Author: lapdblog

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) detectives are looking for a 28-year-old man suspected of killing four men at a North Hollywood restaurant.

On April 3, 2010, at around 4:30 pm, RHD Detectives say Nerses Arthur
Galstyan was participating in a birthday memorial celebration, with
several others, inside the Hot Spot Mediterranean Restaurant located at
11651 Riverside Drive in North Hollywood.  The celebration was being
held for an acquaintance that had died in an accident a year earlier. 
RHD Detectives believe Galstyan became involved in a dispute with
several men at the celebration, and in anger fired multiple rounds
hitting and killing four of them.  Three of the men in the group died
at the scene.  Another man passed away at a local hospital and two
others were wounded.

Surveillance
video from the restaurant confirms that Nerses Arthur Galstyan was in
the restaurant, and left following the shooting.  Galstyan remains at
large and is considered armed and very dangerous.

The Los Angeles coroner’s office has identified the deceased victims as
25-year old Hayk Yegnanyan; 26-year old Sarkis Karadjian; 28-year old
Harut Baburyan; and 31-year old Vardan Tofalyan.

The
identification of Galstyan as the suspect in the murders comes after a
non-stop exhaustive investigation conducted by RHD detectives, with
assistance from other local law enforcement agencies, The Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF), and the Secret Service.

In a separate investigation, a federal grand jury this morning indicted
Galstyan on weapons violations.  On April 9, 2010, in the United States
District Court For the Central
District of California, a Grand Jury handed down an indictment naming
Nerses Arthur Galstyan as a defendant and charging him with Conspiracy
for engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license;
and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, namely
two Spike’s Tactical .223 caliber semi-automatic rifles.  

Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to call Robbery Homicide detectives
at 213-486-6890.  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
“web tips” and follow the prompts.

 Click image to view

Los Angeles:  Five Los Angeles Police Department
officers and a group of 10- to 15-year-old kids from a Watts housing
project are headed to Cleveland, OH, to meet and have dinner with NBA
player Lebron James and his teammates.  





Captain Phillip Tingirides, Sergeant James Linder, Detective Donna
Wheeler and Police Officers Keith Linton and Maribel Plascencia are
involved in a South Los Angeles mentoring program called Project Dream. 
The program’s purpose is to give inner-city kids a chance to interact
with the police in a positive way and stay out of trouble.  It also
strives to inspire productivity and the achievement of educational
goals…objectives officers believe are the building blocks of safer
communities.





Officers Linton and Plascencia can relate to the enormous obstacles
these children face on a daily basis, having been raised in poverty in
similar environments yet overcoming their challenges through
determination and perseverance.  And now, as living examples of life’s
possibilities, they’re helping kids by sharing their experience and
inspiration.





On April 9, 2010, all four LAPD personnel and 10 children from the Watts
area are scheduled to travel to Cleveland with officers to meet All
Star basketball players, watch an NBA basketball game, visit several
places and meet with the mayor of Cleveland.





Opportunities for media coverage:

• 6 p.m. media opportunity to interview officers at Southeast
  Division
• 7 p.m. media availability to interview kids at Southeast
  Division
• 8 p.m. kids depart in limo from Southeast Station

A five minute video footage of Watts 180 is available below.

For more information, calls may be directed to the LAPD Media Relations
Section at 213-486-5910.

APRIL 7, 2010 – Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, in partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department, District Attorney’s Office and local downtown service providers, today gave public notice that his office has filed a new civil injunction action seeking to restrict the narcotics activity of gang members and career criminals in and around the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles.

Filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court, the complaint seeks to establish the “Central City Recovery Zone” bordered by 3rd Street on the north; 9th Street to the south: Broadway to the west and Central Street to the east.

The complaint names 80 individuals and one criminal street gang identified by law enforcement as the top narcotics dealers in the Recovery Zone area.  Of the 80 individuals named, 56 have documented evidence of association with more than 30 of the area’s most notorious gangs.  All named individuals in the complaint have also had three or more prior arrests for narcotics sales within the proposed of enforcement.

Terms of the proposed Central City Recovery Zone include provisions restricting named individuals from being present anywhere in the established geographic area of the Recovery Zone, from possessing narcotics, from possessing dangerous weapons, and from using other individuals for the purpose of soliciting narcotics sales.

The complaint includes 124 evidentiary declarations gathered over the course of several months by the City Attorney’s gang prosecutors from law enforcement experts to establish a long existing pattern of criminal conduct and unlawful business practices by the named defendants on Skid Row. According to the declarations, gang members from all over Los Angeles are known to travel to or in some cases move to downtown Los Angeles in order to sell narcotics to the less fortunate and vulnerable who are often times already addicted and seeking services, and subject to relapse.

Narcotics dealers commuting into the Central City Recovery Zone are known to engage directly in street sales of narcotics or use the addicted transient population to sell narcotics in exchange for their own drugs.  Primary sites for dealers to loiter and conduct narcotics business include service provider locations, San Julian Park and Gladys Park.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Rampart
detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men
suspected of snatching a business woman’s purse which contained over
$100,000 in cash.

The robbery took place on January 14, 2010 around 5 p.m.  According to
investigators, a woman entered the Bank of America at 3320 West Olympic
Boulevard in Los Angeles and withdrew a large sum of money.  Afterwards,
the woman got into her car and returned to the parking garage of her
business located in the 1500 block of West Olympic Boulevard.  When the
woman stepped out of her parked car, a man approached her and tried to
grab her purse.  The woman resisted, and the man violently grabbed her
purse while a second suspect stood by.  The pair escaped in a blue
four-door sedan, possibly described as a Dodge Intrepid.  The woman was
not injured as a result of the incident.

Investigators believe that prior to the incident, the suspects had been
lurking around in the bank, eyeing customers who withdrew cash.

Both suspects are described as African American.  The first suspect is
25 to 28 years old, between 5 feet 8 and 5 feet 10 inches tall and
weighs between 170 and 180 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black
shirt, blue pants and black shoes.

The second suspect is 23 to 27 years old, between 5 feet 8 and 5 feet 11
inches tall and weighs between 190 and 200 pounds.  He has a goatee and
was last seen wearing a black and grey knit cap, white T-shirt, blue
jeans and dark shoes with white soles.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Rampart
robbery detectives at (213) 484-3629.  During non-business hours or on
weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to
remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone. 
All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can
also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "web tips" and follow the prompts.

On Good Friday the Los Angeles Mission provided Easter Baskets and new shoes to the homeless people of Skid Row.  Volunteers and staff members from the Los Angeles Christian Health Center provided feet washing for several hundred guests on Skid Row.

Despite the economic difficulties, the Los Angeles Mission continued their commitment to feed thousands of unprivileged families.  The Los Angeles Mission severed a ton of sliced ham, several hundred pounds of macaroni and cooked vegetables.  Many volunteers, including Chief Beck, gave their time to make sure everyone was served.  The annual event was a blessing to many.

Los Angeles:
The Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area detectives are asking
for the public’s help in finding a suspect who robbed Pink’s Hot Dogs
early this morning.

On April 5, 2010, at around 3 a.m., Wilshire officers received a radio
call to investigate a robbery in the 700 block of North La Brea
Boulevard.  Two employees were closing the business and walking out the
rear door when they saw a male suspect crouched behind a chair in the
rear patio area.  The suspect immediately stood up from behind the
chair and approached them with a silver handgun, ordered them to open
the door to the business and allow him entry.  

The suspect then forced the employees to lead him to the safe.  Once at
the safe, the employees told the suspect that they did not know the
combination.  The suspect demanded money from the employees, and one of
the employees handed the suspect a twenty dollar bill. The suspect then
told the employees not to move or he would shoot them and left the
business.  The employees were not able to see if the suspect left on
foot or in a car.

The suspect is described as an African American, approximately 5 feet 8
inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, and about 30 years-old.  He was
wearing a black jacket, black jeans, and a gray ski cap with
handkerchief over his face.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Wilshire Area
Robbery Detectives at 213-473-0154.  During non-business hours or on
weekends, calls should be directed to 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.

Update





Today, Mr. Rimmer was found in the area of Topanga in good condition.



Los Angeles: 
The family of David Rimmer and the Los Angeles Police Department are
asking for the public’s assistance in locating Rimmer, who has been
missing since yesterday evening.




On April 2, 2010, at around 6 p.m., Rimmer was last seen in the area of
Nordhoff Street and Tampa Avenue in Northridge.  Since that time, he
has not returned home or has not been in contact with his family.  The
Rimmer family is concerned about his mental state and fear for his
safety.  Rimmer is a resident of Winnetka.


 


Rimmer is described as a male White with gray hair and brown eyes.  He
stands about 5 feet 10 inches tall, thin built, weighing approximately
175 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a bright green shirt, gray
sweatpants and brown shoes.  Rimmer is mentally ill and suffers from
Dementia.




*Photograph of Rimmer is available through Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.




Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Rimmer is
urged to contact LAPD Topanga Division at 818-756-4800.  During
non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should all
rimestoppers 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.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department North Hollywood Detectives, assisted by Commercial Crimes Division, Operations Valley Bureau Property Crimes Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been conducting an ongoing burglary investigation throughout Los Angeles County over the past several months.  North Hollywood Area detectives served five search warrants throughout Los Angeles County from Marina Del Rey to Winnetka in an effort to recover property taken over the last several months.  The property was taken during burglaries and thefts linked to a ring of burglary suspects that operated mainly in the San Fernando Valley.  During the service of the warrants numerous items of stolen and potentially stolen property were recovered and are being identified in an attempt to return them to their rightful owners and assist in the prosecution of identified suspects.  

During the criminal investigation, ICE agents were able to determine that two of the involved suspects had unlawfully entered the United States and were engaged in criminal activity.  Those two suspects were detained by ICE and transported to the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center pending further investigation and deportation proceedings.  Three other suspects were detained for possession of narcotics and receiving stolen property and are currently jailed at LAPD Valley Jail Section.  

The ongoing burglary investigation is centered on 35-year-old twins Karisa Kay and Kristina Kay of Valley Village and 40-year-old Steven Miller, who is currently in custody at Los Angeles County Jail for burglary.  The Kay twins have been identified and arrested on several occasions in the past year for investigation of burglary and receiving stolen property.  They both have charges pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court regarding their criminal activity.  

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call LAPD’s North Hollywood Area Burglary Detectives Barrientos or Torres at (818) 623-4081.  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.  

Los Angeles: 
Los Angeles Police Department detectives released video footage of a
man and woman who bypassed a security door to a downtown loft building
and then walked into three different, occupied lofts yesterday, March
31, 2010.

“This
close call is a reminder for all residents to follow security
protocols, like verifying someone’s right to access before granting
them entry,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of detectives for
the Central Police Station.  “The most expensive, high-tech system can
be ineffective simply by someone holding a door open for a stranger. 
That puts your whole building at risk.”

Such was the case yesterday at the Nabisco Lofts


 at
1850 Industrial Street.  While workmen fixed pipes outside the
building, a man in his forties and a woman in her thirties approached
the security door.  The couple skirted security measures and took
advantage of a resident leaving to enter the building.  In the next few
minutes, the intruders walked into three separate lofts only to find
someone present each time.  With so many persons alert to their
presence, they left without taking any property.

“This
couple’s actions are consistent with daytime burglars,” Lt. Vernon
said.  “Burglars often strike at homes and apartments when they expect
people to be at work.  They generally want to avoid any personal
contact.”

Police warn residents to lock their doors even when home and check the
peep hole before opening the door.  “Had these doors been locked, the
burglars might have knocked to see if someone was home before trying to
bypass the lock.  If a resident calls through the door, the burglar
will usually make an excuse and leave.”

Detectives want the public to look at the video and call with any
information if someone recognizes the man, woman or their brown Chevy
Avalanche, which was seen being driven away.  The man was described as
bald, nearly 6 feet tall, over 250 pounds and wearing glasses.  The
woman was 5 feet 6 inches tall, 180 pounds, with braided hair and
wearing high-top shoes.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Mike
Mazzacano, Central Burglary Unit, at 213-972-1231.  Anonymous tips can
be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text
messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be
placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Video of the burglars and their car can be view at Central Police Station.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

"This
deeply 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 of
the best LAPD has to offer.  He will be missed."

Whether Cottle was serving the people of Los Angeles or serving the
people of the United States,  he did so with honor, integrity and
commitment.  His death will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew
and loved him, and his contributions to the Department will be greatly
missed.  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.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Newton Area Burglary detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who used a stolen ATM card and pin number to withdraw a 97-year-old victim’s entire life savings which amounted to over $46,000.

Between August 16, 2009, and November 30, 2009, the suspect used the stolen ATM card at the Bank of America located on the 100 block of Rosecrans Avenue in the City of Gardena, and the Bank of America on the 300 block of E. Manchester Boulevard in the City of Inglewood.  According to bank records, the suspect withdrew $300 to $500 per day between the hours of  1 p.m. and 2 p.m., alternating between the two locations.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 25 to 30-years-old, stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall with black hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 170 to 180 pounds.  The suspect was driving a silver or grey 2000 to 2003 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe.

*A surveillance still photo of the suspect is attached to this   release.                                   

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact LAPD Newton Area Burglary Detective David Gamero at 323-846-6579.  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.

Los Angeles: A man was killed Saturday after his motorcycle collided with another vehicle in the West Los Angeles Area.

On March 20, 2010, at 9:40 p.m., 35-year-old Robert Harry Lowson was traveling west on Olympic Boulevard, when he collided with a Land-Rover Sports Utility Vehicle traveling east on Olympic near Beverly Glen Boulevard.  Lowson was thrown from his motorcycle and landed on the pavement.   

Paramedics responded and pronounced him dead at the scene.  The driver of the Land-Rover was not injured.

Anyone with information about this traffic collision case is urged to contact Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Traffic Division at 213-473-0222.  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.

Los Angeles: 
Los Angeles Police Department Olympic Area detectives are searching for
a group of burglars who stole 23 computers with a total value of about
$34,000 from a classroom at West Adams High School in Los Angeles.

The break-in happened on March 15, 2010, at 11:10 p.m., at 1500 West
Washington Boulevard.  According to investigators, seven or eight
suspects climbed over a wrought iron gate, then scaled a 12 foot brick
wall to enter onto the school grounds.  Two of the suspects then opened
a side gate to let the other suspects in.  The burglars gained entry to
the classroom by prying open a window.  Once inside, they cut the
security locks, removed several desktop computers and fled the scene. 
Approximately 30 minutes later, the same group returned to the school
and stole additional computers, investigators said. 

Detectives say they have no suspect description and are asking anyone
with information regarding this crime to contact Olympic Division
burglary detectives at 213-382-9440.  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

Surveillance cameras captured the incident but the footage is grainy and none of the suspects can be seen.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Juvenile Division is investigating the death of a 2 ½-year-old child from the 100 Block of East Gage Avenue in South Los Angeles.

On Thursday, March 4, 2010, the child was found unresponsive at home.  She was transported to a local hospital by paramedics where she was pronounced dead.  The child suffered unexplained injuries, and Juvenile Division detectives assumed investigative responsibility for this case.

The child’s mother and her boyfriend were arrested, but subsequently released pending further investigation.  The District Attorney’s Office has reviewed the case, and further investigation is being conducted.  There is no further information available at this time, and no other releases will be forthcoming unless criminal charges are filed. 

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact LAPD Juvenile Division detectives at 213-486-0580.  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.

Los Angeles:  Saint Patrick’s
Day has become a popular occasion to celebrate with friends and
family.  Unfortunately, Saint Patrick’s Day has become very dangerous
due to the large number of drunk drivers.  “If you plan on consuming
alcohol, never drive while impaired and never let your friends drive if
you think they are impaired.  Buzz driving is drunk driving,” said Lieutenant Ron Katona, Officer in Charge, Traffic Coordination Section, Emergency Operations Division.

To ensure a safe and joyous Saint Patrick’s Day, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) recommends the following tips:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
• Designate a sober driver
• Leave your car keys at home
• Call a taxi, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely
• Call 911 if you see a possible drunk driver on the road
• Take the car keys away from someone who is about to drive impaired and assist them in getting home safely

In an effort to keep the streets of Los Angeles safe during the Saint
Patrick’s Day celebrations, the LAPD will conduct the following
sobriety checkpoints during the upcoming week:

• March 12, 2010 (Friday) in West Valley Area;
• March 13, 2010 (Saturday) in 77th Street Area;
• March 17, 2010 (Wednesday) in Wilshire Area; and,
• March 19, 2010 (Friday) in North Hollywood Area.

Additionally, the LAPD will conduct driving-under-the-influence (DUI)
saturation patrols in communities served by the Harbor and Central
Community Police Stations on March 14th and 21st.

Funding for the checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols is provided by
the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration.  We can all help make our streets safer,
please report Drunk Drivers – Call 911.  For further information,
please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at
213-486-070.