Recently in Blotter Category

Foreclosure fraud is hitting the San Fernando Valley hard, said a LAPD detective recently at a community meeting in Porter Ranch. Scammers read through public default notices and contact people by mail or in person.

Scammers take advantage of homeowners who are already feeling vulnerable as they face default, the detective said. Read the full article in the San Fernando Valley Sun.

Police arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with attempting to kidnap a girl.

José Maldonado was arrested at his house in the 13000 block of Montague Street in Arleta.

He tried to snatch a girl at knifepoint in Arleta, on May 18, 2009, at 4:30 p.m.

The victim told police she was walking home when the suspect got out of a parked car and approached her, wearing a white T-shirt that obscured the lower portion of his face. According to the victim, he then grabbed her, threatened her with a six-inch folding knife and told her to get into the car. At that point, a struggle for control of the knife ensued.

From a distance, the victim's father saw what was happening, so he began yelling and running toward the scuffle, which caused Maldonado to stop what he was doing, get back into his car and drive away.

Detective investigation and resources led to the identification of Maldonado, and he was arrested without incident. He has been booked for attempted kidnapping and is being held on $1 million bail.

Anyone with more information about the incident or who has been a victim of a similar crime is urged to contact Mission Division Detectives Bishop or Gonzales at (818) 838-9810. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Los Angeles police officers issued hundreds of citations to motorists who failed to yield to pedestrians during a sting operation in Northridge.

The traffic enforcement operation took place on Friday, May 8, 2009 between 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reseda Boulevard and Vincennes Street.

Although there has been a 17% reduction of auto vs. pedestrian traffic collisions in the San Fernando Valley, there has been a 30% increase of these types of collisions in Devonshire Area, thus far this year. In an effort to increase pedestrian safety, officers from Devonshire Area and Valley Traffic Division conducted aggressive enforcement on the state's pedestrian safety laws, specifically, laws requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians within crosswalks.

The enforcement resulted in 187 motorists being cited primarily for drivers failing to yield to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk. Police officers, in plain clothes, walked across Reseda Boulevard and when motorists failed to yield to the pedestrians they were stopped and cited.

California has a right-of-way law for pedestrians within crosswalks, either marked or unmarked, which requires drivers to yield to pedestrians and exercise due care for their safety.

The Los Angeles Police Department would like to remind motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious when driving or walking across streets.

For further information contact Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Division, at (818) 644-8020.

On Monday evening a man was killed in the parking structure at the Beverly Center. Los Angeles Police Department homicide detectives are investigating the murder.

On May 18, 2009, at 3:11 p.m., officers from Wilshire Area responded to a call for service at the Beverly Center, located at 8500 Beverly Boulevard. When they arrived, the officers found an adult male suffering from several gunshot wounds.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was notified and transported the victim to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

During the investigation, homicide detectives identified the suspect who left the scene before the officers arrived. The suspect, Aubrey Louis Berry, a 23-year-old male, from Georgia was arrested for the murder at the Los Angeles International Airport. Berry is being held on $1 million bail.

Wilshire Area homicide detectives are handling the investigation and are still looking into the motive for the murder.

The victim's identity has not yet been confirmed, pending verification from the Los Angeles Coroner's Office. The victim was identified by friends, family and his publicist as the rapper Dolla, whose real name was Roderick Anthony Burton II.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Wilshire Homicide Detective Frank Carrillo at (213) 473-0446. During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to LAPD and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Sometimes you gotta wonder what people are thinking.

VAN NUYS - A man accused of firing several rounds from an assault weapon into a parking lot following a domestic dispute pleaded today, the District Attorney's Office announced.

Deputy District Attorney Isidoro Baly of the Van Nuys Branch Office said Amir David Tamado Nejad, 28, of Woodland Hills pleaded no contest to two counts of assault with an assault weapon and admitted special allegations of personal use of an assault weapon. The defendant also admitted a prior strike, a 1998 conviction for conspiracy to commit a drive-by shooting.

Judge Richard Kirschner ordered the defendant to return for sentencing on June 15 in Department G of Van Nuys Superior Court. Nejad is expected to be sentenced to 26 years and eight months in state prison.

Following a domestic dispute between Nejad and his girlfriend on May 25, 2008, the defendant fired five rounds into a parking lot where his girlfriend and a security guard stood. During a search of his apartment, police discovered 12 firearms and more than 200 pounds of ammunition.

Los Angeles police detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects responsible for the shooting deaths of 25-year-old Alejandro Robleos Perez and 19-year-old Javier Cordero Gonzalez.

The men were killed Saturday, May 16, 2009 about 4:30 a.m. near 2909 West Hyde Park Boulevard. The victims were standing on the sidewalk when the suspects approached them. The suspects suddenly began shooting multiple rounds, killing Perez and Gonzales.

Detectives have not determined whether the shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this murder investigation is asked to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Group Detectives Kenneth White and Refugio Garza at (213) 485-1383. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org. All tips may remain anonymous.

A 46-year-old man accused of stealing $100,000 from the Union Rescue Mission, then setting a fire to cover up the crime, pleaded, six days into his on-going jury trial.

Deputy District Attorney Sabrina Corsa said Alvin Synder pleaded no contest to one count each of first-degree residential burglary, grand theft of personal property, arson of property and attempt to burn a structure.

The defendant additionally admitted the allegation that a person was present in the dwelling at the time of the burglary and that the dollar-amount of property taken exceeded $65,000. Synder also admitted one prior strike conviction and four prison priors.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Monica Bachner ordered the defendant to return for sentencing on June 30, 2009, in Department 129 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. The defendant remains in custody and is being held without bail.

Synder pleaded open to the court, meaning the plea agreement was not part of a negotiated settlement with the District Attorney's Office. The defendant faces a maximum prison term of 21 years.

The charges stem from an incident on December 2, 2007, during which Synder broke into a safe in the cashier's office of the Union Rescue Mission and took $100,000 in cash and jewelry. A fire was set in a backroom of the office to destroy evidence, according to authorities. The defendant was arrested the next day.

The Union Rescue Mission - a homeless shelter, temporary residence and church for hundreds of individuals and families - houses a safe where clients deposit money and jewelry for safekeeping. The Union Rescue Mission accommodates up to 800 people on a given night.

An anticlimactic end to a violent incident went down yesterday when a man who had just shot and mortally wounded his ex-girlfriend led police on a pursuit that started in the San Fernando Valley and ended with his arrest in Corona.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at around 12:05 p.m., Mission Area Patrol Officers were dispatched to a radio call of a shooting that had just occurred in the 8300 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. Officers found the victim, a female, Hispanic, 27-years-old, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Witnesses described seeing the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Jasper Stallings, force the victim into a red Dodge Ram pickup truck that was parked in the Rite-Aid parking lot in the 8400 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. They then heard gunfire as the truck drove away, across the parking lot. As the truck neared the 24-Hour Fitness Center the victim either fell, or was pushed out of the truck. Witnesses heard at least one additional gunshot.

Stallings drove away headed south through the parking lot, got onto the Hollywood Freeway, and eventually headed to Corona. There, the suspect stopped and was arrested.

During the investigation detectives discovered that the truck Stallings was driving had been taken in a kidnapping/carjack incident that had occurred earlier in the day in the northeast area of the San Fernando Valley. The victim of that incident was forced at gunpoint to get into the passenger seat and was driven to Victorville where he was robbed and left at the side of the road, unharmed.

The shooting victim, whose identity is being withheld until her family can be notified, was pronounced dead at a local hospital at about 2:50 p.m.

Stallings was booked into jail on a murder charge and is being held without bail. He faces charges including, domestic violence, kidnap, robbery, and carjacking.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact LAPD Mission Detective Jim Freund at (818) 838-9810. After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.

The city of Los Angeles is offering a $50,000 reward to help locate a murder suspect.

On January 25, 2008 about 11:30 p.m., Alvaro Ely Calderon was walking near the intersection of Strathern Street and Bellaire Avenue in North Hollywood when someone shot him. Witnesses saw a white, four-door Toyota, Honda or Nissan speed away from the scene.

Cops are asking that anyone with information about this crime call North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at (818) 623-4075. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to the North Hollywood Watch Commander at (818) 623-4016, or a 24 hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters can also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org. All tips may remain anonymous.

Police announced the arrest of a man and an accomplice believed responsible for the murder of a 24-year-old man named Victor Solis.

Solis was killed May 2, 2009, at 1:45 p.m. at Pepper Street in Cypress Park. He was discovered shot inside a vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital but he died.

Detectives identified two suspects, 21-year-old Adrian Martinez and 18-year-old Joshua Ricardo Galindes. Both men were believed to be gang members. Detectives believe Galindes was the triggerman.

Martinez late last week. Police found Galindes Monday afternoon in an area he was known to hang out in and saw him getting out of a car carrying a gun. Galindes tossed his weapon and tried to run away but was caught a short time later. His gun was also recovered, although it was not the same caliber as the weapon used in the killing, police said.

Police are asking that anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact LAPD Northeast Division detectives at (213) 847-4261. After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Relatives of a 17-year-old youth slain by an illegal alien -- sparking an unsuccessful drive to put what became known as "Jamiel's Law" on the city ballot -- have sued the county for wrongful death.

Burglary
10/24/08
12:45 p.m.
14800 Clark St.
N/A
Unknown
No
Unknown
Someone pried open the lock of a rear glass sliding door to gain entry. The person removed property and took off.
0963

Kidnapping
10/24/08
10 p.m.
Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way
Bodily Force
1
No
No
The suspect, who was the victim's boyfriend, dragged the victim into his vehicle by her hair after an argument. As the suspect drove around the area, the victim was able to escape. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The victim was not injured.
0944

Stabbing
10/26/08
1:30 p.m.
Lemay Street and Kester Avenue
Knife
1
Stab wounds
Unknown
Officers responded to the hospital for a stabbing call. The victim stated that while he was walking, the suspect crossed the street and approached him. Without saying a word, the suspect punched the victim in the face. The victim fought back, but was stabbed in the hip
area. The victim was in stable condition and expected to be released from the hospital.
0955

Hate crime/vandalism
10/24/08
12:42 p.m.
19500 Enadia
Unknown
No
No
Someone spray-painted racial epithets on victims vehicle. The victim is African American. There were no surveillance cameras and no follow up information.
1035

Home invasion robbery
10/24/08
8 p.m.
17800 Sherman Way
2
No
No
The suspects approached the victim outside her apartment and asked her for money. The victim gave the suspects $10, at which time they asked her for some water. The victim invited the suspects to her apartment to get water. As the victim opened the door, the suspects pushed her in, pulled a knife and told her not to move. The suspects took jewelry and took off.
1038

Assault with a deadly weapon
10/26/08
1 a.m.
Radford and Valerio
Bodily Force
5
Cuts and bruises
Unknown
Five suspect approached the victim and a fight ensued. The repeatedly hit and kicked the victim.
1535

Robbery
10/26/08
4:40 p.m.
6100 Lankershim Blvd.
Handgun
2
None
Unknown
The suspect removed victim's property from his vehicle without permission. A witness notified the victim who chased after suspects. One suspect pulled a gun and took off south on Lankershim.
1527

Burglary
10/27/08
12:30 p.m.
5000 Matilija Ave.
Unknown
No
Yes
Someone cut the front lock to enter the location and removed various construction items.
0967

Attempted murder
10/27/08
11:45 p.m.
8600 Willis
Pistol
2
Gunshot wound to the chest
Yes
The victim, a 26-year-old, was on the sidewalk when two male Hispanic suspects approached him in a vehicle. One suspect got out of the vehicle and engaged the victim in a brief conversation. The suspect fired several rounds at the victim, striking him in the chest. The victim was transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition.
1996

• A robbery was reported on Oct. 22 at 5:55 p.m. in the 7200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. The suspects entered the store and took two bottles of wine from the shelf. When the victim confronted the suspects, one suspect brandished a knife at the victim. The suspects fled with the stolen property.

• A robbery was reported on Oct. 22 at 11:30 p.m. in the 20100 block of Leadwell. The victim had just parked his vehicle behind suspect's vehicle when four male Hispanics got out of the vehicle. One suspect approached the passenger side of the victim's vehicle and pointed an unknown-type gun, possibly a toy, at the victim through the open passenger window and pulled the trigger twice. The second suspect reached into the open driver's window and took the victim's cell phone. The third and fourth suspects stood by. The victim drove away out of fear for his life.

• A burglary was reported on Oct. 21 at 3:50 p.m. in the 5000 block of Lemona Avenue. Someone smashed the window to gain entry into the residence, then took property and disappeared.

• A burglary was reported Oct. 22 at 12:30 a.m. in the 14500 block of Blythe Street. The victim was sleeping in the bedroom when he was awoken by a sound from the living room. When he went to investigate, he surprised the suspect who was tampering with the stereo. The suspect took off out the front door where victim saw a second suspect standing by the apartment complex. Both suspects ran west on Blythe.

• Someone tried to steal an ATM Oct. 22 at 3:20 a.m. in the 7200 block of Woodman Avenue. The suspects tried to remove the outdoor ATM machine by wrapping a chain around it and using their vehicle to tear it loose. The suspects were unsuccessful and were last seen driving north on Woodman toward Valerio.
  

Hate crime/vandalism
10/16/08
9:20 a.m.
14600 Hamlin St.
N/A
Unknown
No
Unknown
Someone wrote derogatory comments on the cement walkway of the business.
0955

Child abuse investigation
10/16/08
11:10 a.m.
14700 Roscoe Blvd.
Unknown
Unknown
"Shaken Baby" Syndrome
Unknown
A 4-month-old baby was admitted to the hospital with injuries consistent with "Shaken Baby" Syndrome. The child was listed in critical but stable condition. The abused-child unit responded to the hospital to assist with the investigation.
0916

Burglary
10/17/08
5:35 a.m.
13400 Ventura Blvd.
Unknown
Unknown
No
Unknown
Suspect(s) entered the business and attempted to tunnel through the wall to access the neighboring athletic shoe business. The noise from the suspects' activities alerted residents who lived on the top floor. The residents witnessed two male Hispanics between 20 and 30-years-old driving an older model green pickup truck.
0988

Robbery
10/16/2008
10:30 p.m.
Ventura Boulevard and Blue Canyon
Air gun
5
No
Unknown
Officers, while driving west on Ventura Boulevard witnessed what appeared to be a fist fight. Officers conducted a U-turn and heard a woman yell, "They just took my purse!" The officers were able to apprehend and take five suspects into custody at gunpoint. The investigation revealed that five suspects approached two victims in an attempt to rob them. The suspects started beating on the victims and ultimately took the purse. A witness observed one of the suspects hit the male victim in the head with the gun. A K-9 unit responded and conducted an article search where they located a black steel air gun. There were no visible injuries and the victim did not request medical treatment. A field show up was conducted and all five suspects were identified, including one of them as having the gun and one as having taken the purse.
1585

Here are a couple of incidents from earlier this month.

ARMED STREET ROBBERY

DATE / TIME: 10/09/08, 1100 hrs LOCATION: 6700
Hayvenhurst Ave
TYPE OF WEAPON: Shotgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY:
No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 5
INJURIES: No TYPE OF INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, C/O's, RACR
COMMENTS: The Victim was walking home when Suspect-1 passed him. The
Victim heard a Shotgun Chamber and was ordered to lay down at gunpoint
by Suspect-1, armed with a shotgun. Then Suspect-2 through 5 removed
his property from his person. The Suspects fled on foot.

RD: 0941 SLO: Ham CD:
6 Council Member: Cardenas

LATE FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

DATE / TIME: 9/5/08, 0920 hrs LOCATION: Van Nuys Blvd
/ Saticoy St
TYPE OF WEAPON: N/A SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: N/A
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): N/A
(solo)
INJURIES: Fatal TYPE OF INJURIES:
Massive Body Trauma
GANG RELATED: N/A NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
TYPE OF VEHICLE(S) INVOLVED: 1989 Nissan Maxima, 2006 Dodge Durango
(parked), 2005 Ford F150
COMMENTS: V-1 (age 56) was driving N/B at a high rate of speed on Van
Nuys Blvd when he collided with the rear of a parked car with one
passenger, (V-2 age 28). The impact caused the parked car hit by V-1 to
continue N/B and collide with the rear of another parked car on Van Nuys
Blvd. V-1 was transported to Holy Cross Hospital with abdominal pain,
bruising to chest and cut to forehead. He was pronounced dead on
10/03/08.

Good morning. Here's what's new in crime this morning.

• Los Angeles police detectives are looking for clues in a North Hollywood weekend shooting that left one man dead and another behind bars. dailynews.com

• A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy was arrested on Monday night, accused of attacking his wife and her male acquaintance. abc.com

• Two people were sent to the hospital after a wild pursuit and crash in the Athens area of Los Angeles. abc.com

dailynews.com

BURGLARY

DATE / TIME: 9/15/08, 1300 Hrs LOCATION: 14000 Archwood
St
TYPE OF WEAPON: N/A SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): Unk
INJURIES: No TYPE OF INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, C/O's
COMMENTS: Officers responded to a burglary investigation where the
Victim stated unknown Suspect(s) entered his residence for two
consecutive days, and removed property on both days.

RD: 0956 SLO: Carter CD:
2 Council Member: Greuel

ADW CUTTING

DATE / TIME: 9/15/08, 1600 Hrs LOCATION: 6700
Gaviota Ave
TYPE OF WEAPON: Straight Edge SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: Yes
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 1
INJURIES: Yes TYPE OF INJURIES: Laceration to forearm and head
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, C/O's,
COMMENTS: Officers responded to the hospital and met with the victim.
The victim stated he accompanied his sister to the suspect's residence
(sister's ex-boyfriend). His sister and the suspect became involved
in a dispute and when the victim stepped in between them, the suspect
armed himself with a straight edge and cut the victim on the forearm and
head. The victim was able to fight off the suspect and subsequently
transported to the hospital by family members. Officers responded to
the suspect's residence and arrested the suspect without incident.
Officers also recovered the weapon used by the suspect. The victim's
injury were not life threatening.

RD: 0952 SLO: Paredes CD:
6 Council Member: Cardenas

BRUSH FIRE

DATE / TIME: 9/15/08, 1845 Hrs LOCATION: Burbank Blvd /
405 Freeway
TYPE OF WEAPON: N/A SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): Unk
INJURIES: No TYPE OF INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, C/O's, RACR
COMMENTS: Officers responded to a brush fire. Fire Department
responded and extinguished the fire approximately an hour later. Due to
the suspicious nature of the fire, the Fire Department determined arson
was involved and would handle the investigation.

RD: 0961 SLO: Ham CD:
6 Council Member: Cardenas

ADW SHOOTING

DATE / TIME: 9/15/08, 2300 Hrs LOCATION: Vanowen St /
Kester Ave
TYPE OF WEAPON: Semi-auto handgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY:
No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 6-7
INJURIES: Yes TYPE OF INJURIES: GSW to legs
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, C/O's, RACR, Cardenas
COMMENTS: Officers responded to the hospital and met with the victim.
The victim stated he was visiting a friend at the above location when he
was confronted by the suspects (6-7 Hispanic males, one armed with a
chrome semi-auto). The victim ran towards his vehicle without say a
word when he was shot in both legs. The victim subsequently transported
himself to the hospital after picking up a female friend. Officers
responded to the location where the victim claimed the shooting occurred
but could not locate any evidence of a shooting. The victim's vehicle
was impounded for evidence (officers located a bullet hole on the driver
side door). The victim's injury were not life threatening.

RD: 0945 SLO: Verdin CD:
6 Council Member: Cardenas

Reported by: Sergeant James Park

HOT PROWL BURGLARY

DATE / TIME: 9/15/2008, 0400 - 0700 Hrs LOCATION: 8100
Gentry Ave
TYPE OF WEAPON: N/A SUSPECT(S)
IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 3
# OF SUSPECT(S): Unk
INJURIES: No TYPE OF
INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: Unk
NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, C/O's, RACR
COMMENTS: Unknown Suspect(s) entered the victim's apartment through
the unlocked front door while
the Victims were asleep. Suspect(s) took selective property and fled
with the Victims' property through
the rear door.

RD: 1504 SLO: Vasquez CD:
6 Council Member: Cardenas

HOT PROWL BURGLARY

DATE / TIME: 9/15/2008, 0530 Hrs LOCATION:
12000 Ratner St
TYPE OF WEAPON: N/A SUSPECT(S)
IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1
# OF SUSPECT(S): Unk
INJURIES: None TYPE OF
INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: Unk
NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, C/O's, RACR
COMMENTS: Unknown Suspect(s) entered the unlocked residence and
removed the Victim's purse from
the table. Unknown Suspect(s) fled with the Victim's property through
the POE.

RD: 1504 SLO: Vasquez
CD: 6 Council Member: Cardenas

Reported by: Sergeant Catherine Leon

Cops put out this release about a homicide in Pacoima.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public's help to find the persons responsible for the shooting death of 19-year-old Samuel Trujillo of Pacoima.

On Wednesday, September 10 at about 8:40 p.m., Foothill patrol officers responded to a radio call of a shooting that occurred in the 11600 block of Woodcock Avenue in Pacoima. When officers arrived, they found a victim of a gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he later died of his injury.

Investigators believe that unknown suspects approached Trujillo and exchanged words concerning gang affiliation. The suspect, who was accompanied by several others, shot the victim.

The suspects are described as male Hispanics, in their 20s, wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Foothill Homicide Detectives Jose Martinez and Joshua Byers at 818-834-3115. After hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour, toll-free number, 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Overnight notes about significant crimes in the Valley ...

• A petty theft was reported at 1:20 p.m. in the 7600 block of Hayvenhurst Ave. Three suspects entered a business and stole property. The suspects also inquired at a nearby medical testing lab about employment opportunities.

• A robbery was reported on Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. at 5500 Elmer Ave. The suspect entered the open apartment door, pointed a blue steel semi-automatic handgun at the victim and demanded money. The suspect exited and moments later returned with a second suspect. Together the suspects searched the victim's residence. The suspects fled with the victim's property. In fear, the victim delayed in reporting the incident.

• A shooting was reported last night at 5:45 at 6100 Cahuenga Blvd. Officers responded to a "415 Man with a Gun" radio call. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Two handguns were recovered from inside the suspect vehicle. Officers interviewed all four victims and determined that an ADW with a Gun had occurred. The suspect was positively identified by the victims and booked for assault with a deadly weapon. The suspect was treated for pain to his right wrist.

Police today were asking for the public's help to find the person responsible for a weekend stabbing death of a 42-year-old man in the West Valley area.

The man was stabbed Saturday at 11:55 p.m. in the 21900 block of Ventura Boulevard. Cop sfound the victim on the ground in the rear parking lot, suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Cops don't know why the man was stabbed, but they described the culprit as heavy-set and white, wearing light-color clothing.

The victim's identification is being withheld until officials can notify family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Valley homicide detectives at (818) 374-7725. After hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll free number, 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

• A shooting was reported on Sept. 4 at 11:15 a.m. at Hanson Dam Park. Officers responded to a radio call of an assault with a deadly weapon - shooting. Upon arrival they found a male black suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim's friend, a witness, stated that he and the victim had been attempting to buy marijuana in the park when the dealer shot one of them. The victim was transported to Holy Cross Hospital. Later, both the victim and witness were identified as suspects in the robbery of an armored car in Lancaster. The "victim" of the shooting was shot by an armored car guard during the robbery. Both suspects were arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies and the evidence was transferred to their custody.

• Also that day, at 12:55 p.m., in the 7800 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, officers arrested the female suspect for leaving her 18-month-old child in a vehicle with the windows up while she entered a store and remained there for 20 minutes. The internal temperature of the vehicle measured 101 degrees. The child was transported to Valley Presbyterian hospital where the baby was treated for heat exposure and released.

We have an update to yesterday's story about a stabbing in Sunland. Today police identify the man stabbed as 23-year-old Peter Stewart. The man accused in the stabbing, David Curry, might have been arguing with him over tools or money. The stabbing broke out at a mobile home park in the 10700 block of Sherman Grove Avenue about 5:45 a.m. Tuesday. Stewart was in stable condition.

dailynews.com

This morning a man stabbed a man in Sunland. Details are still trickling in. Here's the skinny.

SUNLAND - A man in his 20s was found stabbed this morning on Sherman Grove Avenue in Sunland and a man in his 50s surrendered to police in connection with the assault

dailynews.com

Police tonight are going to hold a press conference about the arrest of a sexual assault suspect.

On August 14, 2008, Miguel Angel Barrera, 44, a resident of Chino Hills, was arrested for multiple sexual assaults which occurred in the North Hollywood Area. To date, Barrera is known to have committed sexual offenses against three victims over the past two years.

The female victims are 14 through 23 years old. Barrera met his victims as they walked along the street in both the North Hollywood and Hollywood areas. He offered them high dollar employment as models for magazines and commercials. Barrera often spoke of his connection with movie studios while displaying business cards and photography equipment. After the victims agreed, they were taken to motels in Studio City where they were initially photographed before Barrera sexually assaulted them. Barrera is an Argentinean with black hair and light colored eyes, 5-10, 190 lbs. He speaks with an Argentinean accent, dark complexion, and wears his hair slightly long.

Barrera has been associated with two different vehicles. A white 4-door sedan and a red 4-door, 2005 Dodge truck, license number 7P17947.

Barrera's mug photo along with a photograph of his truck will be made available during the news conference.

The Los Angeles Police Department is interested in speaking with anyone who may have information on Barrera. All inquiries may be made to North Hollywood Detective Karen Crawford at (818) 623-4090.

From the overnight LAPD significant crimes report.

• A robbery was reported Aug. 10 at 3:50 a.m. in the 8100 block of Langdon Avenue in Van Nuys. Four men used a scooter and a knife to attack someone. The victim suffered a broken arm and a cut. It was unknown if the incident was gang related. The police say it went down when the suspects approached the victim, pulled a knife and began to beat him with a scooter. The suspects took the victim's property, then caught up with two of the suspects.

• A second robbery was reported on Aug. 10 at 10:35 p.m. in the 22700 block of Vanowen Street. The suspect, described as male black, entered the location, pulled a pistol and demanded money, then took off in an unknown sedan. It was unknown if the incident was gang related.
  

Since we last updated the map July 23, police have reported to us 17 significant crimes in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Canoga Park, and Arleta. There were six robberies with one that resulted in a shooting reported, five burglaries, one attempted robbery, one attempted burglary, a carjacking, a hate incident, and a shooting. The crimes are spread out but there appears to be a cluster of three burglaries and an attempted burglary that occurred over 10 days in July near Ventura Boulevard in Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks. It's unknown if they are connected.

dailynews.com

A robbery was reported last night at 8 in the 5800 block of Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood. While the victim was walking home, five male Hispanics approached him from behind. One of the suspects struck the victim in the back of the head with a baseball bat. Another suspect stated, "We need your money. Give us your wallet." The victim complied, at which time the suspects became upset that the victim only had $5 in his wallet. One of the suspects stated, "I'm going to kill you." The suspect then punched and kicked the victim. The victim temporarily lost consciousness and the suspects fled.

Good morning. Here are a few stories happening in crimeland now.

• Authorities tried to determine today if a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy's job guarding some of the county's most dangerous inmates was a factor in his gunshot slaying in Cypress Park over the weekend. Deputy Juan Escalante, 27, was shot outside his home about 5:40 a.m. Saturday as he was on his way to work at the jails. He was not in uniform. dailynews.com

• Deputies are now not sure whether a 19-year-old woman was shot before plunging from a second-story window to her death in Altadena so coroner's officials hope to learn more during a scheduled autopsy today. Jasmine Denson was found in the 2400 block of Lincoln Avenue about 5:30 p.m. Saturday and declared dead at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. dailynews.com

• A 16-year-old Sun Valley boy who played football for John Francis Polytechnic High School was killed behind a North Hollywood restaurant, the second Poly High football player shot to death in two months. dailynews.com

My colleague, Larry Altman, over at the Daily Breeze in Torrance got the scoop today of a ring of burglars busted in some 40 cases from the South Bay to Tarzana. Check out the Crime and Courts blog for more.

A couple of robberies to report from overnight ...

Yesterday at 11:40 a.m. in the 5200 block of Lindley Ave., a man described as white entered the business, pulled a shotgun and demanded cash, before he took off in a stolen tow truck. Police recovered the stolen vehicle and weapon in an alley off of Lindley, but found no suspect.

At 1:10 a.m. today in the 21600 block of Roscoe Blvd., possibly two suspects entered and demanded beer and money from the store clerk. The suspects then attacked the clerk, who pulled out a billyclub and engaged the suspects, who took off. One of the suspects was later located suffering from a head injury as a result of the struggle with the store clerk and was taken to Northridge Hospital. He was booked on a robbery charge. Police were searching for a second person.

Check out the updated San Fernando Valley Crime Map plotting out the locations of significant crimes reported by the LAPD since May.

Hope everyone had a good holiday weekend.

Here are a couple of attempted burglaries from over the weekend.

On Saturday at 1:40 a.m. in the 6500 block of Troost Ave. in North Hollywood, someone entered a home. The victim awoke, yelled at the suspect and chased him out of the residence. No property was taken.

Another one was reported on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. in the 14600 block of Friar Street in Van Nuys. The victim reported that while he was sleeping, someone entered the apartment. The suspect opened the door, then quickly closed the door and took off.

Three people broke into a home and beat up someone on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the 4700 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. The victim stated that on June, 26, 2008 at about 4 p.m. he opened the door and was jumped by three suspects. The suspects hit, choked, and struck the victim on the face with a stick. The suspects spent about 20 minutes inside his residence and removed numerous electronic items and fled in an unknown direction.

Someone was shot in the elbow Friday at 1:05 a.m. in the 18800 block of Strathern Street. The victims were standing in front of their residence when the suspects pulled up in a vehicle. The suspects asked if they were from a gang. The victims told them that they were not in a gang at which time, the driver suspect reached over the passenger and fired one round, striking one of the victims in the elbow. The suspects then sped off.

An armed robbery and a home-invasion robbery from overnight ...

An armed robbery occurred at 9:12 a.m. in the 13900 block of Ventura Boulevard. The victim was standing outside of his store when the suspect pistol-whipped him. The suspect took money from the victim and then entered the store. When the suspect was unable to find any more money, he ran away. The victim was taken to Kaiser Hospital for stitches.

A home-invasion robbery occurred at 12:04 a.m. in the 1200 block of Moorpark Street. The suspects approached the apartment where the victims were at with a handgun, entered and demanded money. The Suspects took off north through the apartment complex with the victim's money.

If you haven't checked out our new Valley Crime Map, you should. It's a list of 92 significant crimes - from homicides, to assaults to shootings, to robberies and burglaries - in the Valley since May. I've been compiling the data and uploading it into a new online database that maps the crimes out by street and allows you, the viewer to, search by neighborhood and get up-to-date information about crime near you.

Thanks to the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Bureau, the information comes to me about daily. I'd like to know what you think about the map and how we can make it more useful. E-mail me with your thoughts.

A couple of robberies from overnight ...

ROBBERY

DATE / TIME: 6/23/08, 2029 hrs LOCATION: Devonshire St. Sepulveda Blvd.
TYPE OF WEAPON: Handgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 1
INJURIES: No TYPE OF INJURIES: None
GANG RELATED: No NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
COMMENTS: The suspect entered the market armed with a handgun. The suspect threatened the cashier with a handgun. The cashier in fear for her safety, gave the suspect the money in the cash register. The suspect then fled the location.

ROBBERY

DATE / TIME: 6/23/08, 2226 hrs LOCATION: San Fernando Mission Blvd/Woodley Ave.
TYPE OF WEAPON: Handgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 1
INJURIES: No TYPES OF INJURIES: None
GANG RELATED: No NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
COMMENTS: The suspect entered the market armed with a handgun. The suspect located the store manager and at gun point directed the manager to the store office. The suspect then ordered the manager to open the store safe, the manager then grabbed for the suspects handgun and a struggle ensued. As a result of the struggle, the handgun was fired 2 times with no injury to anyone. The suspect took the money and fled the location in an unknown direction.

A couple of incidents from over the weekend ...

A home invasion robbery was reported yesterday at 1 a.m. in the 4400 block of Allott Ave. The suspect, described as a black male, forced open the front door of the victim's residence. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim, demanded property and struck the victim on the head with the handgun. The suspect fled with the victim's purse.

A robbery was reported yesterday at 2:10 a.m. at Erwin Street and Clybourn Avenue. The victim is a pizza delivery employee. After delivering the pizza, the victim walked towards his vehicle when he observed a vehicle stop in the middle of the roadway and three suspects exited. The victim ran towards his vehicle and was immediately surrounded by the gun and knife wielding suspects. They demanded his money and the victim in fear complied. The victim ran in an attempt to escape but was tripped by one of the suspects. The suspects fled in their vehicle with the victim's property.

In addition to the guy getting shot in the butt yesterday afternoon behind the Ralphs, there was a robbery at 8:30 last night at the Sports Authority store at 8700 Tampa Ave. in Northridge. Here's how the police said it went down. The victim and his wife were in the parking lot of the Sports Authority store. As they got out of their vehicle, five 13-17-year-old Hispanic males ran towards them from across the street and surrounded them. One suspect pulled a small handgun from his pocket, pointed it at the ground in front of the victims, and demanded their property. The victims complied and all the suspects ran away and into an apartment complex on Parthenia Street. The victims were not injured.

Also, don't forget to check out the new Valley Crime Map that shows the last month's worth of crimes compiled from LAPD and news reports.

The LAPD's crime report from overnight in the San Fernando Valley ...

VALLEY TOTAL HOMICIDES: 36
GANG RELATED HOMICIDES: 11
VAN NUYS AREA

Homicides = 3
Gang Related Homicides = 1
(Justifiable = 1)
Child annoying
06/17/08
8:15 a.m.
Sherman Way and Sepulveda Boulevard
TYPE OF WEAPON: N/A
# OF SUSPECT (S):1
A 12-year-old victim was waiting for the school bus when a white male pulled up in a silver Toyota and attempted to gain attention. The victim in fear walked away. The suspect pulled into a parking lot and said something crude to the victim. The victim ran towards a sheriff's deputy across the street and the suspect took off north.

Vandalism of police vehicle
06/17/08
3 p.m.
LOCATION: Van Nuys Station
TYPE OF WEAPON: N/A
# OF SUSPECT (S): Unknown
INJURIES: No

Officers discovered unknown suspect(s) had scratched two Xs into the paint of the front and rear passenger doors of the police vehicle. Officers did not see any suspect(s) and were not sure when it occurred. Officers had conducted a vehicle inspection prior to their start of watch and did not observe any damage.

WEST VALLEY AREA
Homicides = 6
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 1)
Burglary
6/12/08 - 6/14/08
17700 Blk Palora St
TYPE OF WEAPON: Unk
# OF SUSPECT(S): Unk
INJURIES: No

Someone went into the location and took six Picasso paintings worth $100,000. The reporting party is the executor of the estate. The owner of the property is deceased. Detectives are conducting the investigation.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD AREA

Homicides = 11
Gang Related Homicides = 4
(Justifiable = 1)

FOOTHILL AREA
Homicides = 9
Gang Related Homicides = 5
(Justifiable = 1)

DEVONSHIRE AREA
Homicides = 3
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 0)

MISSION AREA
Homicides = 4
Gang Related Homicides = 1
(Justifiable = 0)

VALLEY TRAFFIC DIVISION
2007/2008
Total Fatals 2008 - 26 people have been killed in 25 collisions
Total Fatals 2007 - 23 people have been killed in 22 collisions
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2008 - 8
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2007 - 5

Fatal traffic crash
DATE/TIME:06/17/08
6:25 p.m.
Deventry St/Rincon Ave
A person was driving east on Daventry when the victim, age 4, ran south onto Daventry colliding with the vehicle. The victim was taken to Pacifica Hospital where the victim died. The victim had gotten away from his family who were unloading their vehicle when he crossed the street unsupervised.

So I updated the Valley Crime Map, compiling a month's worth of information provided by the LAPD's Valley Bureau. You can search by neighborhood to see what crimes have been going near you. Check it out here. And tell me what you think.

The spokesman for the state's Justice Department forwarded me the state's significant cases for May. Included are big weapons, drugs and fraud cases. Enjoy.

CACHE OF WEAPONS AND AMMO FOUND IN PROBATIONER'S RESIDENCE

Special Agents with the Bureau of Firearms (BOF) checked the Armed Prohibited Person System and noted that a subject, Tom Powell, was listed as owning three firearms; however, due to previous criminal conviction he is prohibited from possessing and owning firearms. When agents determined that Powell was on searchable probation out of San Benito County, they conducted a search of his residence and located over 1,300 rounds of ammunition and a large gun safe. Powell told officers he had sold all of his weapons but he could not produce any records regarding the sales. A locksmith was called to the residence and opened the safe where agents retrieved five rifles, four handguns and one shotgun. Powell was arrested while other agents continued the search of the house. Located in the attic were additional weapons, including an unregistered AR-15 assault weapon, a 12-gauge shotgun and a revolver.

COMMERCIAL BRIBERY SCHEME AT CAL CASINO

While Special Agents from the Riverside Office of the Bureau of Gambling Control (BGC) were investigating several management employees of the Pechanga Resort and Casino, the Agents uncovered evidence that floor supervisor, Kathy Zhou, who was recently suspended from her job, was charging casino job applicants $3,000 each to falsify their job applications to secure employment. Agents monitored a telephone conversation between Zhou and one of her "customers," during which she instructed the individual not to say anything to DOJ agents. Zhou admitted to the witness during this conversation that she lied to the agents when they questioned her, and was admonishing everyone involved to "keep their stories straight." Zhou was arrested on charges of commercial bribery and obstructing a criminal investigation.

A couple of robberies to report from yesterday.

A robbery was reported yesterday at 3:30 p.m. in the 14400 block of Victory Boulevard. The manager of a restraunat was walking to his vehicle with cash when he saw two Latino males in a brown vehicle parked in the rear alley. The male passenger, armed with a gun, got out of the vehicle and approached the manager. The manager in fear gave the suspect the cash. The suspects took off north in the rear alley. The suspects pushed a vehicle (parked at the apron of the alley leading into the street) out of the way to escape.

A robbery was reported yesterday at 5:50 p.m. in the 4800 Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The suspect approached the victim behind the counter. The suspect pulled a shotgun and demanded money. The victim, in fear, complied. The suspect got into his vehicle and took off.

A couple of incidents to catch up from last week.

A robbery was reported Wednesday at noon in the 6300 block of Fulton Avenue. Two black male suspects used a small caliber pistol to rob three victims of their property before taking off in an unknown direction.

A take-over robbery was reported Wednesday at 1:25 p.m. in the 12000 block of Ventura Boulevard. The suspect went into a bank, pulled a gun and demanded money. The teller provided the suspect with money. The suspect left the bank into a waiting vehicle.

Someone broke into a home and stole a safe on Thursday sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the 16400 block of Garvin Drive. The thieves broke through a rear door, disabled the alarm and ransacked the house. They took a small portable safe inside the closet which contained jewelry and cash and went out the front door.

A robbery was reported Thursday at 7:20 p.m. at Lorne Street and DeGarmo Avenue. The suspect approached the victim, pointed a gun and demanded property. The victim, in fear, complied and the suspect fled with the victim's property.

LAPD sent this this afternoon. Tally on total homicides in the Valley so far this year is 34, 11 of which are gang related.

Here's a breakdown by division:
VAN NUYS AREA

Homicides = 3
Gang Related Homicides = 1

ATTEMPT ROBBERY
DATE / TIME: 06/09/08, 2010 hours LOCATION: Sepulveda Boulevard/Ventura Boulevard
TYPE OF WEAPON: Bodily Force SUSPECT (S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM (S): 1 # OF SUSPECT (S): 7
Injuries: No TYPE OF INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: Unknown NOTIFICATIONS: WC
COMMENTS: A victim was on a bus when she observed suspect-1 exit the bus and remove her bicycle from the bus bike rack. As the suspect rode off slowly on her bicycle, the victim chased the suspect and applied the brakes on the bicycle, causing the suspect to fall. The victim wrestled the suspect for control of the bicycle and managed to get away as she rode back towards Ventura Boulevard. Suspects 2-7 threw small rocks in her direction. One rock struck the victim on the back of her head but did not cause any injuries. Victim was able to get on another bus to call the police.

WEST VALLEY AREA
Homicides = 6
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 1)

NORTH HOLLYWOOD AREA
Homicides = 11
Gang Related Homicides = 4
(Justifiable = 1)

FOOTHILL AREA
Homicides = 9
Gang Related Homicides = 5
(Justifiable = 1)

DEVONSHIRE AREA
Homicides - 3
Gang Related Homicides - 0
(Justifiable - 0)

HOT PROWL
DATE/TIME: 6/9/08, 0945 hours LOCATION: 8700 blk Independence
TYPE OF WEAPON: None SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIMS: 1 # OF SUSPECTS: Unk
INJURIES: No WHAT TYPE OF INJURIES? N/A
GANG RELATED? Unk NOTIFICATIONS: C/O's, OVB, SID
COMMENTS: Unknown person(s) entered an open bedroom window after removing its screen. The unk suspect(s) removing the victims property from the bedroom and did not enter any other room in the house. The victim was in the front of the house during the incident.

MISSION AREA
Homicides = 2
Gang Related Homicides = 1
(Justifiable = 0)

ROBBERY
DATE / TIME: 06/09/08, 0750 hours LOCATION: 14700 blk Rinaldi
TYPE OF WEAPON: verbal threats SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 1
INJURIES: None TYPES OF INJURIES: None
GANG RELATED: Yes NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
COMMENTS: Suspect entered the Store, selected property and passed the register without making an attempt to pay. Suspect made eye contact with the cashier and stated she had a weapon. Suspect fled on foot with property.

ATTEMPT ROBBERY
DATE / TIME: 06/09/08, 2100 hours LOCATION: 13708 Hubbard
TYPE OF WEAPON: simulated handgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 2
INJURIES: No TYPES OF INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
COMMENTS: Two male suspects (Hispanic or Black, 25 years, nfi) approached the victim in his front yard. Suspect 1 simulated a handgun and attempted to steal a computer from the victim.. The victim refused to relinquish the computer. Suspect fled the location in a vehicle.

ROBBERY
DATE / TIME: 06/10/08, 0551 hours LOCATION: 14000 blk Astoria
TYPE OF WEAPON: gun/bodily force SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 2
INJURIES: Yes TYPES OF INJURIES: contusions to face and head
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
COMMENTS: Two male suspects approached the victim in an underground parking lot. Suspects pointed a handgun at victim. Suspect's struck the victim in the face with bodily force and stole victim's wallet, cellular phone and currency.

VALLEY TRAFFIC DIVISION
2007/2008
Total Fatals 2008 - 25 people have been killed in 24 collisions
Total Fatals 2007 - 21 people have been killed in 21 collisions
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2008 - 7
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2007 - 5

HATE INCIDENT

DATE / TIME: 6/06/08, 1600 hrs LOCATION: 10800 Hesby Street
COMMENTS: The incident stems from an on-going neighbor dispute.
Suspect left a note on the victim's vehicle that read, "Fxxxx
white u a racist sick = u mind your business!"

BUSINESS ROBBERY
DATE / TIME: 6/8/08, 0226 hrs LOCATION: Saticoy & Lindley
COMMENTS: Two suspects entered the Tacos Mexico at above location, pointed
a gun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk complied and suspect
fled taking U.S. currency.

In a bloody weekend of violence, a dozen people were killed - six in the San Fernando Valley in mostly gang-related crimes.

The victims were killed in five incidents in the central-eastern parts of the San Fernando Valley. Two were gang related, two were unknown and one was a bizarre rear-ender car crash that left the driver and a passenger dead and resulted in the arrest of a DUI suspect.

dailynews.com

The New York Times today has a story about how the medical marijuana law is unintentionally allowing big-time pot growers a good cover.

Police are looking for a man who has gone on a string of cash tray robberies at five businesses.

A serial robber is on the loose, and police are asking for the public's help tracking the suspect down.

The bandit is believed to be responsible for at least five robberies over the past two months in the Mid-City Wilshire and Hollywood area. The robberies occurred at various times of day, and the man pointed a handgun at the clerk each time.

The suspect is described as a White male 25-30 years of age with brown hair. He stands between five feet seven and five feet nine inches tall.

* April, 29, 2008 - At 10:20 p.m., a man wearing a camouflage cap and a grey hooded sweatshirt, walked into the Ardmore Liquor store located at 3rd Street and Ardmore Avenue, picked up a pack of gum and took it to the counter. When the cashier opened the register, the man removed a gun from his waistband, grabbed the entire cash drawer and fled in a burgundy 80's Toyota Camry.

* May 1, 2008 - At 2:50 a.m., the suspect entered a Denny's restaurant located at Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, where he pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The suspect grabbed the entire cash register drawer and ran.

* May 3, 2008 - At 3:20 a.m., the suspect walked into the same Denny's restaurant, this time wearing a wig. He pulled out a handgun, demanded the employee to turn over the money and again took off on foot with the cash register tray.

* May 31, 2008 - At 11 p.m., the suspect walked up to a parking lot attendant near the Beverly Center at La Cienega Boulevard and 3rd Street and robbed the employee at gunpoint once again, the suspect got away with the entire cash register tray.

* June 2, 2008 - At 2:45 p.m., the bandit entered a Chinese restaurant at 2nd Street and Western Avenue. As before, the suspect pulled out a handgun, ordered the clerk to hand over the money and fled with the cash register tray.

Anyone with information about these robberies is urged to call Wilshire Robbery Detective Luis Corona at (213) 922-8266. On off hours, weekends, and holidays calls may be directed to the toll free number 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

From LAPD Valley Bureau ... notes of significant incidents overnight.

ROBBERY

DATE / TIME: 6/5/08, 2130 hrs LOCATION: 5400 block of Beckford
TYPE OF WEAPON: Handgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF
SUSPECT(S): 1 male Hispanic
INJURIES: No TYPE OF INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: N/A NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
COMMENTS: The suspect approached the victim, pointed a gun at him and stated, "Give me your watch and empty your pockets." The victim complied. As the suspect was running away, he threw the victim's keys into a nearby bush. No injuries.

HOME INVASION ROBBERY

DATE / TIME: 6/5/08, 2100 hrs LOCATION: 18800 block of Sylvan
TYPE OF WEAPON: Handgun, Knife SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 4 # OF
SUSPECT(S): 3 (1 male black, 2 male Hispanics)
INJURIES: No TYPE OF INJURIES: N/A
GANG RELATED: N/A NOTIFICATIONS: W/C
COMMENTS: The suspect entered the Victim's residence pointing a gun and holding knives. The suspects ordered the victims to the floor and ransacked the house. The suspect fled with property and caused about $300 in damage. There were no injuries.

Good morning. Had a SWAT callout last night in Sunland ... Ended with the arrest of the barricaded suspect.

SUNLAND - LAPD SWAT team officers blasted tear gas canisters into a Sunland home today to flush out a 61-year-old man who had threatened his ex- girlfriend with a handgun, then barricaded himself inside for roughly five hours, police said.

The incident began when the man showed up at his ex-girlfriend's house in the 10800 block of Leolang Avenue near Jayseel Street around 8 p.m. Thursday, said an officer at th Los Angeles Police Department's Foothill Station.

dailynews.com

Here's a crime update from LAPD Valley Bureau:

VALLEY TOTAL HOMICIDES: 31
GANG RELATED HOMICIDES: 10

VAN NUYS AREA
Homicides = 3
Gang Related Homicides = 1
(Justifiable = 1)

WEST VALLEY AREA
Homicides = 6
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 1)

NORTH HOLLYWOOD AREA
Homicides = 10
Gang Related Homicides = 4
(Justifiable = 1)

FOOTHILL AREA
Homicides = 7
Gang Related Homicides = 4
(Justifiable = 1)

A mauling investigation was reported yesterday at 11 a.m. in the 13700 block of Louvre Street. When police arrived, two pit bulls were inside the yard, preventing authorities from entering the location. Fire Department personnel utilized their fire extinguisher and contained the dogs in the back yard. A 2-year old child had been bitten in the face. Officers ensured that the location was clear of all persons and contained the dogs in the back yard. Animal Control arrived and removed the dogs without incident. The child was air lifted to Children's Hospital for serious but not life-threatening injuries to his face.

A LAUSD employee was arrested for soliciting a prostitute last night at 7:30 p.m. at Hansen Dam. Vice officers brought in an arrestee who solicited an undercover male officer at Hansen Dam. The arrestee is an employee for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Initially, it was believed that the arrestee was a teacher, but it was determined that he is a program coordinator who works out of the District Office on Balboa Boulevard. Per RACR, an arrest of this type did not require any notifications to the School District.

An attempted carjacking was reported yesterday at 9 p.m. at Commerce and Valmont. Three suspects forcibly stopped the victim's vehicle, beat the victim with fists and a hammer, and demanded the victim's vehicle, wallet and money. Officers located the suspects and the vehicle in the area of Samoa and Tujunga Canyon, a frequent hang out known by Toonerville gang members. The suspects were booked for 664/215 PC Attempt Carjacking. The victim suffered injuries to his face, cheek, and had swelling to his calf, and bruising.

A pursuit ended yesterday at 10:30 p.m. at Foothill and Gladstone. Officers went in a short pursuit of a suspected DUI driver. The pursuit ended without incident when the suspect pulled over.

DEVONSHIRE AREA
Homicides = 3
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 0)

A burglary was reported Tuesday sometime between 5 and 9 p.m. at 10400 Nevada Street. The suspect entered the residence through an unlocked sliding glass door in the kitchen area. The suspect took the victim's purse from the kitchen table and took off. The victim was in another room at the time of the incident.

An attempted robbery and assault was reported this morning at 1:45 a.m. at 17503 Tribune St. One suspect simulated a gun and demanded the victim's money. The victim stated, 'Are you serious?' Then a second suspect punched the victim, causing him to fall to the ground. Both suspects began punching the victim as the first suspect stabbed the victim while the second suspect attempted to take the victim's property. The suspects took off running as the victim was following them. The suspects got into a car and disappeared. The victim discovered he was bleeding and was taken to a local hospital and treated for cuts to his forearm and puncture wounds to his torso. The victim is in stable condition.

MISSION AREA
Homicides = 2
Gang Related Homicides = 1
(Justifiable = 0)

A use of force was reported this morning at 3:22 a.m. at 14424 Kingsbury. The suspect was involved in an attempted rape of his wife. Officers responded to suspect's residence in response to a radio call. The suspect refused to get out of his residence and speak with officers. Officers were informed there was a shotgun and handgun within the residence. Ultimately after repeated requests the suspect reluctantly got out of his home but refused to comply with officers' commands. Police used beanbag rounds and bodily force to take him into custody.

VALLEY TRAFFIC DIVISION
2007/2008
Total Fatals 2008 - 23 people have been killed in 23 collisions
Total Fatals 2007 - 20 people have been killed in 20 collisions
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2008 - 7
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2007 - 5

You talkin' ta me? Yeah, that's right, fugedaboudit ...

NEW YORK (AP) -- A reputed acting mob boss and eight other suspected gangsters were arrested Wednesday on federal charges accusing them of coast-to-coast Mafia crimes, ranging from gangland hits in New York to a home invasion by police impersonators in Los Angeles, authorities said.

Nothing like a good mob caper to round out the day.

usatoday.com

From overnight in the Valley, significant crimes ...

A report of someone brandishing a weapon was reported yesterday at 3:20 p.m. at Sherman Way and Jordan Avenue in Canoga Park. The victim, described as a 40-year-old male, was sitting in his car in the Post Office parking lot, waiting for his girlfriend, when the suspect, described as male white between 30 and 40, approached. The suspect stated to the victim "I need a hundred dollars and I need transportation." The victim was not in fear and ignored the suspect. The suspect then stated "leave a hundred dollars on the seat and leave the key." Then the victim's girlfriend returned to the car and the suspect turned away. The victim then saw the handle of a semi-automatic pistol in the suspect's pocket. There were no injuries and no property was taken.

A robbery was reported yesterday at 10:45 p.m. in the 14600 block of Chase. The suspect, described as a male black in his 20s, 6-feet, 150-160 lbs, approached the victim in the parking lot and pointed a stainless steel semi-automatic pistol at the Victim. The suspect rummaged through the Victim's pockets and removed currency and jewelry before taking off in a vehicle occupied by three additional male blacks.

Good morning. Cops are looking this morning for a hit-and-run driver who killed a 9-year-old boy in East Los Angeles.

Jesus Sanchez and his family were crossing Ford Boulevard just south of Cesar Chavez Avenue at 12:04 a.m. Sunday when a vehicle going northbound at a high rate of speed struck him, CHP Officer Luis Mendoza said.

The red, late 1990s to early 2000s two-door Honda with tinted rear windows and a spoiler with brake lights did not slow or stop after hitting the boy, Mendoza said. The car then ran a light at Cesar E. Chavez Avenue at Ford and turned left.

dailynews.com

This just in, from Foothill Division ...

PACOIMA - A suspected carjacker got a taste of his own medicine Tuesday morning after stealing a GMC truck and crashing it into parked cars including a mail truck, before being beaten and detained by citizens on the street, police said.

dailynews.com

From our friends at LAPD Valley Bureau this morning:

An assault with a deadly weapon shooting was reported yesterday at 4:10 p.m. at Gloria Avenue and Victory Boulevard in Van Nuys. A male suspect in a vehicle fired at several pedestrians on the street. A school bus with children on it witnessed the incident. The school bus was not hit.

A robbery was reported yesterday at 6 p.m. in the 22700 block of Oxnard Street. A male white in his 40s entered a gas station with a large knife and walked right into the cash register room where he demanded the employee open the register and give him the money. The suspect gave the employee his own bag. Once the suspect had the money, he ran away.

Has anyone seen this woman?

Police are seeking help to find her. Her name is Marie Husted. She's from North Hollywood.

On May 31, 2008, around 6:45 a.m, Husted left her convalescent home located at 5335 Laurel Canyon Boulevard on her red motorized wheelchair. She went eastbound Chandler Avenue from Laurel Canyon Boulevard and has not been seen since.

lapdblog.com

From overnight ... ADW CUTTING

DATE / TIME: 5/17/08, 1545 hrs LOCATION: 12800 block of
Vanowen St
TYPE OF WEAPON: Knife SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: Yes
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S):
1
INJURIES: Yes TYPE OF INJURIES: Stab
wounds to abdomen
GANG RELATED: No NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, Dets, Capt Buck
COMMENTS: The Suspect and Victim were drinking together and became
involved in an argument. The argument escalated into a physical
altercation. The Suspect stabbed the Victim in the abdomen. The
Victim was transported by LAFD to Holy Cross and is in grave condition.
Detectives responded and later the Suspect was taken into custody.

I set up a new database of people who were arrested yesterday in Los Angeles using information provided by the LAPD. You can search by name, charge or location. Check it out by clicking here.

A parolee wielding a semiautomatic rifle walked into a church festival filled with children Saturday morning and opened fire, wounding the mother of his child and two bystanders and shattering this normally quiet suburban neighborhood. Police said Fernando Diaz Jr., 33, of North Hollywood, walked into the festival at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church, kissed his son, pulled the rifle out of a tennis bag and fired several rounds at his ex-girlfriend and festival volunteers before school parents tackled him to the ground.

A Superior Court judge on Monday upheld the murder charge against Ara Grigoryan, the man charged in the July 2007 hit-and-run death of Elizabeth Sandoval. Grigoryan's defense team had sought to reduce the murder charge before going to trial, arguing that prosecutors made certain assumptions about the incident and had overblown the 20-year-old's prior driving infractions to infer a "wanton disregard" for human life -- a key finding for murder.

Update: Video footage of suspect and his vehicle available for download at www.lapdonline.org-"Solve a Crime" Navigation bar on home page

Los Angeles Police Department have released a sketch of a man who attempted to sexually assault two young girls in separate incidents.

The first assault occurred on April 30, 2008, at around 7:30 a.m., when a Latino man approached an 8-year-old girl walking in the 600 block of Burlington Avenue. The man lured the girl into a secluded area of an apartment building located at 625 South Burlington Avenue and attempted to sexually assault her.

On February 29, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., the same suspect approached a 9-year-old girl walking near James M. Wood Boulevard and Hoover Street. The suspect initiated a conversation with the girl and pulled her into an apartment building where he attempted to sexually assault her.

The suspect is described as Hispanic, 25-30 years of age with black spiked hair. He's about 5 feet six inches tall and weigh 170 pounds. He was last seen driving a blue unknown make and model vehicle. A composite sketch of the suspect is available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Sexual Assault Detective Sofie Toledo at (213) 207-2031 or Robbery Homicide Detective John Wong at (213) 485-2921. After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Here's a few more of LA's coldest cases from the turn of the century...

July 10, 1901
Craiton, H.R., Emp. 2nd hand store, So Main St. - Returning from visit to his girl, 2 this a.m.,; front of Horace Bell's place Figueroa St., was shot at from ambush, behind shrubbery.

July 10
Compfort, L.B., Driver of milk wagon - Shot in back, while on his wagon, 21st & Toberman, abt. 3 this a.m. Taken to Cal. Hospital, 4:30 a.m.

July 14
Macchiaroli, Cano, 829 Yale St. - Shot at 8 this a.m., West Glendale by Antonio Pellegrine, living at 729 Castellar.

Aug. 21
Bachelors, Body of man, to't to be Bachelors, found in Westlake. Kelly and Quinn.

Sept. 3
Rasche, Fred, Foreman, baker, Ebingers Bakery, 3d and Spring St. - At or near 9th and Wall St., 3:30 this a.m. on way home from work, shot in right side (flesh wound). Was a non-union man. Susp. Stevan Faviamovich, union baker, arrested by Sergeant Williams.

Oct. 7
Chow Youck Toy, C----
Shot and killed, Chinatown, abt. 7 this p.m. by Wong Bing arrested at Pasadena by Ritch, this eve.

Nov. 19
Wilcox, Abram P., wife and child - Found murdered in their ranch house near Downey; probably killed night of 16th inst.

Dec. 19
Neilson, Carl, Chatsworth Park Tunnel - Held up by three men, just above S.P. yds., this evening, and compelled to lie down while they committed sodomy on him. Says his companion, W. McGrew was with him. (Captain Hensley).

Dec. 3
Sampson, John - Shot and killed his wife at 4th and Spring St. on sidewalk, this p.m. Immediately arrested by crossing officer O.T. Walker.

Feb. 19, 1902
Wiley, Mrs. H.S. - Shot at her rooming house, (about noon) At The Columbia, 512 So. Broadway by D.C. Kent. He shot her twice in right side and once in left arm, then shot himself in forehead, only making a flesh wound; then cut throat with razor. Kent was her partner in lodging house (and lover). Kent committed suicide by taking carbolic acid in receiving hospital on March 12, 1902.

Wong Ung Wong - Murdered, about 1 this a.m., at Simons Brick Yard, 825 Boyle Ave. by On Ling Sing, who was arrested in San Francisco April 4th, and returned to Los Angeles by Hawley. Hawley, Auble, Steele & Kelly on case.

Good morning ... Below are the latest significant crime reports from the LAPD.

ROBBERY/GTA:
DATE / TIME: 5/13/08, 1215 hrs LOCATION: Atoll Ave /
Victory Blvd
TYPE OF WEAPON: Bodily Force SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY: No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): 1
INJURIES: No TYPE OF INJURIES: None
GANG RELATED: Unk NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, Dets, C/O's
COMMENTS: Victim was painting when the suspect approached him. The
suspect pushed the victim to the ground and took the vehicle keys from
the victim's hands. The suspect fled in the victim's vehicle.

HOMICIDE

DATE / TIME: 5/13/08, 0250 hrs LOCATION:
9000 block of Nagle St
TYPE OF WEAPON: Handgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY:
No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): Unk
INJURIES: Yes
TYPE OF INJURIES: GSW
GANG RELATED: Yes
NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, Dets, O/C's, OVB, RACR, CM
COMMENTS: Suspect(s) shot the victim multiple times, then fled the
location. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was
pronounced dead. Homicide detectives are handling. The incident does
not appear to be gang related.

HOMICIDE

DATE / TIME: 5/13/08, 1500 hrs LOCATION:
12700 block of Lourve St
TYPE OF WEAPON: Handgun SUSPECT(S) IN CUSTODY:
No
# OF VICTIM(S): 1 # OF SUSPECT(S): Unk
INJURIES: Yes
TYPE OF INJURIES: GSW to chest
GANG RELATED: Yes
NOTIFICATIONS: W/C, Dets, C/O's, OVB, RACR, CM
COMMENTS: Suspect(s) shot the victim (gang member) in the chest, with a
handgun. The victim succumbed to his injury at 1813 hrs. Homicide
detectives responded to the crime scene and collected evidence.

Police today are going to offer a reward in conjunction with the killing of a Northridge homeless man.

At 8 a.m. at the Devonshire Community Police Station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge, Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith, and Los Angeles Police Department homicide detectives will ask for the public's help to identify a suspect who accosted an elderly homeless man, causing him to suffer fatal head injuries. For additional information, contact Matt Myerhoff, Communications Director, Council District 12, Cell: (818) 613-2248. Matt.Myerhoff@lacity.org.

A Latino in his 20s punched Harold Gene Loftis, 69, at Roscoe and Reseda boulevards about 10 p.m. April 14

Rocky Delgadillo is cracking down on prostitutes and pimps by using the same kind of enforcement he uses with gang injunctions. Here's the press release.

Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, the City's chief prosecutor, today joined with representatives of the Los Angeles Police Department to announce the filing of a groundbreaking lawsuit seeking to prevent five pimps and 36 chronic prostitutes from operating in the Figueroa Corridor. He is also unveiling a diversion program to educate prostitutes and "Johns" about the legal consequences, health risks, and community impact of their illegal conduct.

"We're launching the injunction for chronic offenders and the
diversion program for first-time offenders at the same time because
fighting crime in the 21st Century means getting smarter - not just
tougher - with our public safety initiatives," said City Attorney
Delgadillo.

The Pimp and Prostitution Injunction

The nuisance abatement action brought by the City Attorney's Safe
Neighborhoods Division seeks to exclude five pimps and 36 chronic
prostitutes from the Figueroa Corridor - an area defined as 100 yards
to each side of Figueroa Street between Vernon Avenue and El Segundo
Boulevard in South Los Angeles. The defendants have repeatedly returned
to the Figueroa Corridor despite law enforcement efforts to stop them.

All 36 prostitutes named in the injunction have been convicted at least
twice for engaging in prostitution in the Figueroa Corridor, and account
for 127 prostitution arrests in the Figueroa Corridor and more than 300
prostitution arrests throughout Southern California.

Four pimps named in the injunction are affiliated with gangs including
the Shotgun Crips, Front Hood Crips and Denver Lane Bloods.

Pimps named in the injunction are excluded from the Figueroa Corridor
and are prohibited from associating with or assisting prostitutes; using
intimidation; interfering with traffic or possessing weapons. They must
also report any vehicle and residential information to law enforcement.
Prostitutes named in the injunction are also excluded from the Figueroa
Corridor. Violations of the injunction could result in criminal
prosecution.

We have included within this injunction an opt-out provision which
provides those who can demonstrate they are no longer engaging in
criminal activity - and have met certain court-ordered requirements --
with a way out.

The Prostitution Diversion Program

The City Attorney also today announced the launch of the Figueroa
Corridor Prostitution Diversion Program. The program is designed to
reduce the number of prostitutes and "Johns" along the Figueroa
Corridor.

The Diversion program is open to first-time offender prostitutes and
"Johns" who have no prior convictions for drugs or violence.
Program participants must enroll in, and complete, an eight hour seminar
and must submit to an AIDS test and follow-up support services. If the
offender completes of the seminar and appropriate referral services, no
charges will be filed.

The Figueroa Corridor suffers more from the harmful actions of pimps,
prostitutes, and those seeking prostitutes than any other part of the
City. The LAPD has devoted vast resources to attacking this problem,
including conducting undercover operations, and providing dedicated
patrols and foot patrols. Since 2002, more than 1,000 prostitutes have
been arrested in the Figueroa Corridor and prosecuted by City Attorney
Delgadillo's Neighborhood Prosecutors. The City Attorney targeted 20
nuisance properties for abatement because of vice and drug activity
linked to prostitution, resulting in the reduction of
prostitution-related crimes at these locations by 65%.

Deputy City Attorney Dan Whitley is the City prosecutor assigned to the
litigation and Neighborhood Prosecutor Sonja Dawson created the
prosecution diversion program in cooperation with LAPD and our service
provider partners.

Earlier, I wrote about some of Los Angeles' oldest murder cases from the turn of the century. In one of them, a man named John Slovinski shot himself with a shotgun. He had been arraigned in a case involving attempted extortion through what was called a badger game. And I put out a call to readers asking if they knew what that was, to weigh in. Well, thanks to Mick O, who found the description on good ol' wikipedia.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public's help to identify a hit-and-run suspect who killed a bicyclist in the Hollywood area.

On March 16, 2008, at around 6:45 a.m., 72-year-old Artine Zarkarian was riding his bicycle northbound on Western Avenue when an unknown vehicle struck the rear of his bike just south of Elmwood Avenue and failed to stop.

Ejected from his bicycle, Zakarian landed on the street and sustained serious head injuries. He was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics to a local hospital and eventually died from his injuries on April 29.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Acosta at the LAPD West Traffic Division, (213) 473-0234. During off-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

The Reseda Neighborhood Council put this out this morning, sent into our tip line.

Hi Folks,

There has been a rash of burglaries from a motor vehicle in our area. The area of Vanowen between Lindley and White Oak, especially.

To protect yourself, avoid leaving your doors and/or windows unlocked, try to park in a well lighted place, and above all, do not leave any thing in plain view from outside the vehicle. Leaving charging cords, mounting bracket or any thing associated with electronic equipment in plain view is like an invitation to the thief that walks by your vehicle.

Protect yourself!!!!

Earlier we posted a story that talked about LAPD Chief William Bratton taking a consultancy job to help drop London's crime rate. Bratton responds ...

There have been several recent news articles indicating that I have been approached and accepted a position to act as an advisor to the new Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

I have had no conversations with Mr. Johnson, I have not spoken with any members of his administration and I have not been approached to act as an advisor as it relates to matters of crime reduction.

As a law enforcement executive I am often asked to share my thoughts and opinions on reducing crime and making communities safer. I have long supported the "Broken Windows" theory of policing that by focusing on minor crimes, more serious offenses can be prevented.

In the past I have provided advice to former Mayor Ken Livingston and have consulted for both the city of London and the national government. I would certainly be willing to do so, if asked, for the new Mayor in my official capacity as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

William J. Bratton
Chief of Police
Los Angeles Police Department

Gunmen killed the head of Mexico's federal police force early Thursday in a brazen hit against the man who had become the public face of the country's war on drug cartels.

What's wrong with this picture?

Police right now are holding a press conference, announcing the arrest of a child sexual predator identified as Pedro Ortiz has allegedly sexually assaulted at least two juvenile victims and investigators believe there could be others. For further information, contact LAPD Media Relations Section, (213) 485-3586. More to come.

I'm taking you back to the turn of the century Los Angeles, to take a peek at the LAPD's oldest murders. It was a time when police logs were typed out and when police used less-than politically correct words to describe minorities in official police reports.

This is from the LAPD's Murder Book, courtesy of LAPD Detective Robert Bub, a veteran homicide investigator:

• Oct. 28, 1900
  Wong Won, Chinese - Shot in belly about 12 last night, by another C----, Alameda and Marsch. Assailant shot in leg by Officer Dixon.

• Dec. 12
  Austin, Police Judge - Called to side door abt. 8:10 this P.M. by one who rattled the screen. Opened door and shot was fired through the screen, passing thru his coat. Did not see any one.

• Jan. 12, 1901
  Stade J, Divine Healer - Shot in left eye, in his room at 1151 Maple Ave., between 6 and 7 a.m. today; evidently while he was asleep, by unknown party who went up stairs to room and later made his escape by front door without being seen. Shot was heard by Tucker brothers in next room. Was not discovered by Mrs. Clark, landlady, until 2 p.m. Shields, Talamantes, Benedict and Bradish and Steele on case.

• Jan. 18, 1901
  Wong Doo, (Chinaman) - Supposed to have shot and wounded Wong Quong; arrested and dismissed.

• April 21
  Carlson, Anna, 3512 Eureka St. - Knocked down with rock, in hands of unknown man, 12:10 a.m., April 19, front of above addr. (Benedict)

  
  

• April 22
  
  Cusick, al. Conway, Mrs. Lillie - Shot and killed at 9:15 p.m., 515 1/2 S. Main St., by Wm. or Billy Nelson, rooming at her house; formerly employed Chutes. Mrs. Conway thought to be from Hastings, Nebr.

• May 11
  Winters, Grace Pefton, wife of J. Ross Winters - Shot in left side and killed, between 10 and 11 o'clock this morning while out with her husband in canyon, east of Shorb; body broo't back to his home Workman St. East Los Angeles, by husband who claimed it was an accident. J. Ross Winters arrested by Auble and Ritch.

• June 9
  Brown, Will, Colored - Shot and killed in front of White Wing saloon, 1st St., abt. 6:30 this p.m. by Willard Griffin, colored, who runs tamale wagon. Griffin arrested, Shield and Tom Quinn; dismissed, acct. self defense.

• July 4
  Hurth, E.C. - Shot about 12:30 this a.m. by Winfred, al. Fredd Hettinger, commonly called Debs, in rear of Ahrens Bakery, 425 South Broadway, where Hurth was employed.

Click below to view the latest Valley Crime map ...

This just in from John Balian, Glendale Police Department spokesman:

The Glendale Police Department has arrested two suspects in connection with several residential burglaries and thefts in the City of Glendale where elderly victims where targeted. After a month-long investigation, Glendale Police Detectives arrested Christopher Nicholas and Mary Dell on 05/04/08 in Riverside, CA. Nicholas and Dell would gain the confidence of elderly victims in order to gain access to the victim's home. Once inside the victim's home, one suspect would distract the victim, while the other suspect ransacked the home for cash, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables.

Both suspects are suspected of committing similar crimes in the cities of Long Beach, Pasadena, Crescenta Valley, and have ties to Las Vegas, Nevada. If you believe you may be a victim, please contact: Det. Keith James at (818) 548-2097 OR Sgt. Vahak Mardikian at (818) 548-4047.

NICHOLAS, CHRISTOPHER
A.K.A.'s:
Miller, Chris / Nichols, Christopher /
Nicholes, Christopher

DELL, MARY ANN
A.K.A.'s:
Stevens, Janet Laura / Evans, Janet /
Evans, Mary / Marks, Janet

A Glendale man was taken for $100,000 by a scam artist in return for a deed of trust in the home at 5541 Calera Avenue in Covina. Frank Girardot, over in the San Gabriel Valley, has the scoop.

U.S. border authorities no longer apprehend illegal immigrants only as they enter the country. Now they're catching them on the way out. At random times near the Tijuana-San Diego border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have been setting up checkpoints, boarding buses destined for Mexico and pulling off people who don't have proper documentation, latimes.com.

More on the death of a 14-year-old boy, Alejandro Villa ...

PACOIMA - In one of the last photos taken of Alejandro Villa before he was shot to death less than a block from his home, he is smiling, sitting in the back of a limousine.

The snapshot is from a quinceañera, where the 14-year-old boy danced so much and had such a good time that he promised to dance more often, his sister said.

And for months, he had been telling his mother he was going to stay out of trouble. He even had joined a boxing class through the gang intervention group Communities in School.

But Alejandro teetered on the edge, sometimes mixing with the wrong crowd. And in the end, his words to his family weren't enough.

dailynews.com

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HOLLYWOOD - A multi-million-dollar home in the Hollywood Hills, apparently owned by Internet entrepreneur and MySpace founder Brad Greenspan, was burglarized, police said today.

dailynews.com

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SAN DIEGO -- Authorities say a woman who escaped from a Detroit prison 32 years ago has been arrested in San Diego, where she was a wife and mother living under a false name. U.S. Marshals say 53-year-old Susan Lefevre was taken into custody Thursday in the Carmel Valley area.

Los Angeles Police Department cops investigated more than 300 complaints of racial profiling against officers last year and found that none had merit -- a conclusion that left members of the department's oversight commission incredulous. It is at least the sixth consecutive year that all allegations of racial profiling against LAPD officers have been dismissed, according to department documents reviewed by The Times.

Facing a civilian oversight commission skeptical about LAPD's investigation of racial profiling complaints, Chief William Bratton said Tuesday he will launch a wide-ranging review of police practices, Rachel writes at dailynews.com.

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From the LAPD. A homicide in South L.A.

On April 19, 2008, at about 4:15 a.m., 31-year-old Charles Corey was in front of his apartment building at the 3200 block of West 60th Street when a suspect in a tan, newer-model car, possibly a Toyota Corolla, drove by and fired multiple gunshots. Corley was hit several times and collapsed on the street. The vehicle and suspects proceeded eastbound on West 60th Street toward 8th Avenue.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the incident and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and was placed on life-support systems until his recent death on April 23, 2008, at 12:50 p.m.

The motive for the murder is unknown and the suspects, their vehicle and weapons remain outstanding.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Detectives Bill Ritch or Bertha Durazo at (213) 485-1383. After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour detective information desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Woman kills live-in boyfriend ... This from the LAPD ...

Los Angeles police have arrested a woman who murdered her live-in boyfriend yesterday afternoon in South Los Angeles.

Just before 4:30 p.m., Reginald Wilson, 44, and Elizabeth Shields, 52, were involved in a heated argument at their residence in the 5200 block of south Van Ness Avenue. The dispute turned violent when Shields picked up a kitchen steak knife and brutally stabbed Wilson in the chest, authorities said.

After the victim staggered to the living room area where he subsequently collapsed, the suspect called 911and waited for police to arrive.

Paramedics rushed the victim to a local hospital where he died of his injuries, and Shields was taken into custody and charged with murder. Her bail was set at $1 million.

Both the victim and the suspect have been involved in an ongoing feud, investigators said.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Detectives Roger Guzman and Eric Crosson at (213) 485-1383. After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

This morning you read about a man who held up a McDonald's in the Valley, now we've got the great Karaoke thieves. A little robbery potpourri.

Los Angeles police are looking for two men who were caught on a surveillance camera robbing a Karaoke business at gunpoint on April 14.

The robbery occurred in broad daylight, shortly after 3 p.m. when the pair entered the DJ Karaoke Box located at 4121 West Olympic Boulevard. One of the bandits approached the counter posing as a customer and acted as a lookout. Moments later, the other bandit walked up to a female employee standing behind the counter, showed a handgun, and demanded she open the cash register and turn over the money. The cashier complied with the suspect’s orders because she feared for her life, police said. The suspect grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash, a carton of Marlboro Light cigarettes, and a personal cell phone, and placed them in a white shopping bag with handles.

After taking the personal items and cash, both suspects walked out the back door and fled in a 2002-2005 grey, four-door Nissan Altima.

The gunman was described as a 20-25 year old Korean, and was wearing a white long- sleeve shirt and black pants. The second suspect, also described as Korean, was wearing a blue flannel shirt that he used to shield his face and conceal his identity.

No shots were fired and the cashier was not injured.

Surveillance footage and still photographs of the suspects are available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to contact Wilshire Robbery Detectives Tae Hong or Webster Wong at (213) 922-8205/8231. During weekends and off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFUL (1-877-529-3855).

ENCINO - There was a robbery at a McDonald's in Encino overnight and cops were looking for the culprit who dropped some of the loot on a nearby sidewalk as he fled from the scene, authorities said.

The robbery in the 15700 block of Ventura Boulevard near Haskell Avenue was reported around 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, a sergeant from the Los Angeles Police Department's West Valley Station said.

dailynews.com

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An inter-agency police auto theft task force uncovered a cache of machine guns, stolen cars and motorcycles and a hunting dog breeding operation run out of a home in Sylmar and didn't publicize it when the story broke in 2006.

Here's the story in a nutshell, given to me by the good folks from the Task Force for Regional Auto Theft Prevention (TRAP) - West Team. TRAP is a team of cops which investigates commercial vehicle theft and fraud countywide.

The case began July 27, 2006, at 9 p.m. when LAPD Mission Division patrol officers found a stolen Nissan Altima parked in front of a home in the 13000 block of Parkland Circle in Sylmar. The thief had stolen the car by stealing someone's identity from a lost wallet. And the suspects used his information to purchase vehicles.

The next day, at 8 a.m., TRAP detectives saw the suspect, identified as Don Park, leave his residence, get into a Nissan Maxima - which turned out to be stolen - remove the sun shade and back out of the driveway.

Detectives confronted Park and later determined that five other vehicles at the residence were also stolen.

Park faces auto theft, making a false financial statement and identity theft charges at a court hearing set for next month.

A search of Park's residence turned up 45 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, ballistic vests, police scanners, and 11 automatic assault weapons/machine guns in an upstairs bedroom that had been converted into a storage room.

Police found an additional cache of ammunition in the living room cabinet. Additional weapons charges were also filed against Park.

In the garage of the home, detectives discovered three stolen motorcycles, taken from a locked motorcycle dealership on Hollywood Way in Burbank. The suspects had cut the chain to a locked gate in August 2004 afterhours.

Police also found that Park had been allegedly illegally breeding hunting dogs at his residence and had previously been cited by Animal Regulation officers for the activity.

Eleven dogs were confiscated and held pending the investigation.

Park has a prior felony conviction for robbery with a gun and was sentenced to 92 months in the state prison. Park had previously been deported to Korea after completing his sentence. Park entered the country and illegally set-up residence, police said.

Cops are going to hold a press conference this afternoon to alert the public about crooks who are posing as DWP workers and ransacking houses. Today at 3:30 p.m. at Louise Park, which is on the southeast corner of Louise Avenue and Sherman Way, in Van Nuys, LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore, the Valley's top cop, Capt. Jim Miller, who heads Van Nuys Division, and Lt. Steve Harer, who heads detectives at Van Nuys, will join the city's aging chief, James Don, to raise awareness about the issue.

LAPD investigators want to reveal how these suspects are operating. They also hope to enlist the public’s help in apprehending them. The suspects’ mode of operation is as follows: Two men show up at the front door of a residence claiming to be from the LADWP with a need to check exterior electrical wires. As the victim and one of the suspects remain outside for the alleged wire check, the other suspect enters the victim’s home and removes property.

I wrote a story about this late last year ...

Not a whole lot of fun at the crazy chicken last night...

CANOGA PARK - Chicken was on the menu, but last night at an El Pollo Loco a restaurant employee and a pregnant woman got a little more after a hit-and-run driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the side of the fast food restaurant, leaving them injured.

The crash occurred on the southwest corner of Topanga Canyon and Roscoe boulevards around 11:15 p.m. Monday.

A female driver in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle was traveling southbound on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and apparently lost control while trying to turn westbound onto Roscoe Boulevard, Brady said.

dailynews.com

Anyone out there know this kid, a 15-year-old shot in a gang related incident? Anyone else out there as outraged?

Police say a young teenager was shot to death amid gang related shooting yesterday evening in North Hollywood.

The shooting happened around 7:15 p.m., in the 7000 block of Ethel Avenue. When police arrived they found the body of 15-year-old Victor Fajardo lying on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds.

Paramedics rushed Fajardo to Holy Cross Medical Center where he died.

According to investigators, two Latino men confronted Fajardo as he walked along the sidewalk. One of the men pulled out a handgun and brutally shot Fajardo. Both suspects drove off in a 2000 or 2004 black Mustang.

Detectives have few leads and described the gunmen only as Hispanic.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact North Hollywood Homicide Detective Richard Wheeler at 818-623-4075. During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

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Just got this in my e-mail inbox:

OPERATIONS-VALLEY BUREAU
MORNING REPORT
APRIL 11, 2008

VALLEY TOTAL HOMICIDES: 19
GANG RELATED HOMICIDES: 4

VAN NUYS AREA

Homicides = 1
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 1)

A hot prowl burglary was reported yesterday morning at 6:50 in the 16100 block of Haynes Street. Officers responded to a burglary investigation and were advised by the residents that they had gone to sleep at around 10:15 the night before. They woke up in the morning and saw the rear door open and property missing. No suspect was seen or heard.

A hate crime/threatening letter was reported at 5:30 last night in the 6900 block of Balboa Boulevard in Van Nuys. A victim reported to a desk officer that he received a threatening letter in the mail. The letter stated, “I saw you and that (disparaging remark toward blacks) load a refrigeator in #7. There is one tenant who knows were you moved to good luck (disparaging remark toward gays) he is coming.” The victim did not recall any disputes with former neighbors who would hold ill will against him or his roommate.

WEST VALLEY AREA

Homicides = 5
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 1)

A vandalism/threatening letter was reported yesterday morning at 6:30 in the 6400 block of Vanalden Avenue in Reseda. The victim reported she has had an on-going problem with taggers vandalizing walls near her property. She confronted the taggers and since that time, she has received threatening letters containing the phrases “818 South Side,” “187 White xxxxx 187,” “Your whole family is dead,” and “NGCK Lopez.” Detective Rains was notified and determined there was no apparent direct correlation - motivation - between the ethnicity of the victim and the motivation for the vandalism or the threatening letter.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD AREA

Homicides = 6
Gang Related Homicides = 3
(Justifiable =1)

An attempted robbery was reported this morning at 12:45 in the 12500 block of Huston Street in North Hollywood. Two suspects described as male whites approached victims and demanded money. One suspect pointed a revolver at the victims and fired several rounds, striking one in the left leg before taking off in a tan vehicle, possibly a Toyota or Nissan, with a possible third suspect driving.

A burglary was reported last night at 10:41 in the 6900 block of Woodrow Wilson Drive. An arrest was made. Officers responded to a burglary radio call and met with the victim who stated he ran after the suspect. The suspect jumped approximately 31 feet onto another roadway. The officers arrived to find the suspect lying on the ground injured. The suspect was transported to Cedar’s Sinai Hospital for her injuries. She had a broken back and leg and remains in LAPD custody.

FOOTHILL AREA

Homicides = 3
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 0)

A carjacking was reported yesterday morning at 6 in the 14200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. The victim was pulling out of her driveway when she was approached by the suspect, an 18 to 21-year old male Hispanic wearing a black “hoodie.” The suspect told the victim to get out of the vehicle. He pulled a gun and told the victim not to look at him. The suspect got into the victim’s vehicle, a 2007 gray Nissan Titan and a second suspect got into the vehicle and they took off.

An attempted murder was reported at 12:30 yesterday morning at Apperson and Samoa. Officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon/stabbing call. On arrival, police met with firefighters and the victim, who suffered from multiple stab wounds, the most serious being to the neck. The victim was transported to Holy Cross Hospital in stable condition. The officers, along with a supervisor, night watch detectives and additional units, conducted a follow-up at the scene, but were met with negative results.

DEVONSHIRE AREA

Homicides = 2
Gang Related Homicides = 0
(Justifiable = 0)

There was nothing to report from Devonshire.

MISSION AREA

Homicides = 2
Gang Related Homicides = 1
(Justifiable = 0)

An assault with a deadly weapon was reported at 9:50 yesterday morning in the 15400 block of San Jose Street. The suspect and victim shared a room at a sober living home. The suspect and victim got into an argument when the suspect stabbed victim with an unknown sharp object causing a minor puncture wound.

A robbery was reported yesterday 2:30 p.m. in the 13800 block of Chase Street. A male Hispanic suspect entered the Meat Market, displayed gun, and demanded money from the cashiers. The suspect covered his face by lifting his shirt over his mouth, then took off in an unknown direction.

A robbery was reported yesterday at 5:35 p.m. in the 14450 block of South Brand Boulevard. The suspects approached street vendors as they were talking on the street corner. Two suspects, described as male Hispanics 24 and 25-years-old with shaved heads and tattoos, approached the victims in their beige Nissan Altima. One suspect got out of vehicle and demanded money from the victims while the second suspect pointed a sawed-off shotgun at the victims from inside the vehicle. The first suspect demanded money in Spanish. The victims complied. Then he got back into the vehicle and both suspects fled south.

VALLEY TRAFFIC DIVISION

2007/2008

Total Fatal 2008 – 17 people have been killed in 17 collisions
Total Fatal 2007 – 10 people have been killed in 10 collisions

Total Pedestrian Fatals 2008– 6
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2007– 3

All the talk recently about the thefts of classic cars and I spotted this old column from The Los Angeles Times about an unusual used car customer who wanted a custom sports coupe with Corvette engine, and he wanted it now. The Daily Mirror

• A distraction burglary was reported last night at 5 in the 17100 block of Cantlay Street in Van Nuys. Two suspects posing as DWP workers knocked on the door of an elderly woman's home. One suspect told the victim he needed to check a wire in the victim’s backyard. As the victim and the suspect were in the backyard, a second suspect went into the victim’s bedroom and removed her property. No description of the suspects was given. I wrote a story about this late last year. The Valley is seeing a trend of similar cases. The rule of thumb is don't answer your door to an unsolicited person posing as a DWP worker or any other utility or gas company employee unless you had already set up an appointment to have them come out for a visit.

• An attempted robbery was reported at 8:15 last night at Magnolia Boulevard and Bakman Avenue in North Hollywood. A male black suspect approached the victim from behind, pointed a gun at him and demanded money. The victim turned around, and when he saw the gun, ran away while the suspect chased him and at one point yelled, "Stop or I'll shoot you." The victim managed to get away without being harmed.
  

• A robbery was reported yesterday morning at 4:45 at Woodman Avenue and Sherman Way in Van Nuys. The victim was walking south on Woodman Avenue when a gunman approached him from behind, pointed a gun at his stomach and demanded property. The suspect reached into the victim's pocket and removed his wallet before taking off.

• On Saturday at 4:15 p.m. someone shot someone else in the 11000 block of Magnolia Boulevard in the North Hollywood area. The gunman approached the Victim in the alley. He shot the victim multiple times in the chest, to into a car and took off. The victim would survive from the two gunshot wounds and is in critical condition.
  

Cops in Athens-Clarke County, Ga., arrested a suspected career robber who allegedly robbed a convenience store Wednesday after filling out a job application. Demetrius Robinson, 28, was arrested about 2 a.m. Saturday at a friend's apartment, about a block from the Golden Pantry store Robinson allegedly robbed, according to a police report. Robinson filled out the job application to pass time until he and the clerk were alone in the store, according to police. After the last customer left, about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, he went behind the counter, pressed a steak knife into the clerk's side and made off with the contents of her register, police said. Robinson left his real name on the application along with his uncle's phone number, police said.

onlineathens.com

I just got this press release from Glendale Officer John Balian in my e-mail inbox. It is an update on the Glendale police shooting last night at Forest Lawn that left a gunman wounded.

On 4-3-08 at approximately 9:45 pm, Glendale Police Department officers were dispatched to Forest Lawn, located at 1712 South Glendale Avenue, regarding a report of possible shots fired at the location. Forest Lawn security advised the arriving officers that there was a suspicious vehicle (black Cadillac Escalade) parked at the top of the cemetery.

As officers approached the vehicle, a shot was fired in their direction. The officers were unsure if they could safely exit the area so responding officers brought the armored “Bearcat.” Officers established a perimeter around Forest Lawn Cemetery, with the assistance of LAPD.

A short time after the perimeter was established; Officers were contacted at the Forest Lawn entrance by a family friend who reported that the subject in the black Escalade was suicidal and armed with a firearm.

A team of Glendale Police Officers approached the Cadillac Escalade in the Glendale Police Bearcat (armored vehicle) and attempted to block the vehicle from being able to leave while negotiations began.

The suspect and his vehicle were in the City of Los Angeles portion of the cemetery. LAPD SWAT was requested to respond to the scene.

During the telephonic negotiations, LAPD reported that the suspect is possibly involved in a murder that occurred on 4-3-08 at approximately 8:19 pm, in the Wilshire District of LAPD.

Prior to SWAT’s arrival; the suspect drove forward and attempted to flee at a high rate of speed. Glendale Police Officers had blocked the roadway with two empty patrol vehicles, in an attempt to keep the Escalade from leaving the cemetery into the community after shooting at officers. The suspect crashed his vehicle into one of the patrol vehicles, coming to a stop. At this time, an Officer Involved Shooting took place. The suspect, who sustained a gunshot wound, was taken into custody. Los Angeles Fire Department transported the suspect to Los Angeles County Medical Center where he is in serious but stable condition. The identity of the suspect is not being released at this time. Refer all media inquiries regarding the homicide to LAPD.

Earlier 'Gangster killed by cops had fatally shot friend'

• A robbery was reported yesterday at 5:45 p.m. in the 14500 block of Friar Street in Van Nuys. Officers responded to a robbery investigation at a medical marijuana clinic. The employee advised that the Suspect came in an attempted to walk out with marijuana. When the employee questioned the suspect at the door, the suspect pulled out a handgun, pointed the handgun at the employee and demanded that the door be opened. The employee in fear, complied.

• A shooting occurred yesterday at 6:15 p.m. in the 12900 block of Corcoran in the Foothill area. Two suspects armed with a shotgun, shot a 17-year old victim, who was in front of his residence. The victim suffered superficial wounds to his forearm, shoulder and thigh area. The victim was taken to Holy Cross Hospital and was listed in stable condition. The victim claimed no gang affiliation.

Police had a couple of incidents to report from April 1.

• A hot prowl/burglary was reported at 1 p.m. in the 15400 block of Valerio Street in Van Nuys. The victim was in the shower when she heard a noise coming from inside her residence. The suspect forced entry through the rear window and fled when he heard the victim say "who's there?" The suspect fled with the victim's purse.

• A robbery was reported at 9:20 p.m. in the 13400 block of Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. Officers responded to a robbery investigation and met with the uncooperative victim. The victim advised officers he was walking to his vehicle when the suspect, armed with a handgun, approached him. The suspect struck the victim's face with the handgun and took the victim's backpack and wallet. The suspect ran away.

Police reported that a woman was shot and injured Sunday at 11:30 p.m. at Arminta and Lemp in the North Hollywood area. The victim was driving with her boyfriend when an unknown suspect approached the vehicle and fired rounds into the rear. The victim suffered one shot to her lower back and was taken to a local hospital. She is in stable condition. No other details were immediately available. I'll try to get a little more later.

SHERMAN OAKS - A man whose body was found with a gunshot wound to the head Sunday in a car on the Ventura Freeway was despondent over the suicide of his girlfriend and might have killed himself, police said this morning. Marlon Gordillo Sical, 20, had been arguing with his girlfriend, Virginia Castillo, 19, when he disappeared and she hanged herself, police said. "He was apparently despondent," said Los Angeles Police Capt. James Miller, adding that police still are calling the case an undetermined death until the results of an autopsy tomorrow.

dailynews.com

From the Los Angeles Police Department's overnight significant crimes report ... A possible gang shooting occurred yesterday afternoon at 2:32 p.m. in the 9000 block of Orion Avenue in North Hills. Three Latino boys ages 13 to 16 believed to be in an unknown gang used a semi-automatic pistol to shoot at a possible rival. Nobody was hit and gang detectives today are trying to sort it all out. LAPD Detective Todd Booth, up at the Mission Division, said police are getting conflicting reports about the case.

If anybody on the street out there knows what happened, drop us a line.

• A robbery was reported Saturday at 3 a.m. in the 15200 block of Sherman Way. The victims were in the parking lot when four suspects drove up in a green vehicle. Two suspects approached them armed with pistols, another suspect had a shotgun. The suspects demanded their property and the victims complied. The suspects disappeared. No descriptions were immediately available.

• An assault with a deadly weapon was reported on Sunday at 1 a.m. at McVine Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. The victim told police that an unknown suspect had hit him with a hard object on the head and neck before fleeing on foot. Apparently, the suspect and victim had gotten into a fight at a nearby bar. The suspect and the bartender were less than cooperative with the investigation. The victim was taken to Holy Cross Hospital and his wounds were not considered life threatening.

From yesterday's LAPD incident report, a man jewelry carrier was robbed yesterday at 3:45 p.m. at Ventura Boulevard and Matilija Avenue in Sherman Oaks as he was walking from an unknown store to his car when two men - no descriptions were immediately available - drove, simulated a handgun, smashed his rear window and took jewelry that was in backpacks before disappearing.

Detective Dan Nee, who specializes in these kinds of heists tells me that could be part of an ongoing trend of Colombians and others from South America who have been targeting jewelry salesmen and stealing their jewelry. Nee said it appears to be the same M.O. although he will need to see the crime report before he can make a more educated guess.

Nee is investigating at least two other recent incidents nearby, one in Studio City and one in North Hollywood. I wrote about them earlier this year.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - A burglary from a car recently at a gas station in North Hollywood has been tied to a South American jewelry theft ring that has been targeting the San Fernando, San Gabriel valleys and Los Angeles areas in recent years, a detective said today.

The latest incident took place just before 11 a.m. on Jan. 31 at a gas station in the 12500 block of Ventura Boulevard, said Los Angeles Police Detective Dan Nee. Two men, described as Latino, and one wearing a hat pulled low on his head, smashed through a vehicle window and stole from the backseat a case containing between $40,0000 and $50,000 in finished gold jewelry.

They had likely targeted the jewelry salesman and followed him from his home as he set out on his sales calls in the downtown Los Angeles Jewelry Mart for the day, Nee said. It wasn't the first time the victim had been targeted. Last year about the same time, thieves stole about the same amount of jewelry from him, Nee said.

"As a result, he's retiring from the business," said Nee.

No suspects have been arrested. A surveillance video from the gas station caught two suspects in a late 90s Nissan Maxima with no license plates.

Nee said he believes the thieves are among one of several crews from Colombia targeting the San Fernando Valley. Trained as pick-pockets in their home country, then graduating to jewelry thefts, Nee said he has seen several groups follow jewelry salesmen from their homes then rob them for 10s of thousands of dollars in loot.

A jewelry salesman was robbed in December outside a Starbucks in the 12800 block of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

I was off for a few days, and am catching up. Here's a couple of robbery incidents to report from Monday.

• Police were searching for a Latino male between the ages of 17 to 21 in connection with a robbery that occurred Monday at 12:45 p.m. at Erwin and Wilbur streets. Both victims are landscapers and were having their lunch when the suspect approached brandishing a gun. The suspect spoke only in Spanish and demanded money. The suspect searched the victims before taking off.

  On Monday at 10:55 p.m. in the 20100 block of Roscoe Boulevard, two male black suspects wearing bandanas over their faces entered a market. One suspect was armed and ordered customers to the floor. The suspects singled out the store manager and demanded money. After grabbing money, the suspects took off.

• A bank was robbed yesterday morning at 9 in the 5900 block of Canoga Avenue. A lone gunman entered the bank and ordered everyone to the ground. He robbed several tellers before taking off in an unknown direction. No description was immediately available.

• A robbery was reported yesterday at 10:40 p.m. at Lankershim and Sherman Way. Two suspects approached the victim in a parking lot. One suspect asked the victim for change. The victim told the suspect she did not have any change. A second suspect placed possibly a knife against the victim's side and stated, "Give me everything." The suspect then removed the victim's property and the suspects fled.

Morning blotter ...

• A robbery was reported last night at 9:25 at 7224 Mason. A gunman described as black between 20 and 25-years-old entered an Albertson’s market, pulled a gun and demanded money. He ordered the manager to go into the cash room and open the safe. The gunman was wearing gloves and had a bandana over his face. He took off in an unknown direction.

An afternoon crime blotter update ...

• An attempted kidnap/robbery was reported Monday at 9:05 p.m. in the 14600 block of Saticoy Street. Officers responded to a radio call of a 211 Attempt Kidnap. A male, black approached the female victim from behind and attempted to push her back into her vehicle. The victim believing that she was being kidnapped handed the subject the keys to her vehicle, and began to scream. The subject was last seen fleeing on foot.

• On Monday at 8:10 p.m. at 6410 Platt Avenue, a gunman described as 40-year-old and white went into a location, walked up to a cashier and demanded cash. The cashier was frightened into complying and the suspect walked over to a second cashier and also demanded cash. The gunman gave the cashier a "Ralphs” shopping bag and the cashier put the money in the bag. He then fled on foot south bound on Platt.

• A robbery was reported this morning at 3 at 22004 Clarendon Street. A gunman described as black and between 18 and 20-years-old entered a gas station and demanded money. He money and snacks and ran away in a unknown direction.

If you want to know what's going on crimewise in the South Bay, check out our partners in crime at the Daily Breeze, our sister paper's new crime and courts blog. The bloggers are staff writers for the Daily Breeze veterans Denise Nix and Larry Altman. Nix has spent most of the last dozen years in the courtroom. Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. Glad to have them as our partners in crime. Welcome to the world of blogging.

• Police opened an attempted murder case yesterday morning at 2:30 in the 19500 block of Ventura Boulevard. A fight erupted inside the Café involving two males. Several others became involved in the fight at which time multiple male suspects produced guns. As people fled the location, multiple gunshots were fired and the victims were hit. One is in critical condition and two others are in serious condition. West Valley Homicide is handling the investigation.

• A burglary was reported yesterday at 12:30 a.m. in the 6400 block of Teesdale. The victim is 94-year-old female and lives alone. While she was sleeping, the suspect turned off the power supply to the residence
  at the circuit box and got inside through a dog door. The victim’s purse purse was taken. No suspect was seen and one glove was recovered at scene.

A business robbery was reported Thursday at 1 p.m. in the 14800 block of Ventura Boulevard. The suspect wearing a hooded sweatshirt and armed with a gun, demanded money from the clerk. The suspect was given cash and was last seen in a vehicle. No other details at this time.

Good morning. Here's a little police blotter action to get you started.

A burglary was reported Monday 9:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of Halbrent Avenue. Officers responded to a burglary investigation where a significant amount of property was taken.

A robbery was reported Teusday at 1 a.m. at Sterns Avenue and Moorpark Street in Sherman Oaks. Officers responded to a street robbery investigation. The victim stated a suspect pointed a blue steel revolver while the other suspect removed his property. The suspects took off in an unknown direction.

The LAPD reports that there have been 16 homicides in the San Fernando Valley so far this year, two of which are believed to be gang related.

Here's a breakdown of homicides by area:

Van Nuys = 0

A robbery was reported Saturday at 10 p.m. at Victory Boulevard and Kester Avenue in Van Nuys. The victim was selling fruit from his truck when the suspect robbed him and beat him. The victim received major head trauma and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital. Detectives responded and were unable to get any further on the incident. They canvassed the area with negative results.

West Valley = 4, none of which are gang related

A death investigation was underway on Friday at 8:05 p.m. at Corbin and Ventura Boulevard. Officers were flagged down by a passerby at the above location regarding two intoxicated individuals. One person was highly intoxicated and subsequently transported to Kaiser Woodland Hills. A second person was unresponsive and was declared dead. Both were transients and due to the absence of trauma, it is possible that the man who died succumbed to alcohol poisoning.

Someone broke into a woman's house on Friday at 5:15 a.m. in the 8020 block of Canby. The victim was asleep in her bed when she felt someone touching her. The victim thought that it was a friend of hers who visits frequently and told him to stop messing around. The victim then illuminated the room with a cell phone and saw that it was a stranger. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and ran out. There were no injuries.

A bank robbery was reported Friday at 12:45 p.m. at 6534 Platt. The suspect entered the US Bank inside the Pavilions Grocery store. The suspect handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller complied, and the Suspect fled with money. There were no injuries.

A home invasion robbery was reported Sunday at 10:40 p.m. in the 5400 block of Lindley Avenue. Two males, described only as male others between 19 and 21, forced their way into victim’s residence, tied him up and beat him. The suspects then took his property. The victim was able to free himself, chased down the suspects, and stabbed one in the upper torso. A perimeter was set up and the second suspect located and taken into custody without incident.

North Hollywood = 5 homicides, two of which are gang related

A burglary was reported Friday at 10:15 a.m. in the 12400 block of Ventura Boulevard. The suspects entered the location by kicking in the rear door. Once they entered, they removed property, before taking off.

A robbery was reported Saturday at 10:50 a.m. in the 11600 block of Tuxford Street. The victim was inside the bakery when he heard a knock on the door. The suspect stated he wanted to buy some bread so the victim let the suspect inside. The suspect pulled a gun and demanded the victim to the ground. The suspect searched the victim’s pockets and removed money and cell phones. One suspect opened the door and allowed a second suspect to enter. That suspect searched the office for items, before both suspects took off.

A robbery was reported Sunday at 8 p.m. in the 5700 block of Cartwright Avenue. The suspect, a gang member, drove up to the victim and demanded money. The victim refused and the suspect pointed his finger at the victim, simulating a handgun. The victim, in fear, complied and gave the suspect his property. Officers saw the suspect and he was arrested.

FOOTHILL = 3 homicides, none are gang related

Devonshire = 2 homicides, neither are gang related

A homicide was reported Sunday at 1:45 a.m. at Corbin Avenue at Chase Street in Northridge. the victims were attending a party when an argument turned into a fistfight in the rear yard of the residence. The fight spilled into the alley where one of the suspects pulled a gun. One victim was shot in the shoulder, the other was shot in the face and died at the scene.

Mission = 2 homicides, one of which is gang related

A homicide was reported on Friday at 2:45 p.m. in the 14500 block of Chamberlain Street. Officers looked into the windows of a car and saw the body of a 30-year-old man.

Valley Traffic Division

Total Fatals 2008 - 17 people have been killed in 17 collisions
Total Fatals 2007 - 7 people have been killed in 7 collisions
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2008 - 6
Total Pedestrian Fatals 2007 - 3

Police reported a burglar trying to get into a house Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the 5400 block of Whitsett Avenue in North Hollywood. The victim was asleep inside the apartment when the suspect pried open the front door and woke the victim. The suspect then fled the location and no property was taken.

A shooting was reported Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the 13000 block of Vaughn Street in San Fernando. A group of five to six black males were standing outside their residence drinking when a vehicle pulled up in front. Someone inside the vehicle fired five rounds from a pistol at the group, wounding two. The suspect never said anything to the victims before the shooting. One victim was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was treated for a wound to the back. The second victim was treated at Pacifica Hospital for a wound to his ankle and was set to be released.

A shooting was reported Thursday at 8:40 p.m. at Vanowen Street and Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood. The victim was riding his bicycle when he saw a small black vehicle drive up next to him with four occupants. One of the suspects leaned out of a passenger-side window and fired one round, striking the victim in the left leg just below his butt. The victim was taken to a local hospital and was reported in stable condition.

A guy was stabbed in the butt and cops arrested the stabber at 11:45 last night in the 7400 block of Kelvin in Winnetka. The suspect and victim are roommates and had been drinking all day. They began fighting for an unknown reason. After the victim beat up the suspect, he retrieved a knife and stabbed the victim. A witness held the suspect down until police arrived. The victim was taken to West Hills Hospital.

A fatal traffic collision was reported just after noon yesterday at La Tuna Canyon Road and Fire Road West in Sun Valley. A bicyclist was westbound on La Tuna, speeding downhill at up to 30 mph, when he lost control and spilled onto the roadway east of Fire Road West. The man, who was 65 was taken to Pacifica Hospital where he died. He was wearing a helmet.

A robbery was reported last night at 9:15 at Albers Street and Ventura Canyon Avenue in Sherman Oaks. Officers responded to a robbery investigation involving two victims. The suspects were described as two male Hispanics, in their 20s, one suspect was armed with a handgun. The suspects took the victim's property. The suspects were last seen on foot from Albers Street. The victims were not injured.

A fatal traffic collision was reported at 7:30 last night on Ventura Boulevard and Ponce Avenue in Woodland Hills. A pedestrian was crossing mid-block at Ventura just east of Fallbrook when he was hit by a possible BMW driven by a female that was traveling east. The victim was thrown into the next lane where he was hit by another motorist. The female driver failed to stop. The second vehicle stopped and summoned the police. The investigation is continuing but the odor of alcohol was detected on the pedestrian.

A takeover robbery was reported last night at 7:30 in the 11600 Riverside Drive in North Hollywood. The suspect wearing a ski mask and gloves holding a pistol approached owners leaving the pharmacy and forced them back inside. The suspect tied the victims hands and forced them to give him narcotics and cash. The suspect then fled through a side door in an unknown direction.

Police reported a fatal traffic collision at 11:40 last night at Ventura Boulevard and Blue Canyon Drive. A Toyota Corolla was westbound on Ventura, crossed over into the eastbound lanes and became involved in head-on collision with a 2008 Honda Civic. One person died at Cedars Hospital. The second person suffered no injuries but his passenger suffered a broken leg.

A home invasion robbery was reported at 6:30 last night in the 6000 block of DeSoto Avenue in Woodland Hills. A female victim was walking into her apartment when a Latino man with a knife approached from behind, forced the door open and began choking her. The suspect demanded money and the victim, out of fear, complied and gave the suspect money. There were no injuries.

The news grinds on ... A home invasion robbery was reported at 6:30 last night in the 6000 block of DeSoto
Avenue in Woodland Hills. A female victim was walking into her apartment when a Latino man with a knife approached from behind, forced the door open and began choking her. The suspect demanded money and the victim, out of fear, complied and gave the suspect money. There were no injuries.

From the police blotter this morning ...

Someone held up a pizza deliveryman last night at 8:30 in the 5200 block of Corteen Place in Valley Village. The suspects approached the victim as he got into vehicle after delivering a pizza. The suspect produced a gun and stated, "Give me your money, mother(explitive)." The victim, in fear, complied and the suspect ran away.

A robbery was reported at 2:55 p.m. yesterday at MacClay and Foothill Boulevard north of the city of San Fernando. Two suspects approached the victim standing on the sidewalk outside a liquor store. The suspects demanded money. The victim refused and suspects began to beat him. The victim was stabbed in the chest with a knife. The suspects took the victim's wallet. The victim was treated at Olive View Medical Center and listed in stable condition.

A stabbing was reported on Friday at 3:45 a.m. in the 14200 block of Gilmore Avenue in Van Nuys. Officers found the victim on the sidewalk with a stab wound to his left arm and two stab wounds to his back. The victim said that two unknown suspects approached him from behind and attacked him for no reason. The victim was treated at Holy Cross Hospital for his non-life threatening injuries.

An armed street robbery was reported at 6 last night on Ventura Boulevard and Tampa Avenue in Tarzana. A 48-year-old man stopped in a parking lot to look up directions when a black man, 19 or 20 years old approached the vehicle and knocked on the driver's window while pointing a gun. He demanded that the victim roll down his window. In fear, the victim lowered his window and the suspect demanded his wallet and valuables. The victim surrendered his wallet and other property. The victim noticed that a second black man was standing at the passenger door and also was pointing a gun at him. Both Suspects fled to a vehicle.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - A burglary from a car recently at a gas station in North Hollywood has been tied to a South American jewelry theft ring that has been targeting the San Fernando, San Gabriel valleys and Los Angeles areas in recent years, a detective said today.

The latest incident took place just before 11 a.m. on Jan. 31 at a gas station in the 12500 block of Ventura Boulevard, said Los Angeles Police Detective Dan Nee. Two men, described as Latino, and one wearing a hat pulled low on his head, smashed through a vehicle window and stole from the backseat a case containing between $40,0000 and $50,000 in finished gold jewelry.

They had likely targeted the jewelry salesman and followed him from his home as he set out on his sales calls in the downtown Los Angeles Jewelry Mart for the day, Nee said. It wasn't the first time the victim had been targeted. Last year about the same time, thieves stole about the same amount of jewelry from him, Nee said.

"As a result, he's retiring from the business," said Nee.

No suspects have been arrested. A surveillance video from the gas station caught two suspects in a late 90s Nissan Maxima with no license plates.

Nee said he believes the thieves are among one of several crews from Colombia targeting the San Fernando Valley. Trained as pick-pockets in their home country, then graduating to jewelry thefts, Nee said he has seen several groups follow jewelry salesmen from their homes then rob them for 10s of thousands of
Advertisement
dollars in loot.

A jewelry salesman was robbed in December outside a Starbucks in the 12800 block of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

dailynews.com

A purse snatcher is now a attempted killer after he squirted pepper spray at her in Westminster. She's on life support. at a hospital and police are looking for the culprit, a woman about 20 wearing a gray sweater or sweatshirt.

The victim at first seemed OK, police said, then she had a stroke.

On top of it all, the would-be purse snatcher grabbed a bag that contained the woman's lunch.

Anyone with more information was asked to call Detective Kevin MacCormick at (714) 898-3315, ext. 340.

dailynews.com

A little catching up this afternoon ...

Four men were in custody today in connection with a credit card theft ring that used a portable scanner the size of two fingers to swipe credit card numbers at at least two gas stations in Sylmar and Newhall, police said this morning.

The scheme is alleged to have occurred Tuesday when a trio of men paid a $200 bribe to a Sylmar Mobil gas station clerk to have him use their portable scanner to steal customers' credit card numbers in transactions, said Los Angeles Police Lt. Loren Farell, who heads the Valley Forgery Section.

The men are believed to have also attempted to use the device at another gas station near Magic Mountain, Farell said. An employee at that gas station became suspicious and notified police, Farell said. The manager of the Sylmar gas station happened to be reviewing surveillance video and saw the suspects hanging around his station on Tuesday and police connected the suspects to the crime there, Farell said.

The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Tigran and Gevorg Vardanyan, 20, and Armen Sukiasyan, 19. All are from Van Nuys. All were being held on credit card theft charges at the Los Angeles County Jail.

The name of the clerk who allegedly took the bribe was not immediately available.

A check of Los Angeles County Superior criminal court records online shows that Gevorg Vardanyan was arrested in 2006 in connection with a vandalism case, charges that were later dropped. Farell said he believes the arrest occurred at a school, but had no details.

Forgery detectives are investigating the scope of the scheme, whether the men were involved in other similar cases around the region and who might have put them up to it.

Farell said that this was the first case he has seen in which someone has used a device that is so small, saying it was the size of two fingers.

dailynews.com

A theft was reported yesterday at 2:50 in the 14000 block of Victory Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. Officers completed a grand theft report for five businesses that had their rooftop air conditioning units stolen. It was discovered when the service representative responded and found that the A/C units were not working because the main components were taken. No suspect was seen, although a hammer and locks were recovered and booked as evidence.

A man was shot in the leg last night in North Hills. The victim took himself to Olive View Hospital. He had been visiting his girlfriend on Langdon Avenue near Roscoe Boulevard in North Hills. While walking back to Roscoe, he heard 10 gunshots coming from an unknown location and felt a burning to his left thigh. He was unsure where the shooting occurred. The victim received a superficial wound and was treated and released. No other details were immediately available.

An assault with a deadly weapon was reported last night at 6 at Clymer Street and Rubio Avenue in Northridge. The victim finished playing basketball at approximately 6 p.m. While walking to his car, someone in a pick-up truck fired three rounds at him, grazing him on the left ankle. The victim’s friend drove him to the hospital. The victim was not very cooperative.

• A robbery was reported last night at 7:15 on Vineland Avenue, south of Camarillo Street in North Hollywood. Two people walked up to their victim and pushed him. Then one assailant pullled a gun and asked the victim if he was a cop before demanding his property and disappearing.

This has been a case that I've been tracking for a while. Talking with the robbery detectives over at the North Hollywood division this morning looking for news, I got the tip that arrests were made in a violent robbery that left a jewelry store owner injured in October. The male and female suspects are from South Los Angeles and came up to the Valley allegedly to commit their crime. They are now facing robbery and assault charges. The female suspect apparently told cops that her male accomplice recruited her into the scheme. Here's the story in full today.

STUDIO CITY - A male and female duo from South Los Angeles were in custody this morning in connection with a violent jewelry store robbery that left the owner injured and the suspects with $30,000, police said this morning.

Eric Jackson, a 37-year-old convicted robber, and Tranika Rispress, 20, were being held on robbery and assault charges at the Los Angeles County Jail.

They are believed responsible for the Oct. 11 robbery at Dana Kathryn Jewelry on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, police said.

The suspects allegedly entered the store about 4:30 p.m. and began to browse and ask questions about jewelry inside the cases, police said. Five minutes later, the male suspect pulled out a blue steel pistol and pointed it at the face of the 17-year-old son of the owner while the female suspect grabbed his arm and pushed him against the wall, according to a police report.

The suspected gunman then ran behind the jewelry case and began punching and kicking the female owner in the face and neck, knocking her down, after she tried to trigger the silent alarm, police said. He then hopped the case, used the butt of the gun to smash it, and took a bracelet from inside, police said.

Both suspects then ran to the back of the store, grabbed a box of jewelry, ran out the front door and across Ventura to a Staples parking lot. There, they were seen getting into a silver Dodge Charger with tinted windows and after-market rims, police said.

The 46-year-old female store owner suffered injuries to her head and neck and was taken to a hospital. She has since recovered, police said.

In early November, police put out images from surveillance video taken at the store to the news media. In December, an anonymous caller identified the suspects, said Los Angeles Police Department Detective Mark O'Donnell.

Rispress was arrested at her home Thursday. She told police she grew up in the same neighborhood as Jackson and he recruited her to participate in the scheme, O'Donnell said.

Jackson was already in custody Jan. 26 in connection with violating terms of his parole in connection with an earlier robbery conviction when police served him with a warrant in connection with the Studio City robbery, O'Donnell said.

Police in Glendale and Whittier are combing through robbery reports to see whether these two were involved in other similar cases, O'Donnell said.

dailynews.com

• A shooting occurred Friday at 6:45 p.m. in the 5500 block of Bonner Avenue in North Hollywood. Two men approached in their vehicle, produced a gun, and shot at the victim. The victim ran so one suspect got out of the vehicle, chased him and fired several more rounds. One of the rounds struck the victim’s right arm. Both suspects fled in their vehicle. The victim was transported to Holy Cross Hospital. The case is possibly gang related. The victim is not being cooperative, said Los Angeles Police Detective Rich Wheeler.

• This is the police note of the homicide that I wrote about in the previous post. Police said the case occurred Friday about 11:45 p.m. on Strathern and Bellaire in North Hollywood. Firefighters responded to a radio call of a man down. On arrival, they saw a male, lying on the sidewalk unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The victim succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced at Holy Cross Hospital.
  

There was a gang-related homicide in North Hollywood Friday night. I just spoke with Detective Rich Wheeler, a supervisor over at the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood station about it. No arrests have been made. Here's what I've got so far.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - A 31-year-old man with no apparent gang ties was fatally wounded Friday night in a drive-by shooting two blocks away from his North Hollywood home, police said.

Alvaro Ely Calderon was on his way home from an am/pm mini market with a 40-ounce bottle of Miller Lite when somone inside a white vehicle fired shots, striking him at least four times before 11:40 p.m. on Bellaire Avenue near Blythe Street, said Los Angeles police Detective Rich Wheeler.

Calderon died later at a local hospital.

The gunman was inside possibly a Honda or Nissan car with as many as four people in it, Wheeler said.

Calderon, who is divorced and has a child has no known gang ties, nor any gang-related arrests, Wheeler said. He was living with his mother and father who were asleep at home at the time their son was shot.

"This is a murder you hate to get," Wheeler said. "There's not a lot of good, juicy clues to follow up on."

Anyone with information is asked to call Wheeler or Detective Martin Pinner at (818) 623-4075.

dailynews.com

I got this story late Friday and expect to be checking with the District Attorney's Office today to see whether or not charges are being filed. Stay tuned.

NORTH HILLS - A former employee with the Penny Lane Family Center in North Hills has been arrested in connection with having unlawful sex with a 16-year-old girl, police said this evening.

Eugene Portis Jr., 37, of Victorville, was arrested Jan. 15 at the North Hollywood Division police station in the 11600 block of Burbank Boulevard, according to the arrest blotter. Details about the arrest were not immediately available.

Portis was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail on suspicion of having unlawful sex with a minor and has since bailed out of jail after posting $20,000 bond. No charges have yet been filed, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. But they could come before his sheduled court appearance on Feb. 5, Gibbons said. Since he has bailed out of jail, she said, police have more time to file their case with the D.A.

In a press release released Friday night, police said that Portis was previously employed by Penny Lane's Foster Care/Foster Family Agency. A 16-year-old Latina reported to police that while seeking drug counseling, Portis engaged in a sexual relationship with her, said Los Angeles Police Detective Karen Crawford. No other details were immediately available.

No one answered calls to Penny Lane late Friday.

It appeared Portis had been working at Penny Lane for about three years, according to a spring 2005 Penny Lane online newletter.

Police are asking that anyone who has information about Portis to call LAPD detectives Makarenko or Kimrey at (818) 623-4090.

dailynews.com

A little overnight crime news item from the folks at LAPD Valley headquarters:

• A home invasion robbery was reported last night at 9:30 in the 6600 block of Farmdale Road in North Hollywood. The victim was at home watching TV when someone knocked on his front door. When he opened the door, the victim was confronted by two suspects wearing dark clothing. One suspect was holding a revolver and the other a semi-auto pistol. The suspects forced their way in, ripped the phone cords from the wall, tied the victim up, then ransacked the place before disappearing.

• A robbery was reported Friday at 11:20 p.m. in the 6130 block of Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood. The victim was walking toward her apartment when the suspect approached her, pushed her up against a vehicle, and demanded her property. The victim felt a hard object against her hip believing it to be a gun. The victim fearing for her life, gave up her property. But the victim asked the suspect not to take her purse. He advised her he would harm her if she did not comply.

• A robbery was reported at Friday at 8:20 p.m. in the 7200 block of Jordan Avenue in Canoga Park. The victim had just parked her vehicle in her garage when the suspect confronted her. The suspect exposed a gun in his waistband and demanded the victim's money. The victim in fear complied and gave the suspect cash and he told her not to call the police and ran away.
  

A robbery was reported last night at 8:50 at a Petco at 12800 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. Two male black suspects bought some items then pushed the employee to the ground. A second suspect acted as a lookout while the other suspect placed his hand behind his back to his waistband and demanded that the register be opened. The suspects took cash and fled on foot in an unknown direction.

A home invasion robbery was reported at 3 this morning in the 14300 block of Chandler Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. The victims were at a club in Hollywood when they met two male blacks. Later the victims invited them back to their residence for drinks and to play pool. While at the residence, one of the victims went to sleep, while the other two victims entertained the suspects. One suspect then pulled a gun and had the two victims lie face down in the bathroom, while they removed property and then disappeared.

Here's the LAPD's morning report of significant incidents from the past couple of days:

• A fatal traffic collision was reported yesterday at 4:46 p.m. at Canoga Avenue and Devonshire Street between a 1998 Honda Accord and a 2007 Honda BTM. The 2007 Honda was northbound on Canoga and collided with the right rear fender of the 1998 Honda that was eastbound and backing westbound from a private driveway north of Devonshire Street. One person was ejected from the 2007 Honda. The man was taken to Northridge Hospital where he died.

• A hot prowl burglary was reported Monday at 12:55 a.m. in the 6200 block of Beck Avenue in North Hollywood. The suspect entered the victim’s residence through an unlocked front window. The victim screamed and the suspect fled. No property was removed. The victim did not report this incident until 5 p.m. the next day.
  

By now surely you've heard about the latest spasm of Britney Spears. Well, here's the note of the incident from the LAPD, followed by an armed robbery case:

• The police called Spear's case a celebrity incident. It occurred last night just before 8 at 12000 Summit Circle in Beverly Hills. Officers responded to a violation of a court order radio call at Brittany (sic) Spears' residence. Spears refused to return her children to the court-appointed monitor as directed by a court order. Spears was later transported to Cedar's Sinai Hospital.

  In other news ...

• An armed robbery was reported at 9:30 last night at Haskell Avenue and San Fernando Mission Boulevard in Mission Hills. The victim was approached by two male Hispanic suspects, who got out of a vehicle. One suspect brandished a gun and demanded the victim's property. The victim gave up his property to the suspects, who took off in a vehicle.
  

Here are a couple of business robberies from overnight in the Valley:

• A business robbery was reported last night at 7:30 p.m. at a Mobil gas station in the 6400 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Canoga Park. The suspect entered the location, pointed a gun at the clerk and said, “Give me all the money.” The clerk complied with the suspect's demands out of fear. The clerk placed all the money in a bag - $300 in cash. The man was described as 5 foot 4, 130 pounds, and possibly white. The suspect took off in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

• A second business robbery was reported last night about five minutes after the previous one, this one in the 6000 block of Canoga Avenue in Canoga Park. The suspect entered the location and asked the clerk for cigars. The clerk was in the process of putting money in the safe. The suspect was able grab the clerks hand, take the money and then fled on foot. There were no injuries.
  

A man armed with a pistol went to the Reseda home of his ex-wife on Christmas Eve, burst through the door, got into a fight with the woman's 18-year-old son when the gun went off. The man was tackled and detained until police arrived and took him into custody. It was a Christmas story that could have ended very badly for the 46-year-old woman and a 9-month-old boy who she held in her arms, police said. Police arrested Manual T. Gonzalez, a construction worker from Reseda on kidnapping, domestic violence, and assault with a deadly weapon charges, police said.

Pretty fluid situation right now. I think the cops do now have someone in custody on this one. Stay tuned and I'll update you later.

Here's how the case began:

A rookie LAPD officer twisted or broke his ankle this morning during a confrontation with an indecent exposure suspect who disappeared somewhere in the wash of the Los Angeles River, prompting a search on the streets around the Ventura Freeway near Woodman Avenue, police said.

The drama began before 9 a.m. as the probationary officer and his partner responded to a call of a man described as a heavyset Latino in a blue jacket at Stern Avenue and Valleyheart Drive, which abutts the L.A. River.

The man resisted, and somehow the officer twisted his ankle on a fence, prompting a call for paramedics. The officer was taken to a local hospital. Police didn't immediately know the status of his ankle.

dailynews.com

A robbery was reported yesterday at 4:15 p.m. at Vineland Avenue and San Fernando Road in Sun Valley. The victim was seated in her vehicle talking on her cell phone in the parking lot. A gunman approached on the driver side and opened the vehicle door while a second suspect stood with his back to her at the rear of her vehicle acting as a look out. The gunman grabbed the victim's wallet that was on her lap, then reached over her and grabbed her purse that was on the center console. He then pointed a gun at her and attempted to grab the cell phone but she refused to let go. Then the two suspects, described only as male Hispanics, ran away.

Doing my routine checks of all the arrests from overnight around the city, I got the story of a drug rip off crew with a back story that gets real murky and involves a drug sale to a teen girl who overdosed this summer. This is the top of the story.

Three men have been charged and a fourth was being sought in connection with a semi organized dope-rip off ring that targeted dealers in the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood.

The latest arrest came Wednesday when one of the suspects, Fatshi A. Touresian, a 21-year-old North Hollywood salesman, showed up in a Van Nuys courtroom to appear on an earlier case of vehicle tampering. He was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail on charges stemming from a pot rip off in April at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Mulholland Drive that went bad when Jeffrey Jenkins, 25, was shot in the neck and survived, said Los Angeles Police Detective Martin Pinner. Bail was set at $626,570.

dailynews.com

Here's the police report from the child abduction that was reported this morning on our site.

It took place at 9:05 last night in the 7500 block of Irvine Avenue. The suspect is a fugitive on the run from the U.S. Marshals with a $4 million warrant for spousal kidnap, rape and torture of his ex-wife. The ex-wife has moved several times in order to avoid the suspect and just recently moved. Last evening the suspect knocked on the rear window of the residence, when the ex-wife went to investigate she recognized that it was her ex-husband and ran to get the phone.

The suspect broke the glass on the rear door and went in. The suspect confronted the ex-wife and demanded to see their 11-month-old daughter, Deanne. The ex-wife refused and went to retrieve the phone to call the police. The suspect ran to the front of the house removed the child and fled. No one was injured and no weapons were involved.

This is the big story this morning. Out of North Hollywood, an 11-month old was allegedly kidnapped from a North Hollywood home by her 28-year-old father, a fugitive recently profiled on America's Most Wanted and being sought for alleged spousal abuse, rape, kidnapping and torture, authorities said today. Shortly after 9 last night, Raul Carillo Alderete took the child from the home of his ex-girlfriend -- the infant's mother -- near Sherman Way and Lankershim Boulevard, said Sgt. Kenneth Henkle of the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Station.

dailynews.com

A noteworthy incident via LAPD:

• There was a robbery yesterday at 1:30 in the 18400 block of Bessemer Street in Tarzana. While the victim was driving down the street, the two suspects (from their vehicle) told him there was a problem with his vehicle. When the victim stopped to inspect his vehicle, one suspect approached with a gun and demanded property. The victim complied.
  

Here are a couple of incidents from over the weekend, including a homicide:

• An assault with a deadly weapon and shots fired call was reported Friday at 7:05 p.m. at Victory Boulevard and Columbus Avenue in Van Nuys. On arrival, police found a victim down with a single gunshot wound to the foot. The victim was walking east on Victory when he turned north on Columbus. A vehicle pulled up, asked where he was from - the victim did not answer - then the passenger window rolled down and he saw a gun come out the window. He immediately ducked and heard numerous gunshots; he felt pain to his foot. He then fled to Valley Presbyterian Hospital across the street.

• A homicide was reported at Sunday at 7:45 p.m. in the 10100 block of Samoa Avenue in Tujunga. Officers responded to a call for an assault with a deadly weapon/shots fired. On arrival, the officers observed the victim down at the scene and unresponsive. He was dead at the scene. Witnesses were located and stated that the victim was standing on the sidewalk when a vehicle pulled up to the victim and a heated discussion took place. Several shots were fired, striking the victim. The victim was a
  gang member and a parolee at large. dailynews.com
  

GLENDALE - A man enraged at a group of men who were looking at his female relative tried to run them down with his van during a soccer game at a Glendale sports complex, police said today.

Seroj Zadorian, a 53-year-old plumber, is accused of trying to run down four Armenian men, ages 25 to 40, who were standing on the sidelines of a game at The Glendale Sports Complex in the 2800 block of Fern Lane, said Glendale Police Officer John Balian.

They were among a group of up to 70 spectators who scattered as Zadorian's white plumbing van, complete with a Sergio's Plumbing sticker affixed, began lumbering toward them on Tuesday, Balian said. No one was hit.

After trying to run the men over, Zadorian drove off, Balian said. Police were summoned and when they found the van, it stopped and the suspect tried to hide in some bushes before he was arrested without a fight, Balian said.

He is expected to appear at a Dec. 20 arraignment hearing where he will face charges of two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

dailynews.com

Unfortunately, these kinds of things can turn out badly. This one turned out OK, despite the fact that the one of the guys was stabbed. He's expected to survive. This one comes from out Simi way.

SIMI VALLEY - A 36-year-old Simi Valley man was stabbed eight times and survived in a bar fight at Judge Roy Beans bar.

Sean Swearinger was stabbed at about 20 minutes after midnight this morning at the bar at 2780 Tapo Canyon Road.

He was taken to a local hospital where he was expected to survive. Police believe there were up to five individuals involved in the fight, but no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6929.

dailynews.com

24-year-old Yuliya Kalinina turned to the Internet in search of a husband, she made it absolutely clear what she was looking for in a relationship: "Green Card Marriage -- Will pay $300/month. Total $15,000," the Russian national living in Los Angeles wrote in an ad placed on the Craigslist website. "This is strictly platonic business offer, sex not involved." She and her husband were arrested in connection with a federal case of sham marriage. Scott Glover in the Los Angeles Times

GLENDALE - A pre-Christmas shopping spree ended with the arrests of two men accused in a case of trying to buy $70,000 in Rolex watches from a Ben Bridge Jeweler at the Glendale Galleria using phony credit cards and stolen IDs, police said this morning.ht (Nazaryan is the one of the left. Vlasov is on the rig.)

Pavel V. Vlasov, 23, of Tarzana (the one in the photo to the right) and Zekar Nazaryan, 24, who gave police a P.O. box address, were arrested Tuesday at the Galleria's Ben Bridge Jeweler on Central Avenue in Glendale, said Glendale Police Officer John Balian. Both were being held on charges including burglary, ID theft, credit card theft, and forgery, Balian said. Bail for both men was set at $50,000.

The men allegedly used a ficticious identity to create at least three phony credit cards in the last several months and went on a shopping spree, Balian said.

The name on the cards matched the name on the driver's license, Balian said.

They allegedly tried to buy two Rolex watches worth a total of $70,000, including a $50,000 18 karat platinum Daytona, Balian said. They happened to be in the store returning another watch, worth $2,800, that they allegedly purchased earlier using the phony card, Balian said. They were arrested after a clerk became suspicious and notified mall security.

"They didn't get far," Balian said. "They got arrested."

Police were looking into the possibility that the suspects committed other similar heists around the area, Balian said.

"They were going for high-end, quick money items," Balian said.

Summertime is traditionally what cops call the killing season, when kids are out of school, temperatures are hot and things get a little buggy in the big city. But last night there was a double killing in Van Nuys. Not a whole lot of details yet, but stay tuned. So far here's the skinny:

VAN NUYS - Police sought the public's help today in the search for whoever fatally shot two men on a sidewalk near an apartment building in Van Nuys.

The shooting occurred last night in the 7000 block of Hazeltine Avenue, just south of Sherman Way, said Capt. Jim Miller of the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Station.

Police received calls around 10:15 last night reporting that shots had been fired near Sherman Way and Hazeltine Avenue, but officers dispatched to the area could find no evidence of a shooting, he said.

About 10 minutes later, however, a caller reported two males on the ground in the 7000 block of Hazeltine Avenue, and there - on the grass by a sidewalk adjacent to an apartment building - the officers found two victims with gunshot wounds to the upper body, he said.

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the second died later at a hospital, he said, adding that both victims appeared to be adults. Their identities were not immediately released because family members had not been notified, said Los Angeles Police Detective Mike Coblentz.

"We have no witnesses to the shooting so we are asking for the public's help," Miller said.

"It's just a whodunit," Coblentz said.

dailynews.com

From overnight, police reported a couple of noteworthy incidents in the San Fernando Valley.

• An attempted robbery and carjacking was reported yesterday at 12:15 in the 17300 block of Hatteras Street in Encino. Two victims were sitting in their vehicle, when a suspect walked up, pointed a gun at them, and demanded their money and cars keys. One victim pushed the door open and into the suspect, causing the suspect to fall back. The victims then quickly drove away from location. There were no injuries and no property was taken.

• A robbery with shots fired was reported at 6:20 yesterday morning at Alabama Avenue and Gault Street in Canoga Park. The victim was walking out of his house when the suspects approached and pointed a gun at him and demanded money. The victim thought the gun was a BB gun and attempted to take the gun away. But a
  struggle ensued and the victim was shot in the lower leg. The victim was taken to West Hills Hospital and is expected to survive. The thieves took a cell phone and money.
  

A couple of crimes to report from overnight ...

• A kidnap/robbery/car theft was reported last night at 5:40 at Vanowen Street and Gloria Avenue in Van Nuys. Police described it as going down like this: The victim is a jeweler and received a phone call to meet potential customers. On his arrival, two suspects got into his vehicle and put a gun to the victim’s chest. The suspect then had the victim drive to a dark area and get out of the vehicle. The suspects fled in the victim’s vehicle, containing jewelry and a cell phone.

• A robbery was reported yesterday morning at 7:50 at Vineland Avenue just north of Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood. This one went down this way: The suspect approached the victim and asked if she wanted to buy crack cocaine. When the victim refused, the suspect pulled out a gun and struck the victim in the face with his hand knocking the victim to the ground. The suspect removed the victim’s property and fled on foot.
  

The Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Bureau headquarters had a couple of incidents to report from over the weekend:

• An attempted robbery and assault was reported Sunday after midnight at Cohasset Street and Orion Avenue in North Hills. Police said the victim was walking when two suspects approached him. One asked the victim for money, and the victim told him he did not have any. The suspect then stabbed the victim with a sharp object in the chest and leg before both suspects took off on foot. The victim received medical treatment for his injuries and was later released. No other details were immediately released.

• Also Sunday after midnight, a gang-related shooting left a woman with a wound to her left foot at a flier party at Cantlay Street and Vineland Avenue in Sun Valley. The victim was at the party with rival gang members. Gang members exchanged words and everyone fled the location. (The victim is not a gang member). The victim then felt a burning sensation in her left foot and noticed that she had been shot. She was taken to a local hospital where police responded. The victim was in stable condition and released. No other details were immediately available.

Could it have been love that caused a boyfriend and girlfriend duo, both members of the Clanton Street gang, to allegedly jack a 2000 Saturn the other night in North Hollywood and take the jewelry from the motorist and his female passenger? Or was it spur of the moment? Leo Vasquez, 30, and Angelia M. Langley, 28, are accused in the Nov. 24 heist at Saticoy Street and Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood, police said. The two will now spend time apart, housed in separate county jail facilities, facing carjacking charges, with bail set at over $1 million, said Los Angeles Police Detective Sean Mahoney. Langley, unemployed from Torrance, and Vasquez, a driver from the Rampart area, were arrested by, get this, school police who were flagged down by a friend of the owner of the Saturn, who happened to spot the car rolling on Norris Avenue in Pacoima last night, Mahoney said. Apparently, Mahoney said, the duo were on their way to Langley's sister's house in Pacoima when they were arrested. Smart move, huh?

There were a couple of noteworthy incidents from overnight:

• A robbery was reported just after noon yesterday in the 22700 block of Hatteras Street in Woodland Hills. The suspect approached two construction workers at their construction site. The suspect displayed a gun and demanded money. The victims complied and the suspect took off south on foot.

• A robbery was reported last night before 11 at a Mobil gas station in the 4300 block of Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood. In this case, a female suspect entered a location, pulled a gun, pointed it at the employee and demands the money in the cash register. A second suspect, meanwhile, did not enter the location but stood outside the front door and acted as a look out. The employee complied and gave the suspect money from the cash register. Both suspects took off on foot with $400 cash.
  

Los Angeles Police Department just forwarded over a couple of recent incidents for the blotter:

• A carjacking was reported Nov. 21 at 8:45 p.m. at Amestoy Avenue and Saticoy Street in Van Nuys. It began when the victim had given the two suspects a ride. One suspect told the victim to pull over and then tried to convine him to sign a bill of sale for his truck. The victim refused, so the suspect struck him in the head with a Mag flashlight and a struggle for the car keys ensued. A second suspect grabbed the victim around the neck, but the victim was able to escape with a bruise and a cut to the eye. The suspects took off in the victim’s vehicle.

• A robbery was reported on Nov. 22 at 7:25 p.m. at Sherman Way and Independence Avenue in Canoga Park. It began when a man approached the victim outside a restaurant and pointed a gun at him, then demanded the victim’s property. The victim complied out of fear for his safety. And the suspect fled to a waiting vehicle, where a second suspect was waiting. The suspects fled north on Independence. No injuries were reported.
  

I saw this one in our regional roundup today and it left me scratching my head.

STEVENSON RANCH - Deputies found one man dead and another suffering from critical stab wounds in a parking lot in the 25200 block of Steinbeck Avenue early today, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
Witnesses say the stabbings happened after a melee involving 10 to 15 men.
Deputies were responding to a report of an assault about 12:15 a.m. when they found the victims, officials said. They identified both victims only as white men. Paramedics pronounced one dead at the scene and rushed the other to a local hospital.
Deputies ask anyone with information on the assault to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

I didn't make the call, so I'm not sure what spurred this, but golly, that sounds like a big fight for a sleepy, little subdivision. I had a girlfriend in college who lived up there and all her neighbors were cops.... I'll see if the sheriff's deputies would care to share more later on when this fire calms down a bit.

6:05 p.m. UPDATE- (or lack thereof)... Nope. I talked to Lt. Gump and a deputy down in homicide. The investigators are still on scene and have no updates. If we get anything more, I'll post it here later.

The best laid plans of mice and men -- three men tied up a Poquito Mas employee and forced him to give up the restaurant's alarm code. But after getting inside the restaurant they got a little skittish and decided to cancel the job and disappear.

• The incident was reported about 6:20 yesterday morning when an employee was about to open the restaurant in the 21000 block of Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills. The employee had just parked his car and was approaching the business when the suspects approached. One man, armed with a knife, ordered the victim to enter their vehicle where he was tied up. The suspects demanded the alarm code to the restaurant then two of the men attempted to disarm the alarm and entered the business. Once inside, they apparently got a little nervous fearing they did not disarm the alarm. So they took off without having taken anything. The suspects took the victim’s wallet and fled in their vehicle. The victim was not injured.

• In other crime related news, police received a call about a robbery just after midnight this morning in the 4900 block of Haskell Avenue in Sherman Oaks. A female victim pulled into her driveway and was sitting in her vehicle with the door ajar when the suspect approached. The suspect with a gun at his hip demanded the victim’s purse but she refused to give it up and instead they struggled over it. The suspect then demanded her cell phone that she gave to him before he took off.

Don't yet know if these two following robberies are related. But they both involved at least two guys, one with a getaway driver, and both were in Van Nuys.

Police reported a robbery last night just after 9 last night at Victory Boulevard and Fulton Avenue in Van Nuys. Two male Hispanics approached a man as he was walking to his car when a third suspect pointed a gun at him. Another suspect held the victim and the gunman picked his wallet before taking off in a car. No other details were immediately available.

Another robbery was reported Saturday about 7 p.m. at Van Noord Avenue and Sarah Street in Van Nuys. This is the way police say it went down. The victim was walking north on Van Noord approaching Sarah when two, male Hispanics approached him from behind. One of them pointed a gun at the Victim’s head demanded him move closer to the house where it was dark, then asked him what do you have. The victim, in fear, complied and told them what property he had. Then a second suspect picked the victim’s pockets and took his property before both suspects ran away.

On Sunday, just before 1 a.m., a guy was shot in the chest in the 6700 block of Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys. Police responded to Valley Presbyterian Hospital from a call of a victim of a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest. The victim was at a Bar outside the front with friends when all of a sudden he heard a single gun shot and noticed he had been shot. The victim’s friends took him to the hospital where he is listed in stable condition. Officers responded to the location of the shooting and were unable to locate any witnesses or evidence.

Three Pacoima gangsters have been charged and a fourth person was being sought in connection with an hours-long carjack and robbery spree that spanned the northern part of the San Fernando Valley, police said this morning.

The case began Nov. 3 when the suspects took a car at gunpoint in the 16900 block of Devonshire Street in Granada Hills, then crashed it, police said. They then tried to steal another car, but failed and instead robbed the victim, said Los Angeles Police Department Detective Dave Peteque. They then robbed somone else before going to a gas station where they approached three women in a Mitsubishi Montero, and asked them if they wanted to party before ordering them at gunpoint them to drive to another location where they picked up a friend, Peteque said.

dailynews.com

Police today reported a robbery from Nov. 9 at 9:30 p.m. in the 16000 block of Saticoy Street in Van Nuys. Here's the police description of how it went down: Two Hispanic suspects entered a Restaurant, pointed a
gun at the employee and demanded money. But the employee was unable to open the register so after a quick search behind the counter, the guys took off. No other details were immediately available.

An update from the previous posting in which police were looking for a man who stabbed a woman leaving her injured during a botched home invasion robbery.

Here's the latest.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - A suspect was in custody today in connection with the stabbing of a North Hollywood woman in her third-story apartment, authorities said.

Los Angeles Police Department officials from the North Hollywood Station plan to hold a news conference at 2 p.m. to discuss the suspect's arrest, LAPD Officer Mike Lopez said. No information on the suspect was immediately available.

Police found the 33-year-old woman outside her apartment in the 11500 block of Magnolia Boulevard, near Colfax Avenue, about 6 a.m. Sunday, Lopez said. Her name was withheld.

An LAPD statement said the woman "had been stabbed multiple times and was bleeding profusely." She was hospitalized in stable condition this morning, the LAPD reported.

The suspect was trying doors in the apartment building and found the high school teacher's door unlocked, Fox11 reported. Police said neighbors heard the commotion, ran into the man and attempted to question him. One neighbor followed him, but he got away, Lopez said.

The assailant reported took some items from the woman's apartment, including a laptop computer.

A couple of incidents in the Valley to report from yesterday.

About 9:30 a.m., a man simulating a gun, walked into a place in the 6100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys and demanded that a safe be opened. When the guy advised he couldn't open the safe, the robber grabbed cash from the cash drawer and disappeared. No other details were immediately available.

About 10:30 p.m., a group of male Hispanics and a group of male blacks were walking and exchanged words in the Universal City area when a man pulled a gun and fired a round into the group, striking one in the leg. Both groups ran leaving the victim at scene. The victim was aken to Olive View Medical Center where he was in stable condition with a wound to the leg. No other details were immediately available.

Here are a couple of arrests from yesterday.

• A 32-year-old Tarzana woman and a 34-year-old mechanic from Reseda were arrested in the Rampart area of the city on suspicion of robbery.

• 5600 block of Kanan Road: A 24-year-old manager from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of rape. We'll get more details.
  

The Los Angeles Police Department this morning reported a burglary that happened Monday 3:30 p.m. in the 20300 block of Blythe Street. The suspect knocked on the victim’s front door and when there was no answer, he went to the garage door and kicked it in. The victim who was upstairs, then saw the suspect and screamed. He then fled without taking any property.

Here are some arrests from yesterday:

• Sepulveda Boulevard: A 23-year-old unemployed man from Panorama City was arrested on suspicion of supervising a prostitute.

• Van Nuys Boulevard: A 31-year-old computer repairman was arrested on suspicion of rape.

• Ventura Boulevard: A 42-year-old life-style trainer from Sherman Oaks was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 12500 block of Sherman Way, North Hollywood: A 27-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of car theft.
  

A cop with about a year on the job shot and killed a pitbull that the officer says charged at him. The shooting occurred on Sept. 28, at about 1:30 p.m., when Officer Cody Lewis and his partner responded to a radio call of pit bulls attacking one another at the 10200 block of Vena Avenue in Arleta. The officers used a fire extinguisher to stop the pit bull fight, and one of the dogs charged at the officers. Officer Lewis fired his duty weapon one time and struck the dog. The dog died as a result of its injuries.

We're flat out on this story, with Jason, Rachel and Rick all pitching in. We'll get ya updates as soon as we can.
UPDATED, 6:47 p.m. with names of suspects.

RESEDA - A 4-year-old child is clinging to life after suffering critical wounds in a car crash caused by street racers who were booked into custody on suspicion of attempted murder, news reports and authorities said.

"This incident did not have to happen," LAPD Capt. Ron Marbrey told NBC4 at a late-morning news conference. "The mother ... is probably going to lose a leg, and the other leg is severely crushed."

It's been a really bad week for crashes in the Los Angeles area. Here's one from this morning.

A 32-year-old man was killed while crossing a street in Sylmar after he was struck by a hit-and-run motorist who abandoned his blue Chevrolet Tahoe about two blocks away from where the pedestrian was hit.

Police said the drama began as Joseph Wichmann was crossing Glenoaks Boulevard at Monte Street just after 9 last night outside a crosswalk, near his house. A Tahoe headed south on Glenoaks hit him, sending him 90 feet, officials said. He died at the scene.

The identity of the hit-and-run suspect was not immediately available. He was said to have abandoned his damaged Tahoe with the license plate number of 5ROW149 about two blocks away from the scene before running away, police said.

Here's one that left a 4-year-old fighting for his life and also injured his sibling and his mother. Click here to read the story.

The following arrests occurred on Oct. 7:

• 13700 block Sproule Avenue Sylmar: A 21-year-old electrician was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and an 18-year-old fork lift operator was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism.

• 11300 block of Hayvenhurst Avenue, Granada Hills: An 18-year-old student was arrested on suspicion of lynching.

• 13400 block of filmore Street, Pacoima: A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of carjacking.

• 14200 block of Calvert Street, Van Nuys: A 23-year-old construction worker from San Fernando was arrested on suspicion of mayhem with a gang enhancement.
  

Here's the latest on the case of the robbers who were foiled when a safe at the Albertson's store in Mission Hills failed to open over the weekend. Not only were they foiled, but they were caught on the store's surveillance tapes. You can read the story by clicking here. They might want to try a new line of work.
Earlier

Coroner's officials can't determine the cause of death of a dismembered female body found on a lot in Lancaster. A man collecting cans found the mummified remains near 20th Street West and Avenue G on Saturday at 11 a.m. The coroner's department is set to do more tests to try to figure it all out. The identity of the woman has not yet been released until family members can be notified. Stay tuned.

A man on his way home from church was hit by a car and killed in Glendale and now police are searching for the motorist responsible. Police said the victim was Wencslao Devera, 53, a Glendale residen. He was hit hit by a compact car at Chevy Chase Boulevard last night about 8:15 p.m. Devera was taken to Glendale Adventist Medical Center where he died, police said. Police described the car as a beige, white or silver-colored car, which may have a broken headlight or windshield. Anyone with more information about the case was urged to call Glendale police at (818) 548-4840 or (818) 507-STOP.

To get your morning started, check out this story about would-be robbers who tried to open a safe that wouldn't budge.

Two employees at a Mission Hills supermarket were tied up and pistol-whipped today during a robbery attempt that failed because the safe could not be opened, police said. The incident occurred at the Albertson's store at 16201 San Fernando Mission Boulevard, near Woodley Avenue, about 1 a.m., said Sgt. Steve Carmona of the Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Station. Two masked gunmen entered through the rear of the closed store as it was being stocked and tied up two employees, Carmona said. The gunmen pistol-whipped the employees and demanded the safe be opened, but apparently no one in the store was capable of opening it, he said. The victims suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene, Carmona said. The would-be robbers fled the store empty-handed, he said.

There were a couple of robberies overnight, the Los Angeles Police Department reports.

The first one occurred at 10:15 p.m. in the 5400 block of Cromer Place. Three men armed with a gun and a knife got into a man's car and held him up, police said. One pointed a gun at his head. Another man grabbed the victim from behind and held a knife to his throat and the other two demanded the victim’s property before taking off. The victim later returned, could not find his vehicle and believes it was stolen.

The second incident went down at midnight at Saticoy and Oso. Someone struck a man with an uknown object and possibly broke his skull. Three men were believed to have been involved and they took off with the
victim's property. The victim was taken to a local hospital.

The following arrests were made yesterday:

• 20100 block of Sherman Way, Winnetka: A 20-year-old Van Nuys man, a 43-year-old female house cleaner from North Hills, and a 24-year-old unemployed Van Nuys man were arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary.

• 9900 block of Canoga Avenue, Chatsworth: A 34-year-old painter from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of lewd acts with a child.

• 16900 block of Horace Street, Granada Hills: A 24-year-old female sales clerk from Granada Hills was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana.

• 5800 block of Ethel Avenue, Van Nuys: An 18-year-old student from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

• 8100 block of Orion Avenue, Van Nuys: A 37-year-old house painter from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.
  

The following arrests were made yesterday:

• 9000 block of Remick Avenue, Arleta: An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape by force. We're following up to get more details.

• 14800 block of Vanowen Street, Van Nuys: A 25-year-old cook was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.

• 300 block of South Union Avenue, Los Angeles: A 29-year-old clothes washer from Glendale was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 8800 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Canoga Park: A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary.

• 14800 block of Roscoe Boulevard, Panorama City: A 20-year-old student from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping. Cops are still sussing this case out. We'll know more a little later.

• Vineland Avenue, Sun Valley: A 19-year-old referee was arrested on suspicion of possession of a shuriken, which is a Japanese weapon that looks like a small blade in a star shape.
  

The CSUN police department forwards us their crime reports. Here are the most recent reports:

• On Sept. 13, at Juniper Hall, a CSUN student grabbed another CSUN student from behind, touching her waist and arms. The victim was not injured during the attack.

• On Sept. 13 in the UPA 13 Laundry Room, an unknown suspect stole a CSUN student’s purse with its contents when she sat it on a dryer and left the area.

• On Sept. 13, in Lot F8, a CSUN police officer arrested 20-year-old Wilfredo Alexander Lovo for a misdemeanor warrant during an investigation of possible domestic violence. The suspect, not a CSUN student, was booked into custody.

• On Sept. 13, in the UPA 4, an unknown suspect activated the fire alarm by removing and discharging a fire extinguisher in the west stairwell. CSUN police and LAFD checked the building for smoke and fire once it was evacuated. The alarm was reset and CSUN students were permitted to return to the building. A fire watch was implemented.

• On Sept. 14 at University Hall, an unknown suspect stole a utility hand truck when a CSUN staff member left it unattended outside a work area.

• On Sept. 14 at Lindley/Vincennes, a CSUN police officer cited and released a 20-year-old woman for driving without a driver license during a traffic stop. The suspect is not a CSUN student.

• On Sept. 16 at 17950 Lassen, a CSUN police officer cited a 17-year-old juvenile for possession of marijuana during an investigation of the smell of marijuana during a traffic stop at the security check point. The suspect, not a CSUN student was escorted to his home and released to his parent.
  

There were a couple of significant events that occurred over the weekend, the Los Angeles Police Department reports. On Friday just before 2 p.m. a guy was shot in the leg in the 14700 block of Burbank Boulevard in Van Nuys. Apparently, the suspect and the victim had been arguing when the suspect retrieved a revolver from an unknown location and fired a round into the victim’s lower left leg. The victim was transported to Valley Presbyterian.

On Sunday, police took a report of a burglary. The crime occurred at 9:30 a.m. in the 7200 block of Matilija Avenue. The victim and his daughter were at home when the daughter heard noises near a window. She told her father, who came into the living room, as the suspect entered the house through the unlocked front door. The suspect looked at the victims and said he was looking for someone else and fled in unknown direction. When the victim looked outside the house, he found the screen to a window had been pried off the frame.

The following arrests were made over the weekend:

• Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 25-year-old unemployed man was arrested on suspicion of sticking up a man for $20 cash and a leather jacket.

• 7300 block of Irondale Avenue, Winnetka: A 34-year-old construction worker from Canoga Park was arrested on suspicion of assault with a knife.

• 21700 block of Lassen Street, Chatsworth: A 38-year-old man from North Hills was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary.

• 23400 block of Friar Street, Woodland Hills: A 29-year-old florist was arrested on suspicion of violating her parole.

• 7650 block of Balboa Boulevard, Van Nuys: A 24-year-old barber was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 18100 block of Sherman Way, Reseda: A 37-year-old construction worker from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 18400 block of Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana: A housewife from Encino was arrested on suspicion of theft.

• 6900 block of Remmet Avenue, Canoga Park: A 43-year-old stage technician was arrested on suspicion of violating his parole.

• 8700 block of Foothill Boulevard, Sunland: A 45-year-old plumber from Tujunga was arrested on suspicion of violating a parole hold.
  

Gunmen held up a Pizza Hut last night, jumping the counter and taking almost a few hundred bucks from the register. It went down at 10 last night at 23717 Victory Blvd. It looks like it might be connected to a robbery at a Kentucky Fried Chicken at 19200 Ventura Blvd., in Tarzana on Sunday. Yeah, you read it right. A Sunday. The men apparently bought some food in both cases, then pulled out a blue steel pistol and demanded cash. In the KFC heist, the men made off with a couple thousands dollars, said Los Angeles Police Detective Larry Dolley.

In the pizza caper, the men also ordered food and when they went to pay, approached a clerk working the cash register, while one man pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded money. A second man jumped the counter and took the money out of the register before taking off. Nobody was injured.

Both men were described as black. One was 5 foot 6, 200 pounds, aged 20-25. He had a quarter-inch scar under his right eye. The second guy is 6 foot 2, 160 pounds, 20-25-years-old. He had a blue steel pistol. No getaway car was seen.

The following arrests were made on Sept. 11:

• 5100 block of Hazeltine Avenue, Sherman Oaks: A 42-year-old caregiver from Burbank was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

• 14900 block of Alexander Street, Mission Hills: An 18-year-old student from Arleta was arrested on suspicion of possession of nitrous oxide.

• 6200 block of Sylmar Street, Van Nuys: A customer service representative from Reseda was arrested on suspicion of rape.
  

The following arrests were made over the weekend:

• Dearborn: A 22-year-old salesman from West Hills was arrested on suspicion of rape.

• 14500 block of Kittridge Street, Van Nuys: A 21-year-old Pacoima man was arrested on suspicion of illegal vending.

• Tampa Avenue, Reseda: A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping.

• 7900 block of Kester Avenue, Panorama City: A 49-year-old painter from Granada Hills was arrested on suspicion of assault with a knife.

• Saticoy: A 31-year-old driver from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping.

• Laurel Canyon Boulevard: A 27-year-old truck driver and suspected gang member from Sylmar was arrested on suspicion of witness indimidation.

• 12100 block of Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 25-year-old Glendale man who does body work was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary.

• 11100 block of Ventura Boulevard, Studio City: A 31-year-old clerical worker from Frazier Park was arrested on suspicion of possession of nunchucks.

• Wilbur: A 23-year-old painter from Reseda was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

• 14400 block of Kittridge Street, Van Nuys: A 32-year-old unemployed man from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of dependent elder abuse.

• Ventura Boulevard: A 26-year-old construction worker from North Hills was arrested on suspicion of assault to commit rape.
  

But every once in a while you hear about these kinds of stories where the thief shows up to the crime scene after committing the crime. Well, here's one of those, allegedly - a little higher profile than many because of who the victim was. A 50-year-old homeless man was arrested at the same location he is accused of burglarizing over two weeks ago - the offices of Congressman Xavier Becerra on Sunset Boulevard in West Los Angeles, a detective said this morning. dailynews.com

Cops today were looking for the culprits behind what appears to be a distraction theft in Woodland Hills. A woman rang the doorbell Wednesday about 11 a.m. at a house in the 5500 block of Valerie Avenue. When the victim opened the door, the woman said she was from an unknown company and then her partner pulled a pistol out of his pants and pointed it at the victim.

Frightened, the victim slammed the door and ran out back to her neighbor’s house. And the thieves took off.

A few months back, I reported about a string of similar crimes - distraction thefts - occurring in the San Fernando Valley. Groups of two or three people pose as workers for the Department of Water and Power or act like they are neighbors who lost their cat and lure the victims to the backyard while their accomplices go through the house, stealing jewelry, cash, purses, whatever valuables they can find. Don't know if this one is connected yet, but my hunch is that it is not because in most cases the thieves don't pull guns. Most cases are not violent. Regardless, folks should be vigilant about not opening doors for anyone, unless you are expecting someone, of course.

Sometimes you gotta wonder what these crooks are thinking. Someone broke into the offices of state Senator Xavier Becerra's office on Sunset Boulevard and stole a laptop computer, video and digital cameras. Apparently the guy pried through the door to get in, and, get this, signed in on a lobby roster indicating he was going to visit an office on the seventh floor, but craftily went to the fifth instead. He also tried to break into another office on the sixth floor, but failed. cbs2.com

The following arrests occurred over the weekend:

• 12500 block of Riverside Drive, Valley Village: A 26-year-old Northridge man was arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace.

• 7300 block of Riverton Avenue, Sun Valley: A 24-year-old day laborer was arrested on suspicion of auto theft.

• 12800 block of Norris Avenue, Sylmar: A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 14500 block of Olive View Drive, Sylmar: A 24-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of violating a restraining order.
  

Below are arrests from Aug. 29:

• 7100 block of Lindley Avenue, Reseda: A 36-year-old North Hollywood man was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats.

• 18000 block of Hemmingway Street, Reseda: A 23-year-old student was arrested on suspicion of rape by force.

• 5900 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of military desertion.

• 6200 block of Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys: A 45-year-old woman from North Hills was arrested on suspicion of battery on a police officer.

• 9700 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Pacoima: A 25-year-old mover from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

• 7500 block of Denny Avenue, Sun Valley: A 29-year-old construction worker from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of arson.
  

There were a couple of significant incidents reported in the Valley overnight.

Just before midnight last night, a man held up a motorist at gunpoint who was stopped at a shopping center at Gladstone Avenue at Hubbard Street in Sylmar. The gunman tapped on the car window, pointed the gun at him and told him to get out of the car and lie face down on the ground. The motorist, in fear, complied and the assailant took off in the victim's vehicle.

The second case occurred this morning at 6:25 a.m. in the 15300 block of Archwood Street in Van Nuys. Police responded to a “459 Hot Prowl” radio call. The victim told police that she heard a noise coming from the living room and when she went to investigate, she noticed her front door open. She looked outside and saw the side gate to the back yard opened. When she went outside, she saw the suspect take off.

Find the arrests from your neighborhood, from Aug. 28:

• 14400 block of Vanowen Street, Van Nuys: A 52-year-old welder from Reseda was arrested on suspicion of animal neglect.

• 15200 block of Rayen Steet, North Hills: A 23-year-old day laborer from Mission Hills was arrested on suspicion of possession of rock cocaine.

• Wyandotte, Van Nuys: A 30-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of heroin.

• 5700 block of Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys: A 23-year-old woman from Quartz Hill was arrested on suspicion of burglary at a Target.

• Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar: A 30-year-old supervisor was arrested on suspicion of bringing a controlled substance to jail.

• Noble Avenue, North Hills: A 26-year-old painter was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.

• 10800 block of Oxnard Street, North Hollywood: A 26-year-old man from Los Angeles was arrested on suspicion of assault with a knife.

• 12100 block of Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 28-year-old gardener from Reseda was arrested on suspicion of robbery.
  

Here's something you don't hear every day. Last week, cops up in the Mission Division thought there was something odd about a 29-year-old man driving a pink Mary Kay Cadillac on Raven Street, so they pulled him over and found out that the day before he had jacked the car at gunpoint. The guy was identified as 29-year-old Elethon Mora from San Fernando. He's being held at the Pitchess Detention Center in Saugus. He's expected to appear in court next week, sans the Caddy.

Here are arrests from Aug. 27:

• Craner Avenue, North Hollywood: A 20-year-old warehouseman from North Hollywood told police he heard shots fired, walked around the corner and found an AK-47 lying in the street. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an assault rifle.

• 8000 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard, Panorama City: A 28-year-old Van Nuys man was arrested on suspicion of drinking in public.

• 19000 block of Londelius Street, Northridge: A 31-year-old woman from San Fernando was arrested on suspicion of credit card theft.

• Polk Street, Sylmar: A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of meth.

• 19000 block of Vanowen Street, Reseda: A 19-year-old saleswoman from Woodland Hills was arrested on suspicion of forging a fictitious check.

• 15500 block of Vanowen Street, Van Nuys: A 35-year-old housewife was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery.
  

Here are some arrests from over the weekend:

• 9400 block of San Fernando Road, Sun Valley: A 20-year-old stock clerk was arrested on suspicion of arson.

• Saticoy Street, Van Nuys: A 20-year-old laborer was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats with a gang enhancement.

• 14600 block of Blythe Street, Panorama City: An 18-year-old landscaper from North Hills was arrested on suspicion of violating terms of an injunction.

• 18100 block of Nordhoff Street, Northridge: A 32-year-old man from Arleta was arrested on suspicion of disruption on campus at Cal State Northridge.
  

The following arrests were made on Aug. 21:

• Raven Street: A 30-year-old collections worker from San Fernando was arrested on suspicion of carjacking.

• 11100 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard: A 38-year-old roofer was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

• 13600 block of Daventry Street, Pacoima: A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• Mount Gleason Street, Tujunga: A 29-year-old medical worker from Burbank was arrested on suspicion of making a threat to an officer.
  

The following arrests were made on Aug. 20:

• 6600 block of Whitsett Avenue, North Hollywood: A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

• 6300 block of Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood: A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

• 8500 block of Cantaloupe Avenue, North Hills: A 68-year-old housewife was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

• 900 block Irolo Street, Los Angeles: A 34-year-old actor from Burbank was arrested on suspicion of stalking.

• 13700 block of Wingo Street, Arleta: A 21-year-old construction worker was arrested on suspicion of lewd act with a child under 14.
  

The following arrests were made over the weekend:

• 12700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, Pacoima: A 19-year-old cabinet maker was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder .

• 5700 block of Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood: A 34-year-old manager from Glendale was arrested on suspicion of forgery.

• 6900 block of Baird Avenue, Reseda: A 29-year-old retail worker was arrested on suspicion of cultivating marijuana.

• Burbank Boulevard: A 25-year-old Sherman Oaks man was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana.

• 8900 block of Cedros Avenue, Panorama City: A 51-year-old gardener was arrested on suspicion of assault with a gun.

• 5600 block of DeSoto Avenue, Woodland Hills: A 51-year-old engineer was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon with an enhancement.

• 14400 block of Erwin Street, Van Nuys: A 20-year-old constructionf worker was arrested on suspicion of intimidation of a witness.
  

The following arrests were made on Aug. 16:

• Laurel Canyon Boulevard: A 49-year-old Sylmar man was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary.

• Nordhoff Street, A 31-year-old construction worker from Pacoima was arrested on suspicion of a hit and run with injuries.

• Lassen Street, A 41-year-old self employed man from Glendale was arrested on suspicion of possession of a pipe.

• Woodley Avenue, A 20-year-old unemployed man and an 18-year-old female student were arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery.

• Sepulveda Boulevard, A 40-year-old transient from Mission Hills was arrested on suspicion of possession of syringes.

• 7700 block of Foothill Boulevard, Tujunga: A 34-year-old caregiver and a 29-year-old unemployed woman from Pasadena were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

• Dronfield Street: A 22-year-old unemployed man from Lake View Terrace was arrested on suspicion of carrying a loaded, concealed weapon.

• Glenoaks Boulevard: A 25-year-old security guard who lives on Harmony Street in North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.
  

The following San Fernando Valley area arrests were made on Aug. 15:

• 8700 block of Orion Avenue, North Hills: A 21-year-old carpenter from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said the man tied a rope into a noose and tried to strangle his girlfriend. She was not seriously hurt.

• 12400 block of Roscoe Boulevard, Sun Valley: A 25-year-old student was arrested on suspicion of battery on school grounds.

• 18200 block of Hatton Street, Reseda: A 31-year-old construction worker was arrested on suspicion of possession of an assault weapon.

• 14000 block of Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks: A 20-year-old student and a 23-year-old stripper, both from Los Angeles, were arrested on suspicion of grand theft.

• 9800 block of Amboy Avenue, Pacoima: A 24-year-old ex-con was arrested on suspicion of possession of a gun.
  

The following arrests were made on Aug. 14:

• 20400 block of Sherman Way, Winnetka: A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of child annoying.

• 14400 block of Erwin Street, Van Nuys: A 57-year-old general contractor was arrested on suspicion of grand theft money.

• 6600 block of Gaviota Avenue, Van Nuys: A 20-year-old unemployed man was arrested on suspicion of grand theft.

• 19500 block of Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana: A 37-year-old receptionist from Woodland Hills was arrested on suspicion of forgery.

• 14400 block of Erwin Street, Van Nuys: A 23-year-old contractor from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property.

• 6600 block of Woodman Avenue, Van Nuys: Five men from Van Nuys, Palmdale and North Hollywood were arrested on gang and narcotics related charges.

• 8500 block of Reseda Boulevard, Northridge: A 25-year-old man from Glendale was arrested on suspicion attempted robbery.
  

The following arrests were made on Aug. 13:

• 16200 block of Nordhoff Street, North Hills: A 28-year-old laborer was arrested on suspicion of possession of an illegal weapon.

• 14600 block of Calvert Street, Van Nuys: A 21-year-old construction worker was arrested on suspicion of rape.

• 10200 block of Samoa Avenue, Tujunga: A 21-year-old AT&T worker was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping with intent to rape.

• 12700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, Pacoima: A 48-year-old warehouse worker was arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct with a prior.

• 11100 block of Telfair Avenue, Pacoima: A 41-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats.
  

The following arrests were made on Aug. 12:

• 8300 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, Panorama City: A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 14300 block of Valerio Street, Van Nuys: An 18-year-old Van Nuys student and two construction workers, ages 20 and 21, from Pacoima, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring in an assault with a deadly weapon.

• 7400 block of Kester Avenue, Van Nuys: A 20-year-old unloader was arrested on suspicion of burglary at a school.
  

The following arrests were made Aug. 4 in the San Fernando Valley:

• 11500 block of Harstook Street: A 51-year-old man from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of stalking.

• 12800 Encinitas Avenue: A 42-year-old female care taker from Palmdale was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement.

• Gault Avenue, Van Nuys: A 29-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man from Van Nuys were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 14300 block of Tyler Street, Sylmar: A 77-year-old retiree from Sylmar was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

• Golden State (5) Freeway: A 24-year-old man from Pacoima was arrested on suspicion of attempted sexual battery.

• 19900 block of Kittridge Street, Winnetka: A 19-year-old stocker from Reseda was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.

• 11700 block of Odessa Avenue, Granada Hills: A 33-year-old man from Granada Hills was arrested on suspicion of being a gang member and carrying a concealed weapon.
  

The following arrests occurred in the San Fernando Valley are on July 30:

• 17100 block of Covello Street, Van Nuys: A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

• Tobias Avenue: A 54-year-old Sylmar man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

• 7800 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, Panorama City: A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 10100 block of San Fernando Road, Pacoima: A 52-year-old construction worker was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary.

• 11000 block of Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 63-year-old writer was arrested on suspicion of auto theft.

• Saticoy Street, Van Nuys: A 26-year-old Sylmar man was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.

• Tampa Avenue: A 23-year-old Northridge cable clerk was arrested on suspicion of being a gang member with a gun.

The following arrests were made in the San Fernando Valley on July 25:

• 8800 block of Cedros Avenue, Panorama City: A 19-year-old painter was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 5900 block of Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood: A 41-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of criminal threats.

  The following arrests were made on July 24:

• 6600 block of Woodman Avenue, Van Nuys: A 19-year-old bagger was arrested on suspicion of participation in a street gang.

• 9200 block of Wakefield Avenue Panorama City: A 30-year-old female retail worker and a 26-year-old, both from Sylmar, were arrested on suspicion of an assault with a knife.
  

Here are selected arrests from the San Fernando Valley for July 19:

• 10200 block of San Fernando Road, Pacoima: A 20-year-old unemployed woman from Las Vegas was arrested on suspicion of prostitution.

• 6600 block of Lennox Avenue, Van Nuys: A 22-year-old Van Nuys construction worker was arrested on suspicion of auto theft.

• 7500 block of Satsuma Avenue, Sun Valley: A 21-year-old Sun Valley construction worker was arrested on suspicion of defrauding the Department of Motor Vehicles.

• 6000 block of Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 19-year-old Van Nuys ex-convict was arrested on suspicion carrying a gun.

• 12800 block of Harding Street, Sylmar: A 33-year-old Montrose construction worker was arrested on suspicion of battery with serious injury.

• Kamloops Street, Northeast Valley area: A 35-year-old Web designer was arrested on suspicion of pimping.

• San Fernando: An 18-year-old laborer from Los Angeles was arrested on suspicion of being a gang member with a gun.

• 12800 block of Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 22-year-old stocker from Panorama City was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale.

• Huston Street: A 30-year-old director of patients from Glendale was arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct.

• 21700 block of Victory Boulevard, Canoga Park: A 27-year-old North Hollywood woman was arrested on suspicion of theft.
  

Here are selected arrests made by the Los Angeles Police Department arrested in the San Fernando Valley on July 18:

• Burbank: A 44-year-old Rosemond resident whose occupation was described by police only as manager was arrested on suspicion of possession of dangerous fireworks.

• Orion Avenue: A 38-year-old woman from Winnetka was arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine.

• 7000 block of Fulton Avenue, North Hollywood: A 45-year-old homemaker was arrested on suspicion of intimidating a witness.

• 4200 block of Radford Avenue, Studio City: A 30-year-old Sylmar technician was arrested on suspicion of grand theft.

• 6100 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys: A 42-year-old Van Nuys fitness trainer was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting.

• 7400 block of Gloria Avenue, Van Nuys: A 47-year-old unemployed Van Nuys man was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.

• Nordhoff Street: A 20-year-old salesman from Cudahy was arrested on suspicion of possessing a deadly weapon.

• 17700 block of Saticoy Street, Reseda: A 48-year-old female massager from Oceanside was arrested on suspicion of soliciting prostitutes.
  

Here are selected San Fernando Valley arrests from July 17:

• 10200 block of Etiwanda Avenue, Northridge: A 29-year-old gardner from Northridge was arrested on suspicion of rape.

• 18400 block of Prairie Street, Northridge: A 24-year-old server from Northridge was arrested on suspicion of rape.

• 8200 block of Langdon Avenue, Van Nuys: A 28-year-old unemployed Van Nuys man was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor resisting police.

• Victory Boulevard, Van Nuys: A 43-year-old Van Nuys cashier was arrested on suspicion of possessing metal knuckles.

• 7900 block of Mason Avenue, Winnetka: A 39-year-old Canoga Park laborer was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats.

• 7000 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys: A 20-year-old movie set builder from Burbank was arrested on suspicion of battery on a person.

• 11900 block of Pierce Street, Sylmar: A 19-year-old maintenance man and an 18-year-old man, both from Lake View Terrace, were arrested on suspicion of felony battery.

• 8500 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Sun Valley: A 19-year-old woman from Pacoima was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary.
  

A woman, alerted by noise coming from her bathroom the other day, surprised a would-be burglar who had entered through an open window, police said today.

The woman told police she heard noises coming from the bathroom and went to investigate about 3:40 p.m. Monday in the 5800 block of Hazeltine Avenue. When she opened the door, she saw a stranger, described as Latino or Filipino, inside, who turned and climbed out of the bathroom window.

Here are selected San Fernando Valley arrests for July 16:

• De Soto Avenue, Canoga Park: A 57-year-old transient was cited for possession of a shopping cart.

• 14900 block of Sherman Way, Canoga Park: A 24-year-old saleswoman from Los Angeles was cited for prostitution.
  

Here are selected arrests from the San Fernando Valley from over the weekend:

• Reseda Boulevard: A 30-year-old clerk from Canoga Park was arrested in connection with misdemeanor suspicion of riding a bicycle while intoxicated.

• 7800 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, Panorama City: Two 18-year-old women and a 42-year-old Hollywood woman were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 9800 block of Amboy Avenue, Pacoima: A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted carjacking.

• 14800 block of Erwin Street, Van Nuys: A 28-year-old construction worker from Van Nuys was cited for falsely reporting an emergency.

• 12700 block of Osborne Street, Pacoima: A 29-year-old paperboy from Panorama City was arrested on suspicion of a lewd act with a child.

• 9200 block of Burnet Avenue, North Hills: A 40-year-old warehouseman was arrested on suspicion of hit and run.
  

Here are selected San Fernando Valley arrests from July 12:

• 7300 block of Hinds Avenue, North Hollywood: A 23-year-old North Hollywood man was arrested on suspicion of auto theft.

• 6200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, Van Nuys: A 31-year-old air conditioning tech man from Reseda was arrested on suspicion of lewd acts on a child.

• 5200 block of Auckland Avenue, North Hollywood: A 49-year-old mechanic from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of an assault with a gun.

• 12600 block of Pierce St., Pacoima: A 35-year-old x-ray technician was arrested on suspicion of negligently discharging a gun.

• 300 block of East Olive Avenue, Burbank: A 33-year-old construction worker from Pasadena was arrested in on suspicion of auto theft.

• 6100 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, North Hollywood: A 32-year-old Van Nuys self employed woman was arrested on suspicion of grand theft.
  

Here are selected arrests July 11 from the San Fernando Valley:

• 5500 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard, Sherman Oaks: A 22-year-old female Oakland day care provider was arrested on suspicion of prostitution.

• 8800 block of Memory Park Avenue, North Hills: A homeless 40-year-old female clerk was arrested on suspicion of violating a court order.

• 5500 block North Sepulveda Boulevard, Sherman Oaks: A 20-year-old female receptionist from Sylmar was arrested on suspicion of prostitution.

• 5500 block North Sepulveda Boulevard, Sherman Oaks: A 42-year-old man from Sylmar was arrested on suspicion of supervising prostitutes.

• 18000 block of Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills: An 18-year-old man from Los Angeles was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.
  

Here are selected arrests from July 10 in the Valley.

• 15400 block of Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks: A 34-year-old self employed North Hollywood man and a 26-year-old construction worker were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

• 14600 block of Wyandotte St., Van Nuys: A 47-year-old security guard from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of rape.

• Erwin Street: An 18-year-old man from Panorama City was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

• 10000 block of Tujunga Canyon Boulevard, Tujunga: A 19-year-old laborer from Tujunga was arrested on suspicion of robbery.
  

Here are selected arrests from July 5 in the San Fernando Valley.

• 21800 block of Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills: A 53-year-old unemployed man from Bell Canyon was arrested on suspicion of battery.

• 5500 block of Klump Avenue, North Hollywood: A 30-year-old buyer from North Hollywood was arrested on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm.

• 14000 block of Lanark Street, Van Nuys: A 52-year-old nurse assistant from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism.

• 14600 block of Gilmore Street, Van Nuys: A 25-year-old coper repairer from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of burglary from a vehicle.

• 12700 block of Osborne Street, Pacoima: A 25-year-old Arleta woman was arrested on suspicion of an assault with a knife.

• 13900 block of Oxnard Street, Van Nuys: A 38-year-old mechanic from Van Nuys was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.
  

Here are selected arrests from the San Fernando Valley area from July 3:

• 5300 block of Corteen Place, Valley Village: A 19-year-old sales associate was booked on suspicion of residential burglary.

• 5900 block of Whitsett Avenue, North Hollywood: A 37-year-old driver was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats.

• 8900 block of Columbus Avenue, Panorama City: A 49-year-old machine operator was booked on suspicion of possessing cocaine.

• 21000 block of Lassen Street, Canoga Park: A 36-year-old woman was booked on a felony warrant connected with receiving stolen property and forgery.

• 7500 block of Hatillo Avenue, Winnetka: A 24-year-old campus aid was booked on suspicion of spousal abuse.

• 10900 block of Dora Street, Sun Valley: A 26-year-old man was booked on suspicion of cohabitation abuse.

• 11200 block of Dronfield Avenue, Pacoima: A 39-year-old construction worker was booked on suspicion of spousal abuse.

• Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood: A 24-year-old man was booked on suspicion of auto theft.