Tag: Los Angeles Police Department

WOODLAND HILLS—On Wednesday, June 19, at approximately 4:00 a.m., there was a multi-vehicle accident on the westbound lanes of the 101 Freeway near Topanga Avenue exit. One person was struck and killed in the crash. The name of the motorcyclist was not initially published pending notification of the next of kin.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Department later identified the victim of the crash as 32-year-old, Dustin Perdomo. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A friend in mourning posted the following memorial message on Facebook:

“Dustin Perdomo was a very special friend I lost this morning in a motorcycle accident on the 101 freeway. I’m heartbroken. I never got tired of hanging out with you. You were soft spoken and gentle. I could literally tell you anything and you never judged me. I love you my brother and will miss you deeply”

The westbound lanes of the 101 Freeway remained closed until approximately 10:00 a.m.

There were three other vehicles involved in the accident with no other fatalities. There is no more information available at this time.

By Sharon

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On May 9, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that a suspect involved in an assault that transpired on Hollywood Boulevard was arrested.

The LAPD reported on May 6, around 2:15 a.m., patrol officers from the LAPD’s Hollywood Division responded to a report of an Assault w,ith a Deadly Weapon in the 6700 block of Hollywood Boulevard. When officers arrived on the scene they located a severely injured male at the scene. Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was treated for several injuries.

A video of the incident, recorded by a witness, was obtained by a media outlet and posted on various social media platforms.

The video showed the victim and the suspect involved in a fight. The victim was pepper sprayed and knocked to the ground. The suspect continued to punch the victim while he was lying unconscious on the ground causing severe injuries to the victim.

Detectives from the Hollywood area were able to locate additional videos in the region that led to the identity and arrest of the suspect.

On May 8 around 2:30 p.m., detectives located the suspect in the Hollywood area and took him into custody. The suspect is identified as Jorge Luiz Garcia, 27, of Los Angeles. He was booked for 245(A)(1) PC- Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Anyone with details about the assault is asked to call detectives at Hollywood Division 213-972-2971. 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

By Trevor

WOODLAND HILLS—On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Division announced that on April 8, around 7:35 a.m., officers responded to the 6200 block of Variel Avenue for a radio call of a homicide investigation. Operations Valley Bureau (OVB) homicide detectives were notified and responded to the scene learning of two related incidents that transpired following the homicide on Variel Avenue.

The LAPD reported that the first incident involved two young children being found on the 405 Freeway near Howard Hughes Parkway. The second incident involved a single vehicle fatal traffic collision in Redondo Beach.

Detectives worked in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Redondo Beach Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office to determine if the incidents were related and discovered that the victim, Jaelen Chaney, 29, and the suspect, Danielle Johnson, 34, resided together with her two young children, aged eight months old and nine years old, in a residence in the 6200 block of Variel Avenue.

On April 8, around 3:40 a.m., Chaney and Johnson became involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into Johnson becoming violent, stabbing Chaney, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A knife with biological evidence was later recovered from the scene, where Johnson fled with her two children in a dark-colored Porsche SUV.

Around 4:30 a.m., the dark-colored SUV was spotted driving on the 405 Freeway when the two children were expelled from the vehicle while it was moving. The nine-year-old child sustained moderate injuries from the fall and was transported to a local hospital. The eight-month-old child sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at scene.

Around 5 a.m., Johnson drove her vehicle at a speed in excess of 100 miles per hour in Redondo Beach near the intersection of Vincent Street and the Pacific Coast Highway and collided with a tree. Johnson did not survive the crash and was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

These events transpired before LAPD personnel were notified of the crime. Around 7:35 a.m., neighbors on Variel Avenue spotted the front door open, which prompted them to check on the well-being of the residents. It was at that time Chaney was discovered dead inside the apartment. After a thorough investigation and collaboration with the above agencies, homicide detectives determined that the incidents were all related and no further threat to the community.

Anyone with additional details is asked to contact Operations Valley Bureau Homicide Detectives at (818) 374-9550. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting 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.

By Trevor

WOODLAND HILLS—On March 31, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) arrested one individual for attempting to set fire to Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) station 105, located at 6345 Fallbrook Ave, in Woodland Hills.

The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call for trespassing at Station 105 after receiving reports of a man attempting to use the LAFD diesel fuel pump and spray the outside of the building. The suspect was successful in using the fuel pump that requires a pin code to operate.

A LAFD Captain indicated only one member of Station 105 was present at the time of the incident.

Authorities located and arrested the suspect at a nearby homeless encampment where he allegedly resides. No additional information is available about the suspect at this time.

By Sharon

STUDIO CITY—On Sunday, March 10, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that they are searching for the driver involved in a hit-and-run that left a pedestrian dead.

Valley Traffic Detectives indicated on February 7, around 6 p.m., a red sedan was traveling westbound on Ventura Boulevard near Fruitland Drive, when it collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the street west of Fruitland Drive. The driver of the sedan fled traveling westbound on Ventura Boulevard, failing to stop, identify themselves, or attempt to render aid to the pedestrian, as required by law.

Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the pedestrian to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The pedestrian was described as a White female in her 30s. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.

LAPD Valley Traffic Detectives are investigating and seeking the public’s help in locating the driver of the vehicle. If you were driving in the area of Ventura Boulevard and Fruitland Drive around 6 p.m., on February 7 or witnessed the collision they should contact Valley Traffic Detectives.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves. The public is informed that as pedestrians, they should exercise caution when crossing streets, obey traffic lights, cross within marked crosswalks, and obey the rules of the road.

On April 15, 2015, the Los Angeles City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members that provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with details about the accident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Reyes at (818) 644-8114 or Detective Ortega at (818) 644-8035. 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

LOS FELIZ—On Friday, February 2, the Los Angeles Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect believed to be responsible for multiple incidents where he stole over $31,000 in merchandise from a local business.

The LAPD reported on January 31, around 5:20 p.m., the suspect entered a retail store in the 600 block of North Dillon Street in the Silver Lake area near Los Feliz. The suspect removed over $700 in merchandise and exited the business without paying. Rampart area officers arrested the suspect in the parking lot without incident.

Target Asset Protection employees advised detectives that the suspect stole approximately $31,872.48 worth of merchandise over a 7-month period.

The suspect was identified as Brandon Krause, 34, of Los Angeles. He was booked for 487(a) PC: Grand Theft under booking number 6752035 with $35,500 bail.

Anyone with details about this crime or these types of incidents is asked to contact the LAPD Rampart Burglary Theft Detectives at (213) 484-3490. 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 can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—The Los Angeles Police Department, Rampart Division Auto Theft and Burglary Detectives is asking for help in identifying over 200 possibly stolen Apple devices and other electronic devices located during a recent search warrant service at a Westlake District storefront.

The LAPD reported on December 13, officers and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division served a search warrant in the 2000 block of W. 6th Street and arrested a female suspected of receiving stolen property in relation to retail store theft.

While recovering volumes of merchandise taken from retails stores, detectives observed bookcases, storage bins, and bags full of personal electronic devices such as laptop computers, iPads, and iPhones. Detectives believe many, if not all, of the electronics recovered were taken in burglaries of vehicles and homes in the Los Angeles region.

Detectives have already identified an Apple MacBook that was taken in a Burglary from a Motor Vehicle that occurred near Echo Park back in November, in addition to $45,000 worth of cameras and camera equipment. Detectives recovered much of that stolen camera equipment in the store as well. They were able to track down the owner after discovering video in a camera that included an Investigative Reporter associated with a local news station who was recording an on-scene news report in Downtown Los Angeles last month.

Rampart Detectives have identified (8) laptop computers belonging to the Los Angeles Unified School District, (1) laptop computer belonging to the Los Angeles Public Library, and (1) laptop computer belonging to the Beverly Hills Unified School District.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying additional owners of the electronics recovered and determine if they were also the victim of a crime.

Anyone with details is asked to call or email Rampart Auto Detective B. Gorby at (213) 842-0783, 36118@lapd.online, or Burglary Detective M. Pineda at (213) 484-3424, 36398@lapd.online. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

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

Santa Monica—On December 9, President Joe Biden along with some White House staffers flew into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and then went aboard Marine One to Santa Monica Airport. The President was greeted by Rep. Ted Lieu, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass.

As the Biden motorcade approached the Holmby Hills home where the event was to take place, Pro-Palestine protestors lined the streets. Security had put a barricade in place to separate those at the fundraiser from the demonstrators.

Reports indicate that there were Pro-Palestine protestors present at last month’s fundraising event with Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff as well.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi(D-CA) First Lady Jill Biden, spoke first, followed by James Costos, and then President Biden who spoke for a total of 11 minutes.

“I’m not going to talk long for a couple of reasons: one, I know that I’m the only thing standing between you and Lenny Kravitz. (Laughter.) That’s number one.”

Biden took time to introduce some of the people in the audience. He made some jabs at his 2024 Presidential opponent, Donald J. Trump. FiveThirtyEight reported that according to YouGov 80 percent of those polled have a favorable view of Trump while Biden has 39 percent of those polled with favorable views of President Biden.

Biden looked at Governor Newsom, who has been at many of Biden’s campaign events, and said, “You’re always there.”

“Let me begin by thanking all of you,” Biden began.

In 2020, the reason we got 81 million votes — more votes than any presidential candidate has ever gotten — is because of all of you. You’re the reason why Donald Trump is a former president. (Applause.) Or as he hates to hear me say, a defeated president. (Laughter and applause).

It’s despicable. It’s simply despicable,” Biden said, then saying, a bit facetiously, “My guess is that he won’t show up at my next inauguration.”

According to those who attended the event, there was no mention of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though the chants of “Cease Fire Now” by the protestors on the other side of the fence could be heard over Biden. The President did speak to the crowd about a new and improved railway stystem.

The event was hosted by designer Michael Smith and the former U.S. ambassador to Spain, James Costos. Co-hosts included Rob Reiner, Peter Chernin, Jim Gianopulos, Shonda Rhimes, Steven Spielberg, and Rick Caruso.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were also present. 

Reports indicate that invitations were sent to those who supported Biden in the 2020 Presidential election in hopes of securing those votes once again.  Ticket prices reportedly started at $1,000 each.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—The Los Angeles Police Department announced on Thursday, November 30 that a suspect has been arrested in a fatal follow-home robbery that transpired in San Dimas. The LAPD reported that on November 30, the Beverly Hills Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a 2024 Gray BMW 440i 4-door with a California plate “9JOE329″ that was wanted in connection to a robbery-murder that occurred in San Dimas.

While conducting the traffic stop, officers detained and arrested Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, who was wanted for the incident. During the search of the vehicle, a firearm was recovered. BHPD detectives believe the recovered gun in Powell’s vehicle was likely used in the robbery-murder.

The victim in the follow-home robbery has been identified as Nicholas Simbolon, 42, who was killed after pulling into his garage in the 1800 block of Hawkbrook Drive on Tuesday, November 28. He was shot in the upper torso by Powell after 6:55 p.m. Upon taking personal belongings, the suspect shot the victim and fled the crime scene.

Simbolon was followed home by Powell after charging his Tesla at a West Covina EV station. The victim worked with Los Angeles County Executive Office as a project manager. He leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 8 and 10. Powell is being held on a $2 million dollar bail.

The Los Angeles Police Department – Robbery Homicide Division detectives suspect Powell is the person wanted in three murders that occurred in Los Angeles. According to the LAPD, ballistic examination determined that the firearm was connected to all three murders. Powell will remain in custody pending the filing of criminal charges.

“I am grateful for the collective work of the Los Angeles Sheriff Department and Beverly Hills Police Department that has resulted in the identification and arrest of the individual we believe is responsible for these vicious crimes. I am proud of the extraordinary work of our detectives and forensic services personnel for their efforts and collaborative work to identify and apprehend the person responsible to prevent further loss of life. We thank the District Attorney for the services he is dedicating to the prosecution in this case,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore.

“The amazing coordination and communication between our partner agencies, along with technology, helped take this dangerous individual off our streets to protect our community. Sheriff’s Homicide investigators will continue to work with our justice partners to ensure we hold this individual accountable for these heinous murders,” said Sheriff Robert G. Luna.

Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer, Fesia Davenport regarded Mr. Simbolon in that “he was key in developing application software that helped propel the office forward and also to help our mission to deliver services to citizens and residents of LA County.”

Justice Deputy for Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Sandra Croxton delivered remarks on behalf of Supervisor Barger. “The entire county family joins his loved ones in mourning his loss.  He will be greatly missed.”

San Dimas City Mayor, Emmett Badar also expressed his condolences. “Our prayers are with the family, and we certainly want the community to know that we’ll be there to support them.”

The LAPD’s Central and South Bureau were searching for Powell who is believed to be connected to three murders of homeless individuals in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department are investigating three separate murders that occurred between November 26 and November 29. In each case, the victims were experiencing homelessness. Some similarities have been identified, but detectives are working to determine if all the murders are related. Two of the victims killed have been identified as Mark Diggs and Jose Bolanos. Powell is believed to have shot and killed the three homeless individuals as they slept.

Authorities are warning the public if they suspect that are being followed to not go to their homes but drive to the nearest police station or sheriff’s station and contact 911. If able, obtain the license plate and description of the vehicle that is following.

Anyone with details is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, at (213) 486-6890. 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 LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Traffic Division are investigating a fatal hit-and-run involving a vehicle and an individual on a scooter on Sunday, October 29. The LAPD reported at 2:25 a.m., a black sedan, traveling northbound Western Avenue in the #1 lane, collided into a male riding a “Lime” scooter, crossing Western Avenue eastbound, north of Sierra Vista Avenue.

The rider was ejected from the “Lime” scooter and fell on the roadway. The black sedan fled northbound Western Avenue, without rendering aid to the victim.

The driver of a silver Lexus, traveling southbound Western Avenue in the #2 lane, and collided with the “Lime” scooter as well. The driver of the Lexus observed the male in the roadway, called 911, and remained at-scene.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and provided immediate medical attention to the victim. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he later died from injuries sustained. The victim’s identity is being withheld, pending next-of-kin notification.

The LAPD is reminding motorists to stop if involved in a traffic collision and notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

On April 15, 2015, the Los Angeles City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members that provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with details about this collision is asked to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877- LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may contact CrimeStoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.

By Trevor

TOPANGA CANYON—The Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division indicated on Monday, October 23 that they are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for an arson that transpired in the Topanga Division.

The LAPD reported on October 21, around 7:58 p.m., Topanga Area patrol officers responded to an arson investigation in the 23000 block of Welby Way. A suspect walked onto the victim’s property and ignited an American flag on fire that was connected to a flagpole. The suspect fled from the location on foot and the Major Crimes Division is investigating if the incident has a hate crime connection.

The suspect is described as a male, standing between 5 feet and 9 inches and 5 feet and 11 inches tall, and weighs between 160 to 170 pounds. Major Crimes Division is collaborating with the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson about the case.

Anyone with details about the fire is asked to contact Major Crimes Division at (213) 486-7260. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting 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.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On September 21, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the home of Dr. Ishmael Khan was broken into through a side window of his home in the 8100 block of Mannix Drive, near Kirkwood near Laurel Canyon. Khan and two others were home during the break-in.

Reports indicate there were three intruders and one of the victims was pistol-whipped by the perpetrators. According to Los Angeles Police Department Officer, Rosario Cervantes, one of the victims sustained lacerations.

The thieves took approximately $20,000 worth of Khan’s possessions which included a Rolex watch.

Dr. Khan, a self-proclaimed social media influencer, originally from Dubai, reported to police working on the case that he believed he was “targeted.”

“They knew who I was. So, they found me on Instagram. They found out where I was. I don’t know who it was. Maybe it was some bad friends, some enemies,” Khan told KTLA news.

This case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information or who can identify the suspects should contact the Hollywood Division at 213-972-2971 or 213-485-9899 TDD/TTY.

By Sharon

STUDIO CITY—The Log Angeles Police Department announced on September 20 that three suspects were arrested in connection to residential burglaries that transpired in the region. The LAPD reported North Hollywood Division Burglary Detectives on September 15 were informed about 3 residential burglaries in Studio City.

Surveillance footage captured three masked suspects smashing rear glass sliders and entering the residences. Once inside, the suspects ransacked the homes and removed property, jewelry, and handbags. The suspects exited the locations with the property and fled in a black 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio with a stolen license plate.

Officers responded and conducted the initial burglary investigation and discovered one of the suspects took a designer handbag containing a concealed tracking device. A victim from one of the burglaries tracked their property to the community of Mar Vista and drove to the location and observed a burglary in progress and contacted 911 while the suspects were fleeing.

The officers tracked the device to an apartment complex in Inglewood. With the assistance of the LAPD’s Air Support Division, a tactical flight officer observed suspects attempting to pry open a safe that was taken in the Mar Vista burglary. Authorities contained the suspects within a perimeter and all three were arrested. Officers located the victim’s stolen property, as well as three firearms, that were taken during additional residential burglaries in the San Fernando Valley Area.

The Los Angeles District Attorney filed burglary charges on all three suspects who are believed to be members of a burglary crew that are responsible for approximately 20 residential burglaries in West Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley. Taken into custody were: Vernon Harvey, 22, of Los Angeles; Qwaee Wright, 18, of Los Angeles and Bobby Bolton, 21, of Los Angeles.

The LAPD is still investigating the case. Any additional details can be referred to Los Angeles Police Department, North Hollywood Burglary Detectives Timothy Kirkpatrick and Gus Ramirez at (818) 754-8377. 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 LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On September 23, it was reported that a bronze Buddha statue from the Barakat Art Gallery was stolen. The establishment is located at 941 La Cienega Boulevard. Surveillance video from September 18 shows a box truck pulling up to the museum, and the 250 pound statue being hoisted into the back of the truck.

According to the Barakat Gallery website, the Buddha statue dates back to 1800 A.D. and 1900 A.D. and is on display in London at 31, Brook Street, Mayfair London, 58.4 Samcheong-ro, Jangno-gu in Seoul, Korea, 187 Hollywood Road Kelford Mansion, Sheung Wan in Hong Kong, China, 21 Wang Chuk Hang Road, Global Trade Square in Hong Kong China, and 941 North La Cienga Boulevard, in West Hollywood.

A search on the Los Angeles Police Department website references a similar statue stolen back in July 2023.

Canyon News contacted the LAPD for more information but did not hear back before print.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On August 30, the Beverly Hills Police Department arrested two individuals detained by store security in the 9600 block of Wilshire Boulevard after stealing large quantities of clothing. A third suspect initially fled the scene, but was cornered by police and taken into custody.

Reports indicate that at least two unidentified individuals entered one of the clothing stores at approximately 6:30 p.m., taking a large amount of clothing and were confronted by store security who called authorities.

Two 17 year-olds, and one 15 year-old were taken into custody. Their identities cannot be released due to their age.

The BHPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department all responded to the call.

Anyone with more details on the case is asked to call BHPD Watch Commander at 310-285-2125 or to use the BHPD alert system at beverlyhills.org/BHPD alert or sign up by texting BHPDALERT to 888-777.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, August 27, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced that three suspects were arrested and detained in the grand theft investigation that occurred in the 400 block of Rodeo Drive. The names of all of those in custody for the aforementioned crimes have not been released at this time.

Canyon News reached out to the police to find out more about the arrest but did not hear back in time for print.

On August 24, the Los Angeles Police Department notified the public of additional thefts in the area. According to the LAPD website, ORCTF made 11 arrests in four of the nine theft cases currently being invested by the newly Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORTC) which includes LAPD, Glendale Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, California Highway Patrol, along with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The following locations suffered at the hands of the suspects taken into custody by the ORTC.

The Versace Store (Beverly Center), located at 8500 Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, the Warehouse Shoe Store at 6251 York Boulevard in Highland Park, the Nordstrom store in the Topanga Mall located at 6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Canoga Park, and the Yves Saint Laurent (The American Brand) located at 889 American Way in Glendale.

The ORTC encourages the public to get involved and report any information known on other retail thefts that you may know about in the area by calling the ORCTF, Detective Arnold at (818)374-9420.

During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—A neighborhood squabble on Monday, April 10, at approximately 11 a.m. ended in a barricade situation with the Los Angeles Police Department on April 11.

On April 11, KCAL reported that officers responded to a 911 call in the 17200 block of Sunset Boulevard near Pacific Palisades. The caller indicated a man tore the door off his neighbor’s home. Officers arrived arriving at the scene with the suspect barricading himself against police inside his home.

Video from the scene depicted a shirtless man wrapped in an American flag being hoisted onto and handcuffed to a gurney. First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported the individual to an area hospital. The names of the individuals involved have not been released to the public.

By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—On August 9, at approximately 12:30 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call for a fire at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive. Firefighters discovered a body hanging from a tree near the merry-go-round on fire.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department haven’t disclosed details about the victim to the public. Authorities do not suspect foul play and the death has been ruled a suicide.

LAPD Detective Michael Ventura indicated he suspects the condition of wounds to the body self-inflicted.

“It appears to be self-immolation. This is going to be somebody who brought some gasoline, brought some lighters. We have had these, they are rare, but we do have cases where people will self-immolate, or they choose to set themselves on fire,” Detective Ventura said.

Authorities noted the deceased individual may have frequented the park. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact LAPD at 1-877-275-5273 or after hours and on weekends call 1-877-527-3247

For anonymous tips contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org or Tipsters at www.lapdonline.org.

By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—On March 31, the body of a hiker identified as Oscar Alejandro Hernandez, 29, was discovered. Hernandez was found in a remote area on a hillside on the east side of the park on Fern Canyon Trail near the merry-go-round with his faithful canine companion lying by his side.

Hernandez was airlifted. His dog, “King” was still alive and reunited with the Hernandez family who was on the premises when the body was found. It was said that King, by his emaciated state, appeared to have never left his masters’ side.

It's such a heartbreaking story. "King" was so loyal, he never left Oscar Alejandro Hernandez's side even after an accident on hiking trails took his master's life https://t.co/8ZqGYIYwRc#DoveNews #mansbestfriend #dogstail #GriffithPark #LosAngeles #hikingaccident #loyalty pic.twitter.com/dsKpdK5QaW

— 105.5 The Dove (@1055TheDove) April 3, 2022

On March 22, the Los Angeles Police Department posted a missing person’s report asking for the public’s help locating Hernandez. He was last seen on March 16, at approximately 2:30 p.m. driving a red Ford Explorer with California license plate “7UVP993.” Authorities have not reported a cause of death at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 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.

By Sharon

TOPANGA/BEVERLY HILLS—The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating two separate incidents involving flash mob thefts in which groups of suspects entered several stores in the 8500 block of Beverly Blvd. at the Beverly Center and grabbed merchandise without paying and fled the scene.

The LAPD indicated in a joint effort with community partners, they received leads that they are actively working in an effort to bring those involved in the Grand Theft to justice.

A second incident transpired at the Topanga Mall in which an organized group attempted to burglarize a Nordstrom store. During the incident, a security officer was sprayed with Bear Spray. Officers responded and there is an ongoing investigation and active search for the culprits involved. The LAPD has investigators at scene at both locations conducting follow-up investigations to identify, pursue and bring the suspects in these crimes to justice.

The LAPD will continue with high visibility patrols, conduct a thorough investigation and direct additional resources to deter additional criminal activity.

Both investigations are ongoing and anyone with information regarding these types of incidents is asked to contact the LAPD at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing 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. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

By Donald