Suspect fatally shot by deputies in Hacienda Heights identified


HACIENDA HEIGHTS >> Authorities have identified a 60-year-old Hacienda Heights man fatally shot by deputies after allegedly confronting them with a gun outside his home late Thursday.
Robert James Hess died at the scene of the deputy-involved shooting, which took place about 10:50 p.m. in the 15600 block of Windrush Drive, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner Lt. David Smith said.
He was first approached by police in Downey about 1 p.m. who responded to reports he was armed with a knife and a gun and had threatened to kill family members, according to Deputy Trina Schrader of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Information Bureau.
Hess fled from police on a motorcycle and eluded pursuing officers on the 5 Freeway, she said.
Downey police went to Hess’s home in Hacienda Heights and set up a stake-out to wait for the suspect, authorities said. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy were summoned to assist when Hess was spotted walking up the street Thursday night.
Deputies used less-lethal weapons to try, unsuccessfully, to subdue Hess as he reached for a handgun in his pocket, Schrader said. He grabbed the gun and deputies opened fire, mortally wounding him.
No deputies were injured, officials said. A handgun was recovered from the scene.
Anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips also may be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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UPDATE: Suspect killed in Hacienda Heights deputy-involved shooting


HACIENDA HEIGHTS >> Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed an armed man in Hacienda Heights late Thursday after he fled from police in Downey earlier in the day, officials said.
The incident unfolded about 10:50 p.m. in the 15600 block of Windrush Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
Prior to the fatal shooting, Downey police officers responded to a disturbance in their city about 1 p.m., according to deputy Trina Schrader of the sheriff’s Information Bureau. Someone reported a person was armed with both a knife and a gun and was threatening to kill family members.
When officers arrived, the suspect fled on a motorcycle, initiating a chase. The fleeing suspect managed to escape police on the southbound 5 Freeway, Schrader said.
Police learned the suspect’s identity and his home address in Hacienda Heights as the chase continued, officials said.
An unmarked police vehicle watched the home on Windrush Drive and saw the suspect walk toward the residence, officials said. When officers approached the man, he warned the officers he was armed with a gun.
“The suspect began to reach for the handgun that was in his pocket. The deputies deployed less-than-lethal weapons in a continued effort to gain compliance,” Schrader said. “The suspect armed himself with the handgun, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred.”
Paramedics pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.
His identity was not available pending notification of family members, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said. He was described as a man in his 60s.
Investigators recovered the suspect’s handgun, Schrader said. No deputies were hurt.
Anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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Deputies, community plan massive holiday toy drive at Puente Hills Mall


INDUSTRY >> Sheriff’s deputies and young volunteers will be teaming with an auto shop, a car club and holiday shoppers at the Puente Hills Mall in Industry on Saturday in an effort to fill a bus with toys for children in need.
The “Fill the Bus” toy drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the east entrance of the mall, 1600 S. Azusa Ave., according to Deputy Caroline Rodriguez of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Information Bureau.
Seidner’s Collision Center and the Purist Car Club will join officials from the sheriff’s Industry Station for the annual event, Rodriguez said in a written statement.
Young members of the sheriff’s Youth Activities League will be caroling and providing free gift wrapping for those add a donated gift to the bus. The Purist Car Club, which is bringing 500 toys to donate, will also be displaying their vehicles.
The gifts are to be distributed to kids in need throughout Los Angeles County.

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La Habra man fatally shot by SWAT team following La Mirada standoff identified

The robbery suspect stands inside by himself with a shot up window as Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies surround an AMPM Arco gas station on Beach Boulevard at Hillsborough Drive in La Mirada on Monday November 21, 2016. (Photo by Keith Durflinger/Whittier Daily News/SCNG)

The robbery suspect stands inside by himself with a shot up window as Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies surround an AMPM Arco gas station on Beach Boulevard at Hillsborough Drive in La Mirada on Monday November 21, 2016. (Photo by Keith Durflinger/Whittier Daily News/SCNG)

LA MIRADA >> Coroner’s officials have released the identity of a 45-year-old La Habra man who was fatally shot by SWAT deputies following a 3-and-a-half-hour standoff at a La Mirada gas station early Tuesday morning.
Mark Daniel Sly died at the scene of the deputy-involved shooting, which took place just before 1 a.m. at the ampm convenience store and ARCO gas station at 13550 S. Beach Blvd., Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner Assistant Chief of Operation Ed Winter said.
He fired at deputies at least twice during the standoff, which began with a report of a robbery in progress at the business, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said.
Deputies responding to the robbery encountered Sly, who matched the suspect description, standing at the front door of the convenience store armed with a handgun, Deputy Caroline Rodriguez of the sheriff’s Information Bureau said.
Sly refused commands to drop his gun and surrender, and deputies summoned a SWAT team and a crisis negotiation team to the scene.
At one point during the hours-long standoff, the suspect fired at deputies through a front window of the business, Rodriguez said.
A deputy returned fire through a window, but it was unclear of Sly was wounded in that exchange.
Sly exited the store with a handgun and again fired on SWAT deputies at 12:55 a.m., officials said. Deputies fired back, fatally wounding Sly.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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Sierra Madre Police Department resumes full-time patrols

SIERRA MADRE >> After spending nine months reinforcing its depleted ranks to full force, the Sierra Madre Police Department resumed full patrol responsibilities for the city Sunday, ending an arrangement in which the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department handled nighttime law enforcement duties in the city, officials said.
In a written statement, Sierra Madre Police Chief Larry Giannone said the transition started “another chapter in the history of the Sierra Madre Police Department.”
“After a trying 9 months of rebuilding and restructuring, the police department is back to full force and once again able to police this fine community on a full-time basis,” Giannone said.
Following the sudden departure of nearly half the Sierra Madre Police Department’s force in 2015, and with recruitment challenged by looming concerns over potential slashed revenues looming in the form of a ballot measure to cut utility tax fees on the April, 2016, ballot, Sierra Madre partnered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to supplement police services.
Deputies from the sheriff’s Temple Station have bee providing patrol service to Sierra Madre between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.
Giannone said he was grateful for the help.
“Our thanks go out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for their commitment to keep our community safe while they assisted us with coverage,” the chief said. “They treated the community as their own and for that we are appreciative.
The chief also thanked the community for its patience, support and understanding as the department faced its recent challenges.
“Your unwavering support, kind words, cards, letters, and friendly waves have inspired the new personnel to embrace the community and make it their own,” he said.
Sierra Madre had first reached out to its neighbor, Arcadia, to assist with supplementing police services, but city officials there declined the idea, saying the Arcadia officers were needed in Arcadia.
But with utility tax revenues maintained by the voters in the April election, the department was once again able to focus on beefing up its dwindling ranks.
“We are ready to move ahead and look forward to serving you,” Giannone said.
The department will face another significant change later this year, as Chief Giannone is scheduled to retire Dec. 10 after 44 years in law enforcement, 9 of them with the Sierra Madre Police Department.

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UPDATED: Deputies rescue elderly couple from burning home in North San Gabriel

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NORTH SAN GABRIEL >> Two sheriff’s deputies rescued an elderly couple from their burning home in the unincorporated county area of North San Gabriel over the weekend, authorities said.
Both deputies and the two elderly residents of the home were treated for smoke inhalation following the incident, which unfolded about 2 p.m. on Saturday at a home in the 8800 block of Broadway, just west of Rosemead Boulevard, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Frank Ruiz said.
Deputy Jaqueline Morales and Deputy Orlando “Chuey” Macias were on patrol when they happened to come across a house with smoke emanating from within, the lietenant said.
The deputies immediately went into the home to search for anyone who might be inside, Ruiz said. The move proved potentially life-saving.
As the deputies crawled through the home, beneath the smoke, they encountered an 89-year-old woman with a walker inside, as well as her 87-year-old husband, Ruiz said. Deputies Morales and Macias managed to get the seemingly disoriented residents out of the home.
Both deputies and both resident were taken to hospitals for treatment of smoke inhalation, officials said. The deputies were treated and promptly released. An update on the conditions of the elderly couple was not available Sunday, however their injuries were not initially believed to be life-threatening.
It was determined the blaze ignited as a grease fire in the kitchen, which spread into the wall, Ruiz said. The fire caused an estimated $10,000 worth of damage to the home.
Sheriff’s officials commended the deputies in a written statement.
“The quick actions of Deputy Morales and Deputy Macias, while placing themselves in harms way, undoubtedly saved the lives of this couple,” according to the statement. “ The deputies’ heroism is a reflection of their dedication to the communities served by Temple Station, and the representation of the core values of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to the highest degree.”

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PHOTOS courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

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Detectives investigate death of woman in Bassett


BASSETT >> Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a woman under unknown circumstances whose body was discovered Sunday morning in a residential neighborhood in Bassett, authorities said.
The woman was found unresponsive and apparently not breathing at 8:52 a.m. at a home in the 13200 block of East Gyna Lane, in the unincorporated county area just west of the 605 Freeway, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said. It was not initially clear who made the discovery.
The woman, whose age was not available, was pronounced dead at the scene, sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
There was no obvious cause of death, officials said. No further details were available as detectives from the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau continued their investigation Sunday afternoon.
Anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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La Puente Business Watch Program meeting planned Thursday


LA PUENTE >> Sheriff’s officials are inviting La Puente business owners to join in a meeting of the La Puente Business Watch Program next week.
The program in run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department La Puente Special Assignment Team, operating out of the sheriff’s Industry Station, officials said in a written statement. It scheduled for 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Starbucks, 1283. N. Hacienda Blvd.
“The goals are to link business owners via the Le Puente Business Watch program in taking systematic steps to reduce opportunities for crimes in and around business locations,” according to the statement. “It includes training business personnel to be the eyes and ears of the law enforcement.”
Topics to be covered will include reporting crime, marking equipment with identifying marks, robbery prevention, burglary preventions and self protection.
Those interested are asked to RSVP with Deputy Rudy Zamora at 626-934-3061.

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March to mark 5th anniversary of fatal shootings of sheriff’s Explorer Scout, friend in South Whittier

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SOUTH WHITTIER >> Hundreds of loved ones, family members and fellow Los Angeles County sheriff’s Explorer scouts on Sunday will mark the 5th anniversary of the slaying of an Explorer and another man with a march and candlelight vigil to honor the victims’ lives and renew their call for justice in the unsolved double-homicide.
The march has been held, and grown, each year since Aug. 28, 2011, when 19-year-old Norwalk sheriff’s Explorer Cesar Rodriguez and friend Larry Villegas, 24, both of Whittier, in the 11800 block of Painter Avenue in the unincorporated county area of South Whittier.
0826_NWS_WDN-L-MARCHmugThe group will gather at 7 p.m. at the corner of Laurel and Beaty avenues, organizers said.
During the annual marches, which passes by the scene of the shooting, marchers hand out fliers seeking information on the killings.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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Skeletal remains found near overgrown crash scene in Angeles National Forest; SUV linked to 2-year-old LAPD missing person case


ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST >> Investigators recovered skeletal remains found near an overgrown SUV crash scene deep in the Angeles National Forest north of Mt. Wilson on Wednesday, launching an investigation into who the remains belonged to and how the person died, a homicide detective said.
Caltrans officials first noticed a set of skid marks about 1:30 p.m. leading off side of Angeles Crest Highway, near mile marker 41.69, Lt. Randy Tuinstra of the sheriff’s La Crescenta Station said.
Members of the Montrose Search and Rescue Team descended the steep roadside and found an SUV 500 to 600 feet over the roadside, Lt. Steve Jauch of the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau said. The SUV, which the lieutenant declined to describe in detail, was being overgrown with weeds and foliage. He declined to speculate how many months or years the SUV may have been there.
The original skid marks that prompted the search were found to have been the result of an unrelated crash that occurred about a week ago, Jauch said.
No body was initially found.
But officials returned to the scene Wednesday to resume their search. Search and Rescue officials discovered the skeletal remains “in the vicinity” of the SUV about 8 a.m., Jauch said.
The vehicle identification number on the SUV connected it to a missing person’s case launched by the Los Angeles Police Department about two years ago, Jauch said. He declined to discuss the specifics of the LAPD missing person case pending the identification of the remains. “It wouldn’t be responsible,” the lieutenant said.
The age or gender of the person whose skeletal remains were found remained a mystery, he said.
“We have no idea who they belong to,” Jauch said.
Despite the remains being found near the crashed SUV, Jauch said detectives had yet to determine whether the person had been inside it, or if the location of the remains was yet another coincidence.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner is now conducting an investigation into the identity of the person, as well as the cause of death.
Anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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