LOS FELIZ—The Los Angeles Police Department reported on Monday, March 1 that two suspects responsible for the theft of catalytic converters had been arrested.

On February 27, at approximately 3:40 a.m., Northeast Division patrol officers observed suspects removing a catalytic converter from underneath a parked vehicle in the area of Rodney Drive and Los Feliz Boulevard. When officers attempted to detain the suspects they fled in a vehicle, and a brief vehicle pursuit ensued.

The suspects later lost control of their vehicle, resulting in a single-vehicle traffic collision. The suspects then fled on foot. Officers took two suspects into custody. They were identified as Elvin Ferrera, 23 from Whittier, and a 17-year-old male juvenile from Huntington Park.

LAFD responded to the scene and transported both suspects to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the traffic crash. Two additional suspects remain outstanding.

During the investigation, officers recovered five additional catalytic converters from the suspect vehicle. Detectives will work to determine whether the recovered property is connected to additional thefts in the area.

The Northeast area has seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts this year and is calling for public help to prevent these crimes. Vehicle owners, especially those with Toyota sedans, are advised to park in well-lit locations or off the street when possible and to use cloud-based home security cameras.

The public is also asked to follow LAPD Northeast on social media, including Facebook and Instagram, for additional crime-prevention information, such as catalytic converter cages or guards, and upcoming VIN etching and marking events.

Anyone with details, including surveillance video related to catalytic converter thefts in the Northeast Area, is asked to contact Northeast Auto Detectives at (323) 561-3257. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous may contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.lacrimestoppers.org, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile application.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On February 26, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that the Commercial Crimes Division’s (CCD) Real Estate Fraud Unit, arrested Rita Ortiz, 58, of Los Angeles, for a violation of California Penal Code (PC) 115(A) – Filing a False Document.

The LAPD reported that beginning in 2025, detectives assigned to the CCD Real Estate Fraud Unit began investigating a series of recorded mechanics liens on several properties within Los Angeles that were reported to be false or fraudulent.

The mechanical liens recorded on property titles listed extraordinary amounts, some as high as $24,640,000 for services rendered by Ortiz Consulting LLC for cleaning or consulting services. The investigation identified Ortiz as the person controlling Ortiz Consulting LLC and as the one who recorded the fraudulent liens. Multiple victims’ properties have been affected in Los Angeles, with additional victims and affected properties in the city of Beverly Hills and Riverside County.

Ortiz purports to be a Real Estate Consultant and business coach who specializes in property sales, investment properties, home leasing, short sales, and loan modifications. It is believed that Ortiz offered “services” to unsuspecting victims through a non-profit organization named “Make Your Dreams Come True.” She is not licensed by the Department of Real Estate to perform any real estate services.

Rita was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in case 26CJCF01311 with 25 felony counts of knowingly causing a false instrument to be recorded in a public office. It is further alleged that Ortiz engaged in a pattern of fraudulent conduct resulting in losses of over $500,000.

The instruments recorded at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office consist of 24 “Claim of Mechanics Lien” and one “Grant Deed” filed against 10 properties. The liens falsely claim that Ortiz is owed payments in amounts ranging from $800,000 to over $98 million.

Ortiz was arraigned on March 2 and pleaded not guilty. Her bail was set by the Court at $700,000. A preliminary hearing is set for March 12 in Department 31 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. She faces 24 years in state prison if convicted as charged.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with details should call the Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-6620 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.

 

By Danny Jones

SHERMAN OAKS/STUDIO CITY—On February 27, the Los Angeles Police Department reported that a suspect responsible for a series of postal carrier robberies was arrested.

The LAPD reported that detectives with the North Hollywood Division arrested the individual who had been targeting postal carriers in the communities of Studio City, Valley Village, and Sherman Oaks.

Between December 3, 2025, and February 22, 2026, a series of armed robberies occurred while postal employees were performing their official duties. The incidents occurred at the following locations:

· December 3, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., in the 5200 block of Corteen Place, Valley Village
· January 31, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., in the 4100 block of Whitsett Avenue, Studio City
· February 21, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., in the 4800 block of Morella Avenue, Studio City
· February 21, 2026, at approximately 2:23 p.m., in the 5700 block of Whitsett Avenue, Valley Village
· February 22, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., in the 5400 block of Ethel Avenue, Sherman Oaks

During each incident, the suspect approached the victims armed with a firearm and demanded their postal keys and electronic scanners. Investigators determined the suspect utilized a white Lexus sedan during the commission of the robberies.

On February 22, 2026, following a fifth armed robbery, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Division and Van Nuys Division located and arrested the suspect during a vehicle stop at the intersection of Tyrone Street and Hamlin Avenue at approximately 1 p.m. During the arrest, evidence was recovered that linked the suspect to the series of robberies.

The suspect was identified as Andranik Naghdalyan, 28. He was booked for 211 PC – Robbery under Booking Number 7187017. On February 24, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed five counts of 211 PC – Robbery against Naghdalyan.

This investigation was a coordinated effort between the Los Angeles Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional details is asked to contact Detective III Noah Stone, Serial No. 34372, Los Angeles Police Department, North Hollywood Detective Division, at 818-754-8424, or Postal Inspector Marcus Updegraff, United States Postal Inspection Service, Los Angeles Division, at 626-405-1314. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

 

By Danny Jones

BRENTWOOD/HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Monday, March 2, the Los Angeles Fire Department rescued a hiker. The incident was reported at 4:52 p.m. on Stoney Hill Road.

LAFD air crews searched for approximately 30 minutes before locating and hoisting a lost but uninjured hiker (male, age unconfirmed) to a safe location.

LAFD ground crews remained on scene with the hiker while his safe transfer to a personal vehicle is coordinated. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

On Sunday, March 1, the LAFD also rescued a hiker in the Hollywood Hills. That incident was reported at 10:37 a.m. on Runyon Canyon Road. LAFD air and ground assets have located and are currently assessing an approximately 40-year-old male hiker who had fallen ill on a local hiking trail.

The patient was accessed and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care via an LAFD rescue helicopter. No additional details about that incident has been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Tuesday, March 17 at N. Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Dr. The checkpoint will be operational from approximately 6 p.m. and conclude at approximately 11 p.m.

All traffic will pass through the checkpoint. Motorists will be stopped and contacted by uniformed officers who will check for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will also check that all contacted drivers have a valid driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said. “Any preventative measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The BHPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, March 2, reports circulated of a drunk driver wreaking havoc in the Malibu area. Canyon News spoke to Sheriff’s Deputy Sterling W. Buck of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who indicated on Sunday, February 28, at approximately 3 p.m., two Malibu Volunteers on patrol observed an adult male driving a gray BMW 4-door sedan attempting to make a legal U-turn at Trancas Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The driver accelerated at a high rate of speed and conducted a “burn-out.” One of the volunteers indicated the suspect nearly struck two pedestrians while making the turn. The driver pulled over on Guernsey Avenue while attempting to park. One of the volunteers indicated the suspect may have collided with a parked vehicle and used his department radio to request LASD deputies at the scene. “When the deputies arrived, they detained the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. During the investigation, the deputies found evidence to believe the driver may be under the influence. The deputies conducted a DUI investigation at the scene and ultimately determined the driver was under the influence of drugs. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for DUI and transported to the Malibu / Lost Hills Station, where he was booked. The deputies on scene could not find evidence that the vehicle had collided with the parked vehicle. If anyone witnessed this incident, you are asked to contact the Malibu / Lost Hills Station Traffic Office at 818-878-1808,” stated Deputy Buck.   By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, February 28, at approximately 10:50 a.m., at least four armed-robbery suspects were taken to an area hospital after they crashed the car while attempting to escape the scene of the crime. The crash took place near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Foothill Road. Police were in pursuit of the four-armed suspects reported in the robbery. The driver in the get-a-way car was driving recklessly when he drove the vehicle into some bushes. Authorities and first responders reportedly extracted five suspects out of the car including four adult males, and one 17-year-old male. Paramedics with the Beverly Hills Fire Department were called to the scene.  Four of the five burglary suspects were transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment. No additional information is currently available.   By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On February 26, the Santa Monica Police Department released its latest copy of “The Blue Report,” a summary of the city’s crime rate and statistics. The recent summary showed an increase in the crime rate in Santa Monica transpired in early February.

According to this report, from February 8 thru February 14, there was an 18 percent increase in calls to the police and a 71 percent increase in arrests, due to the Santa Monica Police Department’s pronounced presence in the city’s downtown area and on the beach.

In addition, the police had a presence on the Pacific Coast Highway and around the schools, where they conducted traffic enforcement. The SMPD also had officers working in the Homeless Liaison Program, through which they made more than 30 arrests.

As part of this project, the Santa Monica Police Department also started filming a weekly YouTube program called the Blue NoteBook Review.

The full text of the latest edition of “The Blue Report” is available on the city of Santa Monica website.

 

By Danniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, February 28, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff Station announced it would increase patrols around places of worship in West Hollywood in response to the bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States.

According to the statement released on its Facebook page, there will be increased patrols around places of worship, as well as other sensitive locations and areas where members of the community gather. The patrols will be conducted by deputies with the LASD West Hollywood Station. There will also be an increased presence at the aforementioned locations.

The West Hollywood Sheriff Station reaffirmed its commitment to not only fighting antisemitism, but also hatred and protecting all of West Hollywood.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, February 28, the United States and Israel bombed Iran, and the Beverly Hills Police Department issued a community safety notice.

In this statement, which was released on both the department’s Facebook page and its X page, the Beverly Hills Police Department stated that it is paying attention to the unfolding situation in Iran.

The BHPD revealed that the focus is to protect all of the citizens that live in Beverly Hills, along with anyone who is currently visiting the city, and the owners of businesses that are based in the city. The number to contact the Beverly Hills Police Department for non-emergencies is 310-550-4951. For emergencies call 9-1-1.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio