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Detectives To Ask For Public’s Help In Locating Missing Juvenile Who Is Also a Person Of Interest In Fatal Hit & Run, Rosemead 750 976 SIB Staff

Detectives To Ask For Public’s Help In Locating Missing Juvenile Who Is Also a Person Of Interest In Fatal Hit & Run, Rosemead

On Friday, November 12, 2021, Temple Station Detectives asked for the public’s assistance locating 16-year-old Mariano Coc, who was last seen at his residence in South El Monte on Sunday, November 7, 2021.  

Mariano is also the person of interest in a fatal hit and run incident that occurred in the City of Rosemead on Monday, November 8, 2021.

At approximately 10:30 AM, an altercation took place between two individuals on the 2700 block of San Gabriel Blvd, near the intersection of Garvey Ave in the City of Rosemead. That altercation resulted in the death of 61-year-old Riverside resident Haiou He.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that a possible traffic collision between two parties and had escalated into a verbal argument. At that time, the victim exited his vehicle to speak with the other vehicle’s driver. During the confrontation, the driver, who was still seated in his vehicle, placed it into reverse and subsequently ran over the male victim, causing life-threatening injuries. The victim, unfortunately, passed away from his injuries on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.

Immediately after the incident, the suspect, driving a 2009 black Nissan Altima with a grey bumper, fled the scene, driving northbound on San Gabriel Blvd and out of view. The vehicle used in the crime has since been located.

During the investigation, it was determined that the vehicle belonged to a local family, and the last person to be seen with the vehicle was 16-year-old Mariano Coc.

Mariano, along with the vehicle, were last seen on Sunday, November 8, 2021, between 5:00 AM and 7:00 am.

According to multiple witnesses at the scene, the driver’s description of the fatal hit and run does not match Mariano’s description.

At this time, Mariano is still missing, and Detectives are worried that he may have become the potential victim of a crime. 

Mariano was last seen wearing a tan tank top, light-colored jeans, and black slip-on sandals. He is 5’07”, 145 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Sergeant Richard Lewis asked for public’s assistance, “If anyone happened to see a collision prior to this instance, or heard the altercation…we’re asking for the public’s help with this.”

Detective Karina Bravo provided remarks to the media in Spanish.

Detectives are asking for any assistance from anyone that may have been in the intersection at the time or witnessed the fatal hit and run incident, are encouraged to contact Temple Station Detectives.

If you have information, please contact the Temple Sheriff’s Station at (626) 292-3389.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Sheriff alex villanueva graphic. portrait of sheriff in tan shirt black tie. Sheriff's uniform, on greeen background with the hall of justice building behind him faded in the back ground.
Lawsuit claiming Deputy Gangs is thrown out of court 1024 249 SIB Staff

Lawsuit claiming Deputy Gangs is thrown out of court

AUSTREBERTO GONZALEZ’S LAWSUIT CLAIMING “DEPUTY GANGS” AT HIS STATION IS THROWN OUT OF COURT

November 5, 2021

On November 4, 2021, Judge William F. Fahey dismissed with prejudice the case brought against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department by Deputy Austreberto Gonzalez due to lack of evidence and absence of triable facts.  The Court also highlighted Mr. Gonzalez “may not contradict his deposition testimony by proffering different testimony in a later declaration.” 

The unproven allegations in this case alleging “deputy gangs” by Mr. Gonzalez have been used as the primary basis for attacks on the Department by some members of the Board of Supervisors, a former member of the Board of Supervisors (who has been indicted for public corruption), the Office of the Inspector General, the Civilian Oversight Commission, other elected officials, and the media.  Their statements have been presented as “facts” in reports by RAND, the Center for Juvenile Law & Policy, and Knock LA.  The LA Times alone has referenced these unsubstantiated allegations in at least a dozen articles.  These writings have served to attack and undermine the perceived credibility and legitimacy of our organization, even though they were based on what we now know to be an uncredible source.  I predict not one of these entities will amend or correct their work, but as John Adams once stated, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” 

In addition to having his case thrown out of court for lack of evidence, absence of triable facts, and impeaching his own testimony, Mr. Gonzalez and his attorneys were additionally sanctioned monetarily by the Court for their failure to comply with orders of the Court.   

At this time, the Department is unable to provide any further information on Mr. Gonzalez, other than he remains on paid leave.  As Sheriff, I have remained focused on providing our communities with transparent and truthful information.  I am deeply concerned to hear that after all of the facts in this case were uncovered, Mr. Gonzalez, as one of my deputies, may have supplied incomplete or misleading information to the legal system, as noted in the Court’s ruling, and appropriate measures will be taken so that we continue to assure our communities deputy sheriffs can, and must, be trusted. (see full Court Order)

I remain committed to transparency and accountability and almost two-years ago I became the first Los Angeles County Sheriff in history to successfully implement a policy banning “deputy cliques.”  Recently, AB 958 was signed into law, a bill I sponsored based on the current LASD policy, which will now be the model policy for all law enforcement in our state.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

Sheriff Announces Special Alert form and presents Check to Autism Society of LA 1024 682 SIB Staff

Sheriff Announces Special Alert form and presents Check to Autism Society of LA

Sheriff Alex Villanueva announces special alert form and presents check to Autism Society of Los Angeles

On Monday, November 1st, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced the Special Alert program during a press conference at the Hall of Justice. This program will assist deputies when responding to calls that involve those who are suspected of having or have been diagnosed with an intellectual, mental, or physical disability. During this same press conference, Sheriff Villanueva also presented a check from the sale of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department autism lapel pins, to the Autism Society of Los Angeles.

In an effort to better serve and understand the needs of community members suspected of having or diagnosed with a disability, the Department developed a program to allow caregivers or family members to voluntarily provide information about a person living in their home who is suspected of having or has been diagnosed with an intellectual, mental, or physical disability.

If caregivers would like to participate in the program, all they need to do is fill out the Special Alert form that can be accessed on www.lasd.org under resources and take it to their nearest Sheriff’s Station. The Department will then enter a “Special Alert” in its computer dispatch system, and deputies will receive certain information when responding. By providing this information in advance, people are alerting deputies about the needs of the person at home who is suspected of having or has been diagnosed with an intellectual, mental, or physical disability. This important information may help them decide how to best approach the situation and what resources to bring with them.

“Thank you Sheriff Villanueva. Just thrilled to hear about the steps that the Sheriff’s Department is taking to improve the safety of encounters between law enforcement and those on the spectrum,” said Andy Kopito, President of the Autism Society of Los Angeles.    

“Having this information really gives everybody a leg up, so we know how to de-escalate it properly, who are the responsible people or what issues might be useful in communicating successfully with this individual,” said Sheriff Villanueva.   Those interested in filling out the Special Alert form, may download it by clicking https://lasd.org/specialalert/ and take it to their nearest Sheriff’s station.  

text in an orange yellow gradient that reads, "Celebrate Halloween safely and responsibly. image of three people walking down a street. the three people are pictured from the waist down, wearing a witch costume with black shoes, a ghost with white shoes.
Halloween Safety 900 900 SIB Staff

Halloween Safety

Halloween is a fun night for kids and adults alike. It is a time when thousands of trick-or-treaters dress up in their favorite costumes and venture out to fill their bag and buckets with all the candy they can carry. Adults dress up in their best costumes to head to parties, local bars and restaurants to celebrate as well.

As with every Halloween, we urge you to be safe and watch out for one another. 

If you follow these safety tips, everyone will have a great night!  

Parents & Children:  

  • Parents should plan their trick-or-treat route ahead of time and avoid busy streets.
  • Drive extra safely on Halloween. Drive below the posted speed-limit, especially in residential areas. Children are excited and may not be paying attention to vehicles when crossing the street. Do not pass another vehicle that has stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children.

  • Children under the age of 12 years-old should trick-or-treat with an adult.
  • Explain to your child the importance of looking both ways twice and listening to your surroundings before crossing the street. Remind them to continue to watch for cars even when they are crossing the street. Remind them not to cross mid-block.
  • Trick or treat with a group and stay together.  
  • Parents or responsible adults should accompany the children while trick or treating.  
  • Children should wear visible costumes that are easy to walk in and see. Light-colored costumes are best. Use retro-reflective tape. 
  • If you wear a mask, make sure you can see. Consider using non-toxic make up instead. Carry a flashlight so drivers can see you. 
  • This is a night of heavy foot traffic, use a crosswalk when available or cross at intersections. Look both ways before crossing the street!
  • Only approach well-lit homes that have their porch lights on.  
  • Set up a meeting place in case you get separated from your group.
  • Talk to your children about the 9-1-1 system and how to dial the number in the event of an emergency.
  • Parents, after you are done collecting candy, please inspect the candy before allowing the children to eat it. If you find opened candy, discard it.
  • Discard any type of treat that looks suspicious.  
  • As you may have noticed, Fentanyl pills are being produced in different colors, and some dealers have attempted to smuggle these pills in candy packaging.
  • Although we don’t believe children are the target of these smugglers, we want you to remain diligent to ensure these illicit products have not accidently been mixed in with your children’s candy.

Adults Planning to Party / Drivers  

  • Decide before going out whether you plan to drink or drive. You can’t do both. 
  • If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver, take a cab, ride-share or use public transit. Anything that doesn’t involve you getting behind the wheel.  
  • Party hosts: Offer non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers and don’t allow anyone who may be impaired to leave. 
  • There will be many kids out and about dressed up in costumes. This is another reason to slow down and be extra cautious. Obey all traffic signs and signals!  
  • Avoid driving through residential areas where trick-or-treaters are likely to be. 
  • Watch for children in costumes that may be harder to see at night. Look out for trick-or-treaters who may cross the street mid-block, or from behind parked cars. 

Halloween is a night child predators are looking for victims. Prior to going out, talk to your children about strangers. Instruct them to NEVER get into a stranger’s vehicle under any circumstance. If someone stops and asks your child for help or tries to lure your child into their vehicle, tell them to scream as loud as they can and run.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wants everyone to have a fun, safe and most importantly, have a Happy Halloween! 

help solve the murder of Diego Ortega-Reza 1024 682 SIB Staff

help solve the murder of Diego Ortega-Reza

Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Homicide Detectives and Family Members Plea to the Public for Information that will Help Solve the Murder of Diego Ortega-Reza

On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Homicide Bureau detectives held a press conference near the area where Diego Ortega-Reza was shot back in July of 2021.  Lieutenant Charles Calderaro announced a $15,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for taking Diego’s life. The reward is sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

Diego was a shy, yet enthusiastic teenager who had just graduated from high school and was looking forward to going to college. Like most teenagers, he enjoyed gatherings with friends and family. His sweet nature and effervescence were obvious, and were characteristics which endeared him to his siblings and friends.

On July 5, 2021, at approximately 12:45 a.m., 18-year-old Diego was in the front passenger seat of a gray Toyota Sienna minivan. Diego, along with his younger brother and a friend were returning home from a 4th of July party. They were driving westbound on Cesar Chavez Avenue. As they approached the intersection of Cesar Chavez Avenue and Lorena Street, an unknown person fired gunshots at their vehicle. Tragically, Diego was struck by gunfire and sustained a fatal gunshot to the head. The driver of the vehicle, immediately drove to a nearby hospital and Diego was then transferred to a trauma center where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Diego died on July 10, 2021.

“I know somebody saw something. It was a very special day in this country. Somebody had to be outside, they saw, they heard something. Please help us. The entire family is devastated. My other son was a passenger and he is doing badly. He wanted to be here but he couldn’t. He can’t, he has taken it badly. Whoever did this has caused an immeasurable pain to us. My son was not a bad person, he had no tattoos, nothing,” said in Spanish Diego’s mom, Socorro Ortega. “Do not defund the police that help us, investigators, please do not take away funds. They’re crucial, there is not enough police on the streets,” she added.   

Sheriff Villanueva thanked the Board of Supervisors for approving the reward but noted that more is needed. “It takes investigators to solve these crimes, it takes patrol deputies to prevent them from happening, and it takes a lot of work in between. From 2019 to now, there has been an 87% increase in homicides while we’re being defunded, while we’re losing homicide investigators and we’re seeing a reduction in patrol deputies,” said Sheriff Villanueva.   

“I was moved to put forward this reward in an effort to call on residents to help us bring accountability to the murder of Diego,” shared Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District. “I encourage members of the public with information pertaining to this heinous crime to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau. What happened to Diego was tragic. The County will continue to make investments in community prevention strategies to address community trauma and violence. By working together across community and local government agencies, we can enhance the public safety of our communities,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis.

If you have information about Diego’s senseless murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Bag of methanphetamine, Large bag, aproxemetly 8 inches by 6 inches, full of white rock like substance.
Fentanyl Awareness 768 1024 SIB Staff

Fentanyl Awareness

Fentanyl Awareness: Remember, one bad choice can cost you your life. 

Fentanyl is a pharmaceutical drug that was created to help patients with pain management.  It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. 

Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous and deadly substances ever produced.  Illicit drug manufacturers and distributors discovered fentanyl offers a very effective replacement filler or supplement to street level drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, in 2020, Los Angeles County had a significant increase in opioid deaths.  1,173 deaths involved fentanyl.  As of May 2021, there were 567 deaths in Los Angeles County related to fentanyl overdoses, which is an approximate increase of 57%, from the 395 fentanyl related deaths in the first five months of 2020. –  https://www.dea.gov/

The best way to help combat the Fentanyl drug problem is through awareness and education. #LASD asks that you please take the time to educate your children and loved ones on the dangers of not just Fentanyl, but all drugs!  Remember, one bad choice can cost you your life. 

For more information on research, training and topics about drug abuse, visit: https://www.drugabuse.gov/

Dead on Arrival: Fentanyl awareness Documentary

Detectives Seek Assistance in Locating Suspect Wanted for Murder 1024 768 SIB Staff

Detectives Seek Assistance in Locating Suspect Wanted for Murder

Detectives Seek Public’s Assistance in Locating Suspect Wanted for Murder

On Thursday, October 7, 2021, Homicide Bureau detectives held a press conference to ask for the public’s assistance in locating Joseph Dambra, who is wanted for shooting and killing a family member in the City of San Dimas. Dambra is a White, 62 year old, male, 5’10” and weighs 215 lbs.

On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at approximately 7:02 p.m., Dambra drove to a family member’s residence located on the 200 block of Valley Center in the City of San Dimas, and shot and killed his brother Richard Dambra. After the shooting, he fled the location going southbound on Valley Center Drive and drove to another residence located on the 500 block of East Allen Avenue in the city of San Dimas an shot his brother’s unoccupied vehicle several times. After the second shooting, he fled the location in an unknown direction.  

Dambra was last seen traveling northbound on the 15 Freeway near the 210 Freeway driving a red and white Ducati motorcycle with a California license plate number 24T1111. Dambra is considered armed and dangerous. People should use extreme caution if they see him, do not approach. Instead, contact your local law enforcement authorities immediately.  

If you have information on his whereabouts, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau, Detective Blagg or Sergeant V. Choi at 323-890-5500.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Family members seek help for Estephan hernandez 1024 743 SIB Staff

Family members seek help for Estephan hernandez

On the 4th Anniversary of the Murder of honor student, Estephan Hernandez, Homicide detectives and family members seek public’s help

On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, Homicide Bureau detectives held a press conference in front of a makeshift memorial where Estephan Hernandez was murdered exactly four years ago. Lieutenant Brandon Dean announced a $10,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for taking the life of Estephan. The reward is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Four years ago today, on Thursday evening, September 28, 2017, Estephan sat in his car, chatting with a female friend.  The car was parked in a residential neighborhood in the 1100 block of East 148th Street, Compton, and as the pair talked, unknown assailants in a passing black sedan shot several rounds at their car. The suspect vehicle fled the scene and drove westbound on East 148th Street, away from the victims and out of view.

“We’re now in his fourth anniversary. We do this every year to remember our son. Please, if anyone knows something, speak up. Don’t stay quiet so that no mother endures what I’ve been suffering every day of my life,” said Estephan’s mom, Lydia Gonzales, in Spanish.


At the time of his death, Estephan was a 21-year-old honor roll student at Cal State University, Long Beach, pursuing a degree in Sociology.  He was a compassionate person who wanted to see his contemporaries succeed, and devoted much of his time to mentor other minority students.  With great ambition and a passion to help others, Estephan would undoubtedly have made a difference in his community and in people’s lives but his life was senselessly cut short.

It is unknown if Estephan was targeted or if it was a random act, but what is known is that he had no ties to any gang. “He was a great individual, good student. He wanted to be a counselor. Another thing he did was, he was a group mentor for incoming students in the college,” said Lieutenant Dean. If you have information about this senseless murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Press Conference Video

Image of Coffee beans layed out on a table with a full cup of coffee that is steaming. The tet reads Coffee with at cop. September 28,2021. 8:30 am to 10:30 am. The Coffee Gallery, 2029 Lake ave. Altadena, CA 91001.
Coffee with a Cop – Altadena 940 788 SIB Staff

Coffee with a Cop – Altadena

JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL ALTADENA SHERIFF’S FOR A FRIENDLY CONVERSATION.

September 28, 2021
8:30am to 10:30am

The Coffee Gallery
2029 Lake Ave.,
Altadena, CA 91001

Image of a coffee cup on a plate, the plate is covered with coffee beans. Everything is sitting on a burlap material. At the top there is a Sheriff's star, gold six point star with an engraving of a bear in the middle. The text reads "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Coffee with a Deputy"
Coffee with a Deputy – San Dimas 1024 653 SIB Staff

Coffee with a Deputy – San Dimas

Join your neighbors and local San Dimas Sheriff’s for a friendly conversation.

Thursday, October 7, 2021
4-6 p.m.

Starbucks – San Dimas
114 E. Bonita Avenue,
San Dimas, CA, 91773