Posts By :

SIB Staff

Still image from Body Camera Footage of Deputy writing ticket to a woman inside a car. The Woman is holding up her phone showing the Deputy something on the screen. The image details have been blured to protect the woman's personal information and Identity.
SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021 1024 557 SIB Staff

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

Recently, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy assigned to San Dimas station was involved in a traffic stop that was caught on body-worn camera video. During the traffic stop, a citation was issued to the driver. Shortly after the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle in question filed a personnel complaint against the Deputy. The traffic stop video was seen on social media, which garnered overwhelming public and media interest. Online stories were generated wherein speculation of the complainant’s identity and work location was being discussed. Although the person in the video identified themselves as a teacher, it should be noted they have not been employed with the Los Angeles Community College District since 2017. Additionally, there are numerous names wrongfully being associated with the individual’s identity. We caution others about the dangers associated with these false accusations. An investigation was completed wherein the complainant was interviewed, and a thorough review of the incident, including body-worn camera footage, was reviewed. After the investigation, it was determined the traffic stop was conducted within department policy and procedures.

Please note – some sections of the video have been blurred and some audio has been redacted to protect the identity of the individual who was cited.

Body Camera Footage of San Dimas Traffic Stop

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants 1024 768 SIB Staff

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants


Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants

The proliferation of illegal Marijuana cultivation operations throughout the high desert area has become an ever-growing problem in the Antelope Valley. As a result of information received through public calls for service, and the office of Supervisor Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to Community Partnerships Bureau (COPS) served two search warrants in the Fort Tejon area of Palmdale targeting some of these illegal operations.


 
On Tuesday, May 4th, 2021, a suspect was taken into custody for the illegal cultivation of marijuana during these warrant services. Additionally, approximately 3,800 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Due to the fact these operations were being conducted on public lands, members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also present. Their office will seek additional charges related to the destruction and contamination of local wildlife.


 
Illegal marijuana grows are not only illegal, but are harmful to the environment and wildlife due to the hazardous chemicals and toxic pesticides used. The illegal marijuana grows are also dangerous for residents who may stumble upon them.  There could be toxic molds and fungus, faulty electrical hook ups and booby traps that can be life threatening to those who wander onto the land where these illegal marijuana grows are.
 
We thank those residents who contacted the LASD to provide the information which led to the apprehension of the suspect, the seizure of the illegal narcotics, and the return of these public lands to the residents of the Antelope Valley. 
 
If you know of any illegal marijuana grow operations in your area, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

VALOR AWARD PRESENTED TO SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT BUREAU 1024 681 SIB Staff

VALOR AWARD PRESENTED TO SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) Medal of Valor to five Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew members for their effort, skill, determination, and commitment during the search and recovery operation of SBSD Search and Rescue (SAR) member Timothy Staples.

Staples was one of 126 people across 23 teams searching for Sreenivas “Sree” Mokkapati, who was reported missing on December 8, 2019, after becoming separated from his group while ascending Mount Baldy. Staples’ partner on the search and rescue team alerted the sheriff’s department on Saturday that he had become separated from Staples. Despite inclement weather conditions and treacherous terrain, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew located Staples in “an area of ice and snow.” He was unresponsive, and a crew member lowered to Staples determined he was dead.

Even though the operation turned into a recovery, the crew’s efforts still demonstrate the dangerous working conditions search and rescue personnel face every day. “In my opinion, the LASD has one of the best search and rescue programs in the nation, and the Flight Deputies and Crew of Air 5 are the cream of the crop,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Medal of Valor to Los Angeles County Air Rescue 5 Crew member Deputies Todd Kocisko, Scott Helbing, Steve Pratt, Jennifer Shepard, and Sergeant Dave Carver for their act of bravery during the operation.

Image of fake pharmaceuticals confiscated by LASD.
Intellectual Property 900 503 SIB Staff

Intellectual Property

National Day of World Intellectual Property

Today we mark National Day of World Intellectual Property. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe.”

Counterfeiting is the largest global criminal enterprise affecting economic growth and impacting the health and safety of consumers. This illicit trade is a significant problem worldwide that continues to grow. Whether it is smuggling, counterfeit, or tax evasion, governments are losing billions of dollars in tax revenues, legitimate businesses are being undermined, and consumers are being exposed to poorly made and unregulated products.

Image of 40 or 50 fake motorcycle helmets displayed in an office. The Helmets are on a wall rack along the wall.

It is a crime to steal, with the intention to, Sell and/or Manufacture of someone’s registered trademark and/or logo, whether it’s a song, artwork, or tangible property. 

Within the County of Los Angeles, the Sheriff’s Department enforces trademarks to protect against Intellectual Property theft and ensure the health and safety of consumers. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement (CAPE) Team is an active investigative unit consisting of Sheriff Deputies, a Sergeant, and a Lieutenant responsible for enforcing counterfeit-related crimes and investigation of various “quality of life” issues, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and safety products. 

If you know of someone who is selling counterfeit products, you can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Community Partnerships Bureau, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement Team at 323-981-5300 to provide information on the Sale and/or Manufacture of counterfeit goods. Or 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

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
SHERIFF PROVIDES UPDATE ON TIGER WOODS TRAFFIC COLLISION 768 170 SIB Staff

SHERIFF PROVIDES UPDATE ON TIGER WOODS TRAFFIC COLLISION

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Captain James Powers announced that the primary cause of the collision involving golfer Tiger Woods was driving at a speed unsafe for the road conditions and the inability to negotiate the curve of the roadway.

On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods was involved in a traffic collision on Hawthorne Blvd., in Rancho Palos Verdes. According to the vehicle’s event data recorder, estimated speeds at the first area of impact were 84 to 87 mph and when the vehicle made a final impact on a tree the speed was 75 mph.

Villanueva stated that no citations were issued and there were no signs of impairment. Contrary to various reports, Mr. Woods did not receive preferential treatment and the primary concern after the crash was providing the medical care needed to survive his life-threatening injuries.

Captain Powers reiterated that there was no evidence of impairment, no odor of alcohol, no open containers in the vehicle, no narcotics or evidence of medication on the vehicle or in his person. Also, due to the traumatic nature of his injuries, it would have been inappropriate to administer a sobriety test. Since there was no observation by a peace officer or no independent witnesses, a citation was not issued. Cell phone records were not reviewed because the only factors of the accident were speed and the failure to maintain the curvature of the roadway. There was no probable cause to obtain bloodwork at the hospital because based on the facts, there was no evidence of intoxication or impairment.

According to the event data recorder, it is believed that Tiger Woods inadvertently hit the accelerator instead of the brakes.

To view the traffic report of the collision please click here.

picture of Chief LaJuana Haselrig presented a generous donation to Freddie Muse Jr., President/C.E.O. of The Men’s Cancer Network
Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser” 900 650 SIB Staff

Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser”

Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser”

For the month of November of 2020, Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser” with the objective of raising awareness of men’s health issues, and partnering with difference-makers within Los Angeles County.

November has been designated as Movember, and in support of men’s health issues, supporters are encouraged to grow a moustache during the month of November. In correlation with the moustache theme, Sergeant Pedro Magdaleno Jr. designed a distinguished and collectable, Challenge Coin. The challenge coin displays the inaugural fundraiser year of 2020, and is complemented by a strong handle-bar moustache on the backside of the coin.

Front side of the coin has the sheriff's star siting over the American flag and the California State flag, the words "A Tradition of Service" along the bottom. The back of the coin has the LASD Cancer Awareness patch with a moustache underneith it, The words "Movember to Remember, Bringing Awareness to Men's Health Runs around the coin.

Court Services is committed to serving the community we work in. We strive to network with people who are displaying their passion to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Los Angeles County. Therefore, the profits from this fundraiser was donated to The Men’s Cancer Network, in the City of Los Angeles. The Men’s Cancer Network has been busy in the community: They offer health education, statistical literature, virtual forums, testimonials, website services, cancer screenings, and a host of other resources available to the public.

On behalf of The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Court Services Division, Chief LaJuana Haselrig presented a generous donation to Freddie Muse Jr., President/C.E.O. of The Men’s Cancer Network.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this worthy fundraiser. We are making a difference, where it counts, when it counts.

Sheriff Villanueva speaking at a podium surrounded by Consulates from the Asian and Pacific Island nations of LA County
Archive – Zero Tolerance For Hate Crimes In Los Angeles County 800 408 SIB Staff

Archive – Zero Tolerance For Hate Crimes In Los Angeles County

Press Conference: Sheriff Villanueva, Along With Local Asian Community Groups, Call For Zero Tolerance For Any Hate Crimes And Incidents In Los Angeles County

On Thursday, March 25, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference in front of the Hall of Justice to announce his support for the Asian community.  He was joined by; Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Akira Muto; Honorary Consul General of Cambodia in Los Angeles, Mr. Kim Chha Hout; Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, Kyung Jae Park; Mayor of Monterey Park, Yvonne Yin; Mayor of San Gabriel, Chin Ho Liao, the support of Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, Zhang Ping, the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Council, and other highly respected community leaders.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in hate crimes against the Asian-American community. The fatal shooting of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, is the latest attack against Asian-Americans, and it shook the nation. Unfortunately, it was not an isolated incident. On Sunday, March 21, 2021, a man disrupted a ‘Stop Asian Hate’ protest in Diamond Bar by driving through a group of protesters while hurling insults against China.

Sheriff Villanueva called for zero tolerance for hate crimes in Los Angeles County, especially towards Asian Americans. He urged people to report crime by calling 911 if it is an emergency, contacting a local law enforcement agency, or remaining anonymous by calling LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222 or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Undersheriff Tim Murakami talked about his experience as a 4th generation Asian-American. He explained that historically, the Asian community has been very quiet. For the most part, they accept things, overlook them and move on. He urged the community to stand up as a group and realize “they’re Americans, they have the right to be here, they have the right to be respected and the right to be protected.”

Sheriff Villanueva reminded everyone that everyone is looking for the same things in life, security and a sense of belonging at the end of the day. “If you’re a recent arrival or you’ve been here for generations, all of you are welcome in Los Angeles County. We welcome you in this great nation of us,” he concluded.

Family Seeks Public’s Assistance In Locating Those Responsible for the Murder of Their Loved One; Detectives AnnounceD $10K Reward 1024 819 SIB Staff

Family Seeks Public’s Assistance In Locating Those Responsible for the Murder of Their Loved One; Detectives AnnounceD $10K Reward

On Thursday, March 18, 2021, Homicide Bureau detectives announced a $10,000 reward during a press conference in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of Rodney Donaldson Jr. The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.

On Saturday, January 2, 2021, at approximately 8:35 p.m., Rodney Donaldson Jr., was out for a walk when he was shot and killed by unknown suspects in the 500 block of North Kemp Avenue in the City of Compton.  A 2001-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, black in color, was seen fleeing the area after the shooting.

Deputies and paramedics arrived at the scene and transported Rodney to the hospital, where several days later he succumbed to his injuries at the age of 28. Rodney earned a Business Degree from Benedict College in South Carolina and also played football. He worked full time and lived at home with his family. 

“He was a productive young man in this society. He was a university graduate, was employed full time and had plans to continue to advance his life. He had no criminal history,” said Rodney’s Aunt Joycelyn Donaldson. Rodney’s Great-Uncle, Isaac Dumas, also thanked the public for any assistance with his great-nephews case, and pleaded to those responsible by saying “I just ask that you do the right thing.”

If you have information about this senseless murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau 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/.

LASD WILL RESUME PARKING ENFORCEMENT ON APRIL 1, 2021 823 502 SIB Staff

LASD WILL RESUME PARKING ENFORCEMENT ON APRIL 1, 2021

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES APRIL 01, 2021

Beginning APRIL 01, 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Parking Enforcement Detail will again ENFORCE ALL PARKING VIOLATIONS and reinstate the issuance of street sweeping citations, expired registration citations, as well as towing vehicles that have been warned via a “Red Tag” or any other vehicle in violation of the parking law of the state of California as well as the County of Los Angeles.

To avoid receiving a parking citation or having a vehicle towed, we urge drivers to be mindful of this change. 

RESUMED ENFORCEMENT WILL INCLUDE:

  • Street sweeping: All streets with posted signs for street sweeping will be enforced, per 15.20.07(2) LACVC
  • Expired registration: Vehicles with expired registration will be cited for 4000(a)(1) CVC; registrations expired in excess of six months, in violation of 4000(a)(1) CVC, will be towed, per 22651 (o)(1)(a) CVC,
  • Indigent Payment Plan: Anyone in need of financial assistance to pay citations, can make arrangement though the following: 

Phone: (866) 561-9744

Online: www.lasheriffparking.com

Mail:     Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

              P.O. Box 30629

              Los Angeles, CA 90030-0629

  • Red tag warnings: Red tag warnings will be issued to vehicles parked within the public right-of-way not displaying signs of movement, such as excessive dirt, spider webs, and debris underneath and around the tires, flat tires, missing parts, and vandalism.

If a vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours’ notice has been given, a citation for Abandonment Prohibited – 22523 (a)(b) CVC will be issued and the vehicle will be towed immediately, per 22651(k) CVC.

Sheriff standing with staff in the hall of the Hall of Justice building
LASD employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics 600 600 SIB Staff

LASD employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics

LA County Sheriff’s Department employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics

Since taking office, Sheriff Villanueva’s vision of LASD’s hiring practices have resulted in sworn personnel representing what our communities look like.   Currently, the LA County demographics are reflected in all ranks from entry level deputy to the top ranks.  Sheriff Villanueva oversees the LASD which is comprised of approximately 9,800 sworn personnel, 18,000 total personnel who serve throughout Los Angeles County, a County with over 10 million residents, and spread out over 4,000 square miles.

  RACE2020 LASD SWORN RACE DEMOGRAPHICS2019 LA COUNTY RACE DEMOGRAPHICS * CensusReporter.org
White31.2%26%
Black7.5%8%
Asian5.5%15%
Hispanic52.5%49%
Other3.3%2%

During Sheriff Villanueva’s tenure there has also been equity in promotions at the Executive ranks.  For example, Sheriff Villanueva has appointed one Hispanic and one Asian to the Undersheriff position, a rank designating the second in command of the Sheriff’s Department, which is currently held by Undersheriff Timothy K. Murakami.

At the Division Chief level, this is the first time in the history of the Department there are four African American Division Chiefs. 

As of January 31, 2021, the Executive ranks from Captain to Chief were represented by 26 females, compared to 94 males, which resulted in 21.66% female and 78.33% male representation.  Department females account for 18.3% of LASD personnel at all ranks (The national average is 11.9%). 

Under Sheriff Villanueva’s leadership, sworn personnel and the leadership of the LASD are truly reflective of the communities that we serve throughout LA County.