Author: lapdblog

Los Angeles: 
A 39-year-old man died while he was in police custody after a
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) security sergeant found him
seriously injured and walking in the street.

On January 15, 2010, at about 3:52 a.m., an MTA security sergeant
noticed a man walking in a westerly direction on Cesar Chavez Boulevard
from Broadway.  The man was wearing only boxer shorts, a T-shirt and
one shoe.  He was bleeding badly from an apparent head wound and was
staggering in his attempt to walk.  The MTA security sergeant requested
assistance, which resulted in the response of Los Angeles Police
Department (LAPD) officers assigned to Central Patrol Division and
paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).

The responding officers attempted to communicate with the man, but
found him to be unresponsive.  As the LAFD Paramedics arrived, the man
was still unresponsive and unrestrained.  To prevent any additional
injuries, a traffic hazard, and to facilitate medical treatment, the
officers decided to place the man on the ground and handcuff him. 
Paramedics transported the man to the University of Southern California
Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators discovered evidence that the man had suffered some
traumatic injury about two blocks from where the MTA security sergeant
had first encountered him.  At this time, it has not been determined
whether the man was the victim of a hit-and-run traffic collision, or
if he was the victim of an assault or accident at that location or
elsewhere.   Investigators hope that an autopsy will provide clues
about the exact cause and manner of the man’s death.  For now, his
identity is being withheld until his family members are notified.

Because the man was in the custody of the LAPD when he died, Force
Investigation Division has assumed primary responsibility for the
investigation and will work closely with detectives assigned to Central
Traffic Division.  

Anyone who may have seen this victim on January 15, 2010, or who has
information about this crime or incident is urged to call Central
Traffic Division detectives at 213-972-1825.  During non-business hours
or on weekends, calls may 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.

Although it was raining and cold it did not stop thousands of community members from coming out to watch the Martin Luther King Jr. parade.  On Monday January 18, 2010, Chief Beck along with other high officials walked the parade route while numerous bands played their school anthems. As he waved to the bystanders he noticed all the positive energy coming from community and knew it was going to be a great year ahead.

On January 16, 2010, Chief Beck attended the Martin Luther King Breakfast Celebration with several dignitaries.  This was the second annual event to celebrate the life, legacy and vision of the civil rights leader.  Over the past seven years, the LAPD has committed in restoring the public’s confidence, building trust and respect between the Los Angeles Police, African American community and the entire City of Los Angeles. The event was held at the University of Southern California.

On Sunday January 17, 2010, ABC aired a documentary, “LAPD-Transforming the Dream” which chronicled the long history of friction between law enforcement, America’s ethnic communities, and how a police department with a progressive Chief, in unison with the political/community leadership turned Los Angeles into a healthier, safer city.

Chief Beck was featured, with a strong commitment to continuing the reform, "from the bottom up." Los Angeles’ most prominent political, community, and business leaders were featured in the historic television program, which was recently touted in a Los Angeles Times editorial as a powerful documentary by Pierre Bagley.

To view the documentary, click here

•Police Commission President John Mack said he attended many events honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr over the weekend including the Kingdom Day Parade with Police Chief Charlie Beck.  He said the parade was well attended despite heavy rain. 

•Police Commissioner Alan Skobin attended a reception for all Community Police Advisory Board members with fellow Commissioner Robert Saltzman.  He said the event was well attended. 

•Police Chief Charlie Beck said the Department has been dealing with weather related events.  He added the Department is partnering with 17 different agencies including the Los Angeles Fire Department.

•The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the current status of the Digital In-Car Video Camera system field test and the overall status of the entire Operations South Bureau project was given by Police Administrator Maggie Goodrich.  Ms. Goodrich informed the Board a lot of the problems they are seeing with the system is with integration but they are seeing much improvement with stand alone testing.  She added they will complete the testing in three weeks and give the system to the Senior Lead Officers for continued testing.  She anticipates coming back to the Board in five to six weeks with a plan.

•The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to Department strategies to respond to California Prison Reform and resulting release of prisoners was given by Deputy Chief Jim McDonnell.  Chief McDonnell said on January 25, 2010, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) will reduce its population by 18,000 with 5,940 released into Los Angeles County.  The Department has established a Parole Tracking Unit that will concentrate on the Skid Row area and all areas have Parole Outreach meetings which promotes interaction with parolees.  The Department is also working with CDCR to apprehend parole offenders and Real-Time Analysis and Critical Response Division will track parolees who are outfitted with GPS tracking devices.

•The Department’s report, dated December 31, 2009, relative to the destruction of obsolete duplicate records, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

•The Department’s report, dated January 5, 2010, relative to the First Amendment to Professional Service Agreement Contract No. C-110675 with Huntington Court Reporters & Transcription, Inc., for court reporter services, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor’s office.

•The Department’s report, dated December 29, 2009, relative to warrant applications and supporting affidavits audit, second quarter, fiscal year 2009/10 (IAID No. 09-006), was approved.

•The Department’s report, dated January 5, 2010, in response to the Office of the Controller relative to the audit of the Forensic DNA backlog reduction grant program awards, as given by Police Administrator Yvette Sanchez-Owens, was approved.  Ms. Sanchez-Owens informed the Board there was going to be a re-integration of systems with Robbery-Homicide Division having the sole system to track DNA evidence.  She said there are currently 1,200 cases waiting to be tested.  She also added a considerable amount of money can be saved by not outsourcing the cases for testing but rather testing the cases with department Criminalists by additional funding from the City. 

Los Angeles.  Los Angeles police detectives arrested Lester Robert Evans, 68, yesterday, January 19, 2010, during a bank robbery investigation.  Evidence found in the robber’s apartment helped to tie the parolee to the December boutique robbery, where the suspect was captured on video shocking the young clerk with a stun gun.

"We had a feeling this guy would surface eventually," said Lt. Paul Vernon, who is in charge of detectives in downtown Los Angeles.  "It just turns out he decided to rob a bank where he had his account."

Officers broadcast the robber’s description over the radio, which in part was "a White man in his sixties."  Within a few minutes, officers had the name of a local man who was on parole for bank robbery, Lester Robert Evans.

"As I rolled up at the bank, my robbery detective drove by and said, ‘What do you think lieutenant?  Stun-gun bandit?’ and darned if he wasn’t right," added Lt. Vernon. "The description of the bank robber was just too co-incidental."

Detectives verified Evans was on parole for bank robbery and went to his apartment in the 400 block of East 7th Street in Skid Row.  Detectives arrived within minutes of the robbery and found Evans in the company of a woman.  Detectives searched the apartment and seized evidence that linked the parolee to the bank robbery as well as the boutique robbery.

"Two robberies in two months and a convicted bank robber to boot; we’ll be looking closely to see if he’s responsible for any other robberies," Lt Vernon said. "Downtown businesses should be much safer with him behind bars."

 

Evans was booked for the bank robbery and no bail was set as he is on parole. Detectives will also present the boutique robbery case from December 15, 2009, to prosecutors.

Anyone with information is urged to call Central robbery detective Al Rasch at 213-972-1245.  During non-business hours, call 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.

Los Angeles.  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), in a Unified Command, have ordered evacuations for residences located within Phase 1 and Phase 2 in the foothill area of Southern Tujunga.  These are homes located within the communities of Alpine Village, Seven Hills, Blanchard Canyon Road, Tujunga, and Riverwood.  The evacuations have been ordered to be completed by 9 AM Wednesday morning, January 20, 2010.

With significant rainfall predicted for Wednesday afternoon evacuations have been ordered to ensure the safety of the community and emergency responders.  This storm is predicted to be one of the most significant storms to hit this area in several years.

The below-listed Evacuation Centers have been made available to those affected by the evacuation order:

Sunland Recreation Center    

8651 Foothill Blvd, Sunland CA, 91040  

Available at 8:00 a.m., January 20, 2010  

Evacuated small animals will be held at the Northeast Animal Shelter located at 15321 Brand Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345, 818-837-2609 or 818-756-9323.

Evacuated large animals will be held at Pierce College located at 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA, 91371, 818-347-0551. 

For information pertaining to the evacuation order and information about when residents might be allowed to return to their homes, please contact LAPD’s Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910 or the LAFD’s Public Information Office at 213-485-5162.

Crime Statistics January 016, 2010

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                                14*                 14              0.0%

Rape                                       35                  39           -10.3%

Robbery                                 503                606           -17.0%

Agg Assaults **                       399                505          -21.0%

Total Violent Crimes              951              1164          -18.3%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                  743               824            -9.8%

BTFV                                     1157             1436           -19.4%

Personal/Other Theft               921            1245           -26.0%

Auto Theft                              709              827           -14.3%

Total Property Crimes          3530           4332          -18.5%

Total Part I Crimes               4481           5496          -18.5%



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

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

Los Angeles. 
Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public’s help to solve
an attempted robbery that occurred at a downtown 7-11 convenience store
just after midnight this morning, January 18, 2010.

One clerk was behind the register when an armed Black man, in his 20’s,
walked into the store yelling, "Open the register quick. Give me the
money." Another employee, who was stocking the drink cooler, heard the
commotion.  

"He commanded over and over to open the register with the rifle pointed
in the man’s face," said Lt. Paul Vernon, who heads-up detectives
downtown.  "For whatever reason, the clerk couldn’t open the drawer and
started calling for his partner to do it. It’s a very tense few
moments."  

The gunman leads the clerk to the cooler, but when neither employee can
open the register, he leaves without taking anything.  Several
witnesses saw him running, gun in hand, along 7th Street, then south on
Grand Avenue.  Witnesses also described a second man who may have acted
as a lookout at the door during the robbery.

"We want everyone to look closely at the video and consider the
suspect’s clothing description," Vernon said.  "It’s distinct enough
that it might be familiar to someone who knows this robber.  Just put
yourself in this clerk’s place and imagine how scary this must have
been."

The robber was wearing a black night-watch cap; a brown and white
striped shirt; and he had orange long sleeves from a shirt underneath. 
He also wore gloves, blue jeans, and a gold watch with a black wrist
band.  He was between 20 and 30 years old, 5’10", with a 3 to 4-day
growth of beard.  His gun appears to be a .22 caliber rifle.

His lookout was also a Black man, 5’6", in his 20’s, dressed in dark clothing.

The 7-11 is located at 500 W. 7th Street. Police spent several hours at
the store, searching with police dogs and gathering evidence.

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Robbery Detective John
Arredondo at 213-972-1248.  During non-business hours or on weekends
calls, calls may also 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.

Lt. Vernon is available for interviews between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM at
Central Police Station, 251 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles.  The video is
available for recording and includes audio.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is seeking public assistance to identify and locate a suspect/driver who hit and killed a 25-year-old woman early this morning.

Today at about 4 a.m., a person driving north on Normandie Avenue from 204th Street struck Charmmaine Ouk of Long Beach when she ran into the roadway heading west across Normandie Avenue.  The driver then failed to stop and render aid or provide identification as required by law. According to a witness, the suspect may have been driving a gray or brown minivan, but police need more solid details about the vehicle.                                                                                                                                      

Detectives from LAPD’s South Traffic Division are hopeful that witnesses or others with information about the incident will come forward. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call South Traffic Division Detective Jones at 323-290-6063 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  After hours, calls may be directed to the South Traffic Division watch commander at 213-485-7336.  During non-business hours or on weekends calls, calls may also 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:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested the suspect in the murder of 29-year-old Lupe Fernandez, a resident of San Fernando.

On Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at around 9:30 p.m., a citizen walked in to the Mission Area Community Police Station and reported the body of a possible murder victim who was found inside a Sylmar residence.  Officers were directed to a residence in the 14800 block of Cobalt Street.  During a welfare check of the residence, officers discovered the body of a dead female that was stuffed into a large plastic trash container located inside the garage of the residence.  During the investigation, officer’s learned of a possible second crime scene located inside a Tattoo Parlor in the 8900 block of Woodman Avenue in the city of Arleta.

Mission Homicide Detectives responded and conducted the investigation. Detectives identified the murder victim found at the Cobalt address as 29-year-old Lupe Fernandez, a resident of San Fernando.  Detectives are investigating Lupe Fernandez’ death as a murder.  Further investigation at the Tattoo Parlor revealed an assault had taken place inside the business sometime between 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 and 7:30 a.m. the following day.  Detectives are investigating the possibility of both crime scenes to be connected in the murder of Lupe Fernandez.  The victim’s cause of death is believed to be blunt force trauma. 

Mission Homicide detectives identified the victim’s current boyfriend, 33-year old Louie Mendoza, as the suspect in the murder.  Mendoza was employed by the tattoo parlor as a tattoo artist.  Mendoza was arrested inside the Cobalt address by SWAT officers after a long stand-off.  Detectives booked Louie Mendoza for the murder of girlfriend, Lupe Fernandez.  Mendoza is being held in lieu of 1 million dollar bail.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Mission Homicide detectives at 818-838-9810 or 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 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: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested a pair of suspects in a string of business robberies.  

On
January 13, 2010, Angelo Wingo, 18, and Devon Glover, 21, were both
arrested after a patrol unit stopped a blue BMW for a traffic
investigation in the 3900 block of Coco Avenue in South Los Angeles.

They were both taken to LAPD’s Southwest Division Jail on suspicion of robbery and are being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.  

Since December 2009, the suspects have hit up to six stores throughout the Los Angeles
area.  According to detectives, the suspects would enter the store and
walk around posing as customers. A day later, the suspects would return
and commit a takeover robbery during which they ordered the employees
to a back room, tied them up and demanded access to the safe.  The
suspects then left with an undisclosed amount of money and drove off.  

During the investigation, Wilshire Division robbery detectives learned
the suspects’ vehicle description and shared the information with
neighboring police stations, which lead to the arrest of the robbers.

Detectives believe the suspects are part of a large robbery ring and
are asking for the public’s help in recognizing Wingo and Glover to
link them to additional reported robberies.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Wilshire
robbery detectives at 213-473-0514 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 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.

On Wednesday, January 13, 2010, Chief Charlie Beck, LAPD Sworn personnel, Councilwoman Jan Perry and other city dignitaries held a press conference at 6th Street and Central Avenue to name the intersection “Charles P. Williams Square” in honor of the first African American LAPD Officer killed in the line of duty.

Chief Beck recognized the relevance of Officer Williams’ sacrifice for the citizens of the community. He stated, “202 police officers have been killed in the line of duty but Charles P. Williams is more special because he died at a time when African American police officers were valued at a different level than the rest of their colleagues. It is fitting that on his anniversary we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice he paid in service to the people of Los Angeles. We must never forget the brave men and women of the LAPD, and we must never forget the contributions that African American’s have made to our city.”

Officer Williams was born on March 3, 1887, in Wharton Texas, he was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department on August 13, 1920. He was first appointed to Central Division, and after completing probation he was assigned to the Division’s Vice Squad. On January 13, 1923, a citizen on Central Avenue flagged down Officer Williams and his partner. The citizen advised the officers a suspect was brandishing a revolver and threatening a citizen at a nearby location.  While enroute to the location the officer’s vehicle broke down. Officer Williams proceeded to walk to the location. When he reached the corner of 8th Street and Stanford Avenue, he encountered the suspect. Officer Williams ordered the suspect to place his hands up, instead the suspect fired two rounds from his revolver striking Officer Williams in the abdomen. Officer Williams returned fire striking the suspect in the leg.

A truck driver passing by the location shortly after the incident transported Officer Williams to a local hospital. Unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries. A manhunt for the suspect ensued and he was captured within seven hours after fatally shooting Officer Williams.

In a sit-down panel interview held in the Ronald Deaton Auditorium at the new Police Administration Building, Police Chief Charlie Beck touched on subjects such as gang violence, Skid Row, immigration status, graffiti, animal cruelty, medical marijuana and cyclist safety to name a few. 

Hosted by Patt Morrison, the hour long interview included questions from audience members which added an intriguing dynamic to the interview.  Audience members asked their questions face to face with the Chief and later provided additional material which will be posted on the KPCC website.

To hear the interview with Chief Beck in its entirety, please click the following link:

http://www.scpr.org/programs/patt-morrison/2010/01/14/ask-the-chief-from-the-new-lapd-headquarters/

January 14, 2010 – This morning Narcotics Division filled the courtyard in front of the Pubic Administration Building for their formal inspection. It’s not often the men and women of Narcotics Division have the opportunity to get suited and booted in their class “A” uniforms but today they were shined from head to toe in blue and black. 

Due to Narcotic Division being primary an undercover detail, many were not recognizable to other fellow officers since majority of them have not been clean  shaven or have received haircuts in years but today marked a new day and a new look for many.

Chief Beck along with other command staff walked the many rows of detectives and officers inspecting approximately 250 uniformed personnel. Chief Beck laughed and briefly chatted with several rank and file during the inspection as he recognized many old partners and friends.

After 45 minutes of standing at attention, the large group gathered around the Chief to hear a brief but powerful speech.  Chief Beck started out saying, “Thank you for the hard work you put in today, I appreciate what you do, I respect what you do and I am honored to be here today.”  He continued by stating, “This is going to be a great year and I have the privilege to lead it.” The inspection ended with a group photo in front of the Public Administration Building.

Los Angeles:
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s
help in identifying a suspect who has robbed two businesses in the Van
Nuys area, at gunpoint, over a two week period.

On December 30, 2009, during the early evening hours, the suspect
entered a business in the 17600 block of Vanowen Street.  Though the
business was full of customers at the time, the suspect was not
deterred and walked calmly to the register and quietly demanded money. 
The employee opened the register and gave the suspect about $700 in
cash.

The second robbery occurred on January 8, 2010, also in the early
evening hours.  The suspect entered a business in the 16200 block of
Victory Boulevard and approached clerks inside the businesses and
demanded money from the cash registers.  

The suspect is described as a male white, 5’8”- 5’10” in height,
weighing 170-200 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a distinctive black
and gray hooded jacket and sunglasses.

Video has been provided to investigators to assist in their
investigation.  The suspect in each case is dressed in the same
fashion, specifically a two-toned hooded jacket, which investigators
are hoping is unique enough to help the public identify this
individual.  

Video of the crime and suspect was captured by surveillance cameras and is available at www.lapdtv.org

Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call West Valley
robbery detectives at (818) 374-7730.  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:  Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are looking for a man who stole a car and sped off with a 4-year-old boy inside early this morning in Granada Hills.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the car was found and the child was reunited with his mother.

The SUV, with the boy in a car seat, had been left running in a driveway in the 10000 block of Gaviota Avenue around 6:15 a.m.  According to detectives, the mother of the child went inside the home to get her infant.  As she walked to the front door of her home, she saw a man inside her SUV backing out of the driveway and called 9-1-1.

The SUV was equipped with LoJack. After the operator broadcasted the call, several squad cars, also equipped with LoJack, started searching for the vehicle.  "They picked up a signal and tracked the vehicle a few blocks from where the car was stolen," said Lieutenant Grey Doyle.  The vehicle was found abandoned near Debra Avenue and Mayall Street.

Investigators have few leads and there is no suspect description.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call LAPD’s Devonshire Division detectives at 818-832-0609.  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.  Los Angeles police detectives announced an arrest in the case of Hideko Oyama, the 74-year-old hotel manager who was stabbed to death at the Chetwood Hotel, January 5, 2010.

Jian Hong Li, a 39-year-old Chinese national, was a resident at the Chetwood Hotel who checked out on the day of the murder.  "As a resident of the hotel, we had wanted to interview Mr. Li, but he had disappeared," said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the detective division for downtown.  "Detectives followed leads from Los Angeles to Camarillo, only to discover him walking on First Street, just east of the Los Angeles River."

Around 3:30 PM, January 12, one week after the murder, detectives caught up to Jian Hong Li as he walked on the sidewalk near First and Boyle Streets in East Los Angeles. 

Detectives questioned him at the police station.  "In short order, the detectives were able to compare, confirm, and tie forensic evidence to Li’s presence at the crime scene," Vernon said.  "Once the detectives interviewed Li, they were able to develop enough probable cause to arrest him for the murder." 

Detectives now believe robbery was the motive for the crime.  Li’s bail was set at $1 million.

The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office in a couple of days.  Once filed, the police department will announce a time for a news conference with Ms. Oyama’s daughter present.

"It’s only right to acknowledge the two lead detectives in this case, Thayer Lake and John Thacker," Vernon added.  "Hopefully their tenacity and hard work will give some solace to Ms. Oyama’s family."

The case remains active, so anyone with information is asked to call Central homicide detectives Thayer Lake or John Thacker at 213-972-1254.  Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call 77th Homicide Criminal Gang Group 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.

Los Angeles: A suspect attempting to elude officers became involved in an altercation with them, resulting in a Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI). 

On January 9, 2010, at around 10:05 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Metropolitan Division Police Officers were working crime suppression in LAPD’s Newton Area.  Two Officers were driving a marked police vehicle north on Holmes Avenue and were approaching 54th Street in the "Pueblo Del Rio" public housing project.  The Officers saw a suspect, later identified as Lorenzo Leggett, who they believed was engaged in the sales of narcotics.

Both Officers got out of their vehicles to detain Leggett for investigation of a narcotics violation. Legget immediately led the Officers in a foot pursuit. The officers caught up to Leggett near the intersection of Long Beach Avenue and 54th Street.  Leggett began fighting with the officers and two additional Metropolitan Officers arrived for back up.  One of the Officers used a Taser to help subdue the combative Leggett.  Legget was then taken into custody without any further incident. 

Leggett was transported to a local hospital for facial and head contusion and abrasions. He is in stable condition and booked for Assault with Deadly Weapon on Police Officers.  He is being held without bail.

One of the Metropolitan Officers was also transported to a local hospital and treated for head trauma and multiple abrasions. He was treated and released.  No other officers were injured during this incident.

Force Investigation Division is handling the crime against the officers. Calls may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

•Police Commission President John Mack welcomed everyone to the first Police Commission meeting of the year and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

•Police Commission Vice President Andrea Ordin attended the recruit graduation ceremony on New Year’s Eve.

•Police Commissioner Alan Skobin requested a project and working group as it relates to the issuance of business licenses. It is his hope to develop a more efficient system where entrepreneurs are able to open a business as expeditiously as possible.

•Police Chief Charlie Beck said there was a quiet beginning to the New Year.  He said he went out on weekend patrol in the Van Nuys area on New Year’s Eve and noticed the difference as compared to years past.  He added there are currently 147 recruits in the academy.

•The Executive Director’s report, dated December 15, 2009, relative to the Los Angeles Combined Charities Campaign, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Controller.

•The Department’s report, dated December 21, 2009, relative to Management’s response to the recommendation of the Motor Vehicle and Pedestrian Stop Date Collection Audit, Second Quarter, Fiscal Year 2006/07, was received and filed.

•The Department’s report, dated January 4, 2010, relative to actions taken regarding unsecured documents, was approved.  Lieutenant John Rodriguez informed the Board his office took immediate action and established a task force and inspected each Police Department facility to see where the problem was. It was discovered the Department ran out of space to store files.  He added had the Department done records retention there would be space available.  Numerous personnel vacancies in the records sections contributed to the problem. The Lieutenant and staff are meeting each month at the area records sections to help remedy the problem.

•The Department’s report, dated December 29, 2009, relative to Supervisor Training Inspection (IAID No. 09-019B), was received and filed.  Captain Jody Wakefield said the audit discovered that Detective II’s were not completing the form which said they were going to supervisor training however the two that were found not to have submitted the proper documentation were not acting as supervisors.

•The Department’s report, dated January 5, 2010, relative to Field Training Officer Selection Inspection (IAID No. 09-021), was approved.

•The Department’s report, dated December 28, 2009, relative to Field Training Officer Training Inspection (IAID No. 09-019A), was approved.  Captain Jody Wakefield said she met with Office of Operation personnel to go back and revise the language.  She added they are in contact with Training Division and with Training Officers and when an employee fails to report for training, a notice will be sent to the area of assignment to better track training.

•The Department’s report, dated January 5, 2010, relative to Tour of Duty for Professional Standards Bureau investigators (IAID No. 09-022), was approved.  Deputy Chief Mark Perez informed the Board the original purpose of the three year policy was to prevent a "head hunter" mentality. The three year policy was adopted by the Concent Decree.  Currently with the hiring freeze, officers assigned to PSB can decide to stay or transfer out after three years.  If they decide to stay, they go through an extensive work review as it relates to work performance and attitude.  If it is determined they are fit to stay, they are moved to a different entity within the bureau.  Chief Perez requested the three year limit be extended to a five year term limit which is consistent with national standards.

Los Angeles.:  A 22-year-old Reseda man is in custody for Attempt Murder and is being held on $500,000 bail.

On January 10, 2010, at around 10:30 p.m., Foothill Patrol Officers
received a radio call of a shooting near the intersection of Haddon
Street and Osborne Avenue.  They found a 10-year-old girl who had been
struck by gunfire. She was rushed to a local hospital for treatment,
but is expected to make a full recovery.

During the investigation it was discovered that the suspect, Victor
Figueroa, had earlier been involved in an argument with his
girlfriend.  He left the location, but returned a short time later with
a gun.  When Figueroa fired the gun, the round hit a child riding in a
passing car.

Figueroa was arrested without incident soon after the shooting.  

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Foothill
Area Detectives, Detective Kirby Carranza 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 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.

On Sunday, January 10, 2010,
at around 12:20 p.m. a Van Nuys community member called the Los Angeles
Police Department’s Communication Center to report that she saw man who
resembled a suspect whom she had seen on the television news the night
before. 

LAPD
Officers went to the location where the person reporting last saw the
suspect, a Laundromat in the 6800 block of Lennox Avenue.   Officers
found the man in the laundry mat dressed only in boxer shorts; his
clothes were in a washing machine. 

Officers
were able to link a Black Ford Explorer parked in the parking lot to
the suspect.  The vehicle had been taken in a carjacking the previous
day in West Valley Area.  He was taken into custody without incident.

The
suspect has been identified as Tyreese Basey, a 31-year-old male Black
whose last known address was in Los Angeles.  Basey is being booked
into Van Nuys jail for various charges including Robbery and Carjacking.

This
was an extraordinary example of the community, the media, and the LAPD
working together to take a violent and dangerous offender off the
streets of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles: 
Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in
identifying a suspect who victimized a number of innocent people and
put the entire community at risk early this morning.

At around 5:15 a.m., a suspect attempted to steal a car that was parked
on Calhoun Street.  He failed in that attempt.  Thirty minutes later at
around 5:45 a.m. the same suspect carjacked a vehicle by simulating to
a victim that he had a weapon in his waistband.  This occurred at a
nearby donut shop located in the 13300 block of Victory Boulevard.  

Thirty-five minutes later at around 6:20 a.m. the suspect had a
rollover single-car traffic accident at Sepulveda Boulevard and
Skirball Center Drive; the car collided with a tree causing the airbag
to deploy.  The suspect got out of the vehicle by climbing through the
sunroof.  

At
around 6:40 a.m., the suspect entered a residence in the 3300 block of
Redrose Drive and demanded car keys from a 90-year-old couple.  The
elderly couple managed to push the suspect away and lock the door. 
Then at around 6:45 a.m., the suspect was seen in a rear yard at a
house a short distance away.  That home owner chased the suspect away.

One hour and thirty minutes after that, and one-half mile away, at
about 8:15 a.m., the same suspect stole a black Eddie Bauer version of
a Ford Explorer, license plate 4WVP668.   

The suspect is described as a male black, black hair in dreadlocks or
corn rows, 6’-6’1” in height, weighing 170-180 pounds, 30-35 years old.
He was last seen wearing black pants, tan shirt and has a beard.  

Investigators believe that the suspect may have sustained some injuries from the rollover collision or airbag deployment.

Investigators believe that because the one-man crime spree was so
unusual, there may have been some precipitating incident or personal
crisis.  Captain Egan said, “He was not just a criminal, but a
desperate and reckless criminal.”  Egan added, “If you witnessed
anything unusual this morning or know of someone fitting this
description with unexplained injuries, please come forward.”

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call West
Valley Area Detectives at 818-374-7730.  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.