yt:channel:UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2009-11-02T19:45:52+00:00 yt:video:may1ZKQhm2o may1ZKQhm2o UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-07-28T03:20:25+00:00 2017-07-29T17:00:42+00:00 Sheriff McDonnell Announces Joint Efforts in Largest West Coast Case of Human Trafficking Sheriff Jim McDonald stood with Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra during a press conference on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the historic Hall of Justice and announced recent joint efforts made in investigating and prosecuting one of the largest-scale human trafficking cases on the west coast. The investigation began in December, 2016, with a report taken by deputy personnel in Tulare County for a missing female juvenile. In January, 2017, the teen girl was reportedly in an apartment in West Hollywood, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel who patrol that jurisdiction were notified. The young girl was located at the apartment in the company of a female adult and a male adult, who was on parole. The deputies who responded to the apartment contacted all the parties and recognized signs of human trafficking; they discovered the females were sexually exploited. The victims were rescued and detectives began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the trafficking of these females for the purposes of commercial sex. This was the beginning thread which led detectives to unravel a large-scale criminal operation. In the end, eight female juvenile victims –some as young as 15 years old- and five female adult victims were rescued from being further exploited as commercial sex workers. “Superior police work and persistence led investigators on an intensive, seven-month investigation of a sex trafficking operation. It encompassed an area stretching from Bakersfield to the San Francisco Bay area, and from the Los Angeles Basin to Las Vegas, Nevada,” said Sheriff Jim McDonnell. “This is exactly the kind of criminal enterprise which requires the rapid response and expertise of a specialized taskforce, like the L.A. Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce.” Three members of the illicit organization who profited from exploiting juveniles and adults in the illegal sex trade, identity theft and luxury vehicle thefts were identified. Detectives researched the suspects and worked tirelessly to document how the suspects trafficked their victims in plain sight, using the internet, advertising and posting their victims for sale on select websites. They learned fraudulent credit applications with information stolen from eight victims across the United States were used to rent apartments throughout California, which housed traffickers and served as brothels. Sheriff Boudreaux spoke about a meeting with one of the victims and her recovery from the lifestyle forced upon her, “She was able to go to counseling after being ripped out of this environment. She has gone through rehab, and sitting with her most recently, she’s not the same person. She’s healthy. She looks healthy. Their families are reunited. Their family unit is strong again. And that’s only because of the efforts of law enforcement and bringing attention to cases just like this.” “Law enforcement agents throughout the state work tirelessly every day to ensure that Californians are safe from exploitation and do not become victims of human trafficking,” said Attorney General Becerra. “These charges stem from the hard work of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, and the California Department of Justice attorneys and Special Agents. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their efforts over the course of this six-month investigation to bring these defendants to justice.” As a result of tenacious investigation, Quentin Brown III, 30 years old, of Highland, was arrested on Tuesday, July 18 2017, and was ultimately charged with 41 criminal violations, including Human Trafficking of Minors, Pimping, Pandering, Grand Theft, Identity Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property. He is being held in a Tulare County jail facility in lieu of $2.1 million bail. Gerald Lavell Turner, 32 years old, of Fresno, was arrested on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. He was charged with six felony violations, including Human Trafficking of Minors, Pimping and Pandering. He is being held in a Tulare County jail facility in lieu of $645,000 bail. The third suspect, Mia Maree McNeill, 32 years old, of Los Angeles, is still outstanding and wanted for 12 felony counts of Grand Theft, Identity Theft and Receiving Stolen Property for her participation in the crime ring. Detectives ask the public for their assistance in identifying her whereabouts. yt:video:AK5wU7gmigQ AK5wU7gmigQ UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-07-17T21:02:15+00:00 2017-07-17T22:48:58+00:00 Victims of Harrowing 100-Foot Cliff Drop Rescue Reunite with Malibu Deputies and First Responders A vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 6:45 pm on Saturday, October 29, 2016, on Woolsey Canyon, Chatsworth, led a rescue of three teenage accident victims who were parked near Woolsey Canyon Road, and Rocky Mesa Place. The driver Justina Hernandez and her friends, Kristina Cuellar and Carlos Luna, were parked on side of the road near the location, talking to each other, as night began to fall. When they left, Justina and her friends pulled away without putting on their seatbelts. As Justina left the area, she realized that she, nor her passengers, had fastened her seatbelts. She pulled over to the side of the roadway, but was unable to see the cliff’s edge due to the extreme darkness. At that moment her passenger Kristina yelled that she heard the sound of gravel moving. Justina felt her vehicle begin to slide off the roadway, and she told her friends to “hold on.” Within a few seconds, the car tumbled over the side of the cliff stopping at the canyon’s bottom, more than 75 feet below the roadway. All three victims suffered injuries related to the crash. The Malibu Search and Rescue Team, personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and personnel from the Los Angeles City Fire Department were dispatched to the scene to effect a rescue. They rappelled down ropes through boulders, brush, and other rough terrain to reach the three the victims. Operating in extreme darkness, more than 15 rescuers from three different agencies worked at the bottom of the canyon attending to the three patients. The Malibu Search and Rescue team, the Los Angeles County Fire and Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel rappelled over the side of the canyon while the fire helicopter hovered overhead. The rotor wash from the copter pressed down hard on them as it created a blinding dust and extreme noise during a triage of the victims’ injuries. Justina was hoisted out by the fire helicopter as dozens of other rescuers were at the top of the canyon, setting up systems to raise up the two other teens once Justina was rescued. After Justina’s rescue, Kristina and Carlos were lifted to the top of the cliff by Los Angeles City Fire and Malibu Search and Rescue teams through the use of a litter and winch system. Los Angeles County Fire paramedics attended to Kristina and Carlos at the top of the cliff before they were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment of their injuries. During the morning of Saturday, July 15, 2017, rescuers from the scene were reunited with the three teenagers who were injured in the crash during a press conference held at the scene. On display was the equipment used to effect the rescue of the three injured teenagers. Also in attendance were the rescuers, the men and women, who climbed down the 75 foot embankment to comfort and support the teens during that time of uncertainty. The driver of the vehicle, Justina Hernandez spoke. Justina said “I have grown from this traumatic event and learned to appreciate and enjoy every moment I have in this life, and to you all; every single one of you are my hero, so from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.” Her two passengers, Kristina Cuellar and Carlos Luna, were also present with their family and friends. Lost Hills Station Captain Josh Thai said “on behalf of the Malibu/Lost Hills Station, I want to express our strong support of our Malibu Search and Rescue Team whose members dedicate their time to save lives. They are one of the busiest volunteer rescue teams in the country with about 100 calls already in 2017. Hat’s off for their great work and participation in the rescue of these three fine folks.” All three survivors, who have recovered from the crash, thanked our personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Malibu/Lost Hills Station’s Search and Rescue Team and Los Angeles City Fire Department for their heroic efforts in finding them and bringing them to safety. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue (SAR) Team members are Reserve Sheriff’s deputies who volunteer their time to help others for $1 a year, and who partner with sheriff’s civilian volunteers who volunteer for free. The SAR program consists of eight teams throughout Los Angeles County with 170 Reserve Sheriff’s deputies and civilian volunteers who donate their time performing these life-saving rescues. They are available 24/7 and respond at a moment’s notice. Also, besides being skilled mountaineers, they are all Emergency Medical Technicians, providing the highest level of care to anyone injured in the forest. SAR Teams perform these rescues frequently in partnership with LASD Air 5 Rescue helicopter. This combination of the full-time paid air rescue crew combined with the SAR Teams on the ground make the LASD mountain rescue program the most highly trained and proficient in the country. yt:video:5semDEmshhM 5semDEmshhM UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-07-11T23:06:08+00:00 2017-07-21T08:40:12+00:00 Detectives and Family Ask Public for Information to Identify Suspect in Fatal Alhambra Robbery A $20,000 reward was offered today during a press conference in hopes of influencing the public to come forward with information about a suspect who shot and killed an employee during a robbery. Xiuxia “Michelle” Chen was a dedicated employee of an Alhambra motel located in the 2700 block of West Valley Boulevard, where she had been employed for the last six years. The 45-year-old mother of two regularly worked the night shift alone in the front lobby, which is where she encountered the suspect. Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2017, a man dressed in all black clothing, wearing a cap which covered his face, entered the lobby and pointed a handgun at Michelle. The suspect demanded money, then reached over the front counter and fatally shot the victim. The suspect fled the location on foot while Michelle lay on the floor dying. She was pronounced dead at the scene. On Tuesday, July 11, 2017, Homicide Detectives, along with Michelle’s husband of 25 years, Armando Escandar, Sr. and their son, Armando Escandar, Jr., made a public plea during a press conference and asked anyone with knowledge about the suspect or information about the crime to come forward. Armando Jr. spoke about his mother and recalled, “Positivity in her life was infectious.” When asked by a reporter why he loved her, Armando Jr. replied, “Because she was my perfect mother.” “Homicide bureau investigators are working diligently to solve the murder of Michelle Chen. She was a steadfast member of the Alhambra community, treasured wife and beloved mother of two. We ask the public for their assistance to help bring the suspect to justice, for her sake and to offer some sense of peace to her family, " said Homicide Captain Christopher Bergner, who was also present at the press conference. Also present during the press conference was Assistant Chief Elliot Kase from the Alhambra Police Department. Assistant Chief Kase responded to the press conference, “Alhambra City Leaders, the Alhambra Police Department, and our community are saddened by this unprovoked act of violence against a defenseless victim. The City of Alhambra has committed a $10,000 reward for the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the suspect. We are confident that justice will ultimately prevail and bring some level of closure to the victim’s family, friends and loved ones.” To incentivize witnesses to step forward, the City of Alhambra Mayor David Mejia, presented a $10,000 reward offer, for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Michelle Chen. In an act of humanitarianism and concern for the family, a $10,000 reward was also offered by Mr. Escandar’s employer, Primetime Shuttle. Video surveillance of the incident captured footage of the suspect as he was committing the robbery. Detectives are seeking to identify the suspect in the video footage. If you recognize the suspect in the footage or his voice, please contact Homicide bureau detectives. If you have information about the fatal shooting of Michelle Chen, please call Homicide Bureau Detectives Gary Sloan or Brandt House at 323-890-5500. yt:video:MHvKb7hyYhI MHvKb7hyYhI UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-06-15T21:50:21+00:00 2017-07-26T00:18:00+00:00 Sheriff McDonnell Announces Deployment of Anti-Opioid Nasal Spray On a daily basis, law enforcement personnel are the first to arrive at the scene of a medical emergency. Many of these patients are suffering opioid overdose emergencies and require immediate assistance. Unfortunately, an average of 91 people per day nationwide become fatal statistics from prescription opioid overdose because they did not receive care during critical moments. As acknowledged by the Center for Disease Control in a Tuesday, March 15, 2016, press release, there is an “epidemic of overdose deaths” related to prescription opioid overdose. The statement reported the alarming rate of prescription and sales of these products quadrupled since 1999, and assisted in the demise of our population. Heroin, derived from the opium poppy flower, is a derivative of a true narcotic substance; it chemically induces an analgesic, euphoric sensation, and is highly addictive. Sadly, many patients who legitimately receive prescription opioid medication for chronic pain, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, become addicted; when the script runs out, they may turn to illegally-obtained drugs like heroin and fentanyl to attain the same or similar feelings of pain relief and intoxication. The trouble is they are not controlled; product quality of illegally-obtained drugs is not guaranteed and risky. As the result of eight overdoses, which included one death, occurring within a 72-hour time frame in late April, 2017, in the Santa Clarita Valley area, Narcotics Bureau detectives conducted four separate investigation operations. The objective to locate the drug source and stop the devastation culminated in the arrest of six persons, and the location of approximately 20 ounces of heroin, $10,000 in cash, and two cars with hidden traps to conceal the narcotics. One package of heroin was laced with fentanyl, a powerful opioid administered in surgical settings by medical professionals for the purpose of sedation. During a press conference at the Hall of Justice on Thursday, June 15, 2017, Sheriff Jim McDonnell addressed a grave concern for the deadly wave of overdoses sweeping across Los Angeles County, specifically focusing on those from misuse of opioids and heroin. In an effort to combat the number of fatal statistics and increase chances of survival in cases of suspected overdose emergencies, Sheriff McDonnell announced a multi-faceted approach. Teams, not just for enforcement efforts, but to address drug prevention, intervention and rehabilitation, were formed to take action in an integrated approach to saving lives. “We need to understand what is driving the addictions,” said Sheriff McDonnell, “and equip ourselves with the knowledge and the means, to prevent the opioid and heroin epidemic which has devastated the northeast and parts of the midwest from taking root in L.A. County.” The newest, landmark portion of the effort to reduce opioid overdose emergencies is the pilot program of issuing the anti-opioid medication, naloxone, to field deputies. The product, known by the brand name Narcan®, comes in a four-milligram nasal spray which blocks or reverses the effects of opioid medication. By having a small, single-dose spray readily available, first-responding deputies are further empowered to aid in lifesaving efforts by deploying this product. More than 1,200 doses of Narcan® will be issued to deputy personnel assigned to Crescenta Valley, East Los Angeles and Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Stations, and Community Colleges and Parks Bureaus, as part of the intervention pilot program. Through partnership with Safe Med LA, a consortium of public health, government and law enforcement partners dedicated to a coordinated and multipronged approach of addressing prescription drug abuse, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was awarded a grand for an additional 5,000 doses. The doses will provide nearly every deputy working in the field one atomizer, and potentially rescue as many opioid overdose patients. The implementation of Narcan® deployment has its roots in the personal life of our own Commander Judy Gerhardt. It was only six months ago she lost her nephew, Maxwell “Macky” Baker, to a heroin overdose. He was only 23 years old and just getting to the good part of youth; he had a job and a girlfriend, and was continuing his studies at a notable university in Massachusetts. Despite having all the benefits of growing up in an affectionate family as the son of a physician and with relatives in law enforcement, Macky had a heroin addiction since he was 15 years old. His dependence began with the consumption of prescribed opioids and quickly progressed. At 22 years of age, Macky sought help and, after much dedication, weaned himself from the deadly narcotic. He attended college, earned an associate of arts degree and was on his way to wonderful things…until an injurious car accident led him to require surgery for a broken hand and pain medication. yt:video:6kMMfuo_YvA 6kMMfuo_YvA UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-05-18T18:58:08+00:00 2017-07-20T16:46:34+00:00 PC 051717 Youtube Mother of #Missing 5-Year-Old #Aramazd #Andressian Jr. Makes Public Plea and Sheriff's Homicide Detectives Seek Information #LASD yt:video:pnOi5i85DZo pnOi5i85DZo UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-05-16T21:15:24+00:00 2017-07-27T22:47:16+00:00 Detectives Seize the Largest Cache of Fowl Used in Illegal Cockfighting in US History Earlier in the year, Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Community Partnerships Bureau Blood Sport Crime Team, received information regarding a residence located on the 29000 Block of Jackson Street, In Val Verde California, caring for a large cache of fowl used in Illegal cockfighting. On May, 15th, 2017, Detectives, accompanied by members of the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control; the Los Angeles County District Attorney, Bureau of Investigation; the Humane Society of the United States, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) conducted a search warrant operation on a rural 80 acre property as part of a month’s long investigation. During the course of the warrant service, approximately 100 law enforcement personnel located and seized approximately 7000 fowl used in Illegal cockfighting, as well as several mobile fighting rings, gaffs (razor hook implements attached to the roosters claws), medications, and other items indicative of illegal cock fighting. Based on preliminary information, this is the largest seizure of its kind in current US History. Due to the fact these animals are sold at an average price ranging from $50 USD to $1500 USD, this seizure had an estimated cost ranging from $350,000 up to $10,500,000 dollars. Also located were several dead roosters with wounds symptomatic of illegal cockfighting. According to The Humane Society of the United States, cockfighting is between two roosters fighting each other to death. Cockfighters, or rooster handlers, let those birds who suffer injuries during cockfights go untreated or throw the birds away in the trash afterwards. Having the birds fight to death along with letting them go untreated is not only cruel but, often times goes hand-in-hand with gambling, drug-dealing, illegal gun sales and murder. Although, no arrests have currently been made, several people have been detained, suspects are currently being identified, and the investigation is still ongoing. Captain Jeff Perry stated, “Any kind of animal blood sport activity will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County. If anyone has information about any type of animal blood sport activity, I urge you to call your local law enforcement agency.” Anyone with information about this current case, please contact Community Partnerships Bureau at 323-981-5300. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org. You may also report any suspected criminal animal fighting to our law enforcement partners: Los Angeles County District Attorney, Bureau of Investigations http://da.lacounty.gov/ County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/acc The Humane Society of the United States www.humanesociety.org Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Los Angeles https://spcala.com/ Written by: Sergeant Bob Boese Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Hall of Justice - First floor yt:video:j3HAc8SBYCs j3HAc8SBYCs UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-04-27T16:56:30+00:00 2017-07-14T16:57:05+00:00 #LASD Seek Public’s Help in Solving the Execution-style Murder; $100,000 Reward Offered #Homicide Detectives and Family Members Seek Public’s Help in Solving the Execution-style Murder of a Prominent Attorney in #RollingHills Estates; $100,000 Reward Offered #LASD Homicide Bureau detectives and the victim’s wife and family members made an emotional appeal to the public Wednesday morning, April 26, 2017, for help in finding the person(s) who took the life of Jeffrey Tidus, a prominent civil litigation attorney. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a reward of $10,000 and an additional $90,000 has been added by the victim’s family, making a combined offer of $100,000 in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the execution-style murder of Jeffrey Tidus; with the hope of encouraging witnesses to step forward and share any tips they may have. “He was a true believer in justice . . . ,” said Sheryl Tidus, wife of victim Jeffrey Tidus, as she made an emotional plea for help from the public this morning. “We deserve answers . . .,” she added. It was about 8:30 p.m. on the evening of Monday, December 7, 2009, when 53-year-old Jeffrey Tidus was murdered after arriving at his Rolling Hills Estates residence after attending a fundraiser in Redondo Beach. Jeffrey often brought work home with him. When he stepped out of his home to retrieve his work laptop computer from his vehicle, which was parked in his driveway, unknown assailant(s) came up from behind Jeffrey and shot him once in the head. He was transported to UCLA Harbor Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries the next day Jeffrey Tidus is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sheryl and his daughter, Ilana Tidus. He was a partner with the law firm of Baute & Tidus. He served previously on the State Bar Board of Governors as the California Young Lawyers Association representative and at the time of his death he was a member of the Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of California at San Diego, and his law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. He was an avid runner, and was training for the Los Angeles Marathon at the time of his death. Anyone with information about the suspect(s), or this incident is highly encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org. yt:video:V4VQLf-A7uA V4VQLf-A7uA UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-04-21T01:53:08+00:00 2017-07-28T23:11:28+00:00 LASD, Working to Keep Us All Safe – Rapid Response Training The fundamental duty of all sworn personnel is to protect life and property. It is essential to provide ongoing training to ensure Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies are proficient in handling tactical incidents, with officer and public safety as their primary goal. Recently, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Tactics and Survival Training unit (T.A.S.) conducted two of eight rapid response training scenarios involving active shooters at local high school and college campuses. The purpose of these training scenarios are to provide patrol deputies, University Campus Safety Officers, Los Angeles County firefighters and the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and tactics in planning for, and handling situations involving Active Shooters at locations with multiple victims and other dynamic threats. Watch the video below to get a look into the realistic training that puts Department members in the middle of a challenging situation requiring them to work together to stop the threat and save lives. To learn what you can do to better protect yourself, and to expect from Law Enforcement in these types of emergencies, visit www.activeshooter.lasd.org yt:video:Zeipu5HFEHs Zeipu5HFEHs UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-04-13T14:50:33+00:00 2017-04-13T15:38:35+00:00 PressConf 041217 YouTube Dad Gunned Down in Shooting While Coaching Kids in Athens-Westmont Driveway; Reward Offered for Suspect and Vehicle Lester Scott Virgil was 45 years old when he was gunned down on Friday, August 5, 2016. He was a father of three, devoted to seeing his children grow up in an atmosphere of family and education, balanced with sports activities. Lester often assisted in coaching his 12-year-old son and several children over the years to play basketball; but he wasn’t just an occasional coach, Lester was a mentor, guiding adolescent boys at a crucial time in their lives, teaching them to be focused, do their best, exercise good sportsmanship, and manage their responsibilities. To prepare for competition in a basketball tournament the next day, Lester drove his son to a friend’s house after school to practice with teammates. At the house, located in the 1600 block of West 110th Street, in the Athens-Westmont community of unincorporated Los Angeles County, the kids rehearsed drills in the driveway as Lester observed from the front porch. In the late-afternoon light of 5:45 P.M., a car stopped in front of the house; a passenger got out and fired numerous rounds from a handgun. The kids scattered to escape the danger, but Lester was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect vehicle fled, speeding westbound on West 110th Street and out of view. Lester led a life of leadership to the young, impressionable children he coached. He worked hard as a supervisor at a busy international airport, dealing with large-scale contract work, personnel and deadlines; but he balanced the everyday job stress by surrounding himself with family. Lester had two adult daughters, the 12-year-old son who witnessed his father’s shooting, and a devoted wife with whom he was just 15 days away from enjoying a wedding anniversary cruise. During a press conference on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau detectives played a digital recording of images depicting the suspect arriving and fleeing the scene, in hopes of prompting any witnesses to step forward. The vehicle is described as a 2000s white Audi four-door sedan with tinted windows. The suspect is described as a male Black of unknown age, wearing a gray hoodie-style sweatshirt. Homicide Bureau Detective Lieutenant John Corina presented a $10,000 reward, offered by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects involved in the murder of Lester Scott Virgil. In a moving appeal to the public to come forward with any piece of information which might help solve the murder of their beloved, Lester Virgil’s mother, brother, sister, and daughter attended the press conference. Lester’s mother, Mary Cartwright Virgil, said she couldn’t have had a better son. “My son was everything to me, with my other children.” One of Lester’s daughters, Kashira Virgil, described her father as hardworking, honest and her best friend. She imagined her father might say if he were alive, “Please stop reaching for guns and start reaching for success, because we all have families that love and depend on us.” If you have any information about this case, please call Detective Dean Camarillo or Sergeant Timothy Cain of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. yt:video:nxcAVlAjznA nxcAVlAjznA UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-04-13T03:17:30+00:00 2017-04-13T04:52:31+00:00 PressConf 041217 FACEBOOK Dad Gunned Down in Shooting While Coaching Kids in Athens-Westmont Driveway; Reward Offered for Suspect and Vehicle Lester Scott Virgil was 45 years old when he was gunned down on Friday, August 5, 2016. He was a father of three, devoted to seeing his children grow up in an atmosphere of family and education, balanced with sports activities. Lester often assisted in coaching his 12-year-old son and several children over the years to play basketball; but he wasn’t just an occasional coach, Lester was a mentor, guiding adolescent boys at a crucial time in their lives, teaching them to be focused, do their best, exercise good sportsmanship, and manage their responsibilities. To prepare for competition in a basketball tournament the next day, Lester drove his son to a friend’s house after school to practice with teammates. At the house, located in the 1600 block of West 110th Street, in the Athens-Westmont community of unincorporated Los Angeles County, the kids rehearsed drills in the driveway as Lester observed from the front porch. In the late-afternoon light of 5:45 P.M., a car stopped in front of the house; a passenger got out and fired numerous rounds from a handgun. The kids scattered to escape the danger, but Lester was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect vehicle fled, speeding westbound on West 110th Street and out of view. Lester led a life of leadership to the young, impressionable children he coached. He worked hard as a supervisor at a busy international airport, dealing with large-scale contract work, personnel and deadlines; but he balanced the everyday job stress by surrounding himself with family. Lester had two adult daughters, the 12-year-old son who witnessed his father’s shooting, and a devoted wife with whom he was just 15 days away from enjoying a wedding anniversary cruise. During a press conference on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau detectives played a digital recording of images depicting the suspect arriving and fleeing the scene, in hopes of prompting any witnesses to step forward. The vehicle is described as a 2000s white Audi four-door sedan with tinted windows. The suspect is described as a male Black of unknown age, wearing a gray hoodie-style sweatshirt. Homicide Bureau Detective Lieutenant John Corina presented a $10,000 reward, offered by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects involved in the murder of Lester Scott Virgil. In a moving appeal to the public to come forward with any piece of information which might help solve the murder of their beloved, Lester Virgil’s mother, brother, sister, and daughter attended the press conference. Lester’s mother, Mary Cartwright Virgil, said she couldn’t have had a better son. “My son was everything to me, with my other children.” One of Lester’s daughters, Kashira Virgil, described her father as hardworking, honest and her best friend. She imagined her father might say if he were alive, “Please stop reaching for guns and start reaching for success, because we all have families that love and depend on us.” If you have any information about this case, please call Detective Dean Camarillo or Sergeant Timothy Cain of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. yt:video:3LJP4zRzWmM 3LJP4zRzWmM UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-03-31T18:59:33+00:00 2017-07-18T02:52:00+00:00 #LASD Homicide Bureau Offers Insight into Solving High Profile Murders #LASD Homicide Bureau Offers Insight into Solving High Profile Murders Celebrating 96 years in operation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau hosted an open house last week, in their new offices at 1 Cupania Circle in the city of Monterey Park. The public was given a rare look inside of a 24-hour microcosm where some of the most heinous murders in Los Angeles County history were solved, and new cases are dissected daily. Although this bureau uses cutting-edge technology to help solve crimes, it hasn’t stopped these veteran investigators to use good, old fashioned, gum shoe techniques. Once a sheriff’s Homicide Bureau detective sinks their proverbial investigative teeth into a case, they never loosen their grip, which hence, earned them the nickname, the “Bulldogs.” It was in 1921 when Sheriff William Traeger assigned special investigators from the Criminal Division to specifically handle homicide cases, and on Monday, December 31, 1923, the Homicide Detail was formally funded by the Board of Supervisors. It consisted of five detectives, a stenographer, and a newly-promoted captain named William Bright to command the seedling detail. As the population of Los Angeles County grew, so did the number of homicides. Today, the Homicide Detail is known as Homicide Bureau and has approximately 60 of the most tenacious, hard-working investigators assigned to it. It functions as a centralized Detective investigative unit responsible for conducting criminal investigations each year involving murder, deputy-involved shootings where suspects are struck by gunfire, officer-involved shootings where suspects are struck by gunfire, inmate in-custody deaths, suspicious circumstance deaths, child deaths, work-related accidental deaths, suicides, deaths resulting from fire, and adult missing person cases. These services are provided to the residents of Los Angeles County residing within unincorporated county areas and contract cities for which the Sheriff’s Department provides policing services. These services are also provided to independent cities within Los Angeles County upon request by the Chief of Police. Assistant Sheriff Eddie Rivero, Chief Earl Shields, and Captain Steve Katz welcomed guests to the open house event, and gave special recognition to former and current personnel. A tour of the new facility began by stepping into a hallway and facing the display of enlarged photographs on the walls, depicting homicide detectives working notable historical and current crime scenes, such as: El Segundo Murder – The murder of El Segundo Police Officers Murder of a Model – The Linda Sobek Story The Night Stalker – Richard Ramirez Murder on Sunset -- Mickey Cohen Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel The Rattlesnake Murder James “Bluebeard” Watson The Tiger Girl The Phantom Sniper The Glamour Girl Slayer The tour moved to the media room, dedicated to the memory of retired and highly-respected Homicide Bureau captain Ray Peavy, where poster boards for current cases were displayed. As the tour continued, story boards were displayed showing real-life investigations where forensic arts and composite sketches played a significant role; examples of such work were: Murder at Zuma Beach Death in Diamond Bar The Mosley Murders Rage on Rockenbach While these were some of the most heinous crimes in Los Angeles County history, it is fascinating and interesting to remember these homicides were solved without today’s modern technologies and conveniences, such as DNA evidence. Technology does make the job easier but our longstanding “Tradition of Service” remains the same. During the open house tour, numerous retired detectives who investigated some of the darkest depths of humanity and faces of trusted detectives seen on television over the years were present, all of them known for their professionalism, diligence and investigative talents. Two retired detectives, in particular, who attended were Frank Salerno, Sr., lead investigator assigned to the Richard Ramirez “Night Stalker” case, and his partner, retired detective Gil Carrillo. They worked tirelessly together and cracked the case which haunted California during the mid-1980s. Captain Andres Ramirez, who was assigned to East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station as a deputy at that time and arrested the serial murder suspect before he was attacked by an angry crowd, also attended the event. Interestingly, the family tradition of investigation was passed down to Mr. Salerno’s son, Detective Frank Salerno, Jr., who also joined the Department and became a Homicide Detective like his father. Now, Frank, Jr., is in the threshold of his career, about to retire. yt:video:FLMI67RdBXQ FLMI67RdBXQ UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-03-28T21:10:29+00:00 2017-04-03T20:56:41+00:00 Homicide Detectives Ask for Help Locating Murder Suspect Antowan Parker It was not long after midday on Monday, January 16, 2017, when Kenia Buckner lost her life. The 31-year-old mother of three was in her apartment when her ex-boyfriend, Antowan Ladell Parker, Jr. walked in the front door and shot her in the chest with a handgun. The incident occurred in the 16200 block of Cornuta Avenue, in the city of Bellflower. At the time of the shooting, little eyes of the ten-year-old daughter Kenia and Antowan shared were in the room and saw the tragic event unfold. Kenia’s mother, a ten-year-old niece and other family members were also present; they dialed 9-1-1 and watched the victim lose her life. The shooting occurred at 1:35 P.M. and Kenia was pronounced dead by paramedics within minutes. Antowan, now a murder suspect, fled and was last seen running southbound on Cornuta Avenue. Kenia and Antowan shared three children together: A set of ten-year-old boy and girl twins, and a four-year-old daughter. The children have not seen their father since the incident, and Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau detectives are looking for him, as well. At the time of her death, Kenia was a hairstylist, seeking to advance herself and her family’s lifestyle by studying at a local college for a career in nursing, ironically, to provide professional medical services to patients in need. She was bubbly and kind, and kept a close, loving relationship with her family. At a press conference on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, detectives stood by Kenia’s mother, Debbie Buckner, as she addressed the suspect directly, “Antowan, I know you’re probably out there, and I know your family and friends probably know where you are. Please, you guys, turn him in!” “We’re just looking for justice,” she said, asking for Antowan’s location to be revealed. “Please. Please. Please help me,” she wept. Mayor of the city of Bellflower, Dan Koops, spoke in support of the Buckner family by announcing a $5,000 reward approved by the city of Bellflower, offered in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Antowan Parker. “…with that money and the support of our law enforcement, and our city and the surrounding areas, we believe we will have a beneficial result at the end,” said Mayor Koops. Lieutenant Steve Jauch, investigative team leader for the Buckner case, described Antowan Parker as a male Black, 31 years old, standing between 5’9” and 5’10”, weighing approximately 230 pounds, with brown eyes, the name “Kenia” tattooed on the front of his neck, and a long, dredlock hairstyle. Antowan may have cut his hair short or shaved it to change his appearance and avoid being recognized. A warrant was issued for Antowan’s arrest, and he is considered armed and dangerous. Antowan Parker is known to have contacts in, and frequent the areas of Long Beach and Lake Elsinore. If you see the suspect, do not approach him; dial 9-1-1 and notify police of his location. If you have information about Antowan Parker, Jr. or his location, please contact Homicide Bureau Detectives Ralph Hernandez or John Carlin at 323-890-5500. yt:video:v7_2O-XCvs8 v7_2O-XCvs8 UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-03-15T22:41:03+00:00 2017-03-15T23:08:57+00:00 Detectives and Family Ask for Information in Stabbing Death of Diamond Bar Couple, Reward Offered It was Thursday morning, October 20, 2016, when a concerned friend made entry into the home of a senior couple, located in the 3300 block of Bent Twig Lane, Diamond Bar, to check their welfare. He did so at the request of the couples' family, who were unable to reach them and needed to know why they were out of contact. The concerned friend knew the residents as a loving husband and wife team, who operated a studio out of their home and taught art lessons. As the friend checked their home, he discovered the husband, Cheng Long Wang, 60, in one of the rooms; he was gravely injured, appeared to have been stabbed multiple times and possibly dead. The friend immediately exited and called 911. Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded to the home, where the husband was pronounced dead. The victim's wife, Mei Chu Chung, 57, was also located inside the home; she, too, was mortally wounded with stab wounds and declared dead at the scene. Both Cheng Long Wang, known as David, and Mei Chu Chung, known as Marian, emigrated from Taiwan in the year 2000. They were creative and well-respected within their community, and in an instant, the home which this gentle couple shared with others as a place to learn and be creative was turned into a crime scene where they were both brutally attacked, stabbed to death and likely robbed. At a press conference held at the Hall of Justice, the Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Steve Katz, introduced one of the couple's children, Dr. Gary Wang. Dr. Wang explained how difficult the loss of his parents has been –not just for him and his sister, but for his 4-year-old daughter. He revealed how his little girl missed video chats with grandma and cried at night for her grandparents; and relayed how he had to put their death in terms she could understand by explaining that grandma and grandpa “went to heaven.” Dr. Wang made an emotional plea to the public, asking them to provide any information which may help solve the murder of his parents, for their justice. Sheriff McDonnell spoke about the victims’ life journey and accomplishments. He said, “This couple were married for 30 years and were the classic example of an American success story.” He recognized the retired couple for having raised a successful family, as evidenced by their children who both became doctors, and for having dedicated time to their community by offering art lessons in their home. Supervisor Janice Hahn, 4th District, thanked Sheriff McDonnell, Captain Katz and the Homicide Bureau detectives for their hard work on this investigation. In an effort to encourage witnesses to step forward, she announced a monetary reward approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. A sum of $20,000 was offered in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the couple's murder. Captain Katz presented a second monetary reward which was approved by the city of Diamond Bar for $10,000, offered in addition to the Board of Supervisors' reward offer. If you have any information about this case, please call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. yt:video:AYdUJfJoHoo AYdUJfJoHoo UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-02-24T22:48:28+00:00 2017-03-08T12:08:22+00:00 "The Flame of Hope" Sheriff’s Commander Will Represent Southern California in the Law Enforcement Torch Run at the 2017 Special Olympics Winter Games in Austria Commander Mark McCorkle, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was recently selected to represent Southern California law enforcement at the 2017 Special Olympics Winter Games in Austria. CMDR. McCorkle sits on the Executive Council for Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Southern California and is chairman of the Santa Clarita Tri-Valley Special Olympics Leadership Council. CMDR. McCorkle will be joined with 83 law enforcement colleagues and 10 individually selected Special Olympics Athletes to participate in the Final Leg Torch Run leading up to the games. “I am truly humbled to be representing the thousands of law enforcement officers in Southern California for a cause that so many of us are so deeply committed to,” he said. CMDR. McCorkle and many other local peace officers are part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics, an organization that has dedicated itself to raising funds for Special Olympics and spreading the message about acceptance and inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities. The Final Leg will take place on March 19, 2017 and the run will extend over a ten day period prior to the start of the games. The run will continue through all six states in Austria. “We will carry the Flame of Hope throughout the country, making several stops each day,” said the commander. “The Final Leg will conclude with the officers and 10 Special Olympic athletes carrying the torch into the opening ceremonies in Schladming, Austria. Our mission is simple: to raise awareness that those with intellectual disabilities are part of the fabric in all of our communities – no matter where, in the world, you live,” “Ten years ago on a warm spring afternoon on the Hart High School football field in Newhall, my wife (a retired sergeant from the LASD) convinced me to come out, award medals to Special Olympic athletes at a local competition and promised I would have fun.” CMDR McCorkle did not know how that day would change his life. “I placed an award medal around the neck of a young girl athlete and she immediately wrapped her arms around me and squeezed the breath out of me. She was so excited, and it was absolutely infectious. I was changed forever,” he said. “Being involved with the Special Olympics and LETR has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my 27 years in law enforcement. We have committed ourselves to doing whatever we can to support the organization and raise money for the athletes.” The LETR was started over 35 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, when a group of police officers carried the torch to the local summer games in an effort to raise money for Special Olympics. On that day, Wichita police officers raised a few hundred dollars. Since then, law enforcement from around the world has raised over $500 million dollars for Special Olympics and over $57 million just last year. “Honestly, we will do just about anything to help raise money for Special Olympics,” McCorkle said. “We host Tip-a-Cops (where police officers assist servers in restaurants for tips benefitting Special Olympics), plane pulls, polar plunges, bunco tournaments, you name it.” “When Los Angeles hosted the 2015 Special Olympics Summer Games, I had the opportunity to be part of the planning and logistics team for the Final Leg. It was an absolutely awesome experience; but to be able to run the torch in Austria is beyond humbling,” he said. At the conclusion of their duties in carrying the torch, the officers and athletes will participate in the “Schladming Splash,” a polar plunge event designed to raise money for Special Olympics. “Our goal is to raise $250, 000. Southern California has always been so supportive of Special Olympics, I would really love to see local folks contribute to this very worthy cause,” he said. “Besides, watching this Southern California native jump into frigid water, it will likely be pretty entertaining too.” yt:video:vw_o7jrCy-c vw_o7jrCy-c UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw LA County Sheriff's Dept. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrCXRurpUlzY7gt7AUJPSw 2017-02-16T23:27:36+00:00 2017-07-17T16:50:40+00:00 LASD: WORKING TO KEEP US ALL SAFE - Civil Response Training One of the primary goals of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) is the protection of the public’s First Amendment rights of free speech and the right to peacefully and lawfully assemble, demonstrate, protest, or rally. However, we also have the responsibility to ensure public safety for all in the protection of lives and property. These two goals and responsibilities sometimes compete with each other as we, a law enforcement agency, are tasked with maintaining order while protecting these rights. In our continuing efforts to maintain public safety awareness, education and overall law and order, the Sheriff’s Department held a deputy and supervisory training day to enhance our overall proficiency in crowd management, intervention, and control or safety techniques. The training included the discussion of protester dynamics, associated laws and policies, protective and enforcement equipment, formations, commands, movement techniques and an overall state of readiness and preparedness. Watch as more than 600 deputies from the LASD Court Services Division participated in this day long training event held in downtown Los Angeles.