LAPD Blog

Notes from the August 4, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The Police Commission continued the election of official officers until next week.

• Assistant Chief Paysinger reported Part I crimes are down as of August 1, 2009, however analysis of homicides is up.  July ended with 38 homicides Year To Date as compared with July 2008 at 20 homicides.  It is important to note that homicides were particularly low in July 2008, and that previous years were still higher than the 2009 number.  He stated he was very pleased there was an 88% clearance rate Year To Date.

• Inspector General Andre Birotte introduced his new staff member David Andrews, a Special Investigator for the Use of Force Team.

• The Department’s report, dated July 8, 2009, relative to the Office of the Inspector General’s Training Evaluation and Management System II Audit, Phase II was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated July 29, 2024 relative to the MacArthur Park May 1, 2007, Investigation-Final Disciplinary Summary Report, was given by Deputy Chief  Mark Perez.  Chief Perez read his Draft from the background, making corrections on the discipline given to officers 7, 13 & 50.  Commissioner Robert A. Saltzman expressed concern over the final report and added the report should be clearer and should stand on its own.  The Commissioners agreed across the board.  They requested the report be more detailed.  It will be continued for 4 weeks at which time there will be a new report.

• The Department’s report, dated July 30, 2009, relative to the Disciplinary Settlement Process, was approved.

Motorcyclist Killed in a Hit-and-Run

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating the hit-and-run driver who struck and killed 29-year-old Federico Porras, a resident of Downey.

On August 3, 2009, at around 9:55 p.m., Porras was riding his 2007, Honda motorcycle southbound on Marianna Avenue , when a car traveling northbound on Marianna Avenue crossed over into the opposing lanes and struck Porras.  The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and indentify himself or render aid as required by law.  

Porras was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The hit and run vehicle is described as a black 2006 Nissan Versa C11X Hatchback.  The car would have damage to the left rear quarter panel.

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Traffic Detectives Josephine Mapson or Jose DeLeon at 213-972-1845.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.

Buyers Beware in the West San Fernando Valley Area

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is seeking the public’s help in searching for two suspects who robbed multiple victims at gunpoint within the past two weeks in the Topanga area.

Within the last two weeks, between the hours of 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., a series of armed robberies have occurred on De Soto Avenue and Vanowen Street in the West San Fernando Valley area.  There are multiple victims who found cars advertised on the Craig’s List website with a very low purchase price.  The advertised prices seem too low to be true and encourage would-be victims to rush to a pre-arranged location with money in hand.  Once there, when the victims attempt to purchase the car, they are robbed at gunpoint by two suspects with handguns.

Car buyers who are buying from Craig’s List are warned not to take cash with them to purchase a car and encouraged to meet at a safe, public location, perhaps at a bank or a Department of Motor Vehicles office.

The first suspect is described as a male Hispanic 25-30 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 130 pounds.  The other suspect is described as a male Hispanic 5 feet 10 inches tall, 130 pounds.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Topanga Division robbery detectives at 818-756-3523.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log onto www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD”.  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

School District Employee Arrested on Child Molestation Charges

Los Angeles:  Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Juvenile Division, Sexually Exploited Child Unit, made an arrest today stemming from a disclosure of sexual assault involving a 10-year old child and a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) employee.

An investigation was opened last week when the now 11-year old victim disclosed that he had been sexually assaulted by a School District employee on several prior occasions.  The child described the abuse to his parents who then notified police. 

Detectives found evidence that supported the allegations, and partnered with the District Attorney’s office to establish Probable Cause for a case. Search Warrants were served at the Queen Anne Elementary School where the suspect worked in the Wilshire area of Los Angeles, as well as at the suspect’s residence in North Hollywood. 

On August 4, 2009, at around 8:15 a.m., 39-year-old Forrest Stobbe was taken into custody without incident as he was leaving his residence in the 11200 block of Otsego Street.  He was booked on Child Abuse charges; his bail has been set at $1 million.

LAPD is partnering with LAUSD to identify any possible additional victims in the case.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.

Man Slashed to Death in Homeless Encampment

Los Angeles.  Los Angeles police officers arrested Timothy Bishop, a 50-year-old transient on suspicion of killing Robert Burrus, 67, at a homeless encampment near downtown, early Saturday morning, August 1, 2009.

“Mr. Burrus’s murder is a tragic example of how vulnerable the homeless are when they sleep on the street,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detectives for the Central Police Station.  “This is why we work so closely with the shelters and social workers to encourage people into the shelters at night, and why it is illegal to sleep overnight on the streets.”

Another transient discovered Burrus’s body at a homeless encampment near 6th Street and the 110 Freeway around daybreak.  The transient had spent the night with Bishop, about a block away at another encampment.  Bishop had been wearing a bloody leather jacket and carrying money with blood on it.  When the witness discovered the body in the morning, he recalled having seen Bishop the night before on top of the dead man and realized what had happened.

“I’m not surprised the witness came forward so quickly,” Lt. Vernon said.  “We’ve seen it time and again, that in spite of their condition, many of the homeless downtown still have a sense of pride among them that they are willing to come forward and report crimes.  We solve more murders downtown because of it.”

Police officers, with the help of local security officers for the Downtown Business Improvement District located Bishop and arrested him Saturday morning.  While Bishop had ditched the bloody jacket, detectives were able to find it, as well as bloody money still in Bishop’s pockets.

Detectives believe Bishop killed Burrus by slashing Bishop’s throat with a broken bottle.  They also found Bishop had gouged Burrus’s eyes out in a belief it would keep the victim from identifying his assailant.  Burrus’s bail for the murder charge was set at $1 million.

Burrus’s murder was the fourth murder downtown this year, and the first murder this year involving a homeless person killed on the street.

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Area Detectives at 213-842-0727 during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll-free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-ASK-LAPD (529-3855).  Persons can also send anonymous tips by texting CRIMES (274637) and typing LAPD to start the message.

A photo of Mr. Burrus is available for release.

Argument Escalated To A Fatal Shooting

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is seeking the public’s help in searching for two suspects who shot and killed Giovanny Perez yesterday evening, in the Van Nuys Area.

On August 3, 2009, at around 10 p.m., two victims were standing in front of the 7300 block of Lennox Avenue when two suspects approached them.  The first suspect pointed a handgun at both victims and demanded their property. The two victims, in fear, gave the suspects their money and cellular phones.  The suspects continued walking northbound on Lennox Avenue with the victims’ property.

Approximately 30 seconds later, the first suspect saw 20-year-old Giovanny Perez standing across the street on the sidewalk on Lennox Avenue.  The first suspect crossed the street and engaged Perez in an argument.  The suspect shot Perez striking him in the torso, and he fell to the ground.  The suspect turned and walked across the street and continued eastbound on Valerio Street.

Perez was rushed to a local hospital where he died shortly after arriving.

The first suspect is described as a male Hispanic 24-26 years old, medium build, 5 feet 3 inches tall.
The other suspect is described as a male Hispanic 24-26 years old, medium build, 5 feet 7 inches tall.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact LAPD Van Nuys Division homicide detectives at 818-374-1948.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Verbal Dispute Resulted in Deadly Shooting

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s help in searching for a suspect who shot and killed 19-year-old, Juan Espinoza, a resident of Van Nuys.

On July 31, 2009, at around 10:30 p.m., a patrol unit was dispatched to a call in the parking lot at the intersection of Friar Street and Vesper Avenue, and found Espinoza suffering from a gunshot wound.  Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to detectives, the victim became involved in a verbal dispute with the suspect, who is described as a male Hispanic with black hair, in his late 20’s to early 30’s. The suspect drove away in a late 1980’s four door small car (possibly Honda Civic).

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Van Nuys Homicide Detectives at 818-374-0040.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Man Fatally Stabbed Dies from his Injuries

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s help in searching for a suspect who stabbed the victim several times Sunday night, in the Southwest Area.

On August 2, 2009, at around 11:20 p.m., a patrol unit was dispatched to the 3500 block of S. Western Avenue.  At the location, officers found 48-year-old Roy Anthony Sutherland, suffering from multiple stab wounds.

 Sutherland was rushed to a local hospital where he died shortly after arriving.

According to detectives a passerby found the victim fatally stabbed and called police.  There were no suspects seen and no witnesses have come forward.  At this time, the motive is unknown and there is no suspect description.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Southwest Homicide Squad Detectives at 213-485-1383.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Multiple Suspects Fire Several Shots, Killing Victim

Los Angeles:  A 17-year-old Los Angeles resident was fatally shot Monday morning as he was walking along a city sidewalk.

On August 3, 2009, at around 10:35 a.m., Jeremy Burrell was walking in the 3400 block of West 63rd Street when he was confronted by a group of male Black suspects.  More than one suspect drew a handgun and began firing at Burrell.  Burrell was hit multiple times and transported to a local hospital for treatment.  He was pronounced dead a short time later.

The suspects were seen getting into a full-size van and driving away.  The motive for the shooting appears to be gang related.

Detectives are asking for anyone with information about this incident to call the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Criminal Gang Homicide Group, 77th Division Homicide Squad Detectives at 213-485-1383.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics August 1, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             176*              220           -20.0%
Rape                                    471               482             -2.3%
Robbery                              7199             7420             -3.0%
Agg Assaults **                    6602             7140             -7.5%
Total Violent Crimes        14,448          15,262            -5.3%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              10458            11043           -5.3%
BTFV                                  16577            17494           -5.2%
Personal/Other Theft          15636            16184           -3.4%
Auto Theft                          10794            12937         -16.6%
Total Property Crimes     53,465          57,658          -7.3%
Total Part I Crimes          67,913          72,920          -6.9%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults