Tag: Arrests

STUDIO CITY/WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, July 9, the Los Angeles Police Department North Hollywood Division burglary detectives along with the LASD Major Crimes Bureau and Burglary-Robbery Task Force, worked together to arrest burglary suspects coined the “Reflector Vest Crew” on June 27 and July 3.

The LAPD reported that the “Reflector Vest Crew” name was coined for using reflective clothing worn by construction workers as a ruse. The suspects would send one person wearing the clothing to knock on the victim’s residence to see if they were home without raising suspicion. If the residence appeared unoccupied, other suspects would emerge and enter through the rear. The “Reflector Vest Crew” sought out residences in wealthy enclaves of Los Angeles, including Studio City, West Los Angeles, and West Hollywood. Detectives have identified over 30 homes that were targeted by the crew during this investigation.

On multiple dates from March 2024 to June 2024, three suspects, later identified as Roderick Dennis, 39, of Los Angeles, Michael Mitchell, 21, of Ontario, and Munya Jones, 21, of Los Angeles, were identified in a string of residential burglaries focused on taking high-end purses, jewelry, watches, and cash. The defendants used multiple rented vehicles and sophisticated techniques to prevent detectives from uncovering their identities.

In recent weeks, investigators were able to locate sufficient evidence and submit the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office for filing after detectives caught the suspects during an in-progress burglary in Studio City on June 27. All three defendants were booked and charged with multiple counts of residential burglary.

On July 3, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Burglary-Robbery Task Force executed a search warrant in connection with the “Reflector Vest Crew” investigation. The search warrant resulted in the arrest of Ashely Ellison, 33, the girlfriend of defendant Roderick. The investigation revealed that Ellison was renting vehicles for Roderick, which he used to commit the burglaries.

It was also revealed that Ellison was storing stolen items at her home for Roderick. During the search warrant, North Hollywood Burglary detectives recovered thousands in US currency, two stolen firearms, jewelry appraisals, and additional evidence linking Roderick and others to the burglaries. Ellison was arrested for 496(A) PC- Receiving Stolen Property.

Detectives are actively working to identify additional suspects and other crimes potentially committed by this group. The case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Major Crimes Bureau. Detectives are seeking additional information on these burglaries and are requesting the public’s help.

Detectives are asking anyone with information that could lead to the identification of additional victims or witnesses to contact LAPD North Hollywood Burglary Detectives at 818-754-8410. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org , and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On June 10, the UCLA Police Department disclosed that at about 3:15 p.m., a group of approximately 100 people affiliated with a UCLA registered student organization marched to the walkway at the top of the Janss Steps and set up an unauthorized and unlawful encampment with tents, canopies, wooden shields, and water-filled barriers.

The group restricted access to the general public which is a violation of UCLA policy. University officials advised the group that they were violating University policy and California law, but they refused to leave.

The group’s conduct, which included the use of amplified sound, interrupted final exams. After UCPD issued multiple dispersal orders, the group began to leave the area.

The group marched to the Kerckhoff patio, where they set up an unauthorized and unlawful encampment with tents, canopies, and barricades with patio furniture. The group restricted access to the general public in violation of university policy. The group’s conduct, which included entering Moore Hall, also disrupted nearby final exams. After UCPD issued dispersal orders, the group began to leave the area.

The group later marched to the courtyard between Dodd Hall and the School of Law, where they set up another unauthorized and unlawful encampment. They restricted access to the general public in violation of university policy and impacted nearby final exams. At around 8 p.m. approximately 25 members of the group were arrested for California Penal Code section 626.4(d) – Willful Disruption of University Operations.

The individuals are in the process of being cited, issued 14-day stay away orders from UCLA property, and released. Approximately 150 protesters remained in the area at 10:31 p.m. June 10.

As a result of the unauthorized and unlawful encampments at the three locations, the group damaged the Shapiro fountain, spray-painted brick walkways, tampered with fire safety equipment, damaged patio furniture, stripped wire from electrical fixtures, and vandalized vehicles.

In addition, as the first encampment was setting up, one individual was arrested at Royce Quad for California Penal Code section 148(a)(1) PC for interfering with a police officer. That individual was cited and later released.

The investigation into all these incidents is ongoing, and anyone with details is asked to contact the UCLA Police Department (Report #24-1105).

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, May 10, the Santa Monica Police Department reported on their Facebook page that the Department’s Mobile Command Post made several arrests near 3rd and Arizona.

The Downtown Services Unit was conducting an operation focused on narcotics-related crimes in the area.

Their efforts led to six arrests for various drug offenses and three citations were also issued. Public Services Officers addressed concerns in nearby parking structures, issuing 65 citations for vehicle and municipal code violations.

The SMPD reminded the public that, “As residents and visitors, we all play a role in maintaining a safe and clean Downtown. If you witness any suspicious or illegal activity, please report it promptly to the SMPD non-emergency line at (310) 458-8491 or if warranted, call 9-1-1.”

“Thank you so much. We residents appreciate it. I wish you had the ability to have this type of presence every day so the criminals would find another city to torment,” Jessica Yingling said in a statement on Facebook.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that two suspects involved in a grand theft had been arrested as of Monday, April 29. The suspects were charged on suspicion of committing two counts each of burglary from a vehicle and grand theft.

On April 24, at 12:24 pm, a dark colored Nissan Altima with three occupants pulled into the Chevron at 1344 Santa Monica Boulevard and stopped next to an open car door of a vehicle getting gas. One of the suspects took the victim’s purse from the front seat.

At about 12:30 p.m., the same Altima pulled into the Sinclair gas station at 1944 Pico Boulevard and stopped in front of the second victim’s vehicle at the pumps. The rear passenger in the Altima opened the victim’s car door, took the victim’s purse, and fled with the other suspects.

Around 30 minutes later, the same suspects shattered the window of a vehicle parked at the Shell station at 1866 Lincoln Boulevard and stole a laptop, iPad, and other property.
The suspects were tracked and arrested with the assistance of the Hawthorne Police Department. Officers recovered several hundred dollars and most of the victims’ property.

On April 26, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office filed felony burglary and grand theft charges (487a PC and 459 PC):

-Raul Santino Lopez, 20, of Richmond
-Agustin Jesus Vega, 21, of Richmond

Lopez and Vega do not have a significant arrest history in the state of California. Anyone with details related to the incident or the suspects is asked to contact Detective Tavera at Hector. Tavera@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, January 12, the LAPD announced that they arrested several suspect connected to a series of burglaries that have transpired in the region. The LAPD reported in December 2023, the West Los Angeles Division, in collaboration with Beverly Hills Police Department and Glendale Police Department, identified and arrested 13 suspects who have been part of an organized burglary series affecting the greater Los Angeles area and adjacent communities.

On December 19, 2023, the Glendale PD located a burglary group responsible for multiple burglaries in Glendale. Officers spotted three suspects enter a vehicle, wearing similar clothing consistent with descriptions previously provided. The officers started to drive in the direction where the burglaries had occurred. Glendale officers followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. One suspect was detained and the other two fled on foot but were quickly apprehended. All three suspects were arrested for residential burglary.

On December 27, 2023, West Los Angeles Area officers responded to a radio call to meet officers with the Beverly Hills Police Department in the area of Coldwater Canyon Drive south of Mulholland Drive to assist with a burglary investigation where approximately five suspects fled on foot. The suspect’s vehicle was described as a black Ford Explorer. A perimeter was established, and three suspects were taken into custody after an extensive K-9 Unit search. The suspect’s vehicle was impounded, and over $1 million dollars in stolen designer purses, clothing, watches and jewelry, belonging to the victim, were recovered.

On December 28, 2023, West Los Angeles detectives, along with Metropolitan Division officers, identified a home where the suspects had been recently staying and stashing property. A search of the suspect’s residence and vehicles resulted in the discovery of additional stolen designer purses, watches, jewelry and additional evidence linking the suspects to multiple crimes. Three suspects were arrested during the incident and the case was submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office where all three suspects were filed on for one count of residential burglary.

On December 30, 2023, LAPD officers responded to a radio call of burglary suspects at a residence near Hutton Drive and Melinda Drive. Additional information was provided by the BHPD regarding a 2018 white Mercedes GLS used in an additional burglary in their region. The white Mercedes GLS was located near the area and a female inside the vehicle was detained. A perimeter was established, and four suspects were taken into custody after an extensive K-9 Unit search. All four suspects were arrested and booked for conspiracy to commit burglary.

In the past few weeks, detectives discovered evidence connecting the arrests to a large organized burglary ring responsible for a multitude of cases throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Detectives from the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Burbank, and Glendale police departments are working in tandem with additional affected agencies to identify the remaining members of the group and to secure additional charges for the crimes they are responsible for committing. Detectives identified and returned most all the recovered stolen property to the rightful owners but hope to discover additional victim’s property as they continue their investigative efforts.

Due to the ongoing investigation additional suspect information and photographs will be released at a future time. Detectives are releasing photographs of the suspects because they believe there are additional victims who have yet to be identified.

Victims, or anyone with information to these individuals, can contact detectives at (213) 216-5308. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA/BEVERLY HILLS—The Los Angeles Police Department announced on December 13 that on December 5, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) conducted a retail theft operation near the 700 block of South Figueroa Street. One of the ORCTF strategies in resolving organized retail crime is the utilization of plain clothes operations, where officers work with retail stores in disrupting retail theft.

Personnel from ORCTF consist of detectives from the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Burbank, Torrance and Glendale Police Departments. The ORCTF was assisted by personnel from LAPD Central Division, LAPD Transit Services Division, and Retail Loss Prevention personnel.

All the suspects who were arrested were spotted concealing merchandise and exiting the stores without paying. Uniform personnel contacted and arrested them.

The following arrests occurred on December 5, near the 700 block of South Figueroa Street:

• Tinder Math, female White, 43 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, Release From Custody (RFC) citation #B44029
• Anthony Williams, male Black, 30 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44032
• Dominique King, male Black, 33 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC-Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44033
• Gabriel Anthony Rubio, male Hispanic, 31 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44037
• Tyler Damon Bood, male White, 28 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC-Shoplifting, RFC Citation #032321
• Jessica Mejia, female Hispanic, 31 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44034
• Alecia Latonya Williams, female Black, 48 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting and a misdemeanor warrant for 484(a)PC- Petty Theft. She was booked and housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Booking No. 6721796, bail was set at $15,000.00.
• Davonte Charles Carter, male Black, 32 years old, of Los Angeles, was arrested for 459.5(a)PC- Shoplifting, RFC citation #B44026

Four juveniles were also detained and arrested for shoplifting and were subsequently released to their parents.

A total of 12 arrests were made during the operation. All stolen merchandise was returned to the retailers and the ORCTF, working with the assistance of divisional personnel, recovered all stolen items. The ORCTF will be conducting additional plain clothes operations during the holidays in the Los Angeles region, with the goal of identifying, locating, and arresting retail thieves.

Anyone with details is asked to call ORCTF Lieutenant II Mike McComas, (818) 374-9420, or email 37111@LAPD.Online. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—Ivan Perez, 27, and Brenda Vega, 23, of Monterey Park were arrested in connection to a vehicle burglary in Beverly Hills that occurred on July 10, in an alley near the 9300 block of Wilshire Boulevard.

Perez was booked for burglary of a motor vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon, felony hit and run, possession of drug paraphernalia and evading officers. Investigators were not able to determine Perez’s city of residence.

Vega was booked for resisting officers and a felony warrant.

At around 5:39 p.m. officers responded to a call of a vehicle being vandalized. They determined that two individuals were attempting to commit a car burglary. When officers arrived on the scene, Perez and Vega entered a vehicle and attempted to drive away southbound in the alley.

A pursuit ensued and as they were fleeing, they sideswiped an oncoming police car in the alleyway before hitting another vehicle on Gregory Way that contained three people. The pair eventually stopped and exited the vehicle fleeing on foot. Shortly after both Perez and Vega were taken into custody.

Firefighters rescued the three people who were in the car on Gregory Way. They were said to have been a family and were treated at the scene before they were taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Anyone with information that can help detectives assigned to this case is asked to call the BHPD at (310) 550-4951.

By Christianne