Author: LAPD

03.31.10 10:17 AM
Los Angeles: On August 2, 2008, North Hollywood Division Patrol officers received a radio call of an “Assault with a Deadly Weapon” in the 8200 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard.  When the officers arrived, they met with 16-year-old Edward Satterstron who needed medical attention after being assaulted by a man described as a male Hispanic wearing a black shirt, grey pants, and had slicked back hair. 

Witnesses at the time of the incident said that the victim had been walking with an acquaintance in the area of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard when he was confronted by the suspect.  After a brief conversation, the suspect produced a handgun and fired several rounds at the victim striking him in the upper torso.  The suspect ran away from the scene and the victim ran to a nearby restaurant and collapsed from his injuries.  Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he died as a result of the gunshot wounds. 

The victim, Edward Satterstron was a 16-year-old resident from Sun Valley.  Before he died, he was a student at John Francis Polytechnic High School where he played on the football team.

On March 30, 2010, members from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fugitive Task Force brought murder suspect David Aranda Hernandez to
Los Angeles to stand trial for the 2008 murder of Satterstrom.  Suspect Aranda Hernandez fled to Mexico shortly after the 2008 shooting and had been living in Mexico since the murder. 

North Hollywood Division Homicide detectives took custody of the suspect and anticipate that on Friday, April 2, 2010, suspect Aranda Hernandez will appear in the Los Angeles County Superior Court to face murder charges.  

For additional information regarding this investigation please contact North Hollywood Homicide Detectives Tim Kirkpatrick or Tom Townsend at 818-623-4075.

LAPD News and Information …

03.31.10 09:30 AM
Los Angeles:  Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives are investigating the gang-related shooting of  two men from Los Angeles.

On Monday, March 29, 2010, at around 8:40 p.m., officers from Hollenbeck Division responded to reports of a shooting in the 2600 block of Sichel Street.  When they arrived, they found
20-year-old Jose L. Castillo who was fatally wounded.  Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department also responded and pronounced Castillo dead at the scene.

A 40-year-old man who was walking by at the time of the shooting was also shot and suffered a gunshot wound to his upper torso.  Paramedics transported the second victim to a local hospital for medical treatment.  He is listed in critical but stable condition.   

Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives’ preliminary investigation suggests that victim Castillo was spray painting gang graffiti in rival gang turf when he had an encounter with rival gang members.    

Anyone who may have information regarding this shooting is asked to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Marin or Ramirez at 323-342-8969. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.31.10 09:31 AM
Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who burglarized an apartment unit.

On March 2, 2010, between 8:20 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., a suspect gained entry into an apartment complex located in the 1555 block of Vine Street.  Once inside the complex, the suspect entered an apartment unit through the front door.  The suspect stole selected items, such as a laptop computer and a safe box.  The suspect took a total of $31,000 worth of items.  There was no weapon displayed and no one was injured.

The suspect is described as a male Black between 25 and 30 years old with black hair.  He stands about 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 190-210 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a dark- colored baseball cap, a red/white/gray shirt and dark pants.  His vehicle is described as a silver Toyota.

Anyone with information regarding this burglary or other crimes is encouraged to contact Hollywood Burglary Detective Dixon at 213-972-2928.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.31.10 08:42 AM
•    Police Commission President John Mack requested a moment of silence in honor of Officer Cottle. Officer Cottle was a truly talented individual, as a reflection of his skills he was last assigned to Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit. “He will be remembered as a true hero of the Los Angeles Police Department,” Commissioner Mack commented.

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck commented on the tragic death of SWAT Officer Robert “RJ” Cottle while serving with the United States Marines in Afghanistan.  Chief Beck said he considered “RJ” a close friend and he had the pleasure of working with him. “He was a great protector of those less able to protect themselves”, Chief Beck stated. Funeral services for Officer Cottle will be held next week.

•    Police Commissioner Alan Skobin received a complete demonstration of the in-car-video-system. He was pleased with the demonstration and stated the system looks ready to be fully implemented.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 12, 2010, relative to Criminal Gang Homicide Division Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 09-121), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 17, 2010, relative to Department’s response to the supply procurement and disbursement audit, (IAID No. 08-097), was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to the Complaint, Form 1.28, Investigation Audit- Phase I (IAID No. 09-003), was received and directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of the report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to the amendment to the annual Audit and Inspection Plan Fiscal Year (FY) 2009/2010 was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to City Council Motion (CF No. 09-0600-S156), relative to contract rates, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

•    The Inspector General’s Report, dated March 15, 2010, relative to amendment to the Office of the Inspector General’s Transition Agreement Implementation Plan, was approved.

•    The Inspector General’s Report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to the Office of the Inspector General’s Financial Disclosure Audit- Fiscal Year 2009/2010, was approved.

LAPD News and Information …

03.31.10 09:03 AM
Los Angeles:Los Angeles police and a local family are asking for the public’s helpin finding a missing elderly man who was last seen on March 15, 2010.

Thefamily of 74-year-old Marcelino Martinez says he was last seen near hishome around 11 a.m in the 900 block of West 50th Street in LosAngeles.  Martinez often gets confused and forget things.

Martinez is described as a Hispanic man with gray hair and brown eyes. He stands about 5 feet tall, weighs about 150 pounds and was last seenwearing a light blue jacket, dark blue pants and green/grey sneakers.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Martinez is urgedto call Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Person Unit at213-996-1800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may bedirected to 1 -877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous maycall Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may alsocontact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637.

LAPD News and Information …

03.30.10 06:46 AM
Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 77th Homicide Squad Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects who were involved in a shooting in South Los Angeles.

Today at around 5:05 p.m., 30-year-old Emanuel Dorsey was walking in the 1400 block of West 83rd St when several suspects confronted him.  With no apparent motive the suspects shot Dorsey several times, ran to a getaway car, and drove eastbound on 84th Street from Halldale Avenue.  The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene where the victim was pronounced.  

There is no description of the suspects at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Division, 77th Homicide Squad Detectives Refugio Garza and Douglass Pierce at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call     Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.30.10 07:05 AM
Los Angeles:  Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives investigate the shooting death of a 21-year-old man who was seated in the passenger seat of his car.

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 6:15 p.m., Kevin Bautista was sitting in the passenger seat of his car in the 1600 block of West 84th Street when a man and woman drove up in a gray sedan and stopped at the southeast corner of 84th Street and Harvard Boulevard.  One of the suspects described as a male Black, 17-20 years old got out of the sedan and walked towards the victim’s car.  The second suspect, a female Black stayed inside the suspect’s car.  The male suspect confronted Victim Bautista, shot him then ran back to the gray sedan.  Both suspects drove north on Harvard Boulevard away from the shooting.

Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded to the scene and transported Bautista to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m.   

The motive is gang related and the suspects, weapon and gray sedan are still outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting that lead to the death of Kevin Bautista, is asked to call Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives E. Mendoza and C. Braudrick at 213-485-1383. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800)-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.

LAPD News and Information …

03.30.10 07:15 AM
Los Angeles:  Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives look to identify the suspects wanted for killing a teenage girl and shooting her friend.

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, Ms. Kendall Williams and a group of friends including a 22-year-old man, were talking on the sidewalk in the 900 block of West 68th Street.  At about 10:08 p.m., a black 1998 Nissan Maxima with 4-doors and tinted windows stopped at the location where the group was gathered.  The car’s front passenger fired multiple times striking Victim Williams and her 22-year-old friend.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department saw the shooting and immediately followed the Nissan Maxima.  The suspects drove west on 66th Street to Kansas Street where they got out of the car and ran.  Officers took the suspect’s car and the weapons used in the shooting into custody but are still looking to identify and locate the suspects.  

Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded to the scene and transported both victims to a local hospital.  Victim Williams was pronounced dead by doctors just after midnight on Sunday March 28, 2010, and the second victim was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg.  He remains in the hospital and is listed in stable condition.  

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to call Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives C. Geiger and D. Dilkes at 213-485-1383.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800)-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.

LAPD News and Information …

03.30.10 06:42 AM
Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect responsible for a hit-and-run traffic incident that killed a 59-year-old male pedestrian.

Just after 3 a.m. this morning, a pedestrian was crossing mid-block Alameda Street, south of 8th Street when he was struck by a vehicle heading northbound on Alameda Street.  The driver continued driving north on Alameda Street, failing to stop and identify herself or provide aid to the injured victims.  The victim died as a result of his injuries from the collision and was pronounced dead at scene.  The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of his family members.    

The hit-and-run vehicle is described as a dark colored, possible Nissan sedan. It may also have collision damage to the front of the vehicle.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Central Traffic Division Detective Jose De Leon at 213-972-1845.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.29.10 12:10 PM
Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police officers rescued a terrified mother and her four daughters from two gang members who burst into their South Park apartment while running from police early this morning, March 25, 2010.

“Quick thinking and officers’ tenacity rescued this family from the gang members,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, who is over detectives for the downtown Central Police Station.  “The officers did not fall for a gang member’s bluff when he answered the door, demanding to see a warrant.”

The incident began just after midnight when residents in the neighborhood called police, reporting a gang group with guns in front of the apartment at 916 Georgia Street, just north of the LA Live.  Officers assigned to patrol the LA Live area arrived quickly.  “They saw the group of a dozen or more scatter, many running into the apartment,” Lt Vernon said.  “While none of the gang lives in the apartment, they somehow claim it as their own, marking the neighborhood with gang graffiti.”

Officers rounded up five men, ranging in ages from 18 to 25, and two women, 17 and 18, from inside the apartment building, most running for the basement and other familiar hiding places in common areas.  “The officers called out the two girls from a narrow crawl space,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “But something didn’t feel right to the officers so they began knocking on apartment doors to make sure everyone was OK.”

The officers found a small, occupied room in a secluded part of the building.  After persistently knocking on the door, 18-year-old Pablo Giron opened the door and challenged the officers by demanding to see a search warrant.  One officer noticed mud and dirt on his clothing and his shirtless torso revealed a gang tattoo.  The officers grabbed the man then entered to find a young mother and her four daughters, ages 2 to 12, huddled on one bed.  The officers found Evasto Islas, 25, hiding in the bathroom under laundry.  “This little family had been terrified when these two gang members came in through the bathroom window to evade the officers,” Lt. Vernon explained.

Giron and Evasto were booked for false imprisonment and their bail was set at $50,000.  The remaining suspects were booked for trespassing and their bails were set at $1000 each.  The minor girl was cited for trespass and a curfew violation.  Police discovered she had been reported missing.  They returned her to her mother.  A car was reported stolen in the area soon after the arrests, so police suspect one of the gang members may have taken it to escape.  “Chances are it will turn up somewhere near 42nd Street and Central Avenue, in the vicinity of where several of the arrestees live.”  Lt. Vernon added.

The public is encouraged to report any kind of gang activity to police.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800)-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.

LAPD News and Information …

03.29.10 12:17 PM
Los Angeles:  Due to overwhelming support for LAPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Officer Robert “RJ” Cottle, blue ribbon trust fund has been established in his name for his wife and 9-month-old daughter through the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU).

To make a donation, please go to: www.lapfcu.org.  Donations may also be received by mail.

For additional information, please call Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

LAPD News and Information …

03.29.10 11:26 AM
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) North Hollywood Area Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying three armed bandits who stole $200,000.00 worth of jewelry.

On March 25, 2010, at around 11:45 a.m., two male black suspects entered a jewelry store located in the 12600 block of Ventura Boulevard posing as customers.  The suspects engaged in conversation with the victim for several minutes then produced handguns and ordered the victim to the floor.  The suspects then restrained the victim using zip ties and continued with the robbery.  Shortly after subduing the victim, the suspects opened another door to the location and allowed a third suspect to enter the jewelry store.  The three suspects then ransacked the store, took jewelry from the display counters and safe within the jewelry store.  The suspects drove off in a dark grey vehicle in an unknown direction.  

Suspect #1 is described as a male Black with black hair and brown eyes, about 25 years-old, 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing about 190 pounds and last seen wearing a black/brown button hooded cardigan.

Suspect #2 is a male Black with black hair and brown eyes, about 30 years-old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 198 pounds and last seen wearing dark jeans with earrings on both ears.  

Suspect #3 is described as a male Black, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 200 pounds and last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to call LAPD’s North Hollywood Area Robbery Detectives Mahoney or Hammer at 818-623-4061.  During non-business hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.29.10 06:07 AM

According to Mission Area detectives, today, at around 8:50 p.m., Tomas Garcia was found in LAPD’s Wilshire area.

Los Angeles:  The family of Tomas Garcia and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Garcia, who has been missing since this afternoon.

Today, at around 12:45 p.m., Garcia was last seen having lunch at Shakey’s restaurant in the 13700 block of Foothill Boulevard in LAPD’s Mission Area.  Since that time, he has not returned home or has not been in contact with his family.  Garcia’s family is concerned about his mental state and fear for his safety.  Garcia is a resident of Valencia and in the past, he was located in the 200 block of South Parkview Street in the city of Los Angeles.

Garcia is described as a male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands about 5 feet 6 inches and weighs approximately 150 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue pants.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Garcia is urged to contact LAPD Mission Division at 818-838-9800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.29.10 06:30 AM
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Area detectives are investigating an 18-year-old man who was fatally shot while riding his bicycle last night in Pacoima.

The shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m.  According to investigators, a gunman approached Sebastian Caldera while he rode his bike near Pierce Street and Laurel Canyon Boulevard and shot him several times. Paramedics responded to treat the victim, but he died at the scene.

Detectives have not obtained any suspect description.  The motive of the shooting appeared to be gang-related.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Foothill Division Homicide Detectives at 818-834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1 -877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

LAPD News and Information …

03.29.10 06:58 AM
Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are searching for a gunman who shot and killed a 39-year-old man in South Los Angeles early this morning.

At around 5:50 a.m., a patrol unit was dispatched to investigate numerous shots fire calls in the 1700 block of West 60th Street. When they got to the scene, they found Che Yusef Grady lying in the street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Paramedics responded to the scene and rushed the victim to a local hospital where he later died.

According to investigators, a suspect confronted Grady and open fire on him.

Detectives have yet to determine what prompted the shooting.  There is no suspect description and the motive of the shooting appeared to be gang-related.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to call Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.29.10 05:12 AM
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department, 77th Division detectives are searching for a shooter who approached a group of people and shot at them.

On Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at around 9 p.m., 20-year-old Daniel Smith and friends were walking northbound in the 7000 block of Raymond Avenue when a black male suspect exited from a grey vehicle and began to shoot at the group.

Daniel Smith’s friends were able to run and were not struck by the gunfire.  However, Smith was struck and fell onto the sidewalk.  The suspect then re-entered the vehicle and drove off.  The vehicle was last seen westbound on 70th Street from Raymond Avenue.  

Smith died of his wounds at the scene, and the suspect and the weapon used are still outstanding.  It is unknown if this incident is gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to call 77th Homicide Squad Detectives at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1 -877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

LAPD News and Information …

03.29.10 05:15 AM
Los Angeles: On April 9, 1979, Sandra Faith Phillips, 33 years of age, was found dead inside of her West Los Angeles residence.  Phillips’ death was attributed to strangulation and the apparent motive for the crime was of a sexual nature.  Although an extensive investigation was conducted, no viable suspects were identified during the original investigation and the case remained unsolved for over 30 years.  

Pursuant to the advances of DNA identification, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department submitted a request to have biological evidence recovered from the Sandra Phillips’ crime scene analyzed for the presence of DNA.  Subsequently, foreign DNA was tested and genetic profile was uploaded into California’s Department of Justice CODIS databank.

In December 2007, cold case detectives received notification that from this submission, a convicted offender, Leonard Alex Dominquez, was identified via a “cold- hit” CODIS match.  Detectives learned that in 2007 Dominquez had been arrested for a narcotics offense and pursuant to Prop 69, Dominquez’ DNA reference sample was collected, which was then uploaded into the Department of Justice CODIS databank.  This “cold-hit” investigative lead caused detectives to re-open the Phillips’ murder investigation.  After conducting an in-depth investigation, detectives developed additional evidence implicating Dominquez’ culpability in this heinous crime.  

On March 23, 2010, cold case detectives arrested Leonard Dominquez, near his Los Angeles home pursuant to a Probable Cause arrest warrant.

On March 24, 2010, this cold case investigation was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Anyone with inquires or information regarding this murder can call detective L. Compton or P. Lee , Cold Case Special Section, at 213-846-6910.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.  

LAPD News and Information …

03.29.10 05:17 AM
This is a reminder that the Burbank school teacher who was arrested for sexual assault is not related to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Charlie Beck.  Several media outlets have reported that the woman was related to Beck.  This information is inaccurate.  The accurate information is that the woman’s husband is an LAPD officer.  The officer is not Beck’s son nor is he a relative.

LAPD News and Information …

03.29.10 05:20 AM
Los Angeles:  On March 23, 2010, at around 10:00 p.m., officers working Foothill Patrol and the Gang Enforcement Detail responded to a radio call of an “ADW shooting in progress”  in the area of Pala Avenue and Pinney Street  in Pacoima.

When the officers and Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived, they met four victims suffering gunshot wounds.  The paramedics transported the victims to local hospitals where they were treated for their injuries.   On the night of the shooting, one victim was listed in stable condition, two were listed in critical condition and on Wednesday, March 24, at around 3:55p.m., Vanessa Rankins, a 21year-old female who lived in Pacoima, died as a result of her injuries.

To date, the investigating detectives have determined that an unknown number of male Hispanic suspects approached a group of people in the 13000 block of Pinney Ave.  The unknown suspect(s) shot multiple rounds in the direction of the victims, striking them.  The motive for the shooting is unknown and the weapon is still outstanding.  It is also unknown if the shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Foothill Area Detectives Jones and Farell at 818-834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 News and Information …

03.26.10 01:22 PM

Los Angeles: It is with great sadness that we report the death of a respected andvalued member of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who waskilled during combat operations in Afghanistan while serving in supportof the Global War on Terrorism.

TheLAPD has learned through family contacts of the death of 45-year-oldSergeant Major Robert J. Cottle, United States Marine Corps Reserve(USMCR).  In the near  future, the Department of Defense and the USMCRwill formally release his name and the circumstances related to hisdeath in accordance with military protocols. Cottle had been deployedon active duty since August 2009.  He served with the 4th LARBattalion, Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Division, Camp Pendleton,California.

Cottle was appointed to the LAPD on Sept. 10, 1990.  He had beenassigned to Metropolitan Division since February 1996 and his mostrecent assignment was in “D” Team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)as a Police Officer III+I. 

"Thisdeeply saddens me, especially since I've known RJ for over 20 years,”said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  “He is a fine man and a great example ofthe best LAPD has to offer.  He will be missed."

Whether Cottle was serving the people of Los Angeles or serving thepeople of the United States,  he did so with honor, integrity andcommitment.  His death will leave a void in the hearts of all who knewand loved him, and his contributions to the Department will be greatlymissed.  He is survived by his wife and a 9-month-old daughter.

We ask that community members keep Officer Cottle’s family members,friends and his extended LAPD family in their thoughts and prayers.

LAPD News and Information …