I would like to invite you to join us at the upcoming Annual Senior Lead Officer Summit, on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. The Summit will take place at the Los Angeles Police Academy, located at 1880 North Academy Drive, Los Angeles. Captain Lance Smith, Northeast Senior Lead Officers, and I will be present to discuss any concerns you may have regarding crime trends and other topical issues in your community.
I would like to thank B.L.E.N.D. for providing food and refreshments for Northeast personnel on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, “Police Appreciation Day.” Your commitment and dedication to the men and women of Northeast is truly appreciated. We are very fortunate to have such a great support team. B.L.E.N.D. is a support group comprised of business owners and residents throughout Northeast Area. These dedicated community members meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month at Northeast Community Station. Should you be interested in joining B.L.E.N.D., please contact LaDell Stapp, B.L.E.N.D., President at Northeast Community Police Station at, 213-485-2548.
On May 26, 2008, at approximately 3:10 p.m. Northeast officers responded to a “Shooting Just Occurred” radio call at Avenue 64 and York Boulevard. Upon arriving at the location officers observed the Los Angeles City Fire Department rendering medical aid to a 14 year-old female who sustained a single gunshot wound to the head. Officers also observed a secondary victim who sustained superficial facial injuries to the face due to shattered glass. The 14 year-old was transported to a nearby hospital were she received extensive medical treatment, however, she later succumbed to her injuries. The 16-year old subject was identified and arrested for the shooting and is being held at Eastlake Juvenile Hall.
This incident was the result of a verbal dispute between the 16 year-old suspect and another 33 year-old victim. The 14-year old victim was an unintended victim and therefore, we do not believe this incident will result in any additional violence in the community. On behalf of Northeast Area, we solemnly express our condolences to the victim’s family.
Northeast Homicide Detectives are currently conducting a full investigation regarding this incident. Should anyone have any additional information please contact Northeast Homicide Detectives L. Burcher or L. Lenchuk at, 213-847-4261. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at, 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855)
Sincerely,
WILLIAM A. MURPHY, Captain
Area Commanding Officer
Northeast Community Station
Basic Car 11A1 - Griffith Park, Atwater, Los Feliz
Senior Lead Officer - Gina Chovan, #30347
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0713
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip
The summer months are upon us and the weather will be heating up very soon. I am going to list some reminders so that our summer remains fun, safe and uneventful:
Never, leave children, elderly individual or animals in a vehicle with the windows closed. Even if the weather appears agreeable. It is a terrible and tragic habit to get into. If you should see this situation, contact the police immediately,
Watch your children and parents that do not swim. Do not answer telephones, open the doors or become distracted while children are playing by the pool. Do not leave toys that might attract a child to an unattended pool, and
Do not leave your windows open or unlocked so that fresh air comes into your home while you are at work or away. Harden the target on burglars so that they don’t pick your house to break into.
Commendable Caper:
This month’s commendable caper goes to Northeast Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT)
On May 6, 2008, Los Feliz residents and a witness observed a suspect attempting to enter a residence. The witness after having a brief conversation with the burglary suspect walked away and wrote down the license plate of the vehicle. The resident immediately contacted the police department and provided the license plate to the operator. The CAT Unit, monitoring the police radio frequency conducted a check of the license plate and immediately recognized the owner of the vehicle as a career burglar and narcotic user. They conducted a follow-up to the suspect’s residence and observed the suspect driving returning to his residence. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Officers obtained a search warrant of the suspects residence and recovered stolen property. The suspect proceeded to direct the detectives to other locations in the Los Feliz, Franklin Hills, Silverlake, Pasadena and Altadena areas where he conducted burglaries.
Great job by the residents who followed his instincts and called the police with information regarding suspicious activity. The CAT Unit is to be commended for their attention to duty and proactiveness.
Basic Car 11A17 - Eagle Rock
Senior Lead Officer Lenning Davis, Serial #26028
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0759
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip
Now that 4th of July is around the corner its time to get outside and fire up the BBQ. Did you know that each year about 600 fires and explosions occur involving gas grills. Many of the accidents happen the first time a grill is ignited or gas containers are reattached. Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, review these safety tips:
Check grill hoses for cracks, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing,
Make sure your grill propane tank has three-prong gas valve handle,
Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease,
Always keep propane gas containers upright,
Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors,
Never keep a filled container in a hot car or vehicle trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to expand, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape,
Make sure your spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could cause an explosion,
Never bring the propane tank into the house,
When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves, and
Keep children and pets far away from grills.
Commendable Caper
This month I would like to recognize the hard work of Officer Green in the Eagle Rock Area. On April 30, 2008, Officer Green and Officer Prado were patrolling in the area of York and Eagle Rock. They observed a possible drunk driver and conducted a traffic stop. Officers administered a field sobriety test at which time the driver failed. The officers conducted a follow-up to Northeast Station where the suspect submitted to an alcohol breath exam which he failed and was booked.
This is just one of the numerous DUI arrest made by Officer Green. Due to Officer Greens’ attention to duty and expertise, the roadways in Northeast are safer to drive. Great Job!
Basic Car 11A25 - Highland Park
Senior Lead Officer Mark Allen, Serial #27468
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0768
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip
This month’s Safety Tip, Child Safety.
Here are a few good tips you can review with your children in order to stop the violence in your community.
Settle arguments with words, not fists or weapons,
Learn safe routes for walking in your community,
Know where you can go to seek help, a feeling of trust, and if there’s a sense of danger, get away fast,
Report any crimes or suspicious actions to the police, school authorities, and parents,
Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know or trust,
If someone tries to abuse you, say no, get away, and tell a trusted adult, and
Help younger children learn to avoid being crime victims. Set a good example, and volunteer to help with community efforts to stop crime.
Commendable Caper
On April 17, 2008, at approximately 7:15 p.m., Officer Marinelli and Officer Duarte were assigned to the Northeast Area Problem Solving Unit. Their primary goal is to reduce criminal activity along the Figueroa and York corridors.
The officers noticed an increase of stolen vehicles along the Figueroa Street corridor. The officers were checking the parking lot in the area of 6300 North Figueroa Street. As they were driving through the parking lot of the 99 Cent Store they observed a Blue Honda Accord with expired registration tabs pulling out of a parking space. The officers conducted a DMV check of the license plate. The vehicle returned with a felony narcotic warrant. The officers broadcasted they were following a felony vehicle and requested an additional units to negotiate a felony vehicle stop. The officers activated their emergency equipment and stopped the vehicle in the 300 block of Marie Street. The suspect was placed under arrest for the warrant.
Basic Car 11A37 - Mount Washington and Highland Park
Senior Lead Officer - Vacant
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0761
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip
Commendable Caper
Basic Car 11A51 - East Hollywood
Acting Senior Lead Officer Al Polehonki, Serial #22869
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0762
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip
Two new addressing wireless telephones while operating a motor vehicle go into affect July 1, 2008.
23123 VC
Prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle.
Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device.
23124 VC
Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.
Note:
Text messaging, while not specifically prohibited is strongly discouraged while operating a motor vehicle. If in the opinion of a law enforcement officer, the driver was distracted and not operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner a citation for speeding may be issued. This applies to adults as well as those under 18 years of age.
Commendable Copper Caper
On May 6, 2008, at approximately 2:40 a.m., Officer Honor and Officer Thompson responded to an attempt burglary/theft from vehicle at 1724 North Edgemont Street. The suspect was described as a white male attempting to break into a green Geo Metro.
Upon arrival, they observed a male that matched the description, who was trying to open the door of a green Geo Metro. When the officers made verbal contact with the male, he began to exhibit symptoms of alcohol and/or drug intoxication. The officers continued to verbalize with the male finally obtaining his cooperation and safely handcuffing him. During their subsequent investigation, the officers discovered that the male was wanted for an outstanding felony parole warrant.
The officers are commended for their teamwork, verbalization skills and outstanding tactics. These skills allowed the officers to take a potentially dangerous wanted suspect into custody without injury to him or themselves.
Basic Car 11A71 - Franklin Hills and Silver Lake
Senior Lead Officer Al Polehonki, Serial #22869
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0763
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip Graffiti Reward Program
The City of Los Angeles offers a reward for information resulting in the identification, apprehension and conviction or final adjudication of persons committing the act of graffiti vandalism or illegal dumping. You must have been involved in the conviction or final adjudication in order to qualify for this reward. The total sum of $1,000 will be paid in total to those person(s) identified as having submitted information relative to identifying, in whole or in part, those responsible for the act of graffiti or illegal dumping.
A reward may be paid only to a natural person or persons, and no reward or portion thereof will be paid to any corporation, business, club or other organization, either directly or by virtue of any waiver or assignment on the part of a natural person who is the recipient of a reward. All applications for payment of reward must be submitted within 90 days of the date of the incident.
If your application is disapproved, an appeal may be made to City Council within 60 days of disapproval. The processing of this application is contingent upon confirmation of conviction or final adjudication. After receiving such confirmation, it may take 8-10 weeks before you receive any monetary award. The payment of a reward must be approved by City Council after the Los Angeles Police Department determines that your involvement warrants such payments.
All information requested on the application must be obtained by you. The City cannot insert this information for you once you have submitted your application. You may contact the arresting officer for assistance on how to obtain this information. Keep a copy for your records. In addition, the City is not liable for any personal injury or suffering as a result of apprehension of a person committing graffiti.
Upon completion of the application mail it to:
Los Angeles Police Department
Juvenile Division
Attention: Graffiti/Illegal Dumping Reward
150 North Los Angeles Street, Room 129
Los Angeles, California 90012
Commendable Caper:
On May 1, 2008, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Officer Gadsby and Officer Cuenca were in the area of Silverlake Boulevard and Duane Street. While in the area they observed a white Ford Explorer and noticed that the rear license plate was obscured by a large trailer hitch, in violation of 5201(f) of the California Vehicle Code. They also noted that the passenger was not wearing a seatbelt, a violation of 27315 (e) of the California Vehicle Code. The officers conducted a traffic stop for the above noted violations. While running a computer check of the occupants the officers discovered that the passenger was wanted on an outstanding felony arrest warrant. The passenger was taken into custody without incident.
The officers are commended for their knowledge of the California Vehicle Code and their traffic enforcement efforts. Due to these efforts, Northeast Communities streets are a safer place to work and live.
Basic Car 11A89 - Glassell Park and Cypress Park
Senior Lead Officer Robert Falconer Serial #31418
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0758
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip
The monthly newsletter is usually reserved for shining a light on a commendable arrest made by Northeast Area officers. However, I felt that it was important to bring another subject to the forefront this month. Northeast Division has been especially hit hard this year in terms of property crime. In fact, property crime accounts for approximately 65% of total number of crime in the Division.
Burglary from Motor Vehicles, Residential and Commercial Burglary, and Grand Theft Auto are the crimes that keep our personnel busy. From the period of May 18th through May 24th, Northeast had 12 burglaries, 38 vehicles broken into, and 40 vehicles stolen. The communities of Glassell Park and Cypress Park accounted for 6 vehicles breaks-ins, 5 stolen vehicles, and 2 residents burglarized.
With that in mind, I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that crime reduction starts at home. When it comes to your residence, pretend that you have locked your keys inside. Walk around and try to figure out how you would get back inside if you had to. That’s how a thief works. If you leave an opening, they will capitalize upon it. Walk around at night as well, are there dark spots around your residence where someone could hide? Now, go look at your car, not as the owner, but as a passerby. Is there a cell phone on the console? Or a charger cord plugged into the power socket? Do you have a nice new GPS system up on the dash? Or perhaps a handful of change in the cup holder? This is what the opportunist thief is going to see as well!
I have recovered numerous stolen vehicles in my 13-years, and it never amazes me how many times I have found a theft deterrent device like “The Club” behind the passenger seat where the driver put it for convenience.. I have had my own car stolen, so police are not immune to crime. Make sure you lock your vehicle when you park. Try to avoid valet parking if you can. If you drive a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevy Tahoe or Avalanche, you can be sure that someone is looking to take your car if they get the chance. You owe it to yourself to invest in as many theft deterrent options as possible, and use them! Make sure you know your license plate number and have the information available if you become a victim. Oftentimes, police are called after a theft and the victim doesn’t even know the plate number on their vehicle. We can’t get your car into the Stolen Vehicle Network without that information. The faster we get the details, the faster we can start looking to recover your car.
I hope you enjoy a safe and happy start to summer 2008! Until next month, be well.
Commendable Copper Caper
None to report.
Basic Car 11A95 - Echo Park, Elysian Valley and Elysian Park
Senior Lead Officer Bobby Hill, Serial #24404
Cellular Telephone 213-793-0760
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Danny Roman #22195
Safety Tip
Due to the recent rash of Burglaries from motor vehicles in the Northeast area please make sure to remove your property from your vehicle prior to parking on the public street over night. Don’t be afraid to phone police if you see suspicious people in your area. Please be ready to give the police a good description of the suspects and the kind of activity taking place.
Northeast Area Volunteer Surveillance Team
VST Officer-in-Charge Officer Bob Alvarado
Northeast Community Relations (213) 485-2548
The Volunteer Surveillance Team (VST) is a group of trained community volunteers working in partnership with the police. The primary function of the VST is to observe criminal activity in Northeast Area and broadcast their observations over the radio to on-duty patrol officers. The officers will then take control of the incident and arrest the criminals.
If you would like to help rid your neighborhood of Vandalism, Burglary/Theft from Vehicle, Auto Theft, Residential and Business Burglary, Narcotics activity, illegal dumping and other problems, this is your chance to do something about it. For more information about becoming a member of the VST, please contact Officer Bob Alvarado at, 213-485-2548.
central bureau 
