March 2011 Archives
WHITTIER -- Whittier police will join hundreds of other police agencies statewide that will be on the lookout for drivers paying attention to their cell phones rather than the road this month.
More than 220 police agencies and 103 California Highway Patrol offices have joined a crackdown campaign in April aimed at distracted driving.
"The Whittier Police Department will be offering "zero tolerance" to those texting or operating hand-held cell phones while driving," Whittier police officials said in a written statement. "Drivers who break the law and place themselves and others in danger will be cited."
Distracted driving tickets cost $159 for first offenses, and $279 for subsequent citations, police said.
Authorities arrested a former Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy Thursday on suspicion of breaking into his ex-fiance's house, threatening her boyfriend with a gun and punching him while off-duty last year.
Reymundo Lainez, 42, of Los Angeles, was booked on suspicion of felony counts of burglary, assault with a firearm and making criminal threats, as well as a misdemeanor count of battery, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement.
He also goes by the alias Reynaldo Edmundo Lainez, which is the name he was listed under in sheriff's booking records.
"While off-duty on April 17, 2010, Lainez allegedly broke into his former fiance's Pasadena residence and pointed a gun at her boyfriend. He allegedly threatened the man then punched him," the statement said.
Pasadena police officers took him into custody without incident early Thursday at his Los Angeles home, Pasadena police Lt. Tracey Ibarra said.
In the 2010 incident, officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at a home in the 1700 block of Casitas Avenue, where a woman reported her ex-fiance had forced his way into her home through a door, Ibarra said.
"They made contact with a female, who made allegations that (Lainez) had pointed his handgun at a male visitor she had at the location, and subsequent to that, punched the victim," the lieutenant said.
Lainez was initially arrested but quickly posted bail, Ibarra said. In recent weeks, prosecutors notified police of their intention to file a criminal case, and an arrest warrant was obtained.
Lainez was last assigned to the sheriff's Temple City Station, sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said. He was first hired as a deputy in February of 2000.
An internal investigation into Lainez was concluded in January, before the district attorney's office had made a decision on whether to pursue criminal charges, Whitmore said.
"On Jan. 26, he was notified as to the results of our internal investigation," he said. "He's no longer a part of our sheriff's department."
Whitmore said sheriff's personnel policies prohibited him from saying whether the deputy had been terminated or resigned.
The internal investigation into Lainez was carried out alongside of the criminal probe, Whitmore said. Traditionally, sheriff's officials have waited for criminal investigations into alleged deputy misconduct to be finished before launching an internal investigation.
"This is one of the first times, not the first, where this occurred, because the evidence was overwhelming," Whitmore said. "She Sheriff said 'I don't want to wait.'"
A recent investigation into a brawl at a Montebello Christmas party among sheriff's deputies was handled in a similar fashion.
An internal investigation into the fight at the Quiet Cannon banquet hall was concluded in mid-March and the department began termination proceedings against six deputies.
The investigations are indicative of a changing philosophy toward deputy discipline in the sheriff's department, Whitmore said.
"The Sheriff is not going to wait (for the criminal investigation) anymore," he said. "When there are indications that the department should move forward in an appropriate fashion, Sheriff Baca will do so."
Three months prior to the alleged domestic violence incident, Lainez made headlines for his role in rescuing a badly-burned elderly man from a burning Temple City home.
Lainez, the first official to arrive at the scene of the Jan. 29 fire at 10165 Bogue Street, and good Samaritans entered the burning home to pull out an 87-year-old man who had suffered burns to more than 80 percent of his body, sheriff's and fire officials said at the time.
According to sheriff's booking records, Lainez was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. No information was available regarding his initial court appearance.
If convicted as charged, Lainez could face more than 16 years in state prison.
From City News Service:
WEST LOS ANGELES -- A big rig driver struck and killed a Whittier woman walking by the Santa Monica Boulevard on-ramp to the northbound 405 Freeway Wednesday.Kelly Shimizu, 63, was walking west on Santa Monica Boulevard at Cotner Avenue in a marked crosswalk when she was struck about 10:40 a.m., police said.The 64-year-old driver, a Whittier resident, was driving a 1990 Volvo tractor with a double trailer west on Santa Monica Boulevard. The collision occurred when he made a right turn to northbound Cotner. One trailer struck and killed Shimizu.She was declared dead at the scene by the fire department.There was no evidence of alcohol or drug intoxication and the "collision appeared to be a tragic accident," police said.Anyone with information about the accident was asked to call the LAPD's West Traffic Division at (213) 473-0222.
From the Associated Press:
RHODE ISLAND -- Prosecutors in Rhode Island have brought federal charges against three men -- including one from Hacienda Heights and one from Downey -- arrested in a nearly $8 million drug bust who authorities have linked to a Mexican cartel.
Rhode Island's U.S. attorney and the state's attorney general say their offices will cooperate to prosecute the men in federal court. The men had been charged in state court.
Federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint against Armando Saucedo, of Hacienda Heights; Andrew Rios, of Downey; and Adilson Antonio Reyes, of South Ogden, Utah. They are charged with conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine.
Lawyers for the men declined to comment on the charges.
The men were arrested following a raid in North Kingstown in January that netted 65 kilograms of cocaine, worth $6.6 million, and $1.25 million in cash.
From staff and wire reports:
LOS ANGELES -- A judge Wednesday sentenced founding member of an Asian street gang convicted of murdering eight people -- including three teenagers shot to death on a freeway in El Monte -- to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert Perry sentenced Marvin Mercado, 37, to eight consecutive life terms in prison, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement. A jury recommended life imprisonment, as opposed to death, earlier this month.
The jury convicted Mercado, whom officials described as a "shot caller" in the Asian Boyz street gang, in February of eight counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. The jury also found true special allegations of gang involvement, gun use and multiple murder.
"The charges stem from the defendant's participation in six gang-motivated shootings between April 1995 and March 1996," according to the District Attorney's Office statement.
"To escape prosecution, the defendant fled the country and lived in the Philippines under a false name for approximately 12 years."
He was arrested in the Philippines in 2007, then deported to the U.S. to face trial in mid-2009.
While Mercado remained on the run, seven co-defendants were convicted in 2009 after a six-month trial in 1999. All were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Among the victims of Mercado and his cohorts were Cheng Peng, 18, Paul Vu, 16, and Ben Liao, 16, who were shot to death in a car-to-car attack on the 10 Freeway in El Monte on Aug. 1, 1995.
Officials said they were mistaken for members of a rival street gang when three cars filled with Asian Boyz gang members followed them away from a cafe on Peck Road and opened fire on them on the westbound 10 Freeway near Temple City Boulevard.
The crimes took place in Canoga Park, El Monte, Mission Hills, Reseda and Van Nuys.
LA MIRADA -- Sheriff's deputies arrested three drivers on suspicion of DUI and two people who had outstanding warrants during a checkpoint over the weekend, officials said.
The checkpoint also netted 24 citations, and 17 vehicles were towed, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Josie Woolum said.
Twenty-one drivers were issued tickets for vehicle code violations, the lieutenant said.
"Three additional drivers were cited for marijuana charges after a narcotics dog located the contraband in their vehicles," she said.
A total of 1,820 cars passed through the checkpoint, which was set up about 7 p.m. Saturday at Imperial Highway and Valley View Avenue, officials said. Eighty-five drivers were screened.
Of seven drivers examined for possible intoxication, three were ultimately jailed on suspicion of DUI, Woolum said.
Two additional people were arrested due to outstanding arrest warrants, she added.
Of the 17 vehicles towed, it was not clear how many were being held for impound.
The checkpoint was funded by grants through the California Office of Traffic Safety.
PASADENA -- Officials released no information Sunday about the circumstances of a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday in unincorporated Pasadena.
In a written statement, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials released only that a sheriff's deputy shot and wounded two white men just before 1 a.m. in the 200 block of South Rosemead Avenue.
The sheriff's statement listed the wounded men, who were expected to survive, as suspects.
Officials at the sheriff's Temple Station said the wounded men had been arrested, but declined to release their names or what crimes they're suspected of.
All questions were deferred to the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau, however none of the handling detectives could be reached for comment.
Sheriff's officials also would not comment on reports that the involved deputy was off-duty at the time of the shooting.
MONROVIA -- A Covina woman suspected of two knife-point robberies at the same Charter Oak gas station, as well as a failed robbery in Monrovia, turned herself in Saturday, officials said.
Diane Leliott, 41, showed up at the Monrovia Police Department Saturday and was arrested, Monrovia police and Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said. She was booked on suspicion of robbery.
She is suspected of robbing USA Gas, 20354 E. Arrow Highway, in an unincorporated county area near Covina on March 17, then returning to rob the same gas station two days later, sheriff's Lt. Craig Boyett said.
She's then accused of brandishing a knife while demanding money from a clerk at AM Donut & Yogurt Tuesday, Monrovia police Lt. Nells Ortlund said. She fled empty-handed when the employee did not comply.
All of the crimes were captured on tape by surveillance cameras, officials said.
She admitted the robberies, Ortlund added, and indicated she committed them to support a drug habit.
According to sheriff's booking records, Leliott was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and was due for arraignment Tuesday in Pomona Superior Court.
WHITTIER -- Three elderly men were lucky to escape unhurt after a massive pine tree fell on and severely damaged their house, officials said.
The incident was reported just before 1 a.m. in the 13100 block of Walnut Street, at Washington Avenue, Whittier police Lt. Carlos Solorza said.
It was unclear what caused the tree, which was owned by the city, to fall, though it may be related to the recent heavy rains, the lieutenant said.
"On the way down it knocked down some power wires, then came down on the house," Solorza said.
Three elderly residents of the home were inside, but none were hurt, he added.
"They were lucky to escape injury," he said.
The tree, which was more than 50 feet tall, remained entangled with the home Saturday afternoon, as passers-by slowed to take pictures of the unusual sight.
About 50 percent of the home was destroyed, Solorza said.
The home was red-tagged and the residents found other temporary lodgings, officials said.
PHOTO by Eric Reed, Staff
PASADENA - A sheriff's deputy shot and wounded two men early Saturday in an unincorporated county area near Pasadena, authorities said.
The shooting took place just before 2 a.m. in the 200 block of South Rosemead Boulevard, Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy Mark Pope said in a written statement.
The two wounded suspects were hospitalized with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, officials said. No deputies were injured.
No further details were released Saturday afternoon.
DUARTE -- Two teenagers on bicycles robbed a check cashing business Friday, authorities said.
The crime was reported about 6:50 p.m. at Check 'n Go, 1104 E. Huntington Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Richard Mariscola said.
One of the robbers was described as a 17 years old, Latino and wearing black clothing, while the other was described as 17 years old, black and wearing gray clothing, the sergeant said. They were armed with a handgun, and both fled the area on bicycles.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Temple Station.
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- Sheriff's officials asked the public's help Friday in finding a 76-year-old man who went missing from his home.
Ulises Rodriguez was last seen about noon Thursday at his home on Folger Street in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials said in a written statement.
He suffers from Alzheimer's Disease as well as hypertension, officials added.
"His family is very concerned and is also asking for the public's assistance," the statement said.
Rodriguez is described as 5 feet 1 inch tall, 125 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. He's missing the tip of his index finger on his right hand and his upper front teeth.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white and blue striped shirt and a red hat.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau, Missing Person's Detail, at 323-890-5500, and ask for detective Harris or Abraham.
*PHOTO of Ulises Rodriguez courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A shooting was reported in Hacienda Heights Friday afternoon, however no victims were found, authorities said.
A single shot was fired about 4:35 p.m. at Lujon Street and Hacienda Boulevard, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Carlos Herrera said.
Witnesses indicated the shot may have been fired at a group of men who were standing alongside the road, he said, but those men fled before deputies arrived.
A single bullet casing was found at the scene, the sergeant added.
The shooter was described as a Latino man of about 18 or 19 years old, Herrera said. After firing the shot, he got into a white or gray Ford F-150 pickup truck with several other Latino men of the same age.
The truck was last spotted heading south on Hacienda Boulevard.
POMONA -- A judge Friday sentenced the last of three gang members convicted of carrying out a violent string of robberies targeting video game stores -- including ones in West Covina and Baldwin Park -- to state prison.
Gregory Todd, 23, of Los Angeles received a sentence of 20 years and eight months after having pleaded no contest to three counts of robbery, along with special gang and gun allegations, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement.
Guns, Tasers, zip-ties and duct tape were the tools of this robbery crew, who are all members of the Family Swan Bloods street gang, according to the D.A.'s statement.
"More than a dozen victims were bound, stunned with a Taser and terrorized at gunpoint," it said.
Pomona Superior Court Judge Mike Camacho sentenced co-defendants Thomas Stringer Jr., 24, of Los Angeles and Jimmy McCallum, 20, of Carson, on March 15, officials said. They each received seven consecutive life terms in prison, and will not be eligible for parole for more than 150 years, after being convicted of charged including robbery and kidnapping, as well as special gang and gun allegations.
The spree of robberies, which targeted Gamestop video game stores, were, "very well organized crimes," Deputy District Attorney Lalit Kundani said.
The Gamestop robberies took place in Baldwin Park and West Covina on Sept. 16 of 2009, in Los Angeles on Sept. 11 of 2009, in Lynwood on Sept. 8 of 2009 and in Tarzana on July 25, 2009, he said.
In each case, employees were forced into a back room and bound with tape or zip-ties, the prosecutor said. The robbers then removed the surveillance camera systems from the businesses before leaving.
In the Lynwood robbery, he added, two employees were shocked with a Taser gun before being bound and robbed.
Todd, Stringer and McCallum were arrested by West Covina police officers shortly after the heist in their city, Kundani said
A witness reported seeing a suspicious van parked at an apartment complex shortly after the West Covina robbery, he said, with several men transferring large bags from the van to another vehicle.
The van was abandoned and the second vehicle was gone by the time officers arrived, but they found and arrested Todd, Stringer and McCallum on foot in the area, Kundani said.
Continued investigation into the robberies led investigators and prosecutors to build a case against five other members of various Los Angeles-based street gangs in connection with the Gamestop robberies, as well as at least eight additional robberies in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, Kundani said.
A 37-count felony indictment was filed against the five new defendants in May, officials said, and they're due in Pomona Superior Court April 8 for a pretrial conference.
EL MONTE -- Authorities Friday released the name of a Whittier woman killed earlier this week in a crash on the 10 Freeway in El Monte.
Antoinette Nadine Gutierrez, 28, died at the scene of the 2:30 p.m. crash on the westbound 10 Freeway, just east of the Durfee Avenue undercrossing, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said.
She was driving a 1995 Nissan Maxima when the vehicle veered to the left and struck the center median wall, California Highway Patrol officials said. The cause of the crash was under investigation.
A passenger in the Maxima and Gutierrez's boyfriend, 25-year-old Alonso Navarro of Whittier, was treated for minor injuries and arrested due to an outstanding arrest warrant, CHP officials said.
According to sheriff's booking records, Navarro was being held without bail Friday.
SANTA FE SPRINGS -- Police are planning a checkpoint Friday to screen for drunken and unlicensed drivers, officials said.
The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within Santa Fe Springs from 7 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, Whittier police officials said in a written statement.
"The checkpoint and other enforcement efforts are part of the Whittier Police Department's grant project, the 'DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program,'" according to the statement.
"Officers will also be checking for those who are driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license as well as those who are unlicensed. Any motorist found driving without a valid license may have their vehicle impounded for 30 days and be issued a citation."
Funding for the checkpoint is being provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office:
LOS ANGELES - Lonnie David Franklin Jr., the alleged "Grim Sleeper" serial killer accused of murdering 10 victims over a more than 20-year span, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with the killings.
"The indictment in the 'Grim Sleeper' case that was unsealed today in the Superior Court was necessitated by a desire to move this significant murder case forward to trial," said District Attorney Steve Cooley in a written statement.
"The families of the victims should be accorded timely resolution of the allegations of the murders of their loved ones," the District Attorney added.
Franklin, 58, was charged in July of last year with 10 counts of murder with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders. He also was charged with one count of attempted "willful, deliberate and premeditated murder" in the case of an 11th victim who survived. The indictment contains the same charges.
Although the case was filed nearly a year ago, there never was a date scheduled for a preliminary hearing of the evidence, which would have been the next stage of the proceedings. At a preliminary hearing, a judge determines if there is sufficient evidence for a felony defendant to stand trial.
The indictment returned Wednesday afternoon by the Los Angeles County Grand Jury following a little more than six-day hearing supersedes the criminal complaint and moves the case directly to trial.
Franklin is accused of killing his victims - girls and women ranging in age from 14 to 36 - between August 1985 and January 2007. Most of the victims were discovered dumped in alleys and covered with debris. They were shot to death and/or strangled.
The charges make Franklin eligible for the death penalty, but the District Attorney's office has not made a final decision on whether death or life without parole will be sought against the defendant.
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman of the Major Crimes Division and Deputy District Attorney Marguerite Rizzo of the Family Violence Division are prosecuting the case.
Franklin was arrested by Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide detectives after a lengthy task force investigation.
From the Associated Press:
SANTA ANA -- An Orange County judge has declared a mistrial in the penalty phase for an Asian street gang member convicted of murdering a woman and attempting to murder six others during a shooting in a crowded cafe.Judge John D. Conley made his ruling Thursday after a jury deadlocked over whether to recommend death or life in prison for Stephenson Choi Kim of San Gabriel.Kim was found guilty this month of one count of murder, six counts of attempted murder and one count of street terrorism, along with multiple sentencing enhancements.Prosecutors say Kim and several members of his gang went to the Cypress cafe in March 2004 with the intent to fight with a rival gang.Conley scheduled an April 1 hearing to decide how to proceed.
LA MIRADA -- A 90-year-old La Mirada man died early Thursday after he was struck by two cars -- one of which fled the scene -- while out for his morning walk.
Jingyu Park died at the scene after he was struck by the vehicles just before 6 a.m. at Valley View Avenue and Adoree Street, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Bill Evans said.
Park was crossing west across Valley View Avenue at the intersection when he was struck by a northbound Honda Accord being driven by a La Mirada man in his mid-20s, the lieutenant said.
"That driver witnessed a second car -- which was described (only) as a blue Toyota Camry, strike the victim as he lay on the ground, dragging him approximately 50 yards," Evans said.
The Camry continued driving and was last seen heading north on Valley View Avenue, then west on Imperial Highway, officials said.
The driver of the Accord cooperated with authorities and nothing criminal was suspected, Evans said. He was not cited or arrested.
The elderly grandfather was taking a morning walk, as is his custom, when he was struck, Evans said.
The intersection where he was struck is not regulated by traffic signals or stop lights.
Though there is no marked crosswalk at the intersection, the point where the man crossed is considered an unmarked, or "implied," crosswalk, Evans said.
In addition to crosswalks denoted by street markings, the California Vehicle Code defines a crosswalk as: "That portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of sidewalks at intersections where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles."
When dealing with unmarked crosswalks, vehicles are legally required to yield the right-of-way to crossing pedestrians.
However, the vehicle code also requires pedestrians to yield the right-of-way to any vehicles that are "so near as to constitute an immediate hazard."
Witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information, is asked to call the sheriff's Norwalk Station at 562-863-8711 and ask for Deputy Tibbetts.
EL MONTE -- A Whittier woman died Wednesday in a solo-car crash on the 10 Freeway, authorities said.
A 28-year-old woman, whose name was being withheld pending notification of her family, was killed in the crash, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Dulong said in a written statement.
A passenger in the car, 25-year-old Alonso Navarro of Whittier, was arrested due to an outstanding arrest warrant, officials said. He was described as the woman's boyfriend.
The crash occurred about 2:30 p.m. on the 10 Freeway, just east of the Durfee Avenue undercrossing, as a 1995 Nissan Maxima being driven by the woman was westbound in the fast lane, Dulong said.
"For unknown reasons, she allowed her vehicle to veer to the left and collide with a concrete center median wall," the sergeant said.
The woman was partially thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene by firefighters, officials said.
From City News Service:
LOS ANGELES -- Two Arkansas men were arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after U.S. Customs agents found about 20 pounds of ropes and cords allegedly saturated in cocaine in their luggage, officials said Wednesday.
Jonathan Cottrell, 21, and Leanthony Henderson, 20, had arrived from Panama City, Panama, on March 15, bringing seven ropes and about 40 canvas backpacks with attached cords. The ropes and backpacks appeared to be commercially packed, according to Lee Harty of U.S Customs and Border Protection.
The men said they had bought the items at a swap meet, and one said he was bringing the ropes to tie up his fishing boat. The canvas backpacks with attached cords belonged to the other passenger, said Harty.
CBP officers noticed the backpack cords were stiff and had irregular tension and also emitted a chemical odor. Initial testing indicated the ropes and cords had been saturated with cocaine, Harty said.
"This is another prime example of our astute CBP officers continuous discovery of clever concealment methods," said Carlos Martel, acting director of the CBP's Los Angeles office.
Cottrell and Henderson both pleaded not guilty in Superior Court to a felony charge of transportation for sale of a controlled substance, prosecutors said, and bail was set at $300,000 for each defendant.
A preliminary hearing is expected to be set March 25 at the Airport Courthouse.
LA HABRA -- Police officers will serve as waiters and waitresses Saturday at Red Robin to raise money for the Special Olympics.
La Habra police will pick up serving trays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and again from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the restaurant, 1631 W. Imperial Highway, La Habra police officials said in a written statement.
The event, a 21-year-old law enforcement tradition known as Tip-A-Cop, raises money for year-round training and competitions for disabled athletes.
Tip-A-Cop donations are tax deductible, officials added.
For more information on Tip-A-Cop or the Special Olympics, call Rebecca Berlingeri Walke at 714-563-8374, or e-mail rwalke@sosc.org.
MONTEBELLO -- Six Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies are facing termination proceedings in connection with a brawl among deputies at a Christmas party at the Quiet Cannon banquet hall, officials said Wednesday.
The six deputies are also under investigation for possible criminal charges, sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said. Their names were not released due to laws protecting peace officer privacy.
Seven deputies were initially suspended in connection with the Dec. 10 fight at the Quiet Cannon, 901 Via San Clemente, however evidence did not support the firing of the seventh deputy, officials said.
"It was a thorough and massive undertaking that was done expeditiously," Whitmore said of the investigation.
About 180 witnesses were interviewed as part of an internal investigation, he added.
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokeswoman said the case was turned over to the District Attorney's Justice System Integrity Division in February. Prosecutors had not yet decided whether to file criminal charges.
The firing of the six deputies is, "the largest mass discharge case that we've seen in 10 years," said head attorney Michael Gennaco of the County of Los Angeles Office of Independent Review -- a civilian oversight group designed to monitor the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Officials said the melee involved six deputies assigned to the jail's third floor attacking two deputies assigned to the first floor of the same facility.
Deputies assigned to the first floor accused their third-floor counterparts of being slow in their duties, Gennaco said, and the argument erupted into a brawl.
A female deputy who tried to break up the fight was punched, he added.
Gennaco said the OIR supported the sheriff's department's decision to fire the six deputies.
He said his office also recommends rotating deputies' posts inside jails more frequently.
"We also support this idea of rotating people so that deputies understand that they're affiliation should not be to a particular floor, group, or deputy," Gennaco said. Rotating assignments will also create better trained, more versatile deputies.
A photograph surfaced following the brawl, purported to have been taken at the party, shows six young men posing while displaying the number three -- possibly alluding to the third floor, also known as the 3,000 floor -- with their pinky, ring and middle fingers. The image is reminiscent of gang members flashing gang signs.
"The photo is another evidence of self-identification," Gennaco said.
"I don't know whether these six were the six that were involved in the assault," he added, "(But) there's likely some overlap."
"There's no evidence indicating they're tied to any street gangs," Gennaco said. Nonetheless, the photo, "doesn't show deputies in the best light."
Taking a departure from normal procedure, authorities said, sheriff's officials did not wait for a criminal investigation to be completed before launching an internal investigation.
Officials began moving to fire the six deputies late last week, officials said.
"This could take a significant amount of time," Whitmore said. Due to a lengthy appeals process, the deputies may not be officially terminated for several months.
In the meantime, officials said, they are suspended without pay.
About 100 people were at the party, which was held for deputies assigned to Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles, authorities said.
The days after the brawl, two deputies reported to Montebello police that they had been victims of an assault at the party, according to sheriff's officials. They had suffered minor to moderate injuries but were not hospitalized.
Investigators said no weapons of any kind were used in the fight.
- Staff Writer Thomas Himes contributed to this report.
Mel Gibson at the El Segundo PD had his booking mug taken in connection with his criminal battery case.
This from City News Service, via the Los Angeles County DA's Office:
LOS ANGELES -- A man who allegedly posed as a member of the Rockefeller
family was charged today with the 1985 murder of a San Marino man whose
body was discovered nearly a decade later.
Prosecutors are seeking the extradition Christian K. Gerhartsreiter, a 50-year-old
German national, who is serving a prison sentence in Massachusetts for kidnapping.
Press Release: Jane Robinson: "A con man who crisscrossed the country under assumed identities including posing as a Rockefeller was charged today with the 1985 murder of a San Marino man whose body was discovered a decade later.
Christian K. Gerhartstreiter, 50, a German national better known as Clark Rockefeller was charged with the Feb 1985 murder of JHohn Sohus. Deputy DA Habib A. Balian with major crimes filed a felony complaint in Alhambra Superior Court seeking the defendant's arrest and extradition from Massachusetts.
John Sohus, 27, was last seen in early 1985 shortly after his disappearance a man calling himself Christopher also vanished, Investigators later identified Christopher Chichester as Gerhartsreiter.
In May 1994 a body was discovered buried behind the Sohus home on Lorain Road. The remains were later identified as John Sohus. An investigation determined he was killed by Blunt Force Trauma to the head. The case was filed Tuesday in Alhambra Superior Court. Detectives are seeking $10 million bail.
These photos from the Associated Press document some of what's happening in Sendai, Fukushima and elsewhere in the earthquake and tsunami ravaged region of Northwest Japan:
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2. A survivor of the tsunami that swept through his village of Saito, in northeastern Japan, retells the story to a rescue team that arrived to search the area Monday, March 14, 2011. Rescue workers used chain saws and hand picks Monday to dig out bodies in Japan's devastated coastal towns, as Asia's richest nation faced a mounting humanitarian, nuclear and economic crisis in the aftermath of a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed thousands. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
1. Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel search for victims around a ship swept out by Friday's tsunami in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, Monday, March 14, 2011, three days after a massive earthquake and the ensuing tsunami hit Japan's east coast. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
2. A survivor of the tsunami that swept through his village of Saito, in northeastern Japan, retells the story to a rescue team that arrived to search the area Monday, March 14, 2011. Rescue workers used chain saws and hand picks Monday to dig out bodies in Japan's devastated coastal towns, as Asia's richest nation faced a mounting humanitarian, nuclear and economic crisis in the aftermath of a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed thousands. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
WHITTIER - A man stabbed his wife to death before wounding himself Saturday in their home in an unincorporated county area near Whittier, authorities said.
Maria Guzman, 45, died at the scene of the stabbing, Detective Q. Rodriguez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said.
Her 47-year-old husband, who is suspected in the killing, was not identified Sunday, as Rodriguez said officials were still working to confirm his true name.
The slaying was reported about 3:40 p.m. at a home in the 10700 block of Carmenita Road, near Florence Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Michael Thomas said in a written statement.
"The homicide was a result of a domestic dispute between the victim and her husband," according to Lt. John Corina of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau. "After stabbing his wife, the suspect then intentionally stabbed himself before deputies arrived at the scene."
The woman died at the scene, and the suspect was hospitalized in stable condition, officials said. He underwent surgery Sunday.
Detectives were able to interview the suspect Sunday, however Rodriguez declined to comment on what was said.
The weapon used in the stabbing, a kitchen knife, was found at the scene, the detective added.
The suspect had not been arrested Sunday, Rodriguez said, however he was expected to be taken into custody and charged with murder as soon as his medical condition allows.
Other than a domestic violence incident, a motive in the killing was not clear, he said. Besides the husband and wife, no one else was at the home when the stabbing occurred.
PASADENA -- Police jailed three Pasadena men late Saturday on suspicion of beating and robbing another man near a Gold Line station, officials said.
Terry Schaefer, 20, Dustin Fulfer, 18, and Royal Mitchell, 21, all of Pasadena, were booked on suspicion of strong-arm robbery, according to Pasadena police and sheriff's booking records.
A 26-year-old Los Angeles man was walking about 11 p.m. at Foothill Boulevard and Halstead Street, on his way to the nearby Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line Station, when he was approached by the suspects, Pasadena police Lt. Chris Russ said.
The suspects asked the man for money before proceeding to beat him with their fists and rob him of an undisclosed amount of cash, the lieutenant said.
The alleged victim suffered swelling but was not seriously hurt, police said.
Responding officers found Schaefer, Fulfer and Mitchell a short time later in the parking lot of the Gold Line station and arrested them, Russ said.
According to booking records, they were being held in lieu of $50,000 bail each pending their initial court appearances.
From City News Service:
ARCADIA -- A 90-year-old paddock guard at a Southern California thoroughbred track put himself between a young girl and a horse that broke loose before a race, injuring himself and leaving the girl unharmed.
Officials from Santa Anita said in statement that a 3-year-old gelding named See and Sage broke free from his handler in the track's walking ring and ran toward an opening guarded by John Shear.
The horse ran into Shear, who dropped his rope and threw himself in front of the girl, who is about three. The statement says Shear was conscious and responsive when take to the hospital. His exact injuries were unclear.
Former jockey Shear has been a fixture for decades at Santa Anita's walking ring, where horses are paraded in front of the public before races.
From City News Service:
AZUSA -- A dead body was found Saturday in the San Gabriel River in Azusa, but no foul play was immediately suspected, police said.
The body was discovered just before 3 p.m. near the 3700 block of Fish Canyon Road, said Sgt. John Madaloni of the Azusa Police Department.
Someone called police and reported the body, and directed police to the location when they arrived.
"Due to the swift-running water, officers determined that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's rescue helicopter was needed to confirm the citizen's observation," Madaloni said.
The body was recovered but has not yet been positively identified, Madaloni said.
An investigation into the death was under way, and the cause of death was expected to be determined by the coroner's office, Madaloni said.
"No signs of foul play are apparent at this time," he said.
WHITTIER - A man stabbed his wife to death before wounding himself Saturday in an unincorporated county area near Whittier, authorities said.
Officials initially described the stabbing victim only as a 45-year-old Latino woman.
The slaying was reported about 3:40 p.m. at a home in the 10700 block of Carmenita Road, near Florence Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Michael Thomas said in a written statement.
"The homicide was a result of a domestic dispute between the victim and her husband," according to Lt. John Corina of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau. "After stabbing his wife, the suspect then intentionally stabbed himself before deputies arrived at the scene."
The woman died at the scene, and the suspect was hospitalized in stable condition, officials said.
"Once his condition improves, the suspect will be interviewed by homicide detectives," Corina added.
No further details were available.
ARCADIA -- Police arrested three burglary suspects in Sierra Madre Thursday following an attempted break-in in Arcadia, authorities said.
Kenneth Battle, 25, of Los Angeles, Justin Tyson, 29, of Fontana, and Dewayne Tyars, 25, of Redlands were booked on suspicion of attempted burglary and receiving stolen property, Arcadia police Sgt. Tom Le Veque said in a written statement.
A woman heard a "loud and continuous" knock at her front door in the 400 block of Arbolada Drive about 8:45 a.m. and looked through the peep hole to see a man she'd never seen before standing on her porch, Le Veque said.
She watched as the man walked to the side of her house, then returned to the front door and began knocking again, police said.
The woman woke her husband, and the couple heard people on their rear deck and inside their bathroom, the sergeant said.
The couple dialed 9-1-1 to report the burglary, he said, and while on the phone with authorities, the residents saw two men walk out of their back yard.
Arcadia police officers confirmed that an attempted break-in had occurred, Le Veque said.
"The suspects had removed the bathroom screen and tried to open the window," he said. "It appears that the suspects either saw or heard the residents inside the home and abandoned their attempts to gain entry, choosing to flee."
A short time later, a Sierra Madre police officer stopped a car on Baldwin Avenue near the 210 Freeway and noticed the description of the occupants and vehicle matched that of the Arcadia burglary attempt, officials said.
"After positive identification of two of the suspects, the trio was taken into custody," Le Veque said. "Additional evidence was found inside the vehicle and the investigation is continuing."
According to police and sheriff's booking records, Battle and Tyson, who are parolees, are being held without bail. Tyars was released from jail the same day of his arrest after posting $50,000 bail.
All three were due for arraignment Monday in Pasadena Superior Court.
DIAMOND BAR -- Coroner's officials Friday released the name of a 32-year-old Diamond Bar man who died in a motorcycle crash on the 57 Freeway.
Hugh Man died at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton shortly after Thursday's 1:40 p.m. crash on the southbound 57 Freeway, just south of the the 60 Freeway, Orange County Coroner's and California Highway Patrol officials said.
He had just entered the freeway from the eastbound 60 Freeway when he crashed into the rear of a Pontiac that had just entered the southbound 57 Freeway from the westbound 60 Freeway, according to a statement from the CHP.
The driver of the Pontiac, a 51-year-old Ontario woman, was trying to pull over to the right side of the road due to mechanical problems when the collision occurred, officials added. She was not hurt.
WHITTIER -- A 29-year-old East Whittier Middle School teacher and part-time La Serna High School coach pleaded not guilty Friday to charges stemming from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old female student.
Jesse Serrato, of Whittier, was charged with four counts of committing lewd acts with a child in Whittier Superior Court, court officials said. He was ordered to return back to court March 22 to set a date for a preliminary hearing.
Serrato is accused of carrying on an improper relationship with a 14-year-old East Whittier Middle School student for several months, Whittier police Officer Mike Dekowski said.
He was arrested Tuesday following investigation by police and school district officials.
According to sheriff's booking records, Serrato was being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.
COVINA -- A suspected drunken driver drove onto a school yard where a softball practice was being held Thursday before crashing into a wall, parked cars a residential fence, police said.
George Magellanes, 28, of Covina was booked on suspicion of drunken driving and hit-and run, Covina police Sgt. Trevor Gaumer said.
Magellanes was driving about 5 p.m. when he lost control and crashed through a chain link fence surrounding Vision of Faith International private school, at Cypress Street and Banna Avenue, the sergeant said.
He drove onto the field, "Where a softball practice was going on," Gaumer said.
Children scattered as the car again rammed the gate again to get back onto Cypress Street, he said.
Dragging a 30-foot long metal fence post behind his car, Magellanes then continued on Cypress Avenue before turning onto an alley at Reeder Avenue, where he struck a wall, several parked cars and a residential fence, Gaumer said.
The car then came to a stop, he said, and Magellanes was quickly arrested by officers who were drawn to the area by the commotion.
DIAMOND BAR -- A 32-year-old Diamond Bar man died Thursday after his motorcycle collided with a car on the 57 Freeway, authorities said.
The name of the motorcyclist was withheld Thursday pending notification of his family, officials said.
The collision was reported about 1:40 p.m. on the southbound 57 Freeway, just south of the westbound 60 Freeway, California Highway Patrol Officer Monica Posada said.
The motorcyclist was entering the southbound 57 Freeway from the eastbound 60 Freeway and a 51-year-old Ontario woman in a Pontiac sedan was entering the southbound 57 Freeway from the westbound 60 Freeway when the crash occurred, CHP officials said in a written statement.
The Pontiac was ahead and to the left of the motorcycle prior to the collision, officials added.
"(The Pontiac driver) related she was trying to get (her car) to the right shoulder of southbound SR-57, south of SR-60, due to mechanical difficulties," the statement said.
As the Pontiac was making its way to the right shoulder, the motorcycle struck it from behind, officials said. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and into a concrete sound wall.
He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
The driver of the Pontiac was not injured.
A Sig Alert was in effect for the two right lanes of the 57 Freeway, as well as the eastbound 60 Freeway transition road to the southbound 57, for about an hour after the crash, Posada said.
FYI, I've already volunteered to serve as a "test subject" the next time the CHP holds this event.
SANTA FE SPRINGS -- Three beverage distribution company employees got drunk on duty Thursday -- all in the interest of science and safety.
It was during a California Highway Patrol presentation to teach bartenders and restaurant workers how to tell when a customer has had too much to drink.
The event, attended by bartenders and servers from throughout the Whittier area, was held at Triangle Distributing Co. in Santa Fe Springs, which supplies beer to many local bars and restaurants.
"What we try to show you is some things to look out for," Capt. Dan Minor of the CHP's Santa Fe Springs office told the servers. When it comes to preventing drunken driving, "You're the first line of defense."
Triangle employees Max Leyva, Vince Mendez and Norm Kitano volunteered to be guinea pigs for the educational experiment, steadily drinking beer for about an hour as CHP officers and servers gauged their levels of intoxication.
"This is a sacrifice we do for our company," Leyva quipped after downing seven beers.
Each of the three participants was given breath tests to check their blood alcohol, and CHP officers administered field sobriety tests, just like the ones done on the roadside when drunken driving is suspected.
Signs of inebriation include nystagmus, or involuntary eye movement, problems with coordination, difficulty dividing attention between tasks and altered perception of time, participants learned.
"It's not just one thing at a time -- it's everything put together," Officer Cory Baker said, adding that alcohol effects everyone differently.
In addition, officers also talked with servers about how not to be fooled by fake IDs, offering tips such as examining the texture and font size of ID cards and making sure the photo hasn't been altered.
The CHP hosts similar events several times a year, Minor said. Officials especially like to hold them around holidays known for drinking, such as St. Patrick's Day, which is March 17.
Karina Magana, a 22-year-old server at Shipmate's Sports Bar in Cerritos, said she found the class "really helpful."
"It really helps to see how fast the beer can hit you," she said.
Sara Brinsfield, 22, Frank Larios, 19, and Chelsea Ramsay, 18, all Whittier residents and employees of Pizzamania in Whittier, attended the class.
"It's good knowledge. I'd definitely recommend it," Brinsfield said.
"We learned more of what we should look for, (like) how people walk to the bathroom," she said.
Some servers said they were surprised to learn that a person can be convicted of drunken driving if driving under the influence of alcohol, even if their blood-alcohol level is below the legal limit of .08.
Larios said he learned some new techniques for confirming the legitimacy of ID cards.
The point of Thursday's exercise is to try and get ahead of drunken driving-related crashed before they occur, Minor said.
"In the end, it's all about traffic safety," he said.
POMONA -- A jury convicted two men Thursday of robbing an El Monte business, then shooting a good Samaritan who intervened when they tried to rob an elderly woman of her dog in Arcadia.
Kekai Larsen, 27, and Joseph Duran, 24, both of Los Angeles, were convicted of robbery, attempted robbery, burglary and assault with a deadly weapon, court and police officials said, along with the special allegations of using and firing a gun and causing great bodily injury to a victim.
Larsen and Duran tried to steal an air compressor April 6 of last year from a business in the 9900 block of Gidley Street in El Monte, El Monte police Detective Ralph Batres said.
The business owner heard the commotion and came out to confront the thieves when they brandished a handgun and demanded his wallet, the detective said. Duran then ransacked the business for valuables.
From there, Batres said, Larsen and Duran headed to Arcadia, where they tried to rob an elderly woman of her small dog.
An Arcadia man of about 40 years old tried to help the woman when Larsen leaned out of the getaway car and shot him in the leg, police said. Both attackers then fled.
Based on license plate information garnered during the El Monte robbery, police were waiting at an Alhambra home when the car that was involved in the crimes arrived, Batres said. Larsen and Duran were not inside.
Police pulled over the car and soon learned that Larsen and Duran were at a motel in Rosemead, Batres said. They were arrested without incident, though the handgun was not recovered.
Larsen face the possibility of life in prison, and Duran faces up to 12 years behind bars when they return to Pomona Superior Court April 7 for sentencing, officials said.
LONG BEACH -- After more than 25 years, a man has been arrested on suspicion of killing a woman whose body was found in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa, authorities said.
Twenty-three-year-old aspiring model Joanne Marie Jones "seemingly disappeared in the city of Long Beach," on April 19, 1985, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said in a written statement.
Two and a half decades after leads dried up, Stafford Joel Spicer, 59, of Las Vegas was arrested Tuesday and booked on suspicion of murder, officials said.
He's accused of stabbing Jones to death after she left her boyfriend's Long Beach home on her way to work in West Covina on April 19, 1985, officials said.
Though Spicer was arrested while driving Jones' 1978 Chevrolet Camaro days after she went missing, based on the information detectives had at the time, "There was insufficient evidence to pursue murder charges against Spicer in a court of law," the statement said.
Jones' body was found abandoned in a remote area near Highway 39 and East Fork Road in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa on June 8, 1985, officials said.
"In 2009, Sheriff's Homicide Cold Case Detective Steve Davis re-opened this case," the sheriff's statement said. "He uncovered additional biological evidence (DNA), and along with advances in technology and additional investigative follow-up, the case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which determined there was sufficient evidence for a homicide case to be filed."
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and sheriff's homicide investigators served a warrant at Spicer's Las Vegas home and arrested him without incident about 5 p.m. Tuesday, authorities added.
He's being held in Las Vegas pending extradition to California, officials said.
"The motto of the Sheriff's Cold Case Homicide Unit is 'Time is on our side,'" Captain Mike Parker of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau said. "Homicide cases are never closed until they are solved."
ARCADIA -- Police arrested two teenage robbery suspects Tuesday after a clerk at a skateboard shop they were trying to rob fought back, authorities.
The 15- and 16-year-old teens, both Pasadena residents, were booked on suspicion of attempted robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment, Arcadia police Sgt. Tom Le Veque said in a written statement.
The "brazen" robbery attempt occurred about 11 a.m. at Advantis Ride Inc., 1041 S. Baldwin Ave., the sergeant said.
The boys entered the store with what appeared to be handguns and ordered the employee, a 34-year-old man, to the floor, police said.
"They had him down to kneeling," Sgt. Dean Caputo said, but the employee stopped complying with the would-be robbers when they made it clear they planned to tie him up.
"They were gonna zip tie him," Caputo said. "He was in fear, so he took his chances and grabbed for the gun."
The employee managed to pull a gun away from one of the young crooks and strike him with it, knocking him to the floor, police said.
The second gunman then struck the employee with the butt of a handgun, Le Veque said.
"The suspects abandoned their robbery and fled with the employee giving chase," he added.
A witness flagged down an Arcadia police officer who happened to be nearby, Le Veque said. After a brief search of the area, both teen suspects were captured.
Police said the young suspects were sent to the Eastlake Juvenile Detention Facility in Los Angeles after booking.
The employee suffered a moderate head injury in the incident, police said.
SAN GABRIEL -- Trial was postponed Wednesday for a woman accused of takin part in the 2005 shooting death of a Gabrielino High School senior, officials said.
Sarah Toledo, 23, is due back in Pasadena Superior Court Monday for a jury trial, court officials said.
She's accused of murder, along with the special circumstances of committing the crime for the benefit of a street gang, in connection with the April 27, 2005 slaying of 17-year-old Ryan Dasalla, which occurred about a block away from Gabrielino High School, authorities said.
Co-defendant Gabriel Guerrero was convicted of Dasalla's murder and sentenced to 84 years to life in prison, officials said. His brother, Daniel Guerrero, is also a suspect in the slaying but remains a fugitive.
Prosecutors have said that the Guerrero brothers - both members of the Varrio Nueva Estrada street gang - shot Dasalla under the mistaken belief that he was involved in the beating of their younger brother the night before.
Toledo allegedly helped the brothers target Dasalla.
According to sheriff's booking records, Toledo is being held in lieu of $2 million bail.
WHITTIER -- Police arrested an East Whittier Middle School physical education teacher Wednesday morning on suspicion of carrying on an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student, authorities said.
Jesse Anthony Serrato, a 29-year-old Whittier man who also worked as a part-time coach at La Serna High School, was booked on suspicion of committing lewd acts on a child, Whittier police spokesman Officer Mike Dekowski said.
The arrest stems from an alleged ongoing relationship with the 14-year-old girl.
"We think that it did go on over some time -- a period of months," Dekowski said.
East Whittier City School District Superintendent Joe Gillentine said district officials placed Serrato on leave and called the police Tuesday after learning of possible wrongdoing.
"We called the police, because that's our first priority -- children's safety," Gillentine said. "Whenever we think something is wrong, we refer it to the police department. We're not going to take chances with our children."
About a dozen counselors were on-campus at East Whittier Middle School Wednesday for any students or staff members who may need them, district officials said. Parents were being notified of the situation via letters home, as well as a recorded telephone message.
Serrato was placed on administrative leave from the EWCSD as the investigation continues, officials said.
According to sheriff's booking records, Serrato was being held in lieu of $200,000 bail at the Whittier Police Department's jail. Information on his initial court appearance was not available, however criminal defendants being held in custody are generally arraigned within two business days of arrest.
Police were unaware of any additional victims Wednesday, he added, but detectives urged anyone with information to come forward.
"If there's anybody else that has had inappropriate contact with him, we want to know about it," Dekowski said.
Whittier police detectives can be reached at 562-567-9270.
PHOTO of Jesse Serrato courtesy of the Whittier Police Department.
LA MIRADA - Two La Mirada men died Saturday when their pickup truck collided with a compact car, then veered into a tree, authorities said.
Jason Michael Hagen and Gregory Esparza Rocha, both 30, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Lt. Joe Bale said.
The crash occurred about 1 a.m. on Santa Gertrudes Avenue at Lawnhill Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Josie Woolum said.
The truck was being driven by Hagen at a "high rate of speed" when it collided with a compact car being driven by Salvador Fernandez, 31, of La Mirada, Woolum said.
After colliding with the compact car, the pickup truck continued traveling out of control and struck a tree, she added.
Though Fernandez was not believed to have been the primary cause of the crash, deputies believe he was under the influence and booked him on suspicion of drunken driving after he was treated for minor injuries.
Jason Michael Hagen and Gregory Esparza Rocha, both 30, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Lt. Joe Bale said.
The crash occurred about 1 a.m. on Santa Gertrudes Avenue at Lawnhill Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Josie Woolum said.
The truck was being driven by Hagen at a "high rate of speed" when it collided with a compact car being driven by Salvador Fernandez, 31, of La Mirada, Woolum said.
After colliding with the compact car, the pickup truck continued traveling out of control and struck a tree, she added.
Though Fernandez was not believed to have been the primary cause of the crash, deputies believe he was under the influence and booked him on suspicion of drunken driving after he was treated for minor injuries.
PASADENA -- An allegedly drunken Pasadena woman crashed into a tree, a light standard and three parked cars before being followed by witnesses and jailed by police late Saturday, authorities said.
Nicole Sanders, 39, was booked on suspicion of drunken driving, Pasadena police Lt. Chris Russ said.
She was driving her SUV about 11:30 p.m. near Corson Street and Hill Avenue when she crashed into a light standard and a tree, he said.
Russ said Sanders then backed her vehicle up and continued driving, dragging a "significant portion" of the tree with her, and struck three parked cars around the corner in the 1500 block of Corson Street.
"Witnesses followed the suspect to the area of Sierra Bonita (Avenue) and Locust (Street)," the lieutenant said, where officers stopped her and took her into custody.
According to sheriff's booking records, Sanders was being held in lieu of $30,000 bail at the Pasadena Police Department's jail pending a court appearance.
PASADENA -- A house and two parked cars were struck by gunfire late Saturday, but no injuries were reported, police said.
Officer responded to the 1000 block of Summit Avenue about 10 p.m. to investigate reports of gunshots heard in the area, Pasadena police Lt. Chris Russ said.
Officers found bullet casings on the ground and discovered that two parked cars, as well as a home occupied by a 43-year-old man, had been struck by gunfire, the lieutenant said.
No suspect description was available.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241.
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A woman whose body was discovered in Turnbull Canyon last week was shot to death, coroner's officials said Sunday.
The woman, listed at the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner as Jane Doe No. 11, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head, coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said. The death was ruled a homicide.
Though investigators had a possible identity for the woman, they were still working to confirm it Sunday.
A passer-by reported finding the body, already decomposing, about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, 10-feet down an embankment along Skyline Drive in Turnbull Canyon, Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators said.
Due to weather, officials did not retrieve the body until the following morning.
Handling homicide detectives could not be reached for comment Sunday.
MONTEBELLO -- Police sought a killer Sunday who shot a man to death in a residential neighborhood.
Jesus Antonio Castro, 33, of Montebello died in the shooting, coroner's officials said.
Few details were initially available about the shooting, which was reported about 1:08 a.m. in the 700 block of Via Altamira, Montebello police Lt. Rick Rojas said.
After receiving numerous 9-1-1 calls reporting gunshots, "Officers responded and found a male adult in the street who appeared to have been shot," the lieutenant said.
It was determined Castro had been shot multiple times, officials said. Montebello Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
No suspects were in custody, no description of the shooter was available and no motive in the shooting was known Sunday afternoon, police said.
PICO RIVERA -- Two masked robbers bound two men and pistol-whipped one of them Friday during a home-invasion at a Pico Rivera condominium, authorities said.
Two men wearing ski masks and gloves barged their through an unlocked front door about 5:15 p.m. at a condominium in the 9000 block of Burke Street, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Ernest Bille said. Two men, ages 19 and 21, were inside, he said.
"The suspects demanded money. They used plastic zip-ties to tie up the victims," the sergeant said.
The robbers, at least one of whom was armed with a handgun, ransacked the house for whatever cash and checks they could find, Bille said.
The older victim was pistol-whipped in the back of the head when he tried to escape, he added. He was hospitalized in stable condition.
"The other victim began yelling for help at that point, at which time suspects jumped out of a sliding glass door toward Rosemead (Boulevard)," bile said.
They were last seen getting into a sedan, described as possibly gray.
The victims managed to free themselves and seek help once the robbers left, officials said.
A further physical description of the robbers was not available, Bille said. They spoke to the victims in Spanish.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Pico Rivera Station at 562-949-2421.
Two men wearing ski masks and gloves barged their through an unlocked front door about 5:15 p.m. at a condominium in the 9000 block of Burke Street, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Ernest Bille said. Two men, ages 19 and 21, were inside, he said.
"The suspects demanded money. They used plastic zip-ties to tie up the victims," the sergeant said.
The robbers, at least one of whom was armed with a handgun, ransacked the house for whatever cash and checks they could find, Bille said.
The older victim was pistol-whipped in the back of the head when he tried to escape, he added. He was hospitalized in stable condition.
"The other victim began yelling for help at that point, at which time suspects jumped out of a sliding glass door toward Rosemead (Boulevard)," bile said.
They were last seen getting into a sedan, described as possibly gray.
The victims managed to free themselves and seek help once the robbers left, officials said.
A further physical description of the robbers was not available, Bille said. They spoke to the victims in Spanish.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Pico Rivera Station at 562-949-2421.
From City News Service:
POMONA -- A 40-year-old Pomona man was killed and three children suffered major injuries when their SUV rolled over and crashed on Interstate 5 in the San Joaquin Valley, the California Highway Patrol said Saturday.
Friday's 3:45 p.m. crash on the freeway, between Los Banos and Tracy, involved a Ford Expedition whose driver lost control. The SUV swerved at least twice before rolling off the freeway, ejecting three passengers.
The dead man's name has not been released by the Stanislaus County coroner.
A 39-year-old Pomona woman was driving a 2004 Ford Expedition at about the 70 mph speed limit when she made an abrupt lane change to the right lane, the CHP Modesto office said.
As the woman lost control, she made a sharp left turn, overcorrected and the SUV careened to right, left the roadway and overturned, the CHP said. Three of the six occupants were ejected from the vehicle.
The middle row right-side passenger, a 40-year-old man from Pomona, was ejected from the Expedition and died at the scene.
The woman suffered minor injuries and was rushed to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto.
Three girls, aged 17, 15 and 10, suffered major injuries, and a 9- year-old boy with minor injuries was also rushed to Memorial Medical Center.
The CHP said alcohol was not a contributing factor in the traffic accident and all the ejected passengers had not been wearing seatbelts.
From City News Service:
COMPTON -- A former Compton teacher from Diamond Bar accused of molesting three female students while he was assigned to Foster Elementary School in Compton pleaded not guilty Friday to three felony counts.Ronald Sture Hoppe, 45, of Diamond Bar, appeared late this afternoon in Compton Superior Court, where he is charged with three counts of lewd act on a child under 14.Hoppe, who was arrested Thursday, is accused of molesting one student between August 2005 and June 2006, the second between August 2007 and June 2008 and the third in November 2008.Hoppe, who is jailed on $300,000 bail, is due back in court March 21. A date is scheduled to be set then for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.If convicted as charged, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
WEST COVINA -- Detectives arrested a man late Thursday in West Covina on suspicion of killing a 2-year-old boy in Lomita, authorities said.
Daniel Vega, 25, was arrested about 11 p.m. in connection with the killing, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said in a written statement.
He was identified as a suspect in the death of a 2-year-old child who was pronounced dead about 12:40 p.m. at a home in the 26000 block of South Western Avenue in Lomita, officials said.
Coroner's officials identified the dead boy Friday as Gabriel Dominguez. An official cause of death was not available pending autopsy.
Sheriff's officials said Vega was living at the home with his girlfriend, the mother of the child.
In addition to being a homicide suspect, "Detectives are also looking into an allegation of previous abuse to the toddler by the suspect," Sgt. Diane Hecht said.
Details regarding how the suspect was arrested in West Covina were not available.
Two other children who were living in the Lomita home, ages 4 and 6, were taken into protective custody by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, officials added.
PHOTO of Daniel Vega courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
WHITTIER -- Concerned neighbors rescued an elderly couple from the burning house Friday, then attacked the blaze with garden hoses until firefighters arrived.
Ashley Colbern, 21, said she noticed smoke coming from the Rio Florida Drive home of her elderly neighbors, 83-year-old Matthew Papac and 80-year-old Corrine Papac, shortly before 2 p.m.
Colbern said she rang the doorbell, and Corrine Papac came to the door.
"She wasn't aware of the fire," Colbern said.
Colbern said she asked Corrine Papac where her husband was, and the woman directed her to a back bedroom.
After telling Corrine Papac to get out of the home, Colbern said she entered the bedroom and found Matthew Papac napping.
He didn't respond to her warnings at first, she said.
Matthew Papac said he thought he was dreaming when Colbern first arrived and began telling him there was a fire.
"I was jumping -- I was doing anything I could to get his attention," she said.
Ultimately, Matthew Papac said he was escorted from his home by Colbern and another neighbor, 70-year-old Bruce Wyatt.
"We were running through the den there," Matthew Papac said. "The smoke was filling up the room. Bruce grabbed me by the shoulder and said, 'stay low.'"
In the end, everyone made it out of the house unharmed, though fire officials initially estimated the value of the damage to the single-story home at about $600,000.
Wyatt said he and a gardening crew working in the neighborhood then squirted garden hoses on the fire until firefighters arrived, though it had little effect on the raging roof fire.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation, he said, though officials were looking into the possibility the blaze was ignited by the home's fireplace.
The Papac's daughter, 49-year-old Debbie Ferrari, said she visits her parent about three times a day and had been at the home only hours before the fire broke out.
"Thank God for (the neighbors)," she said. "They would have been sound asleep and burned to death."
Ferrari erupted into tears as she hugged neighbors who took part in the rescue.
Nearly 30 firefighters extinguished the fire in about 25 minutes, Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Sam Padilla said.
Once ignited, the fire spread quickly over the wooded, shake-shingle roof, Padilla added.
He said firefighters would likely be on scene for much of the day stripping away the roof and looking for hot spots.
From City News Service:
LOS ANGELES -- The third executive of a Los Angeles toy company pleaded guilty today to his role in a scheme to launder almost $9 million for drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia using teddy bears and Topo Gigio mouse dolls.Meichun Cheng Huang, 57, of Irvine, a co-owner of Angel Toy Corp., entered his plea to one felony count of conspiracy in Los Angeles federal court before U.S. District Judge S. James Otero.Previously in the case, Ling Yu, 52, of Arcadia, CEO and co-owner of the toy company, and firm accountant Xiaoxin "Judy" Ju, 48, of San Gabriel, pleaded guilty to the same charge, prosecutors said.The three were arrested last July at the downtown business on Alameda Street, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement."It may be a toy company, but we believe these defendants' pursuits were anything but child's play," ICE Director John Morton said after the arrests. "Businesses that launder profits for drug trafficking organizations should be on notice there will be a high price to pay for helping further these dangerous criminal enterprises."According to an indictment, Huang and Yu directed their Colombian and Mexican clients to drop cash off at the company's Los Angeles headquarters or deposit it directly into the company's bank accounts.After receiving the money, Angel Toy executives wired it to China to purchase stuffed animals and dolls, according to ICE. The toys were subsequently exported to Colombia, where an associate apparently arranged for their sale.The Colombian pesos generated by those sales were then used to reimburse Colombian drug traffickers, a money-laundering process known as a "black market peso exchange," said then-Attorney General Jerry Brown, whose office investigated the case along with ICE.The arrests stemmed from a five-count indictment that charged five defendants, including the co-owners of Angel Toy Corp., and a Colombia-based businessman who allegedly oversaw the importation of the toys into his country, prosecutors said. The fifth defendant in the case is Angel Toy Corp. itself.The charges include conspiracy to structure cash transactions to avoid federal reporting requirements, prosecutors said. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of more than $8.6 million dollars, which is the amount of money allegedly laundered over a four-year period, from 2005 to 2009.Topo Gigio was a character on a children's puppet show on Italian and Spanish television in the early 1960s and began famous worldwide when the cute rodent appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Topo Gigio remains a Latino cultural icon.Otero set Oct. 31 to sentence Huang, Yu and Ju, prosecutors said.
SOUTH PASADENA -- Police arrested a 47-year-old convicted sex offender and parolee Thursday afternoon after he was spotted nude and masturbating in front of an apartment building, authorities said.
Edward Valdivia was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and violating parole, South Pasadena police officials said in a written statement.
He lived at the apartment building where the alleged incident occurred, which is owned by his father, police said.
A woman called police shortly after 1 p.m. to report seeing a disturbing sight, officials said.
"A male adult was completely nude and masturbating while sitting on the steps of an apartment complex in the 700 block Fremont Avenue," according to the police statement.
Police arrested Valdivia after he was identified by the woman as the man who was exposing himself.
He was on parole for a drug conviction and is listed as a registered sex offender for "assault with intent to commit a specified sex offense," officials said.
Valdivia was being held without bail pending arraignment Friday in Alhambra Superior Court.
PHOTO of Edward Valdivia courtesy of the South Pasadena Police Department
LOS ANGELES -- A Pasadena parole agent pleaded not guilty Thursday to an accusation of stealing more than $3,000 from a female parolee, officials said.
Robert Earl Wilson, 53, of Chino Hills is charged with embezzlement by a public officer and grand theft by embezzlement, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement.
He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in Los Angeles Superior Court April 6, officials said, when his preliminary hearing will be scheduled.
"Wilson allegedly stole more than $3,000 from a female parolee who, while incarcerated, authorized him to withdraw funds from her bank account in order to put money into her jail account," according to the written statement. The crimes were reported between Jan. 30 and May 18 of 2010.
"The victim discovered the alleged embezzlement after her release from jail when she reviewed bank records and noticed a series of unauthorized withdrawals during her period of incarceration," according to the statement.
While Wilson was not responsible for the alleged victim's supervision, he earned her trust through their encounters at the Pasadena parole office, 333. E. Walnut Street, investigators said.
He was initially arrested at the office July 28 of last year, and was released from custody after posting $20,000 bail.
Wilson, who has been a parole agent with the California Department of Corrections for more than 20 years, was placed on administrative leave when an investigation was launched, officials said.
If convicted as charged, Wilson faces up to three years and eight months in state prison.
MONTEREY PARK -- An elderly suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, but managed to escape her burning condominium early Sunday, officials said.
A fire was reported about 6:11 a.m. at a condominium complex in the 200 block of North Alhambra Avenue, Monterey Park Fire Department Battalion Chief Randy Harper said.
Firefighters arrived to find an elderly woman who had managed to get out of the condominium on her own, but suffered major burns to her head and smoke inhalation, the battalion chief said. She was hospitalized in critical condition.
Nearly 40 firefighter extinguished the blaze in about 20 minutes and found no other injuries, officials said.
The affected condominium was gutted, Harper said, with an estimated $200,000 worth of damage to the structure and contents. Adjacent units were not damaged.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation, however Harper said there was nothing overtly suspicious found at the scene.
WHITTIER -- Police used a bean bag gun and a Taser to subdue a suspected drunken driver late Wednesday, authorities said.
The suspect's name was not available pending booking, Whittier police Lt. Mike Pryzbyl said.
An officer tried to pull the man over in the area of Greenleaf Avenue and Penn Street on suspicion of drunken driving but the driver refused to pull over, the lieutenant said.
The driver led police on a slow pursuit to 2nd Street and Catalina Avenue, where he finally pulled over, Pryzbyl said.
The man ignored officers' orders to get out of the car, he said, and police smashed one of his windows with a bean bag gun in an effort to pull him from the vehicle.
Police said the driver struggled with officers until they shocked him with a Taser. He was then arrested without further trouble.
AZUSA -- Police arrested an Azusa man Monday after he crashed his car through a pharmacy in what police called a failed smash-and-grab robbery, then began smashing windows at an apartment complex with his head, authorities said.
Dustin Andrew Delucia, 23, was booked on suspicion of burglary and vandalism, Azusa police Sgt. Andy Sutcliffe said in a written statement.
Delucia is accused of driving a 1994 Honda Accord through the front windows of a CVS Pharmacy, 915. E. Arrow Highway, about 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Sutcliffe said.
The store was closed for business, however several employees were working inside, police said.
"(Delucia) quickly exited the vehicle and ran into the store toward the cash registers," the sergeant said. "But when confronted by the manager, he abruptly stopped without taking anything and ran back to his vehicle."
The car sped away north on Citrus Avenue, he added. The damage to the store was estimated at $30,000.
Detectives Monday identified Delucia as a suspect, Sutcliffe said, but before they could seek him out, police received another 9-1-1 call about him Sunday evening.
Around 6 p.m., "Patrol officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of West Arrow Highway on a report of a man running through an apartment complex smashing windows with his head."
The person doing the damage was determined to be Delucia, who was found hiding behind a trash dumpster and arrested.
Delucia was hospitalized for treatment of injuries he suffered while breaking windows with his head, Sutcliffe said.
According to sheriff's booking records, he was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
From City News Service:
WESTMINSTER - A 53-year-old El Monte man was convicted Wednesday of felony charges involving his response to a bogus Craigslist ad by Huntington Beach police claiming to be a 13-year-old girl.Gregory Ruiz Aguirre was convicted of going to a meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose, attempted lewd conduct with a minor under 14 and communicating with a minor for a lewd purpose, Deputy District Attorney Eric Scarbrough said.Jurors deliberated for about a couple of hours before reaching their verdicts on the three felony charges, Scarbrough said.Aguirre faces up to five years in prison when he is scheduled to be sentenced March 25, Scarbrough said.Huntington Beach police posted a Craigslist ad claiming to be a fictitious 13-year-old girl looking to make $100, Scarbrough said.Aguirre was one of three men who responded to the ad, Scarbrough said.Aguirre exchanged several sexually explicit e-mails and online instant messages with the undercover officer he thought was a 13-year-old girl, Scarbrough said.Aguirre made a date to meet the fictitious girl May 26 of last year and was arrested when he showed up for it in Huntington Beach, Scarbrough said.Aguirre denied the charges when he testified during the trial, Scarbrough said.Howard Houchen Wang, another man caught in the undercover sting, pleaded guilty in December to attempted lewd act on a child under 14, contacting a child with intent to commit a specified crime, meeting a minor to engage in lewd conduct and attempted distribution of lewd material to a minor, all felonies.Wang was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.Alvin Huynh, 24, of Foothill Ranch, was also charged in connection with the sting, but has not gone to trial.
ARCADIA -- Arcadia police officers and firefighters are planning to square off in a basketball game next month to raise money for the Special Olympics.
The "Battle of the Badges" all-star basketball game will take place at 7 p.m. April 22 at the main gym of Arcadia High School, 180 Campus Drive, organizers said in a written statement.
The event is being hosted by the Arcadia Police Officers' Association and the Arcadia Firefighter's Association, officials said, and all proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Southern California.
A donation to the Special Olympics is requested for admission.
For more information, contact Arcadia police Officer Walter Ashby at 626-574-5188.
COVINA -- Officials sent a man for psychological evaluation Wednesday after he was caught trying to seal more than $1,500 worth of electronics from a Covina Wal-Mart store, police said.
The name of the man, a 45-year-old San Bernardino resident, was not available as he underwent psychological evaluation, Covina police Lt. Tim Doonan said.
The incident was reported about 11 a.m. at Wal-Mart, 1275 N. Azusa Avenue, police said.
he man is accused of emptying a large box that contained a lamp inside the store, then filling it with $1,200 worth of car stereos and portable DVD players, the lieutenant said.
He took the box to the register and paid for the lamp and a clothing hamper before bringing the items out to his pickup truck, Doonan said.
The man then went back into the store and filled a hamper with another car stereo and four more DVD players when an employee thought he looked suspicious and confronted him, police said. The man dropped the hamper and ran from the store.
Police captured the man nearby inside a nearby Wienerschnitzel restaurant and recovered the items from his truck, Doonan said.
"Shortly after his arrest, we discovered he might have some mental health issues," the lieutenant said. He was taken for psychological evaluation instead of immediately being booked on suspicion of commercial burglary and grand theft.
WEST COVINA -- A 28-year-old West Covina man was behind bars Wednesday on suspicion of making a hobby of shining a powerful green laser light at police and passenger aircraft over the course of more than a year, authorities said.
Jose Marie Gutierrez was booked on suspicion of a felony charge of discharging a laser at an aircraft, West Covina police Cpl. Rudy Lopez said.
"The arrest came after a lengthy investigation was conducted by WCPD Detectives when several reports of laser light strikes by a green laser beam were made on police and civilian helicopters between December, 2009 and January, 2011," the corporal said.
Aircraft targeted by the laser included El Monte, Pasadena and Pomona police, as well as Los Angeles County sheriff's and fire department craft and commercial airliners, police said.
One helicopter reported being struck by the beam at least 15 times during one flight, Lopez said.
"This truly was a problem for us for quite a long time," he said.
If light from a laser pointer hits a pilot in the eyes, it can cause temporary blindness that could lead to a catastrophe in the air, Lopez said.
"Plus the light can flood the interior of the cockpit," he said. "It can actually cause you to not be able to see the instrument panel."
Police identified Gutierrez as a possible suspect and served a search warrant at his apartment in the 200 block of Pima Street late last month, Lopez said.
Gutierrez was not home, he said, but police recovered a green laser pointer and a police radio scanner,
"The (laser) was found to have a range of 10,000 feet," Lopez said.
The scanner, he added, was likely used by Gutierrez to keep tabs on when authorities were looking for him.
"Each time the area was checked for the source, the light beam would cease preventing detection," Lopez said.
Police returned to Gutierrez's apartment Tuesday and arrested him as he tried to flee out an upstairs window, officials said.
In addition to shining the laser at aircraft, Lopez said, Gutierrez was found to have two outstanding warrants for his arrest.
According to court records, Gutierrez has charges of domestic battery and giving false information to police pending against him in West Covina Superior Court.
His criminal record in Los Angeles County also includes 2007 convictions for being under the influence of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as a 2006 conviction for domestic battery.
Gutierrez was being held in lieu of $400,000 bail and was dues for arraignment Thursday in West Covina Superior Court, according to police and sheriff's booking records.
If convicted, he faces up to three years in state prison.
He is only the latest San Gabriel Valley-area resident to face charges after allegedly shining a green laser at aircraft, officials said.
Police reportedly arrested a 19-year-old El Monte man Feb. 17 on suspicion of shining a green laser pointer at an El Monte Police Department helicopter as it was orbiting over the scene of a car crash at Killian Street and La Madera Avenue in El Monte.
Deputies took a 24-year-old Pico Rivera man to jail in August of 2009 on suspicion of shining a green laser at a sheriff's helicopter 9100 block of Olympic Boulevard in Pico Rivera, authorities said.
Green lasers, which are brighter than their more traditional red counterparts, have come down in price significantly in recent years and can be purchased online for about five dollars.
According to a 2009 statement issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "The light energy from a laser pointer aimed at the eye can be more damaging than staring directly into the sun."
"Flash blindness" -- defined by the FDA as a loss of vision lasting seconds to minutes that occurs when the eye is exposed suddenly to intense light -- can occur, "even from an unintentional sweep of a laser light across a person's eyes."
"Recent reports of flash blindness in pilots from laser lights beamed at aircraft have further heightened the agency's concerns," the statement continued.
The FDA is especially concerned about the extra bright green varieties of laser pointers, as they can be altered to be more powerful than originally designed or allowed by law.
Lopez said he wanted to remind the public of the consequences of shining a laser at an aircraft.
Not only does it pose a danger to the aircraft, he said, but it's also viewed by law enforcement officials as a serious offense.
"If your caught, and your responsible for this action, it's a felony," Lopez said. "You can go to state prison for it."
BOOKING PHOTO of Jose Gutierrez, 28, of West Covina courtesy of the West Covina Police Department.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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