Author: lapdblog

•Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended a University of Southern California sponsored event which brought the surround community and the USC community together with Chief of Police Charlie Beck.  Commissioner Saltzman added it was a positive, well attended event.

•Police Chief Charlie Beck said the Academy Awards were held over the weekend with no major incidents occurring.  He added it was a successful event and was well policed.  Chief Beck also informed the Board there are currently 108 recruits in the academy.

•The verbal presentation and discussion by the Personnel Department relative to the recruitment timeline and plan for the position of Inspector General was given by Diane Morales from the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department.  Ms. Morales informed the Board they could have three viable candidates available for interview by the end of April and have a chosen candidate ready for confirmation by mid-May.  The City is posting advertisements for the position on various law and government websites and news publications. Commission President John Mack and Commissioner Robert Saltzman are assigned with overseeing the process.

•The Department’s report, dated February 10, 2010, relative to the Travel Authorization and Expenditures Reporting Audit (IAID NO. 09-011), was approved.

•The Department’s report, dated March 3. 2010, relative to the recapitulation of warrants authored and firearms seized by Gang Impact Teams, Fourth Quarter 2009, was approved.

•The Department’s report, dated March 3, 2010, relative to the request for payment of reward offer on City Council File No. 09-00010-547, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council. 

March 1st marked the one-year anniversary of the sudden and untimely
death of my very dear son and friend, and former Los Angeles Police
Department Deputy Chief Kenneth O. Garner.  Nothing is more endearing
than to honor a loved one passed and to bestow a purposeful and
meaningful tribute to their memory.  Kenny, as he was fondly known by
so many, will always be remembered and honored as a man who gave so
much to so many and for touching the lives, hearts and souls of
literally thousands.  

Although finding the words to convey my feelings on the first
anniversary of my very painful loss is difficult, I reflect on my son’s
passing and I think of not how Kenny died but how he lived and the
legacy he left with all of us, and I smile and a sense of calm comes
over me.  I remember that no matter how long we exist, we have our
memories and that Kenny my son you haven’t gone away, because you are
forever in all of our hearts and your spirit continues to live on in
each of us every day.  Also, although we all continue to mourn your
loss, we are comforted in knowing that for one year now you have been
seated at the right hand of the supreme chief, “Chief Jesus.”  As I
look toward the day when we all shall be reunited with you again, the
following phrase brings me comfort:  

Love,


Mom

Mary Garner mother of Kenneth Garner

Mary Garner is available for interviews via Media Relations Section.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is
asking for the public’s help for information leading to the
identification and arrest of a burglary crew targeting Mid City
apartments.  These suspects were captured in surveillance video.





On February 24, 2010 two suspects forced their way into an apartment in
the 3100 block of West 3rd St. The suspects unlocked the deadbolt locks
and gained entry in to the apartment unit by drilling holes from the
exterior of the front doors above the deadbolts.  Once inside, the
suspects ransacked the residence and removed selected items.





The suspects are described as male Asians in their 20’s wearing gray
colored LA baseball caps.  One of the suspects had black framed
eyeglasses. These suspects are believed to be responsible for other
burglaries in the area.





Anyone with information regarding these burglaries or other crimes is
encouraged to contact Olympic Burglary Detective Adrian Chin at
213-382-9440.  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.

This week, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) participated in the California
Homicide Investigators Association (CHIA) conference in Las Vegas,
Nevada.  

CHIA was formed in 1968 when homicide detectives from Los Angeles and
San Francisco met over dinner to discuss the Zodiac Killer
investigation. Today, CHIA is the largest organization of homicide and
death investigation professionals in the United States with over 1,400
members that include law enforcement representatives from all over the
United States and Canada.  

Each year different law enforcement organizations take turns hosting
the conference.  At this year’s CHIA conference, hosted by the LAPD, a
multimedia exhibit called, “Behind the Scenes: The LAPD Homicide
Experience,” was created and features homicide evidence from crimes and
deaths that have captured the public’s attention.  The teaching exhibit
was opened on Wednesday to the public and thousands of guests have
stood in lines for up to two hours to glimpse Los Angeles’s history.  

A number of the exhibits show evidence that was collected during
various well-known incidents and they were carefully designed so
visitors would gain a better appreciation for the tragedy of murder and
the difficult jobs law enforcement detectives have in solving often
very complicated cases.  Murder is the absolute worst thing one human
being can do to another and the displays were designed to provide a
unique insight into the sacrifice of victims and their families as well
as the emotional toll murder takes on homicide detectives and the
District Attorneys who prosecute the cases. Homicide is by nature
horrific, but the entertainment media often portrays it as sterile and
benign.  When people see the reality of murder, it becomes an
unthinkable act.    

Based on the feedback we have received, it is now clear that a few of
the items on display have offended some crime victims’ families.  We
have both been to hundreds of murder scenes in our law enforcement
career and we have consoled many family members. It was never our
intent to cause grief to victims of crime or their families.  The CHIA
exhibit was designed to be educational and to show the public how
murder cases are very carefully investigated.  We never intended to
compound the grief of murder victim’s families, but unfortunately, a
few items on display have been interpreted by some people as such, and
that was never our intention. Our organizations strive to bring justice
to homicide victims not to cause sorrow to their families.

Steve Cooley                                 Charlie Beck


District Attorney                            Chief of Police

On Mar. 4, at around 10 o’clock this morning, detectives received
information that Norman Fonteno was admitted to a nursing home in
Glendale.  He appears to be okay and his family has been notified.

Los Angeles:  The family of Norman Fonteno and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Fonteno, who has been missing since February 13, 2010.

On February 13, 2010, at around 9 a.m., Fonteno was last seen leaving the 10000 block of Lou Dillion Avenue in the Southeast area of Los Angeles.  Fonteno said to his family, "I will be right back," and he never returned.  He hasn’t had any contact with his immediate family since then, and it seems he has disappeared.

Fonteno is described as a male Black, 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.  He has brown hair and brown eyes.  He was last seen wearing a tan jacket and blue jeans.  Fonteno also walks with a cane and his middle name is Duke.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr. Fonteno is urged to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Merrill at 213-996-1800. 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 being with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.           

Los Angeles:  The family of Pervis Norwood Patterson and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Patterson, who has been missing since February 20, 2010.

On February 20, 2010, at around 6 p.m., Patterson was last seen in the 12100 block of Victory Boulevard in the area of North Hollywood.  He has not returned home and has not had any contact with his immediate family.  His family is very concerned about his safety.

Patterson is described as a male Black, 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds.  He has black hair and black eyes.  He was last seen wearing a black jacket, white t-shirt, light blue jeans and brown Gucci shoes.  

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Patterson is urged to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Carlton at 213-996-1800. 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 being with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.   

February 26, 2010 – On the athletic field at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park, the newest members of the Department proudly stood at attention as they were presented with their diploma of graduation.  Twenty-one individuals underwent six months of intense training which culminated with today’s ceremony in front of Department brass, dignitaries and their family and friends.

There is little down time for these new officers as many of them will begin their new assignments on the street of Los Angeles within the next 36 hours.  For more information on how you can become a Los Angeles Police officer, please visit www.joinlapd.com.

To hear Police Chief Charlie Beck address the new class, click here.

Chief Beck Class 9-09 Grad

Los Angeles: A traffic collision involving two vehicles and a pedestrian resulted in the death of the pedestrian on Friday morning.

On February 26, 2010, at around 7:20 a.m., a black Toyota and a black Infiniti, both traveling westbound on Sunset Boulevard, struck 13-year-old Julia Siegler.  Siegler was walking southbound across Sunset Boulevard in a marked crosswalk against a red light when the accident occurred.  The drivers of both cars stopped and attempted to assist Siegler and her mother who was with her at the time of the accident.  After ensuring she was being treated by medical personnel, both drivers and their passengers left the scene. 

The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where she died from her injuries. 

The investigation is on-going and no further details are available at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact West Traffic Division Detective Hutchings at 213-473-0238. 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: At about 6:00 p.m. yesterday, a Los Angeles Police Reserve Officer assigned to Rampart Area, shot his son who attacked him during an argument.  

On February 26, 2010, Reserve Officer Fernando Macias, 12 years and 8 months with the department, was at his home in the city of Monrovia.  He and his son, Brian Macias, 17 years of age, became involved in an argument.  During the argument, Brian grabbed a large glass framed picture off a wall and attacked Macias with the frame.  As Brian advanced on Macias, he attempted to strike him with the framed picture.  Macias backed up a flight of stairs and fired one round at Brian.  The round struck Brian in the chest and he fell to the floor.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Paramedics responded to the residence and pronounced Brian dead at scene.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) responded and assumed investigative responsibility for the criminal investigation.  The Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division (FID), also responded and assumed responsibility for the administrative investigation.  LASD took custody of officer Macias’s handgun at scene.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department
Southeast Squad, Criminal Gang/Homicide Division detectives are asking
for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) who participated in
an early morning shooting in South Los Angeles.

Around 2:15 a.m., this morning LAPD Southeast Area officers responded to
a radio call of shots fired at 93rd Street and Avalon Boulevard. 
Officers discovered the victim, 34-year-old Johnny Thomas, deceased on
the sidewalk.  

According to detectives, an argument immediately preceded the shooting. 
The suspect(s) then left in an unknown direction and have not yet been
identified.    

Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.  There
are no known witnesses to this shooting or any suspect descriptions.

Detectives are also investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident that
occurred at 103rd Street and Broadway.  The accident apparently occurred
shortly after the shooting incident, but is currently unknown whether
the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide
Division, Detective Sal LaBarbera, at 213-485-4341.  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: 
A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer was killed in an
early-evening traffic accident yesterday while off duty in the Diamond
Bar area.

Police Officer II Jacqueline Montalvo was a veteran officer with nearly
11 years of service.  Most of her time with the Department was spent on
patrol serving the LAPD Hollywood Area community.  Montalvo was well
liked by her peers and coworkers.  “Jacqueline was a hard worker and
sought-after partner,” said LAPD Hollywood Area Commanding Officer
Captain Beatrice Girmala.  “She will be greatly missed.”

Questions regarding the traffic incident that took Montalvo’s life and
caused serious injuries to others should be directed to the Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s Department, which is responsible for the investigation.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck said this week marks his 100th day in office and his office prepared a report which talks about the progress that has been made during that time.  The report includes details on the Department’s moves towards institutionalizing Constitutional Policing, information on the Department’s reorganization, redeployment of personnel to area commands.  The report also touched briefly on the budget pieces and crime reduction.  Chief Beck added the report has a section on the transition to the Cadet program and contains information on the communication with stakeholders in the City and collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners.  The full report will be made available to the public via the Department official website at www.LAPDOnline.org.

• The Department’s verbal report and discussion, relative to the current status of the Fiscal Year 2009/2010 Department budget was given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff.  Mr. Chaleff informed the Board last week the City Council ordered the elimination of 3,000 positions on top of the 1,000 positions the Mayor had ordered weeks earlier.  From the initial 1,000 positions, 50 civilian positions were eliminated from the Department with another eight or nine employees transferring out.  The Department currently has a vacancy rate of 400.  Mr. Chaleff added the budget situation is still very much in flux and figuring out redeployment of civilian and sworn employees will be a challenge.

• The Inspector General’s report, dated February 11, 2010, relative to the Audit of Special Order No. 25, 2008 – Mandatory Training Update Subsequent to a categorical use of force and use of force directive, was approved.

• The Inspector General’s report, dated February 9, 2010, relative to the annual activity report for the year 2009, was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated February 9, 2010, relative to the transmittal of the grant application for the 2009 forensic DNA unit efficiency improvement program from the National Institute of Justice, United States Department of Justice, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated February 16, 2010, relative to the progress report regarding the supply procurement and disbursement audit, IAID #08-097, as given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was approved.  Mr. Chaleff said his office has conducted two inspections of supply functions and found no mis-conduct or fraud.  He added the Administrative and Technical Services Bureau put out a notice informing Divisions of new procedures.

• The Department’s report, dated February 16, 2010, relative to the February 2010 Status Report on the 2007 City Controller’s Audit of Fiscal Operations Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, was approved. 

• The Department’s report, dated February 16, 2010, relative to the Department’s transition plan and proposed annual audit and inspection plan, fiscal year 2009/10, as given by Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was approved.  Mr. Chaleff said the Department is a national leader in many areas including audits and the use of audits provides transparency.  He added the audits started with the Consent Decree.

Los Angeles: 
The family of Iris Nathalie Corvera and the Los Angeles Police
Department (LAPD) Newton Division are asking for the public’s
assistance in locating Corvera, who has been missing since February 23,
2010.

Yesterday,
at around 3:30 p.m., Corvera was last seen walking in the 4900 block of
McKinley Avenue in the city of Los Angeles to meet with friends.  Her
parents had recently disciplined her for staying out late at night and
believe she may be afraid to return home.  

Later in the evening, at around 9 p.m., Corvera contacted a friend from
a public phone and has not been heard from since.  She has no other
family members living in the area and interviews with her friends
revealed no further information as to her whereabouts.  

Corvera is described as a female Hispanic, 5 feet tall and weighing 110
pounds.  She has black hair, brown eyes and a mole on her left cheek. 
She was last seen wearing a white


T-shirt, beige pants and black tennis shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. Corvera is
urged to contact LAPD Newton Division, Juvenile Unit, Officers Lucas
Padilla or Bill Miller at 323-846-6576.  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.

Las Vegas, Nevada:  The Los Angeles Police Department will host the 2010 Annual Conference of California Homicide Investigators Association (CHIA) in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 2-5, 2010, at the Palms Casino Resort.

The 2010 CHIA Conference, as is typical for professional association conferences, will provide those associated with homicide investigations, continuing education, training and networking opportunities.

A unique aspect of the conference will be a first-ever "Behind-The-Scenes" look at some of the most notable homicides and critical incidents that occurred in Los Angeles over the past 100 years.  The 8,000 square foot Key West Ballroom inside the Palms Casino Resort will be transformed into a multimedia museum of photographs, video displays and actual evidence, some of which has never been seen in or outside of a courtroom.

The Los Angeles Police Historical Society is partnering with LAPD homicide detectives to provide a unique and exciting look into L.A.’s gritty past.  The Historical Society will be displaying vintage vehicles, memorabilia, photographs, documents and crime scene artifacts.  All expenses associated with the exhibit are being paid for by private donors.

Among the most notable items of interest will be evidence and records associated with the deaths of Marilyn Monroe and Senator Robert Kennedy, and the 1963 murder of LAPD officers in the famous "Onion Field" case.  Also featured will be evidence, pictures and video from cases such as the murders involving Charles Manson, O.J. Simpson, the Black Dahlia and the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) shootout.  A bullet-riddled police car and suspect getaway vehicle from the nation’s most notorious bank-robbery-and-shootout in North Hollywood will also be center stage. 

Los Angeles Police Department Homicide Detective Dennis Kilcoyne said, "Homicide investigators very rarely invite people under the crime scene tape and into the murder scene; this may be as close as some will ever get."  He added, "Every detective knows that evidence from a murder scene speaks for the victims.  Seeing an actual gun or blood stained suit or bullet hole will tell a story that no book can match.  Every display will be interesting, educational and displayed in a respectful manner consistent with the professionalism of the LAPD."

  

The cases to be highlighted and the evidence that will be displayed has been released and approved of by supervising judges in courts of competent jurisdiction and by the respective custodians of evidence, including the Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney. 

It is believed that some, if not all, of the items to be viewed may someday be part of a governmental archive or museum.  However, this will be the first time the public will have an opportunity to cross the crime scene tape and see it as a homicide detective would.  Admission to the event will be limited to CHIA members on Tuesday March 2, 2010, and then open free of charge to the general public on March 3 and March 4, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.                    

   

The California Homicide Investigators Association is the largest association in the United States that is devoted solely to the education and training of law enforcement professionals who respond to and investigate the crime of homicide.

For more information, contact LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910, or Larry Fink, Palms Casino Resort Director of Public Relations at 702-942-6843.

Los Angeles: The family of Dominic “Nick” Dawane Evans
(“At Risk” adult missing person) and the Los Angeles Police Department
requests the public’s assistance in locating him.

Dominic Evans is diagnosed with memory loss and is not on his
medications.  Dominic left his residence on the 7300 block of Balboa
Blvd, Van Nuys, CA, on January 30, 2010 at approximately 10:45 a.m.  On
February 1, 2010, Dominic was seen near his grandmother’s residence on
the 1700 block of Stanley Avenue, Los Angeles.  Dominic left before
family could arrive and provide assistance.  Dominic is also legally
blind without his glasses and left wearing only his temporary contact
lenses.  Dominic frequents the Long Beach area around 6th Street and
Pine St.  He also likes to go to libraries.  Family state Dominic may
not remember how to contact them.

Dominic “Nick” Evans is described as a 40 years old, African-American,
6’3”, 185 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, wearing a green button up
shirt and blue jeans.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of
Dominic “Nick” Evans immediately contact the Los Angeles Police
Department, Missing Persons Unit  at 213-996-1800;  or the Department’s 
24-hour toll free number 1-877-LAWFUL (1-877-529-3855).

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department continues to expand the use of Nixle as a communication platform.

Since piloting Nixle in October 2009, the Los Angeles area user base has grown from a few hundred to well over 40,000 and growing.   Nixle is a service that is free to the City of Los Angeles and to the community. 

In uncertain budgetary times public-private partnerships take on a more critical role.  Similar partnerships, such as Web-Tips, Text-a-Tip, and the newest, Crimestoppers, have opened portals for the Department to receive information from the community.  Nixle is the first professional-grade mass communications platform which allows the police department to communicate directly with a geographically specific portion of the community in real time and at any time. 

With Nixle the Police Department can establish "short codes" to communicate with specific groups.  These "short code" protocols have been tested in both First Amendment Protests and Search and Rescue situations.  A group of protesters or a group of volunteer searchers can text a specially created short code for their event and instantaneously, they are all in connected to the Incident Command Post.  Messages from the Command Post can be used to debunk rumors or to keep everyone informed on public safety issues.        

In late 2009, in a public and private partnership, the communities from across the City enrolled in this free public-safety communications platform.  The communities served by Topanga, Wilshire and West Valley Areas recorded more Nixle subscribers than any of the other Areas Citywide. 

Nixle has awarded grant monies to the top three communities (Topanga Area – $5000, Wilshire Area – $3000 and West Valley Areas $2000).  Nixle’s goal in awarding these grants was to help increase the user base and thereby help increase the likelihood that Nixle can actually help solve a crime or find a missing child.  The only stipulation on the use of the money is that it to be used to further excellence in policing, including employee wellness. 

In accepting the funds, the Department is under no obligation of any kind to Nixle.  Chief Beck said, "Employee wellness is on my list of goals for 2010, and especially in these uncertain budgetary times, I am sure that the Nixle awards will be put to good use.

For more information about Nixle or to register for free updates directly from the LAPD, please log on to www.Nixle.com.  To view or download the Nixle media kit, please go the the following link: http://www.nixle.com/mediakit.html or visit www.Nixle.com

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, February 21, 2010.  Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where crashes occur. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists, and other vehicle drivers, that lead to fatal and injury motorcycle traffic collisions.

Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 91% from 275 killed in 2000 to 533 killed in 2008.  Fatal motorcycle traffic collisions in Los Angeles County have increased 62% from 70 in 2004, to 114 in 2008, and injury motorcycle collisions have increased 47% from 1,996 to 2,927 in the same period.

Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and/or other drugs by motorcyclists and other drivers.

The Los Angeles Police Department is reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Another major factor leading to fatal and injury motorcycle collisions is inexperience.  Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information.  Many people are riding motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license and without the skills necessary to ride safely. 

It is every motorcyclist’s responsibility to be properly licensed and have the skills necessary to ride safely.  Rider’s can receive training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, and information is available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-486-0703.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Area officers caught four suspects who are believed to be responsible for multiple auto burglaries and receiving stolen property.

On February 4, 2010, at around 9 p.m., officers from Wilshire Division responded to a radio call of a vehicle that was burglarized in the 5500 block of Wilshire Boulevard.  Before officers arrived an alert resident of the apartment building worked in conjunction with the manager to check on a suspicious male seen in the apartment building.  A thorough check led to the discovery of a male on the property, who was not a resident.  The pair confronted the male and he climbed over a fence, ran to an awaiting car and drove away. 

Wilshire Auto Detectives conducted an investigation on the vehicle that the suspect drove away in.  Their investigation identified 26-year-old Thomas Jefferson Dizon, a resident of Panorama City, as the suspect who was responsible for burglarizing the vehicle on Wilshire Boulevard. 

On February 11, 2010, at around 6 p.m., Wilshire Special Problems Unit working in conjunction with Wilshire Auto Detectives looked for Dizon in the area of 3rd Street and New Hampshire Avenue.  The officers saw Dizon and three other persons in the same car that drove away from the 5500 block of Wilshire Boulevard days prior.  Dizon was taken into custody and the three other occupants were detained.  The other occupants were identified as Dizon’s wife, 21-year-old Catherine Diego, a resident of Panorama City, 18-year-old Jayson Delacruz, a resident of Los Angeles and 22-year-old Lawrence Abesia, a resident of Los Angeles.

A follow-up to a nearby motel where the suspects were residing led to the recovery of numerous items of suspected stolen property.  The items included personal checks of other persons, access cards, personal items such as travel bags, sunglasses and small electronics items such as iPods and GPS navigation systems. 

The detectives arrested Dizon and Delacruz for Auto Burglary, with bail amount of $20,000.  Diego and Abesia were arrested for Receiving Stolen Property, with bail amount of $20,000.

Auto Detectives have identified one item that was taken from an auto burglary in the Hollywood Area and are in the process of identifying the owners of the remaining items.  Based on information developed in this investigation, the suspects focused on property left in vehicles that could be utilized to commit credit card or check forgeries.  Detectives are advising the public to refrain from leaving any property that can be used to access one’s credit card or checking account in their vehicles.  Too many times, the victim’s become secondary victims of forgery, identity theft and fraud crimes when these type of items are left unsecured in their vehicles.

Wilshire Auto Detectives are requesting anyone with information about these crimes to contact detective Paul Quan or Michael Smith at 213-473-0556 or 213-922-8205.  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: 
On Feb. 8, 2010, former City of Los Angeles employee, 51-year-old Olga
Zavala-Edwards, was convicted of workers’ compensation and insurance
fraud related to charges of filing a false claim for compensation. 
Zavala-Edwards, who was a 24-year employee of the Los Angeles Police
Department (LAPD), was a civilian assigned to the Department’s Jail
Division as a supervisory detention officer.  She was discharged from
her job on August 3, 2009.  

LAPD investigators from the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Coordination
Unit, Special Operations Division, began investigating Zavala-Edwards
workers’ compensation claim involving an alleged industrial/on-the-job
injury shortly after the claim was submitted.  The investigation
centered on how the alleged Nov. 2, 2008, injury occurred, the actual
location where Zavala-Edwards claimed she was injured and what
information she had given to her treating physicians.  The
investigation was conducted in partnership with the Los Angeles County
District Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Division, Workers’ Compensation
Division of the City’s Personnel Department and the Los Angeles City
Attorney’s Office.  

The investigation revealed that Zavala-Edwards did not tell the LAPD,
her doctors or investigators with the City Attorney’s Office that her
injury actually occurred at her home before she reported to work on
Nov. 2.

As part of the criminal conviction for workers’ compensation fraud, the
court ordered Zavala-Edwards to pay full restitution to the City of Los
Angeles in the amount of $7,654.71 for all salary and medical benefits
the City paid as part of her fraudulent claim.  In addition,
Zavala-Edwards was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and
placed on two years of summary probation.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Homicide detectives announced an arrest of the suspect responsible for the shooting death of gang intervention worker Ronald Lamonte Barron.

On Sunday, February 7, 2010, at around 9 p.m., Ronald L. Barron was on the 5000 Block of West Pico Boulevard when investigators believe he confronted a suspect whom he believed was a “tagger,” spray painting walls and property in the area of Pico Boulevard and Sycamore Street.  During a brief discussion in the middle of Pico Boulevard, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot Barron.  He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead from his injuries.

This morning, Wilshire Area homicide and gang detectives arrested a suspect in connection with the murder.  The suspect is a minor; his name will not be released.  He is not a gang member, but is known as a tagger and acted alone. Detectives do not believe that race was a motivating factor.

The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Wilshire Homicide detectives would like to acknowledge and thank Wilshire Gang Impact Team detectives and the Los Angeles School Police Department for their tireless efforts, knowledge and expertise that led to the identification and arrest in this case. 

Barron was a well known gang intervention and youth development worker for the Amer-I-Can program headed by former National Football League great Jim Brown.  His funeral services are pending.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Wilshire Homicide Detectives Mark Holguin or Javier Hernandez at 213-473-0446.  During non-business hours, calls may be directed 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may contact Crimestoppers by texting the 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.