hours of Thursday August 10, 2006, Newton Area officers responded to a radio call of a despondent male inside a two-story single family home in the area of 29th Street and Maple Avenue.  Located just south of Downtown Los Angeles.  Officers found a man confined to a wheelchair, indeed despondent, but armed with a high-caliber rifle with possible hostages. 

Under the leadership of Captain Dennis Kremins, Newton Area, a command post was established to coordinate the response of Department and City resources, e.g.,SWAT, Los Angeles Fire Department and Crisis Negotiators.  Unlike television programming and or motion pictures where incidents like this take minutes to resolve this incident would take 20 hours.  LAPD SWAT officers, Newton Patrol officers, and the Crisis Negotiators worked jointly to bring stability to the problem.  This included evacuating nearby residents, who were provided temporary housing by the American Red Cross, and re-directing both pedistrian and vehicular traffic.  LAFD Firefigthers and Paramedics worked through shifts to provide adequate resources.

SWAT, an experienced and elite team, was able to make entry when the suspect momentarily released the high caliber rifle.  The entry team was able to secure the home and take the suspect into custody without harm to either the suspect or officers.  The suspect was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. 

A job well done by Newton Area, whose quick response and analysis stabilized the situation.  SWAT and the Crisis Negotiators for their expertise and extreme patience in dealing with a person in need of medical attention.  LAFD, as always, the finest fire department in the world.

For attentional information please visit www.lafdblog.com. 

Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre

Public Communications Section