Who:
LAPD Officers Involved in Rescue Efforts

What:
Press Conference

When:
Tuesday, February 26, 2002
4:00 p.m.

Where:
Northeast Community Police Station, 3353 San Fernando Road
213-485-2563

Los Angeles: On Monday, February 25, 2002 at approximately 10:35 p.m., two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, assigned to Northeast Community Police Station, responded to a request for a "Welfare Check" in the 400 block of Avenue 63. The victim's husband had been admitted to the hospital nine days prior for severe chest pains, leaving no one to care for his bedridden wife. The officers arrived at the home and noted the location was locked and secure, but something did not appear right. Attempts were made to contact relatives without success. Officers requested the Los Angeles City Fire Department to make an emergency medical entry.

Upon entering the location, the officers found a 65 year-old woman on the floor, immobilized between the wall and her bed. The victim had apparently fallen, either from her bed or her wheelchair, and had been trapped there without food or water for nine days. She was discovered conscious and very weak, but happy to see the officers. The victim is a diabetic and was transported to a local hospital where she is listed in critical condition, but expected to recover. Her husband remains hospitalized.

For further information please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Officer Nadine Hernandez, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.