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Los Angeles
Police Protective League
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the union that represents the
rank and file LAPD officers
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Daily Local & Regional NewsWatch
Daily News Digest
from LA Police Protective League
March 1, 2022 |
Law Enforcement News
The George Gascón factor in L.A. mayor's race: Caruso, Buscaino back the recall
His name won't be on the ballot in the June primary, but Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascón still looms large over the L.A. mayoral race. On Monday, real estate developer Rick Caruso joined City Councilman Joe Buscaino in backing the second attempt to recall the county's top prosecutor in as many years. He officially endorsed the recall campaign Monday, plowing $50,000 into the effort to unseat a man he has known since the early 2000s when Gascón was a member of the LAPD command staff and Caruso served as the president of the Police Commission. Los Angeles Times |
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LAPD Investigating Shooting, Car Crash That Left 1 Person Dead In North Hollywood
One person was killed after a shooting and subsequent car crash in North Hollywood early Monday morning. The shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. at Fulton Avenue and Vanowen Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The victim was traveling southbound on Fulton when they were shot, causing them to crash into parked cars, police say. AIR7 HD was over the scene where a dark-colored car could be seen flipped over on the sidewalk. The victim, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two suspects in bandanas were last seen traveling northbound on Fulton in a black car. Additional information was not immediately released, including a motive for the shooting. ABC 7 |
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1997 North Hollywood Shootout: Chief Michel Moore Looks Back At Gun Battle That Changed Policing
It's a moment police officers are trained to prepare for, but still find frightening when it occurs. On Feb. 28, 1997, two robbers armed with an arsenal of weapons started one of the most prolific gun battles in Los Angeles history known as the North Hollywood shootout. Chief Michel Moore, who was called to the scene that day, recalls the moment it all unfolded. "It doesn't feel like 25 years ago," he said. "Watching this footage here ... just renews those memories again of that morning. I arrived in the aftermath of the shooting, and we still thought we had suspects that were in the neighborhood." Larry Phillips and Emil Matasareanu opened fire on LAPD officers and bystanders after robbing a Bank of America in North Hollywood. The gun battle lasted 44 minutes. The robbers were armed with thousands of rounds of ammunition, custom fitted body armor and weapons altered to be fully automatic assault rifles. In less than one hour, Phillips and Matasareanu tried to kill 64 police officers and 18 innocent bystanders - all of it happening on live television. The gun battle lasted 44 minutes. The robbers were armed with thousands of rounds of ammunition, custom fitted body armor and weapons altered to be fully automatic assault rifles. Moore, who's been a part of LAPD for more than 30 years, spoke with Eyewitness News on Monday about how the shootout has changed how the department responds to active shooter situations. He said it truly changed the course of American policing forever. ABC 7 |
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Man Dies After Being Trapped Under 25-Foot Trailer North Hollywood
A man died after he was found beneath a 25-foot trailer in North Hollywood Monday. Los Angeles Fire Department units were called about 3:38 p.m. to the area of 4700 N. Tujunga Ave., near Valley Village Park, on reports of a person who was found trapped, according to the department's Margaret Stewart. Fire crews arrived on the scene and removed the man from beneath the trailer, but he was determined to be “beyond medical help” and was pronounced dead at the scene, Stewart said. Los Angeles Police Department detectives were investigating events leading up to the man's death. MyNewsLA.com |
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Vehicle Strikes House After Attempted Carjacking In Florence: LAPD
An attempted carjacking in Florence ended with a car striking a house Friday night, officials said. The crash happened at 7:37 p.m. on East 74th Street, according to Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Officer Madison of the Los Angeles Police Department, though the two officials provided different exact locations of the crash. Prange said the crash was on the 400 block, while Madison said it was on the 600 block. The incident began when two would-be carjackers pulled up alongside a car and tried to take it from the driver, who hit the accelerator, lost control and crashed into a house, Madison said. The LAFD initially said one person was transported to the hospital, though Madison later said two children under the age of 10 who were in the house were taken to the hospital as a precaution, though they are not believed to be injured. The victim was not hurt, and the carjackers fled the scene, Madison said. No one was trapped in the crash, but the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety was notified so it could assess the structural integrity of the house, Prange said. KTLA 5 |
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Authorities Searching For Arson Suspect In Venice
The man is allegedly responsible for lighting several garbage fires in Venice on Feb. 26. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the suspect is described as a 25-30-year-old African American man with an earring on his right ear. Authorities said that he is about 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, has a thin build and sports a thin mustache. He was last seen wearing a Brown USS Iowa hat, white shirt with a blue graphic design, blue pants and black Croc shoes. He was also seen wearing a variety of jewelry such as a shell necklace, wrist bracelet and multiple rings. LAFD believes that this man set several garbage fires on Flower Court between 6th and 7th Avenue before setting another series of fires on Paloma Court between Pacific Avenue and Speedway. Those with information should call the Los Angeles Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477. CBS 2 |
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Sylmar Man Pleads Guilty To Setting Hollywood Pizzerias On Fire
A Sylmar man pleaded guilty Monday, Feb. 28, to a federal arson charge for setting Hollywood's Pizzeria Mozza and Mozza2Go on fire during the civil disturbances that roiled the city two years ago. Mario E. Alvarado, 44, faces at least five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 27, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. As protests against police brutality were underway on May 30, 2020, Alvarado walked into the commercial building at the corner of Melrose and Highland avenues that housed Pizzeria Mozza and its related takeout business, Mozza2Go, poured a flammable liquid on the restaurant floor and set it on fire. At the time of the fire, the restaurant and shop co-owned by acclaimed chef Nancy Silverton were closed because of a curfew order. Arson investigators determined that the fire caused $500,000 in structural damage, with an additional $50,000 in fire damage to restaurant merchandise and property. A month after the Mozza fire, the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department released a statement seeking information leading to the arrest of several arsonists suspected of starting fires across Los Angeles during civil disturbances that followed the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, which set off nationwide protests. Los Angeles Daily News |
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Caught On Camera: Street Takeovers In Sylmar
Street racers were seen on video doing stunts while blocking traffic in two separate incidents in the San Fernando Valley over the weekend. The incidents occurred at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Yarnell Street, as well as Foothill and Balboa boulevards in Sylmar from 9 p.m. to midnight. Video of the incident shows spectators throwing rocks and bottles at patrol units, and in one case, the back window of a police cruiser was shattered as it moved through the crowd. Police say at least one person was cited near Bellaire Ave. and Saticoy Street in Sun Valley. No further information was immediately released by authorities. FOX 11 |
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Burglar Ransacks West Hollywood Jewelry Store
Investigators are searching for a man who broke into a West Hollywood jewelry store Sunday morning and made off with thousand of dollars' worth of items. The break-in occurred at about 6 a.m. at Georgiano Fine Jewelry, located in the 800 block of Huntley Drive. The store posted surveillance video of the break-in on social media. The owner said the suspect stole rings, gold jewelry parts and other customer orders valued at around $25,000 to $30,000. “About five customer ring orders that I'm making, it's not their merchandise, it's mine that I'm doing. Friday I have to give to someone who's proposing, and that ring is gone,” owner Jean Georgian told CBSLA Monday. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating. CBS 2 |
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Los Angeles Actor Accused Of Delivering Fentanyl-Laced Pills To Man Who Died Of Overdose
An obscure Los Angeles actor is expected to be arraigned Monday for allegedly delivering fentanyl-laced pills to a Beverly Hills man who later died of an overdose. Mucktarr Kather Sei, 36, of Koreatown, was arrested Saturday on federal charges alleging he worked with a Hollywood woman who ran a drug- delivery operation that sold counterfeit oxycodone pills and other drugs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The woman, Mirela "Mimi" Todorova, 33, is currently in federal custody after being charged last year with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and ecstasy. Todorova holds United States, Bulgarian and Canadian citizenship, federal prosecutors said. Todorova and Sei are charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in death, and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The four- count updated indictment filed last week in Los Angeles federal court also charges Todorova with the two previously alleged drug counts stemming from the seizure of cocaine and MDMA at her home in March 2021. FOX 11 |
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Silver Alert Issued For 81-Year-Old Natalio Escobedo Last Seen in Los Angeles
Authorities sought the public's help Monday in locating an 81-year-old man last seen in the Broadway-Manchester area of Los Angeles. Natalio Escobedo was last seen at approximately 12 p.m. Saturday in the area of West 87th Street and South Broadway and is believed to be on foot. Escobedo is described as a Hispanic man standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a tan hat, navy blue slacks, a navy blue buttoned shirt and light brown work boots. Anyone who sees Escobedo or knows of his whereabouts was asked to call 911. The Silver Alert program was established by the CHP to issue and coordinate alerts involving the unexplained or suspicious disappearance of elderly, developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired individuals. CBS 2 |
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A Third Man Gets Prison For Beverly Hills Heist Of A $500,000 Watch
A third gang member was sentenced to federal prison Monday in connection with an armed robbery of a $500,000 watch at a Beverly Hills restaurant where one diner was struck by gunfire. Marquise A. Gardon, 41, received five years for his role in the brazen heist carried out in March 2021 at an upscale Italian restaurant on North Canon Drive, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Earlier this month, two men — Malik Lamont Powell, 21, and 18-year-old Khai McGhee — were each sentenced to 12 years for their part in the robbery, which was carried out in broad daylight. Law enforcement identified Powell and McGhee, also known as Cameron Smith, as two of three thieves who assaulted the diner whose watch was stolen, and Gardon as one of the drivers of the robbery crew's getaway car, according to court documents. Gardon pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and using a firearm in a crime of violence. The same month, Powell and McGhee pleaded guilty to three felony robbery and weapons charges. U.S. District Court Judge John Walter handed down the three sentences. About two weeks ago, he called the crime “outrageous and unacceptable” as he sentenced Powell and McGhee. All three men are documented members of the Rollin' 30s Crips gang, according to court documents. Los Angeles Times |
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14 Shot At Vegas Hookah Parlor; 1 Dead, 2 Critically Hurt
Fourteen people were shot during a party at a Las Vegas hookah lounge early Saturday, including one man who was killed and two others who were critically wounded. The shooting happened about 3:15 a.m. and preliminary information indicated there was a party during which two people got into an altercation and exchanged gunfire, said police Capt. Dori Koren. Koren told reporters no arrests have been made and no suspect descriptions were immediately available but that authorities did not believe there was any danger to the general public. Police went to the hookah bar identified by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as Manny's Glow Ultra Lounge & Restaurant after receiving multiple 911 calls, Koren said. Officers secured the scene and rendered aid, including applying tourniquets and administering CPR, Koren said. Investigators were trying to determine the types of gun or guns used in the shooting. ”It's a fairly large scene so it's going so take some time to go through the entire scene,” he said. Associated Press |
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Colorado Sees All-Time High For Auto Theft, Up 82% Since 2019
Law enforcement agencies across the state are urging residents to steer clear of leaving vehicles unattended and unlocked after a substantial increase in vehicle thefts within the past year. In 2021, more Colorado residents than ever experienced some form of auto theft, according to a news release from the Colorado State Patrol. A 2021 Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center Report from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority indicated there has been an 88% increase in vehicle thefts since 2017 with 36,932 cases statewide. Colorado has also experienced an 82% spike in vehicle thefts since 2019. Locally, Greeley and Evans have seen an identical pattern when it comes to auto theft. The Greeley Police Department reported 569 auto thefts in 2021, up from 263 in 2017. "As you can see, we've seen an even higher increase than the state average — about 116% comparing 2021 and 2017," said Ian Hunt, the department's crime analyst. The Evans Police Department is facing a similar situation, with department data showing 122 auto thefts in 2021, up from 55 in 2017. Greeley Tribune, Colo. |
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Public Safety News
Firefighters Knock Down House Fire In Sherman Oaks
Fire officials say it took 81 firefighters an hour and 12 minutes to knock down a blaze that broke out at a two-story home in Sherman Oaks on Monday morning. The fire broke out around 5:40 a.m. in the 5400 block of North Nagle Avenue, located near the intersection of Chandler Boulevard and Fulton Ave. Los Angeles Fire Department officials said there was a partial roof collapse as a result of the fire. Authorities also noted it appeared the home was new or undergoing renovations and that they do not believe anyone was inside the home. No other structures were impacted by the blaze. LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section are responding to the investigation. No further information was immediately released. FOX 11 |
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LA County Will Lift School, Childcare Indoor Mask Mandate On March 12, Aligning With State's Shift
?Los Angeles County will lift its indoor masking requirement at K-12 schools and childcare sites beginning March 12, in line with the state's announcement on Monday, Feb. 28, that California will lift its indoor mandate beginning the same date, citing falling coronavirus case and hospitalization rates, officials said. The county's shift is, like the state's, fueled by “improving conditions in many communities,” according to a statement from L.A. County Public Health on Monday, not long after the state's announcement. Local schools can continue to require masks, however, according to the announcements. Gov. Gavin Newsom said California, Oregon and Washington are moving in tandem to lift the statewide rules, and instead only “strongly recommending” masks. “California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we've learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic,” Newsom said in a statement. “Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.” Los Angeles Daily News |
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CDC Suggests More Time Between 1st And 2nd COVID Vaccine Doses For Some People. Here's Why
After recommending for more than a year that people wait only a few weeks between their first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adjusted its suggested timeline for some people by another month or so. Here's what we know: Since the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccinations were first authorized for distribution by federal officials more than 14 months ago, the recommended interval between the first and second dose of those shots was three and four weeks, respectively. But on Tuesday, the CDC said it may be optimal for some people 12 and older to space out their first and second shots by eight weeks — especially for males ages 12 to 39. The CDC said it continues to recommend the shorter, older interval — three weeks for Pfizer and four weeks for Moderna — for people with moderate or severely compromised immune systems; people 65 and older; and anyone else who needs “rapid protection due to increased concern about community transmission or risk of severe disease.” For children ages 5 to 11, the suggested interval between the first and second doses remains the same, with the second dose coming three weeks after the first. Los Angeles Times |
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Local Government News
LA City Council To Consider Appointment Of First Woman LAFD Chief
The Los Angeles City Council will vote Tuesday on the appointment of Deputy Chief Kristin Crowley to be the first woman to lead the Los Angeles Fire Department. The appointment would be effective March 26, when Chief Ralph Terrazas is scheduled to retire. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Crowley's nomination on Jan. 18 alongside City Council President Nury Martinez, Crowley and Terrazas outside the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. Crowley already made history within the LAFD when she became the city's first female fire marshal in 2016. "I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to be the next fire chief of the Los Angeles City Fire Department and to lead the department into the future,'' Crowley said. "As the fire chief, if confirmed, I vow to take a strategic and balanced approach to ensure we meet the needs of the community we serve. We will focus our efforts on increasing our operational effectiveness, enhancing firefighter safety and well-being and fully commit to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within the LAFD.'' Crowley took the firefighters' exam in 1998 and placed among the top 50 scores out of 16,000 applicants, according to the department. During her 22 years at the department, she rose through the ranks as firefighter, firefighter paramedic, engineer, fire inspector, captain I, captain II, battalion chief, assistant chief, fire marshal and deputy chief. NBC 4 |
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LA City Council To Consider Plan To Address Illegal Dumping
The Los Angeles City Council is scheduled tomorrow to consider aspects of a plan introduced by Councilman Kevin de León aimed at reducing illegal dumping throughout the city, including by shortening the time it takes to deploy cleanup teams after a report is made about excess trash and debris. “The city of Los Angeles is facing a crisis when it comes to trash, bulky items and illegal dumping. In every corner of the city, pieces of furniture, loose debris and trash piles are prevalent,'' de León said in one of five motions introduced on Feb. 1 as part of his “Clean Streets Now'' plan. Four of the five motions are scheduled to be considered by the council Tuesday. According to de León, the Bureau of Sanitation has nine two-person teams that deploy each day to handle illegal dumping cleanup. The Office of Community Beautification also provides funding to address loose trash and debris, and council district offices fund their own crews to address it as well. “The city consistently pours more resources every year into cleaning the public right of way, but progress has been slow and the city is not moving the needle on neighborhood cleanliness,'' de León said in one of the motions. WestSide Current |
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About the LAPPL - Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at:
www.LAPD.com |
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