Today a radio call came over the police scanner for a hot prowl suspect on Cabrillo. The suspect had been seen breaking into a car, and then was reported to have been inside one home, and then was seen trying to break into another. LAPD was quick to arrive on the scene. A short foot pursuit ensued and the suspect was apprehended on Andalusia.
In late April we received a report from a reader through our Grime & Crime reporting feature about narcotics activity in a home across from the readers home. We forwarded the report and specific information to LAPD and are happy to relay that the lead generated from this report led to a significant arrest, and they are going to continue to monitor the area for continued activity.
This reflects how important and productive it can be to be aware of what is going on in your immediate neighborhood, and reporting anything that seems suspicious. Apparently there is an upsurge in PCP use and issues lately at the beach. PCP results in users being extremely combative, crazy and delusional. Very dangerous situation.
Thank you aware reader!
Do you recognize these two people? They were recorded early Monday morning prowling properties, and smashed security cameras around 5 a.m. The suspects are one heavy-set female that was carrying a large stick wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and black stretch pants, and a male Hispanic companion wearing a black knit hat, grey hooded sweatshirt and black butchers apron. Their images have been circulated to local law enforcement, but if you recognize them or if you see anyone matching either photo please call 1-877-ASK-LAPD.
UDATE from local neighbor:
I did stop by just a couple of moments ago, and it looks like I’m off by one block. The correct intersection is 5th just south of Brooks.
“When I came upon the scene a few hours ago, a woman came out of her home, clearly distraught. I asked her if the cars were hers and she said that they were. Between the three cars, I counted 10 flat tires and two smashed windshields. I asked permission to take pictures and share them with community watch groups, and she said that would be OK. Funny thing was, she asked if Venice311 was one of them. YES, she’s heard of you and you are reaching the people!
I wanted to ask more information, like if she had any recent run-ins with the groups of kids that hang out in that area, or if she had any recent conflicts with her neighbors. She said she was calling the police at that moment and I could only assume that they would ask those questions once they arrived.”
Sometime between Thursday and Friday this week (4/21-4/22) several cars all parked in front of the same residence were vandalized. The perpetrators took a cement block and smashed the windshields, and slashed the tires. Nearby residents believe this was a specifically targeted event, possibly relating to the area where the vehicles were parked. One vehicle was parked in a handicapped zone withe appropriate placards.
If you have any information please call LAPD Pacific Division at 310-482-6334, or send email here and we will forward the information to the appropriate parties.
Extremely uncool. Thanks to reader Kent for the information and photos. If you are familiar with this area and know anyone within a few blocks that has cameras that can be reviewed for any pedestrian activity, please LAPD or us immediately.
UPDATE: 4-18-2011 5:54 p.m. – Today in response to inquiries by various news sources and LAPD, Venice311 delivered over 50 pages of twitter logs showing tweets, and requests for re-tweets by people calling together the “flash mob” gathering in Venice on Saturday where a gang related shooting occurred. The request went out Friday night and was re-tweeted all day Saturday. Many of the tweets as shown below include specific gang related language. LAPD was also provided with the custom software information that assisted in monitoring and retrieving the tweet information. ABC7 news will be providing coverage also Monday at 6 p.m.
Inaccurate reports have circulated that this event may have been an officer involved shooting which is incorrect. Some video footage has shown an LAPD beach unit ATV backfiring while pushing crowds back, which some inaccurately interpreted as gunfire. With hundreds at the scene, and extra officers deployed the accusations of this involving LAPD personnel is not based on any facts or credible evidence. For questions please call LAPD Pacific Division at 310-482-6334.
4-17-2011 – Where “flash mobs” originally started out as dance or artistic gatherings promoted through social media, law enforcement nationwide has reported the trend now being implemented in crime and criminal diversion activity. Venice311 spoke to the LA Times for the following article and has been in contact with law enforcement both at the scene of the shooting, and in discussions with the violent crimes task force. Communications between groups on twitter and circulated via twitter regarding meeting at the basketball courts on Friday, the night before the shooting included gang related language, and police at the scene of the shooting and at the subsequent vehicle stop near McDonalds on Lincoln confirmed the long standing red and blue rivalry as part of the Saturday Ocean Front Walk incident.
The tweets exchanged and promoted by these twitter users included requests to retweet meeting at Venice Beach Bball cts on Saturday
From The LA Times:
A young man was in critical condition after being shot in the head and side, police say. The gathering was apparently organized via Twitter.
Crowds of people watch as members of the Calypso Tumblers perform along the Venice Beach boardwalk Sunday morning, near the spot where a man would be shot later in the evening. (Rick Loomis, Los Angeles Times / April 17, 2011)
A man was in critical condition after a shooting Saturday on the Venice boardwalk that sent hordes of onlookers running pell-mell into the streets, police said Sunday.
“It looked like a human tidal wave,” said Spencer L. Sirlin, 27, a Hollywood booking agent who witnessed the attack.
The victim, in his mid-20s, was struck in the head and side and taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, said Los Angeles police Sgt. Felipe Vasquez, of the Pacific Division’s beach detail.
The man’s name and updated condition were not available Sunday evening. No arrests have been made, Vasquez said.
The shooting occurred amid a “flash mob” crowd that was organized at least in part over Twitter, Vasquez said.
Alexandria Thompson, a member of a neighborhood watch group called Venice311, said she notified police midmorning Saturday of the online effort to pull together a “flash mob” at the shoreline basketball courts along Ocean Front Walk.
“Venice beach bball ct going up tomorrow,” read the Twitter alert, which was retweeted with embellishments over and over as the day progressed, Thompson said.
Vasquez said he called in reinforcements as the crowd, including young men in gang attire and tattoos, swelled in the late afternoon. About 6:30 p.m., six to eight shots rang out at 17th Avenue and Ocean Front Walk, Vasquez said. The victim ran half a block to an alley where he collapsed, Vasquez said.
The crowd scattered through the neighborhood, with some hiding in nearby shops. The bus stops were mobbed with people trying to flee by public transportation, said Jessie Lieberson, a clerk in a vintage clothing store.
Thompson, 43, said some in the mob ran away backward so they could continue to watch the action.
“They were laughing. It was all part of the event for them,” she said. “There’s a kind of free-for-all down here. Everybody is trying to get away with as much as they can.”
Vasquez said it was not the first flash mob assembled at the boardwalk through social media. A false report that a major hip-hop star would be shooting a video drew a gaggle of break dancers and onlookers earlier this year. The other incidents did not end in violence, he said.
But some business owners said disturbances have been escalating. And they feared the trend would scare off the visitors who have made Venice one of Southern California’s most popular destinations.
Lieberson doubted the latest incident would tarnish Venice’s louche charm.
“The tourists are coming from overseas; they like the legacy of dropouts and hippies,” said the 23-year-old London native. “Our business has been really good lately.”
Simone Shellmire, 23, a model who lives in North Hollywood, said the attack made her uncomfortable, but would not keep her from a scene she’s enjoyed since she was a young girl.
“This is my sweet spot,” Shellmire said. “The cool music on the beach, the drum circle. … It’s diversity. I love coming here.”
gale.holland@latimes.com
Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times
At 1:30 a.m. Friday morning LAPD was called to the 2900 block of Ocean Front Walk by a resident in their home reporting a hot prowl burglar. The individual was in the home screaming. When police arrived they found a naked black male transient, apparently under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in the home screaming and yelling. It is not known how the man gained entry. He was taken into custody at the scene. Witnesses said he was a regularly seen on the boardwalk.
Pacific Area Neighborhood News
April 2011 Captains Message
Sexual assault crimes affect the lives of millions in the United States. To increase awareness about this issue, prevent future crimes, and to aid Sexual Assault victims, April has been marked as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Sexual assaults are prevalent in Los Angeles. Studies have shown that this crime impacts people of all ages and in every walk of life. One recent study found that 18% of women in this country have been sexually assaulted in their life time. In addition, rates of sexual assaults remain startlingly high for high school students to college students.
Victims suffer from both the physical and emotional consequences of an assault. Sexual assault can lead to long-term health problems as well as severe emotional harm which can be more painful than the physical assault itself. It has been well documented that the effects of a sexual assault go well beyond the victim. Sexual assault also has a profound impact on a victim’s family, friends, neighbors, and workplace.
Victims need an array of services to heal from the trauma of a sexual assault, including crisis intervention, 24-hour sexual assault hotlines, medical and criminal justice accompaniment, and counseling. Victim services counselors work tirelessly to help victims of sexual assaults transform into survivors.
The most important fact about a sexual assault is that it is never the victim’s fault. Remember, the ultimate goal of an attack victim is survival. If you believe resisting would put your life in greater danger, cooperate. Do not blame yourself for anything you did or did not do. Report all such attacks to your local police agency as soon as it is safe to.
JON F. PETERS,
Captain Commanding Officer Pacific Community Police Station
District News
Note: The crime statistics quoted are taken from a report published weekly by the City Of Los Angeles’ Information Resources Division. These statistics are the most current available and represent the period of March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011.
Basic Car 14A11 Venice Beach District
Senior Lead Officer Theresa Skinner – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3968 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
The following are the crime statistics representing March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011:
During this rating period Robbery (Stick-ups or Hold-ups) has become a problem in the Venice Beach Marina Del Rey Peninsula areas. Stick-ups or hold-ups are simple robberies in which a weapon or physical or emotional assault is used to remove the victim’s property. Robbery is often associated with other crime such as rape, vehicle theft, assault, etc., the crimes can happen anywhere so you must cognizant of your surroundings. Do not walk at night alone; walk with someone else there is safety in numbers. Travel light leave extra money and expensive jewelry at home. Avoid dark alleys and closed parks or schools. If you observe any suspicious activities call the police right away.
Community Policing safety tips:
In community policing, the emphasis is on stopping crime before it happens. Community policing gives citizens more control over the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
Reminder
• PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING Thursday, April 14, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Community Station 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A13 Oakwood District
Senior Lead Officer Theresa Skinner – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3970 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing March 1, 2011 through March 21, 2011:
• During this rating period Burglary (Business/Residential) has continued to be a problem in our area. Incidents during this period were committed at various times in the afternoon an early morning hours. Most burglary suspects seek easy targets. They want to get in quickly, quietly, and unseen. Common sense and a bit of time and energy can go a lone way in helping protect your home. Alarms, trained guard dogs, regular security measures will help protect your property. Lock and secure your property any time it is not occupied. If you observe any suspicious activities contact the police right away.
Safety Tips
• Gun safety tips:
Every parent needs to know about gun safety. Maybe you do not own a gun but many others including friends, family and neighbors may. Children are naturally curious; teach them never to pick up a gun no matter where they may fine them.
• PACIFIC HOMELESS OUTREACH MEETING Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. Pacific Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A25 Mar Vista District
Senior Lead Officer Marci Garcia – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3973 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011:
During this rating period Basic Car 14A25 has experience an increase in Burglary (Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicles). Never leave items of value in plain sight inside your vehicle. Lock all items of value inside your truck or anywhere out of sight. Always lock and secure doors, windows and vents whenever you are away from your vehicle. For additional security for your vehicle attempt to park in well-lit areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, GTA suspects hate to be seen committing their crimes. Install sensor lights around your property, burglary suspects detest light. Join your local Neighborhood Watch Program it is still the best tool against crime. If you observe any suspicious or criminal activities call the police right away.
Safety Tip
• Bait and switch safety tips:
Bait and switch ads advertise an item at an unusually low price. However, once you are in the store the item is suddenly sold out. The salesperson then tries to sell you a more expensive model that is well-stocked.
Reminder
• A25 MAR VISTA FAMILY N/W MEETING Tuesday, April 1, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Mar Vista Family Center 5070 Slauson Av., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A27 Palms District
Senior Lead Officer Juan Ceja – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3975 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – (310) 482-6334 Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011:
• During this rating period Rape (Acquaintance or Date) has become a problem in the Westside Village area. Date rape is a sexual act committed against your will by someone you know. Date rape is not about healthy sexual desire, it is sexual assault. When you are about to go with a new person make it clear what you expect or want beforehand. Avoid alcohol and other drugs, by consuming them it makes it harder for you to stay in control of the situation.
Avoid secluded places such as closed parks, schools alleys. Please contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) ASK-LAPD, to report any suspicious activity or 911 to report any crimes in progress.
Safety Tips
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Fitness fraud safety tips:
Beware of fitness frauds and vanity gimmicks. There are no known products or services that can: make you taller, make you younger, and reduce your weight by using a creams, wraps, belts, girdles, vibrators, massages or sweat baths.
Westside Village/Palms Area Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. I.M.A.N. Cultural Center Auditorium 3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A45 Marina District
Senior Lead Officer Joe Cruz – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3971 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
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The following are the crime statistics representing March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011:
During this rating period Theft (Petty) has become a problem in our area. Petty theft is the taking of property without the owner’s knowledge or consent. Petty theft suspects are often called opportunist because they take whatever they find left unsecured or lying around. Teach family members to place all items such as toys, tools, gardening equipment in their proper place. Secure your garage or storage bin at all times. If you observe any suspicious activity or an altercation in progress call the police right away.
Safety Tip
Drugs safety tips:
Drugs are chemical substances that can affect your body, mind and behavior. Drugs often cause serious harm; it can threaten a person’s physical and mental health, family and career. Drugs problems affect nearly every community.
Reminder
• LaVILLA MARINA HOMEOWNERS ASSC. N/W WATCH MEETING Tuesday, April 26, 2011 @ 7:30 a.m. Chase Burton Park
Basic Car 14A49 Mar Vista District
Senior Lead Officer Drake Madison – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3972 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – Cell Phone # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
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During this rating period Sexual crime (Rape) has continued to be a problem in our area. In this incident the victim knew the suspect which is often called acquaintance rape. Acquaintance or date rape is a sexual act committed against your will by someone you know. The most effective weapon during a confrontation is your own judgement. Stay as calm as possible try to think rationally, without panic. Try to observe as much as you can about your assailant, evaluate the situation and attempt to find a way to escape. Remember your main objective is to survival, no matter what you have to do to achieve this rape is never the victim’s fault. Anyone whom observes an attack in progress calls the police right away and helps protect a life from being destroyed.
Safety Tip
• Partner abuse safety tips:
Partner abuse in most cases, is the mistreatment of a woman by her partner (but a man can be abused) often times it is called family violence. Partner abuse usually comes in the form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Seek help and counseling through a multitude of programs and the police.
Reminder
• SLAUSON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Community Police Station 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A67 Century Corridor
Senior Lead Officer Ruben Garcia – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3976 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
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The following are the crime statistics representing March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011:
During this rating period Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) has continued to be a problem in our area. Never leave your vehicle unsecured if it is not occupied. Lock all items of value in the truck of your vehicle or at least out of plan sight. Attempt to park your vehicle in a well lit area, ample lighting helps deter BFMV suspects. Arm and deploy any anti-theft device you may have for your vehicle, no alarm in the world can help protect your property if you do not use it. If you observe any suspicious activity or people loitering in the neighborhood looking into vehicles call the police right away. Join your local Neighborhood Watch Program it is still by far the best tool we have against crime.
Safety Tips
• School violence safety tips:
School violence can best be prevented through sound communication. Building positive relationships between students and school staff, parents, other students are the building blocks for success. Encouraging students to come forth and share their feelings in a safe environment is the answer.
Reminder
• Ladera Civic Center Association Meeting Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m. LASO Sub-Station Ladera Shopping Center
Basic Car 14A73 Westchester District
Senior Lead Officer Tony Ramos – Cell Phone # (310) 622-3978 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo- # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 3 Burglary / Theft from vehicle 21 Robbery 1 Burglary (Residential/Business) 8 Grand Theft Auto 7 Sexual Crime 0 Homicide 0 Theft 6
• During this rating period Grand Theft Auto (GTA) has become a problem in our area. Several of the incidents occurred due to victim’s vehicle not being secured. Anytime your vehicle is unsecured you most lock all doors and windows. Attempt to park in well lit areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Avoid parking near large buses, SUV’s, or trucks these over sized vehicles create cover for GTA suspects to enter and remove your vehicle. Never hide spear keys on or inside your vehicle, GTA suspects know all the hiding places. Call the police if you observe a crime in progress or for any suspicious activity in your community.
Safety Tip
• Home safety tips:
Help secure your home by keeping all doors and windows locked when your home is unattended. Never hide keys outside your home, criminals know how to find them. Get to know your neighbors; they are often an extra set of eyes and ears for you.
Reminder
PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING
Thursday, April 14, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Pacific Area Upcoming Events 2011
Note: All event and meeting information is subject to change. To confirm dates, times, and locations call your Senior Lead Officer at (310) 202-4587. Events will be added or updated as new information is received.
HOTEL SECURITY DIRECTORS MEETING
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 @ 9:00 a.m. Loc. TBA SLO Garcia
PALMS/ WESTSIDE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, April 6, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. I.M.A.N. Cultural Center Auditorium 3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles SLO Ceja
PACIFIC BOOSTERS MEETING
Thursday, April 7, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
SLAUSON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room SLO Garcia
PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING
Thursday, April 14, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
PACIFIC HOMELESS OUTREACH MEETING
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
GLASGOW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. 7128 Glasgow Av., Los Angeles SLO Garcia
COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Playa vista Community Ctr. Marina Del Ray Sgt. Merlo
LADERA CIVIC CENTER ASSOCIATION MEETING
Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m.
Ladera Sheriff’s Sub-Station
SLO Garcia
La VILLA MARINA HOMEOWNERS ASSC. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m. Chase Burton Park SLO Cruz
READING RANGERS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. 8218 Reading Av., Los Angeles SLO Garcia
Wisdom for the month of April “A big shot is a little shot that kept shooting.”
Two drunk males resist arrest as officers attempt to secure area
As the drum circle was being shut down in normal fashion by LAPD on Sunday night, two men were detained for having open containers and possible narcotics. As they were being cited, another fight broke out among two other men, and it took the six LAPD officers on the scene to keep all four men detained. The second two were being combative and resisting arrest.
The very drunk friends of these two groups started screaming and taunting, and would not back away from the scene despite numerous calls by LAPD to step back. The officers called for backup, another fight started, and before you knew it the original four that were detained needed several officers on each of them to keep them in custody as the crowd of drunk onlookers fought with one another and LAPD. Repeated calls for additional officers went out, and air unit was dispatched and the boardwalk from Wavecrest north to Thornton was on lockdown with a full perimeter of officers. In the end, the entire incident was caused by unruly drunk people who wanted to fight with one another and LAPD. Even with a wall of officers holding the perimeter of the scene, people riding up the boardwalk on their bikes were combative and verbally abusive to the officers as they were turned away from the crime scene. ( Even though it is a misdemeanor to ride your bike through on the boardwalk )
When the dust cleared, about nine people were taken into custody. It was amazing to see how indignant and combative people were. Clearly there was a massive police presence, and when people walked up to the scene they were yelling insults at the officers for “blocking the boardwalk”, when in fact they were holding a safe perimeter of a crime scene. The sad part is that the majority of those that were drunk and fighting, and being arrested were boardwalk regulars that seemed all charged up and ready for a brawl.
The first two men being cited for open containers and poss. narcotics
Additional drunk people fighting and being detained by police
Police hold a perimeter at Wavecrest
LAPD with help of one of their airships capture a burglary suspect who was attempting to break into an occupied home at 3:30 a.m. The occupants heard the man trying to pry open a screen on an open window of their residence while they slept. They called LAPD and made some noise. The man was approached by officers as he was coming down the outside stairs of the residence, and took off on foot. A foot pursuit ensued and an airship was called. The airship set up a perimeter, and the suspect was apprehended. Listen and hear how awesome LAPD is! Click here http://bit.ly/i5sZvu
Five teenage males burglarized a house on the 100 block of Wavecrest, a street known for crime in the Venice area, on Thursday around 3 p.m. A neighbor saw the front door of the residence open, and then witnessed several black males inside and around the home. LAPD was called, and a patrol unit was within a few blocks when the call came in. Officers were able to see several of the teens in the yard area and called for backup and an air unit. Four males, all 17 yrs of age were arrested at the scene with items stolen from the home. One male fled on a yellow six speed bike towards Ocean Front Walk and is still at large. There was an earlier hot prowl robbery on Dell. It is not known if the two are related.
Thanks to the neighbor who noticed something awry at their neighbors house, four burglars were apprehended and the stolen items were recovered. Remember to keep your eyes open, and if you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood or at adjacent residences or businesses, call 1-877-ASK-LAPD. Warmer weather is arriving, remember to lock all windows before leaving your home. Most burglaries happen when the criminals have easy access to an open door or window.
