Law Enforcement

LAPD continues to search for primary suspect in Northridge girl kidnapping
The Los Angeles Police Department Tuesday continued to search for the primary suspect in last week's kidnapping of a 10-year-old Northridge girl. Detectives announced Saturday that 30-year-old Tobias Dustin Summers was the primary suspect wanted in connection with the kidnapping. Officials now believe Summers, who was released from prison last July as part of a realignment program that eased overcrowding, may have fled to the San Diego area.
CBS LA

Man killed by hit-and-run driver in downtown L.A.
A man thought to be a transient was killed Monday night in a hit-and-run in downtown Los Angeles, police said. Initial information indicated the man was crossing Mateo Street near 6th Street when he apparently fell in the roadway, said Los Angeles police spokesman Richard French. The man was not in a crosswalk, French said, and it was not clear why he fell. A southbound light-colored vehicle struck the man shortly before 8 p.m., French said.
Los Angeles Times

Police target texting drivers; tickets start at $160
As part of distracted driving month, which started Monday, police across Southern California will be ticketing for texting drivers, those holding a cellphone to their head or drivers whose attention wanders for any reason. Dozens of police agencies have planned targeted operations for April 3-16, which has been designated a maximum enforcement period. Wednesday will be zero-tolerance day, when officers will give tickets only -- no warnings. Fines start around $160.
Los Angeles Daily News

Widow wants death penalty for Ka Pasasouk as Northridge quadruple-shooting victims' families wait for justice
The suspect in the Dec. 2 slaying of four people outside a boarding house in Northridge should get the death penalty if convicted, the widow of one of the victims said Tuesday. Ka Pasasouk, 31, has been charged with the quadruple killing, which authorities say was motivated by spontaneous rage and a dispute over personal property that was not necessarily connected to all of the victims.
Los Angeles Daily News

Suspect in Colo. prison chief's slaying had removed ankle monitor
Colorado authorities lost supervisory control of the man suspected of killing the state corrections chief five days before that slaying, according to a chronology released by state officials Tuesday. In a package of documents outlining the history of supervising Evan Spencer Ebel, state officials acknowledged that the suspected member of a white supremacist gang fell off of the electronic grid on March 14, five days before corrections chief Tom Clements was killed while answering the door at his home.
Los Angeles Times

The Courts

State Appeals Court tapped to reverse courtroom closures, citing need for greater access to eviction courts
After a setback in federal court, legal aid and community organizations asked the state Court of Appeal Tuesday to invalidate the Los Angeles Superior Court's new policy that severely reduced the number of courthouses hearing eviction cases. Maria Palomares, a lawyer with Neighborhood Legal Services, said the appeals court should act urgently to reverse the policy, implemented March 18, that would cram the county's 70,000 annual eviction cases into just five courtrooms.
Los Angeles Daily News

Gun Control

NRA says more guns in schools will protect children
Think of the NRA's newly proposed National School Shield initiative as a kiddie version of the National Missile Defense program. Star Wars for Schoolyards. A hail of bullets will protect everyone! After the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., the NRA unleashed a pile of experts on the problem of school safety, hiring former Republican Rep. Asa Hutchison of Arkansas to lead the panel.
Los Angeles Times

Prisons

Racial brawl breaks out at Twin Towers Jail
A fight along racial lines involving as many 62 inmates erupted shortly after noon in Los Angeles County's Twin Towers Jail, leaving four of those in custody needing medical treatment. The brawl between Latino and black inmates broke out at 12:10 p.m. in the third-floor recreation area of Tower 1 and was quashed in about 90 seconds after deputies deployed sting balls and gas, sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.
Los Angeles Times

City Election

Greuel vows to be independent from unions backing her for mayor
Setting the stage for the final seven weeks of the campaign, Wendy Greuel vowed Tuesday that she would be independent from the labor interests backing her and framed herself as the "business-labor" candidate in the mayor's race, while accusing her chief rival of demonizing "the working people" of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Times

L.A. mayor's race: Congressional rivals Howard Berman, Brad Sherman both endorse Wendy Greuel
One-time rivals Congressman Brad Sherman and former Congressman Howard Berman will both endorse Wendy Greuel in the Los Angeles mayor's race on Wednesday. Sherman is set to appear with Greuel at Cal State University Northridge to announce the dual endorsement. In an interview, Sherman cited Greuel's understanding of San Fernando Valley issues. In a statement, Berman said Greuel has a record of delivering for Valley residents.
Los Angeles Daily News