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We Will Never Forget, September 11, 2001. Image of the american flag waving over the One Trade Center Tower on the left of flag and the Right side of flag are the Twin towers very faint over the orange purple sky.
LASD Remembers and honors the 20th anniversary of 9/11 900 900 SIB Staff

LASD Remembers and honors the 20th anniversary of 9/11

Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

LASD will Never Forget 911!

deputy sheriff is walking with two hispanic men down the street towards a camera. They are having a friendly conversation. The Deputy is wearing a tan longsleeve shirt with a black tie and green pants. there are two men on either side of the deputy. They are holding books and a backpack.
Policy Regarding Immigration Inquiries and Notification 662 522 SIB Staff

Policy Regarding Immigration Inquiries and Notification

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Policy Regarding Immigration Inquiries and Notification

This policy is intended to reassure immigrant communities that there is no need to fear contact with the Sheriff’s Department.  Policy Section 05-09/271.00 “Immigration Inquires and Notifications.”

  • Department members shall investigate criminal activity without regard for an individual’s legal status.
  • Department members shall not initiate police action with the objective of discovering the individual’s immigration status.
  • Deputies shall not arrest an individual on suspicion of violating a federal immigration law relating to illegal entry, being unlawfully present, or overstaying a visa.
  • Department members shall not inquire about an individual’s immigration status.
  • If a victim’s, witness’ or offender’s immigration status is discovered during an investigation, deputies shall not forward that information to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Department members shall not use an immigration authority as an interpreter.
  • For additional policy information visit www.lasd.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be deported by LASD during a routine traffic stop or call for help?
Answer: No.  The Sheriff’s Department does not enforce federal immigration laws.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are prohibited from asking about a person’s immigration status during routine traffic stops or calls for service.

If a deputy discovers I’m an undocumented immigrant, will the deputy arrest me for a violation of a federal immigration law?
Answer: No.  Sheriff’s Department policy prohibits deputies from arresting or booking an individual on suspicion of violating federal immigration laws.

Can I be deported by LASD if I report a crime or call for help?
Answer: No.  The mission of the Sheriff’s Department is to investigate crimes that have occurred, regardless of a victim’s or offender’s immigration status.  When receiving a call for service, the focus of the Sheriff’s Department is helping victims and witnesses, not enforcing federal immigration laws.  If a victim’s or a witness’ immigration status is discovered during an investigation, Department personnel are prohibited by policy from notifying ICE of the person’s immigration status.

What happens to a Deputy who asks about my immigration status?
Answer: A deputy sheriff who inappropriately inquiries about immigration status is subject to administrative discipline.

Does the Sheriff’s Department assist ICE with immigration enforcement operations?
Answer: No.  The Sheriff’s Department does not participate in or assist ICE with immigration enforcement operations.  We may participate in joint federal task force operations with federal immigration authorities only where the purpose of the task force is to investigate violations of local, state, or federal criminal laws.

Guía Informativo Sobre Inmigración

Preguntas Frecuentes
¿Seré deportado por ICE después de haber sido encarcelado por un delito?
Respuesta: Depende.  El gobierno federal tiene acceso a las huellas dactilares de todos los que es­tán encarcelados por todo el país y puede comen­zar procedimientos de deportación. Sin embargo, el LASD solo permite el acceso de ICE a reclusos que han sido condenados por ciertos crímenes, tal como son enumerados en el Proyecto de la Ley 54 del Senado de California (Consulte la sec­ción 7282.5 del Código del Gobierno de Cal.).

¿Cuál es el procedimiento para que una víctima de un delito solicite una “Visa U”?
Respuesta: La persona debe ser víctima de un crimen calificado. En algunos casos, los testigos y / o miembros de familia pueden ser elegibles en solicitar una Visa U. El solicitante o el detective de la estación pueden iniciar la solicitud de la Visa U (Formulario I-918 de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS)). El formulario debe ser llenado y presentado al detective manejando el caso. El detective revisará el expediente y de­terminará si el solicitante fue víctima de un cargo calificado y fue útil en la investigación. La present­ación de cargos penales y un enjuiciamiento crimi­nal no son requisitos para nuestra certificación en la solicitud de una Visa U. Si se cumplen todos los requisitos en la solicitud, la estación o el capitán de la unidad certificarán la solicitud, firmándola en nombre del Alguacil. La copia original es devuelta al solicitante o al defensor. El peticionario enviará todos los documentos aplicables al USCIS.

Para preguntas o quejas por favor llame a la:
Unidad de Información del Alguacil (213) 229-1700
Unidad de Asuntos Internos (800) 698-8255

Les animamos en ponerse en con­tacto con cualquier estación local del Alguacil para ob­tener respuestas a cualquier pregunta adicional o si tiene una preocupación.

Education Based Incarceration Graduation 2021 150 150 SIB Staff

Education Based Incarceration Graduation 2021

Recently, 19 justice involved men from Men’s Central Jail earned their high school diploma through the Department’s Education Based Incarceration (EBI) educational  program.  The ceremony, hosted by New Opportunities Charter School, was held virtually at Men’s Central Jail, located in downtown Los Angeles.

New Opportunities Charter School teachers are California state certified and teach in-jail classes such as Math, English, Science, and Life Skills, all of which meet current State requirements for high school education.  Inmates participating in the program are housed together which creates an uplifting and motivating environment for them to thrive in.

Inmates who participate in educational courses but are released prior to completion, may continue their education by attending one of New Opportunities Charter School’s six fully operational school sites, which are conveniently located throughout Los Angeles County.

Congratulations to the recently graduated students – LASD is very proud of your accomplishment and wishes you much success in your future endeavors!

image of a hand writing on a chalk board, the board reads "BACK TO SCHOOL" and has a smile under the two o in the word "School".
Back to School 900 900 SIB Staff

Back to School

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL!

THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES THE PUBLIC TO STAY AWARE AND STAY SAFE IN SCHOOL ZONES: As students head back to the classroom, schools and the communities around them are going to be busier than they’ve been since the start of the pandemic. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone to stay aware and stay safe with increased traffic returning to school zones.

There are going to be a lot more parents, students and staff out than residents have seen in more than a year. Please drive carefully in school zones, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. This includes remembering what to do around school buses.

The easiest, safest thing to do is to stop the car when you encounter a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights. There are going to be students getting on and off the school bus. It’s also the law.

California law requires drivers to stop when a school bus is in front of them and extends its stop sign with flashing red lights. Drivers must remain stopped if the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips to stay safe around schools: • Slow down. • Follow any school rules for dropping off or picking up students. • Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting. • Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn. • Always look both ways before crossing the street. Make sure cars see you. • Walk on sidewalks, when available. Cross at marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals. • Watch for cars entering or backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces

Centralized LA Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau Connects 3 East LA Unsolved Murders, 2 Persons of Interest Sought 1024 819 SIB Staff

Centralized LA Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau Connects 3 East LA Unsolved Murders, 2 Persons of Interest Sought

On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, Homicide Bureau detectives announced an $80,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible for the murders of 34 year-old Jesse Avalos, 38 year-old Eduardo Robles and 27 year-old Amanda “Nikki” Lopez, who were killed in East Los Angeles in 2014, 2015 and 2018, respectively. The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, First District.

On Monday, February 10, 2014, at approximately 10:50 p.m., Victim Jesse Avalos received a phone call from an acquaintance requesting a jumpstart to his vehicle near the intersection of Telegraph Road and Arizona Avenue in East Los Angeles. Victim Avalos provided the jumpstart approximately 15 minutes later. A few hours later, East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station received a phone call at 3:25 a.m. of an injured person at the 4800 block of Telegraph Road in East Los Angeles. There, deputies found Victim Avalos on the driver’s seat of his blue SUV.  He had sustained numerous gunshot wounds. The hood of his SUV was found open and two suspects were seen around the vehicle.  

On Monday, July 6, 2015, victim Eduardo Robles was involved in a physical altercation on the driveway of a residence on the 4300 block of Eagle Street in East Los Angeles. Victim Robles was visiting, and approximately 15 people were present when the incident occurred. After the fight, the suspect jumped over a wrought iron fence to the street, walked to Victim Robles’ vehicle and punctured the four tires with a sharp object and fled the location. The same suspect returned to the location five minutes later and shot Victim Robles several times in the upper torso. The suspect was picked up by a Hispanic male in his mid to late forties, five feet eight to five feet nine inches tall, heavy set build, in a light green colored vehicle.

On Sunday, April 22, 2018, at approximately 2:40 a.m., the suspect exited the passenger side of a silver PT Cruiser and began searching for Amanda “Nikki” Lopez in a homeless encampment that was situated in a courtyard in front of the East Los Angeles Courthouse. The suspect located Victim Lopez in a tent in front of the field office of First District Supervisor Hilda Solis. The suspect placed a firearm into the tent and fired at Victim Lopez while she slept, striking her in the upper torso, killing her.  

Sheriff’s detectives made a plea to the public, hoping $80,000 will motivate someone to bring that missing piece of the puzzle and bring closure to these families. “We know there were witnesses at every murder,” said Homicide Bureau Captain Joe Mendoza. It was witnesses coupled with surveillance at scenes that allowed a good description of both suspects.

But what led sheriff’s investigators to explore a possible connection in these three murders? Captain Mendoza explained, “One of the things that’s unique about LA County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is that we are centralized and we commonly speak to other investigators about our cases.  So when investigators were comparing notes on cases, they believed they had similar description of the suspects and that’s when they really started to connect the dots. The link was the descriptions of the suspects who were similarly described.”

When the ballistic evidence from the 2014 murder of Victim Avalos was compared to the ballistic evidence from the 2015 murder of Victim Robles, the comparison determined the same handgun was used in both murders.

All three murders occurred within 2.2 miles of each other and within the same general area of East Los Angeles.  Although a motive for the murders was unclear, investigators believe the victims were known to the suspects and were specifically targeted based on their relationships with the suspects.

In the three cases, witnesses describe the main suspect as a Hispanic male with short hair in his late twenties, five feet eight inches tall with a medium build. He has a tattoo on his neck with unknown writing.

The second suspect drives the getaway vehicle and is described as a Hispanic male in his mid to late forties, five feet eight to five feet nine inches tall, heavy set build and possibly with a mustache.

“I speak for my family as well as the other two families. We don’t have closure, we don’t have justice and I’m sure all of these families are still suffering. Please help us, please come forward with any information you may have,” said Victim Avalos’ eldest sister, Maria Orozco.

 “Our brother is truly missed by our family, by his children,” added Victim Avalos weeping sister, Bertha Avalos.

Justice Deputy Esther Lim, representing LA County Board of Supervisor’s Hilda L. Solis said, “Through this $80,000 reward, the county is counting on our residents to help us bring accountability to the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.”

“We’ve had nobody come forward that can really tell us who these suspects are,” said Captain Mendoza. “So we are trying to get them to come forward because we know those witnesses are out there.  And the $80,000 reward may quite possibly help do just that.”

Video of the full press conference:

To view video surveillance of the suspect exit the passenger side of a silver PT Cruiser, search for Victim Amanda “Nikki” Lopez and fire into the tent, click and download here: https://www.lasdvideos.org/mediaportal/lasd-homicide-captain-mendoza-announces-80k-reward-in-three-east-la-unsolved-murders/

If you have information about these senseless murders, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, East Los Angeles Station at (323) 264-4151 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/.

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.
Archice – DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVING DAVID ORDAZ JR 1024 249 SIB Staff

Archice – DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVING DAVID ORDAZ JR

DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVING DAVID ORDAZ JR.

July 30, 2021

On March 14, 2021, deputies responded to a call of a man with a knife who was under the influence of drugs and wanted to commit “suicide by cop.”  Tragically, David Ordaz Jr. died as a result of wounds sustained in a deputy involved shooting.  Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.  This event was captured on body worn camera video and a critical incident video of the event has been posted at LASD.org under our Transparency Promise webpage.  I want to clearly state I have grave concerns regarding this deputy involved shooting.  One of the deputies has been relieved of duty and their peace officer powers have been suspended, pending the outcome of this investigation. 

Upon completion of the investigation, it will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney – Justice System Integrity Division, who will determine the legality of the shooting. Additionally, the investigation will be shared with Los Angeles FBI Field Office for their review.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

Man arrested for Narcotics Sales in connection with Venice Homeless Outreach Organization 1024 768 SIB Staff

Man arrested for Narcotics Sales in connection with Venice Homeless Outreach Organization

Narcotics Bureau investigators served a two-location search warrant in the Venice area of Los Angles on Thursday, July 22, 2021, after receiving information of a potential narcotics dealer disguising himself as a homeless outreach advocate. The investigation identified that narcotics dealer, Garry Featherstone (11/23/55), had been using a tent to facilitate narcotics sales to the local Venice homeless population and close proximity to the “Venice Bridge Home,” a transitional housing location close to his base of operations. 

Investigators conducted countless hours of surveillance of Featherstone and saw him complete several hand-to-hand narcotics transactions. Featherstone masquerades as a homeless outreach advocate while supplying homeless individuals with narcotics.  

In the afternoon hours of Thursday, July 22, 2021, Investigators conducted the search warrant operation on a tent near 3rd Avenue and Rose Street, as well as a residence in the Venice area, and arrested Featherstone for possession of Phencyclidine (PCP) for sale;11378.5 HS and Possession of Methamphetamine for sale;11378.1 HS. Over 15,000 dollars in U.S. currency was also recovered. 

Featherstone, a self-proclaimed homeless advocate operates “Homeless Enterprise” from a tent on 3rd Avenue, where he sells sodas, candy, and other snacks and beverages to the local homeless population. “Homeless Enterprise” is registered with the city of Los Angeles Finance Department.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “This is another clear example of how several people are using the veil of outreach to run criminal enterprises and exploit the already marginalized population of county residents who are experiencing homelessness. It’s time for common sense, compassionate regulation of public space. It’s time for politicians to stop using the homeless population as a platform and for them to either help law enforcement keep the community safe or get out of the way.”

Walnut Station Asks Assistance about Fatal Hit & Run in Diamond Bar 1024 683 SIB Staff

Walnut Station Asks Assistance about Fatal Hit & Run in Diamond Bar

On Monday, July 12, 2021, during a press conference, Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Walnut Station Detectives and family members asked the public’s assistance for any information about a suspect driver and vehicle that was involved in a fatal hit and run incident in the City of Diamond Bar.

On Sunday, July 4, 2021, at approximately 10:30 p.m., 72 year-old Bruce Bodel was taking an evening walk near his home. As he was walking north on Penarth Avenue crossing Lycoming Street, he was tragically struck by a vehicle when he was crossing the street. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render any aid and immediately fled the scene traveling southbound on Lemon Avenue.

Mr. Bodel suffered major injuries and succumbed to his wounds days later. The vehicle that struck him is described as a two-door silver sedan, and from evidence recovered at the scene, it is believed to have damage to the front as well as a cracked windshield.

“This has devastated my family. He always liked to go out for walks, that was just his habit. Rather than taking a car he would take a bike or he would walk. He was a vegetarian, he’d never hurt a fly. So anybody who could help bring my uncle justice, would be greatly appreciated,” said Bodel’s niece, Jessica.

If you have information about this senseless tragedy, please contact the Walnut Station Detective Bureau at 909-859-2817.  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/.

Picture of Sheriff at a wood podium with the Sheriff's star on it. Speaking to the media. Supervisor Bardger is on the sheriff's left, firther to his right are representatives from Antelope Valley and the D E A, Game and Wildlife and other orgaizations, On tables infront of the sheriff are laid out over 30 siezed automatic rifles and various hand guns that were also siezed from the operation.
Antelope Valley Marijuana Eradication Operation 900 549 SIB Staff

Antelope Valley Marijuana Eradication Operation

Antelope Valley Marijuana Eradication Operation

On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced the results of the Marijuana Eradication Operation which began on the early hours of Tuesday, June 8, 2021, and lasted 10 days. The collaborative operation took place in the Antelope Valley and several local, state and federal agencies were involved including: over 400 personnel from multiple Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department units, deputies from the Community Partnerships Bureau, Operation Safe Street and Special Victims Bureau detectives, Lancaster and Palmdale Station deputies, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, California National Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and members from the Kern County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County Sheriff’s Departments.

In 2020, Narcotics Bureau Detectives identified 150 illegal outdoor marijuana grows in the Antelope Valley. In 2021, investigators conducted reconnaissance flights and they identified over 500 illegal cannabis grows.

Violent crime has been linked directly to the grow sites. In July 2020, two murder victims were discovered adjacent to an illegal marijuana grow in the unincorporated area of Lancaster. In March 2021, a murder victim was found buried in the desert near Lake Los Angeles and the suspects wanted in connection with the murder operated an illegal marijuana grow in Lake Los Angeles. Threats by armed individuals against citizens living in close proximity to illegal marijuana grows have occurred on a regular basis and were increasing in frequency.

The threat to the environment and wildlife cannot begin to be calculated as growers consistently use banned pesticides and fertilizers for their illegal crops. Two dead bears were discovered and their death is attributed to pesticide use.

Water theft occurs at an alarming rate and it has threatened the water supply for residents in the eastern portion of the antelope valley.  Theft occurs from fire hydrants and unpermitted water wells that were being drilled on the grow sites.

“Most Californians would be shocked and disappointed at the amount of water these unlicensed, illegal grows are using, especially as California suffers from a drought,” said DEA Associate Special Agent in Charge Curt Fallin.  “By our calculation, the illegal grows in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties require an astounding 5.4 million gallons of water a day, every day.”

Thanks to public calls for service and multiple complaints from residents, the largest operation in the history of the Los Angeles county Sheriff’s Department was developed to put an end to the hundreds of illegal marijuana cultivations in the Antelope Valley.

As result of this operation, a total of 131 arrests were made; 65 vehicles, including two water trucks were seized; approximately $28,000 dollars in U.S currency were seized; a total of 33,480 pounds of harvested marijuana were seized; 30 locations were demolished, 33 firearms were sized;  180 animals were rescued; and there were19 water theft arrests. The total estimated street value of the plants destroyed is $1.193 billion dollars.

“What we want to do is send a clear and loud message to all the cartels and anyone doing illegal operations in the high desert, ‘your days here are over and we’re coming for you,’” said Sheriff Villanueva.

Anyone who sees activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature should contact their local sheriff’s station, or remain anonymous and call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS.

Video of the Press Conference

Press Conference Slides – PDF

picture of Sheriff Alex Villanueva standing at a podium speaking to the audience. The podium is brown and has the Sheriff's Badge on the front. There are 8 other personel from O S S behind the Sheriff. A screen is off to the right behind O S S Captain with pictures of two guns on the screen.
LASD Announces Arrest in Attempted Murder of Two Young Adults 1024 683 SIB Staff

LASD Announces Arrest in Attempted Murder of Two Young Adults

On Thursday, July 1, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Captain Robert Jones from the Operation Safe Streets (OSS) Bureau, announced the arrest of two individuals responsible for the brutal attempted murder of two young male adults.

On Friday, June 18, 2021, at approximately 9:50 p.m. two young males were walking on Raven Lane and Avenue J-4 in the city of Lancaster. As they passed two males, one riding a bicycle and the other one on a skateboard, the suspects began firing towards the victims. The gunmen continued shooting even as one of the victims laid on the pavement in agony and distress as he screamed in pain. The perpetrators continued their way still on the bike and skateboard. The victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds to their backs, torso and legs. Both victims were transported to a local hospital where one remains in critical condition while the other one was released and is recovering at home.

Investigators from the OSS Bureau responded and found approximately 30 expended shell casings at the scene.  They immediately began an exhaustive investigation, executed search warrants at two locations and on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at approximately 9:00 p.m., OSS investigators arrested the suspects connected to the shooting, along with three additional individuals. Several “ghost gun” firearms were also seized from the locations. Ghost guns are virtually untraceable weapons that can be made at home using parts that are legally purchased usually in the internet.

Ghost gun and extended magazine seized from the location.
Ghost gun firearms seized from the location.

The adult suspect is a self-admitted gang member and has an extensive criminal history. He is currently on parole under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). Based on current laws, the juvenile was unable to be interviewed by investigators.

“Now it seems like the movement from the District Attorney’s office is ‘Let cuff the cops and release the crooks’ and that whole mentality is making its way onto the streets now where it’s more dangerous for our community members. So we need to definitely rethink what our role is and what reform really means in the criminal justice system and who’s benefitting from this reform…” said Sheriff Villanueva.

Video of the full press conference:

Video of actual incident: