On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, hundreds of local, state and federal officers from the Los Angeles Police Department; Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office; Los Angeles HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program); Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Internal Revenue Service; and the Glendale Police Department staged a major operation in the Glassell Park area of Northeast Division. The raid’s targeted the Avenues street gang, especially its Drew- Estara members. Officer’s searched about 100 addresses and rounded up approximately 50 suspects. The raids complete a 10 month investigation into the Avenues street gang who has a history of murder, drug trafficking, carjacking, home-invasion robberies and witness intimidation.
I wish to thank those of you who took the time and attended the Drew-Estara community meeting that same evening. I hope your questions and concerns were brought to the forefront and your trust in the Los Angeles Police Department was restored. This problem can not be fixed overnight, so I am requesting that you get involved and work with us to improve your neighborhood and make it a safer place for you and your family to live.
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.
National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Northeast Area personnel will be participating in several community events. For information on these events, contact Sergeant Danny Roman, Northeast Community Relations, at 213-485-2548.
Upcoming Events
July 4, 2008 – Summer Night Lights opening day. Glassell Park Recreation Ctr.
July 9, 2008 – Drew/Estara Neighborhood Watch Mtg. @ NE Station 6:00 p.m.
July 26, 2008- Summer Fair at Juntos Park. Time and details to be announced.
August 4, 2008 – Drew/Estara City Services clean-up – tentative target date.
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
July is when we celebrate the birthday of our great country, the United States of America. Most of you will be celebrating by having BBQ’s, going to the beach, having family and friends over to see fireworks. Below are some guidelines that you could follow so that your 4th of July celebration is a big success.
It is illegal in the city of Los Angeles to purchase, possess or use fireworks.
Every year, fireworks cause horrible injuries so do not allow small children to use fireworks without adult supervision.
For a safe Holiday, go to a professional fireworks show.
Do not throw fireworks at friends and do not throw fireworks at brush. Hillsides are very dry and could cause an out-of-control fire.
Do not buy fireworks from other countries. Go to a reputable fireworks stand.
Many dogs and other animals are sensitive to loud firework noises. Make sure pets are locked inside the house and have a name tag in the event they run away.
Take care of each other and make sure your animals are safe during America’s birthday.
Commendable Caper:
This month’s commendable caper goes out to the Northeast Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT).
On June 17, 2008, the CAT team in conjunction with the Glendale Police Department apprehended a homicide suspect that was involved with a local gang in the Atwater Village area.
CAT unit and Glendale Police are to be commended for their persistence, attention to duty and their fantastic investigation skills. Great job!
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
Just about everyone loves to watch 4th of July fireworks. This is a simple reminder that all fireworks (including the Safe-and-Sane) are illegal in the city of Los Angeles. We can not stress enough the danger these bring. With the drought and large amount of fuel in the mountains, the fire risk is all that more dangerous. If you do come across any, please call us to have them disposed of properly.
I encourage all of you to take advantage of the many firework shows put on by professionals in the area. These can be found by contacting your local Council Field Office or by looking in your local newspaper. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Commendable Caper
On June 18, 2008 our Burglary Detectives received information for SID Prints that a match was made on prints from a burglary that occurred on Yosemite Way in 2007. That information was passed on to our CAT (Career Apprehension Team). Working on that information, they were able to track down the individual down and arrest him. The Burglary Detectives took over and after interviewing the suspect, he admitted to numerous burglaries over the past year in Northeast, Glendale and Pasadena.
It is by this teamwork and sharing of information that a burglar who has been targeting our community has been stopped and held accountable. Great job by all!
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
Burglary theft from vehicle and grand theft auto continue to be the top crimes in Northeast area. Here are a few suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim of these property crimes.
Remove all valuables such as cell phones & chargers, clothing, US Currency and any other property visible in your vehicle and secure them in your trunk or your residence.
Avoid parking your vehicle on the street when home. Please use your garage or appointed carport for those living in apartments or condos.
Please park in a well-lighted and populated area when shopping at area malls or markets.
Think about investing in an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel lock or alarm. y crimes or suspicious actions to the police, school authorities, and parents,
Never leave your GPS or the cradle in plain view, this is the number one item thieves are taking.
Never assume that it won’t happen to you.
Commendable Caper
On May 30, 2008, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Officer Marinelli and Duarte were assigned to the Northeast Division Violent Crime Reduction Unit. There main objective is to reduce incidents of crime along the Figueroa Street and York Corridors.
The officers were patrolling the area of Repton Street and North Avenue 64. The officers observed a black ford Ranger traveling south on Avenue 64 from Repton Street. The officers estimated the speed at 45 MPH in violation of the vehicle code for a residential area. The officers checked the vehicle status. The vehicle returned with an expired registration as of September 2005. The officers conducted a traffic stop for the vehicle code violations.
The officer’s investigation revealed the driver did not have a California Driver License and a felony warrant for a parole violation. The driver was placed under arrest for the warrant and his vehicle was impounded for thirty days.
Thanks for your proactive police work and keep up the good work.
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
None to report.
Commendable Caper
None to report.
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 June 1, 2008 at approximately 7:00 p.m., officers Trimble and Gonzales were working in uniform and driving a marked black and white police vehicle. While in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Maltman Avenue, the officers observed two people seated in a small park-like area and approached on foot. The officers engaged in a consensual conversation and quickly noted that one of the males exhibited signs of alcohol intoxication, a violation of Penal Code section 647(f). After identifying the male, the officers discovered that he was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for 245 (A)(1) of the California Penal Code, Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
The officers are commended for the attention to duty, observation skills and efforts at making the Northeast Community a safer place to work and live.
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
This month’s safety tip is on home safety. If you’re a homeowner or tenant, the following is a list of safety suggestions.
Keep hallways clear of trash and stored items.
Never store flammable materials near heating units, water heaters, or stoves.
Keep all flammable liquids outside in a safe storage area.
Store potential poisons in a safe place away from the reach of children. This includes medicines.
Have emergency numbers on hand and educate children in their use.
Prior planning saves lives. Don’t wait for an earthquake of fire to strike. Prepare a safety plan and practice it with your loved ones.
Stop by your local police and fire departments. Both can provide additional safety information and will be glad that you stopped by.
Commendable Caper:
On June 1, 2008 at approximately 7:10 p.m., Officers Orantes and Ramirez were working in Northeast Division. The officers were working in uniform, driving a marked black and white police vehicle, and assigned to the Office of Operations, Crime Reduction and Enforcement of Warrants Task Force. To the rear of a video store on Hollywood Boulevard and Virgil Avenue, they observed a male loitering in the parking lot. The officers engaged in a consensual encounter and asked the male if they could talk to him. After receiving a positive response, the officers asked him what he was doing. The male advised that he was homeless and was washing windows for donations. When asked if he had ever been arrested, the man replied, “too many times.” The officers asked him if he had any outstanding warrants and he replied “No, you can check.” Officer’s investigation revealed that the male suspect had an outstanding felony warrant for 487(a) of the California Penal Code, Grand Theft. The male was arrested and booked for the warrant.
The officers are commended for their observation and communication skills. Their efforts will help make the Northeast community 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
Basic Street Sense
Wherever you – on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway – stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
Send the message that you’re calm, confident, and know where you’re going.
Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.
Auto-Theft and Carjacking
Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there’s enough gas to get where you’re going and back.
Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you’re coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages.
If you think someone is following you, don’t head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or other open business to get help.
Don’t pick up hitchhikers. Don’t hitchhike.
Commendable Copper Caper
I would like to commend all the local, state and federal officers who were involved in the Task Force on June 25, 2008, in the Drew-Estara area. I wish to thank everyone for their tenacity and hard work which resulted in the capture and arrest of many violent criminals.
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
This month’s safety tip is on home safety. If you’re a homeowner or tenant, the following is a list of safety suggestions.
Keep hallways clear of trash and stored items.
Never store flammable materials near heating units, water heaters, or stoves.
Keep all flammable liquids outside in a safe storage area.
Store potential poisons in a safe place away from the reach of children. This includes medicines.
Have emergency numbers on hand and educate children in their use.
Prior planning saves lives. Don’t wait for an earthquake or fire to strike. Prepare a safety plan and practice it with your loved ones.
Check smoke detectors.
Stop by your local police and fire departments. Both can provide additional safety information and will be glad that you stopped by.
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.