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Sheriff Robert Luna Standing in uniform answering questions from media.
East Los Angeles Sexual Assault Suspect arrested 1024 945 SIB Staff

East Los Angeles Sexual Assault Suspect arrested

Sheriff Luna and others Discuss the Details Surrounding the Apprehension and Arrest of the East Los Angeles Sexual Assault Suspect

On July 15, 2023, at 0613 hours East LA Station deputies were dispatched to a call of an elderly woman who had just been assaulted.  In that case the victim was a FH/67.  The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Fraser Avenue, East LA.

Within 72 hours, East Los Angeles Station detectives worked with LAPD detectives regarding two similar cases they were investigating and obtained possible suspect information.

On July 18, the suspect was identified in the original case out of East LA Station.  A public safety flyer was distributed to local media outlets as detectives were serving search warrants at possible locations for the suspect.

Big Red Words read "In Custody". Special Bullitin: Wanted poster with image of a man walking on the street, image from a house camera.

While investigating the case, detectives discovered a 2nd possible case involving the same suspect.  In that case a FH/84 was assaulted and robbed of her car keys in the 5200 block of Via Corona St, East LA.   This case also happened on 07-15-23, at approximately 0650 hours. Detectives from East Los Angeles Station were able to identify Suspect Garcia in that case as well.

The suspect came back on 07-16-23 at approximately 0345 hours and took the victim’s vehicle from when he stole the keys the previous day. Suspect Garcia ultimately crashed that vehicle on 07-16-23 at approximately 0850 hours near the 10 Freeway and Western Avenue. 

A third victim came forward after seeing the wanted flyer that was on local news channels. That case happened on July 10th at 0645 hour in the 1200 block of south Woods Avenue, East LA.  The victim in that case was a FH/55, who was sexually assaulted by the suspect.  Detectives were able to get Suspect Garcia identified as the suspect in that case as well.

East LA Station Detectives began working with detectives from Operation Safe Streets Bureau in an attempt to locate the suspect.  Information was developed, that shortly after committing these crimes, the suspect fled to Mexico.

East LA Station detectives met with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and all 3 cases were filed against the suspect.

Operation Safe Streets Bureau detectives coordinated with agents from the United States Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. Information was developed of the suspect’s possible whereabouts in Mexico.

On 07-25-23, at approximately 1630 hours, Suspect Garcia was in Tijuana, Mexico.  Suspect Garcia was apprehended by Mexican authorities through collaborated information from U.S. Marshals Mexico Foreign Field Office and Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was then transported to Los Angeles County and booked at East LA Station.

Suspect Garcia is facing the following charges:  Attempt Murder, Robbery, Assault with the Intent to Commit Rape, and Penetration with a Foreign Object stemming from the 3 cases.

His bail is currently $4,060,000.

Additionally, East LA Detectives learned of a 4th victim.  In that case, which occurred on 07-15-23 at approximately 0609 hours, Suspect Garcia carjacked a vehicle with FH/33 inside of it.  After only driving a short distance, he exited the vehicle and fled, and shortly after committed the assault on Via Corona.  This incident happened in the 5000 block of Whitter Boulevard, East LA.

If you have any information regarding the aforementioned cases, or you are a victim, please contact the East Los Angeles Sheriffs Station at 323-264-4151.

Press Conference

picture of a night sky, the Rail Road sign is centered near a rail road crossing.
TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU WEEKLY REPORT – JULY 9 – JULY 14, 2023 1024 605 SIB Staff

TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU WEEKLY REPORT – JULY 9 – JULY 14, 2023

TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU WEEKLY REPORT – JULY 9 – JULY 14, 2023

7/13

Drinking in Public (Alcohol / Suspect Arrested
Transit Services Bureau (TSB) Deputies were riding a westbound C-line train approaching the Vermont Metro Passenger Station when they observed a male suspect drinking on board the train. The suspect refused to stop drinking. Deputies arrested the suspect without incident.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Against a Transportation Worker (Knife /Suspect Outstanding)
At 3:31 PM, TSB Deputies responded to Atlantic Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Avenue, Monterey Park, regarding an assault on a bus operator in progress call. The male Hispanic adult suspect was detained and arrested. The victim (a Metro female bus operator) stated the suspect brandished a knife and began striking the plastic barrier to injure the operator. The barrier was broken by the suspect who fled on foot. The bus operator was not injured.

7/11

Robbery (Electric Scooter / Suspect Outstanding)
At approximately 9:12 PM, TSB Deputies received a call for service for medical assistance and assault that had just occurred in the 11000 Long Beach Blvd on the C Line in the City of Lynwood. The victim reported that, while on board the train, a black male, age unknown, and a black female, age unknown both wearing white shirts, tased him and punched him several times in the head causing him to lose consciousness. The suspects stole his electric scooter. The suspects were last seen leaving the platform entering the elevator toward Long Beach Boulevard and out of view.

07/10

Attempt Murder / Robbery (Suspects Arrested)
While conducting a patrol check of Monrovia Metro Station, TSB Deputies heard a disturbance on the platform and went to investigate. As they approached the platform, they observed a male white adult on the ground, lying in a pool of blood. The victim required medical attention but was conscious and breathing. The victim stated two male adults violently punched him in the head several times knocking him to the ground and causing him to temporarily lose consciousness. The victim was stomped and kicked by the suspects with a shod foot (steel-toed boots) several times while he was lying on the ground. The suspects also took property from the victim after the assault. With the assistance of the TSB desk, the deputies were able to locate, detain, and arrest both suspects. Both suspects were arrested.

Assault / Great Bodily Injury (Suspect Outstanding)
At approximately 11:30 AM, TSB Deputies responded to Culver City Metro Station regarding a
person bleeding from the head. Upon their arrival, they contacted a male adult who was bleeding
from the head. The victim stated as he was on the platform waiting to board a train, an unknown
male adult pushed him off the platform and onto the train tracks. The victim stated the attack was
unprovoked. The victim hit his head on the tracks causing an approximate 1/2 – 1 inch laceration to
his forehead. The victim was able to get back onto the platform and confront the suspect, but the
suspect boarded a westbound train and was not located.

07/09/23

Assault / Elder Abuse Allegation (Suspect Outstanding)
On July 9, 2023, at 2:05 AM, TSB Deputies responded to the 19000 block of South Normandie Avenue in the City of Torrance regarding a possible assault call for service. The TSB Deputy spoke with the victim, who stated he asked the MTA Bus Operator (the suspect) of “Bus 115,” whom he described as a male black adult, forty to fifty years old, approximately seven feet tall (no further details), for assistance in bringing his wheelchair onto the bus. The suspect refused to assist the victim. The victim boarded the bus with his wheelchair and traveled to a bus stop near Victoria Street and Figueroa Street in the City of Carson. After arriving at the destination, the victim asked the suspect for assistance in getting his wheelchair off the bus. The suspect initially said no, but then assisted the victim. The suspect and victim began to argue, and the suspect punched the victim. The suspect then boarded the bus and fled in an unknown direction. The victim received medical
treatment at a local hospital.

Crimestoppers logo. silouette of the L A skyline with the word CRIME on the left and the word Stoppers in a black box under the city. Los Angeles Region. Submit a tip and stay anonymous. download the tips mobile app. lacrimestoppers.org. 800-222-8477.


If you have any additional information regarding the above incidents, please contact Transit Services Bureau Detectives at (323) 563-5207. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip by calling 800-222-TIPS or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
LASD Custody Assistant participates in dog training program to assist Guide Dogs of America 800 170 SIB Staff

LASD Custody Assistant participates in dog training program to assist Guide Dogs of America

Our Twin Towers Custody Assistant Officer Valenzuela has been participating in a dog training program to assist Guide Dogs of America achieve milestones in their dogs to help them transition into becoming guide or service dogs for our military veterans and the disabled.

During Gretel’s visits at Twin towers Correctional facility, Gretel provided comfort and a smile to both our staff and inmates.

man holding mobile phone call from unkown number
telephone and impersonation scams 1024 684 SIB Staff

telephone and impersonation scams

Telephonic and impersonation scams have been on the rise and we have a few safety tips to prevent you from being a victim of these type of crimes.

  • Be aware of how in depth your social media post may be.
  • Do not upload material with personal information or make private information about yourself public.
  • Law enforcement agencies will never call and ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrencies, personal information or any form of payment over the phone, EVER!
  • Verify the validity of the caller by calling your local police station before taking any action.

If you have elderly parents/grandparents, extended family, friends etc. who live alone, please inform them and protect them from these predatory calls.

Don’t be a victim of a crime.

Sheriff Robert Luna is wearing a dark blue suit with a red tie, He is speaking behind a microphone and the California State flage is visible behind him.
Lancaster use of Force Press Conference 1024 599 SIB Staff

Lancaster use of Force Press Conference

Sheriff Robert Luna holds News Conference regarding Lancaster Use of Force 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has opened an investigation into this incident. While the Department does not make statements related to ongoing investigations, Sheriff Luna has made it clear that he expects Department personnel to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect, and that personnel who do not uphold our training standards will be held accountable. In the interest of transparency with our community, the Sheriff’s Department is releasing body-worn camera video from the incident.

Background:
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Lancaster Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a report of an in-progress robbery at a grocery store at 700 block of West Avenue K-4 in the city of Lancaster.

Upon arrival, deputies approached a man, and a woman, matching the description given by store security personnel in calls placed to 911.
As deputies attempted to detain the individuals described by store security personnel, the encounter escalated into a use of force incident that was captured by a community member with a cell phone camera. The video is disturbing.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has initiated an investigation of this incident.  That investigation will include reviewing body-worn camera video, surveillance video from the store and cell phone video provided by a community member. 
Both deputies have been re-assigned from field duty pending further administrative review.

An objective review of the incident will be conducted to determine if the force used was reasonable, necessary, appropriate, and proportional to the level of actions described.  ­

We take the use of force very seriously and are determined to establish the facts of the incident.
The body-worn camera video is available at the following links: https://www.lasdvideos.org/mediaportal/062423-lancaster-incident-dep-1/
https://www.lasdvideos.org/mediaportal/062423-lancaster-incident-dep-2/     

Please note that this video is being released before a full investigation of this incident and that additional facts may come to light that are not apparent in the body-worn camera video.­­

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
LASD Develops New Custody Bail Procedure Following Los Angeles County Superior Court Ruling on Bail Schedule 800 170 SIB Staff

LASD Develops New Custody Bail Procedure Following Los Angeles County Superior Court Ruling on Bail Schedule


LASD Develops New Custody Bail Procedure Following Los Angeles County Superior Court Ruling on Bail Schedule

California Superior Court Judge Lawrence P. Riff declared on May 16, 2023, that enforcing the bail schedule, including monetary bail, violates the Due Process clause of the U.S. and California Constitutions. As a result, the judge has issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits the application or enforcement of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s 2022 Felony Bail Schedule and 2022 Bail Schedule for Infractions and Misdemeanors by the Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department before arraignment.

This ruling will impact only pre-arraigned arrestees and applies solely to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).  The 45 independent city agencies within the county may continue to hold their inmates from arrest through arraignment.

As part of the court’s directive, the Sheriff’s Department will now adhere to the provisions outlined in the “THIRD LOS ANGELES COUNTY EMERGENCY BAIL SCHEDULE MODIFICATION,” effective October 20, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.

  1. Elimination of cash bail: The modification aimed to eliminate the requirement of posting cash bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses. Instead, individuals charged with these offenses would be released on their recognizance or subject to non-monetary conditions.  The Los Angeles County Jail System will not accept inmates who do not meet the exception criteria outlined in the Emergency Bail Schedule, this includes court lock-ups. These arrestees will need to remain in the custody of the arresting agency until the arraignment is complete or the arrestee is released by that agency.
  2. Exceptions for certain offenses: The modification did not apply to serious or violent offenses, including certain most crimes such as of violence, sexual offenses, domestic violence, and offenses involving weapons.  Please review the exception criteria outlined in the Emergency Bail Schedule.

The judge’s ruling also updates the “Repeat Offender” provision, stating that subsequent offenses committed while released on $0 bail during the abeyance period will be subject to bail parameters set forth by the applicable bail schedule.

The ruling will not affect Parole and Probation Revocations unless they fall under the pre-arraigned provision of the preliminary injunction.  Parole or probation warrants undergo judicial review before being issued.

As noted above, this ruling only applies to pre-arraigned arrestees.  Inmates remanded by the Superior Court will continue to be accepted into the Los Angeles County jail system.

Third Emergency Bail Schedule – PDF

Family Seeks Help to Solve the Murder of carlos Alvarez-Diaz-$30,000 Reward 1024 768 SIB Staff

Family Seeks Help to Solve the Murder of carlos Alvarez-Diaz-$30,000 Reward

Family Members Seek Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of their Loved One, Detectives Announce $30,000 Reward

On Wednesday May 17, 2023, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD) Homicide Bureau, City Officials from Hawaiian Gardens and relatives of the victim held a press conference to announce a $30,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the identity, arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Carlos Alvarez-Diaz. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $20,000 and the city of Hawaiian Gardens offered an additional $10,000, for a total of $30,000.

On October 8, 2022, at approximately 1:09 a.m., LASD deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot victim call at the 22300 block of Wardham Avenue, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens, CA. 

Upon arrival, deputies observed Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz lying on the ground, near his vehicle, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. 

The Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived on scene and pronounced Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz deceased. A 14-year-old was also struck by gunfire but survived. 

Homicide investigators learned Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was shot while he drove north on Norwalk Boulevard at 226th Street, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens. Investigators believe Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was an innocent victim of this senseless act of violence.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored, four-door vehicle with several males inside.  The shooter was described as a Hispanic male, in his late teens or early 20’s, wearing a black t-shirt and black beanie.  The vehicle was last seen northbound on Norwalk Boulevard.

Carlos Alvarez-Diaz grew up in Hawaiian Gardens and was a resident of San Bernardino at the time of his death. He was a family man whose greatest joys were his two daughters and his unborn son. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.   

 “My brother was not a gang member. He was not looking for trouble. He was just driving his car around and unfortunately, he was the victim of a senseless act of violence. He leaves behind a wife, two girls and a baby boy who is never going to meet his dad. If anybody knows anything, we ask that you please call this number and give us information. Don’t do it for the money, do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Carlos’ brother, Adrian Diaz.

“Those responsible for murdering Carlos Alvarez-Diaz and shooting and injuring a 14-year-old are still at large. If you have any information that could help Sheriff’s detectives solve this case, I urge you to come forward.  Carlos’s family need and deserve answers. I appreciate the Sheriff Department’s attention to this case and our partnership in bringing this reward forward,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn in a written statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or (323) 697-7327. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Law Enforcement Continues Response to Fentanyl Epidemic 1024 341 SIB Staff

Law Enforcement Continues Response to Fentanyl Epidemic

Law Enforcement Continues Vigorous Response to the Fentanyl Epidemic

On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, National Fentanyl Awareness Day, law enforcement officials announced a dozen new federal cases targeting fentanyl dealers who, except for one case, allegedly sold fentanyl and fake pills containing fentanyl that directly resulted in the death of at least one victim.

The announcement was made at a news conference in which federal authorities, joined by local law enforcement leaders, discussed their ongoing effort to combat the proliferation of fentanyl. This potent synthetic opioid is found in many illicit drugs and is killing approximately 70,000 Americans every year.

 “The two main drivers causing fentanyl-related deaths in our community and throughout the nation are accessibility and deception,” said DEA Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner. “Social Media platforms have made fentanyl widely available to anyone with a smartphone and made every neighborhood an open-air drug market. The deceptive marketing tactics used by the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels have created a vast pool of victims who unknowingly ingested fentanyl and did not choose to be harmed or die. Through the DEA Overdose Justice Task Force, we continue to send a strong message to individuals who engage in drug trafficking resulting in death or great bodily injury that selling even one fentanyl pill will have significant consequences in the federal criminal justice system.”

On July 1, 2022, the Sheriff’s Department created the Overdose Response Task Force. The team is comprised of highly trained investigators from the Narcotics Bureau, Major Crimes Bureau, Special Victims Bureau, and Operation Safe Streets Bureau. This team works closely with the Drug Enforcement Agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

When a suspected overdose call is received, investigators immediately respond to the scene and process the scene the same way a homicide scene would. These investigations aim to identify the seller(s) of the controlled substance and determine if they are criminally culpable in the death.

 Sheriff Robert Luna sent a strong message to those distributing the illicit drug: “If you are distributing this poison, our goal is to charge you with murder when there is an overdose out there. Plain and simple, you’re distributing this poison, you’re going to go to prison for a long time for committing murder.”

The best way to help combat the fentanyl drug problem is through awareness and education. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urges everyone to talk to loved ones about the dangers of drugs.

 People are also encouraged to report any activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature. Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Reward announced for information leading to arrest and conviction of Compton Resident 1024 512 SIB Staff

Reward announced for information leading to arrest and conviction of Compton Resident

LASD Homicide Detectives and Victim’s Family AnnounceD Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest and Conviction for those Responsible of the Murder of a Compton Resident

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives held a press conference to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of 65-year-old Richard Allen Jefferson Sr. The reward is sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at approximately 6:38 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot victim call on the 1400 block of Paulsen Avenue, in the City of Compton, CA. Upon arrival, deputies observed the victim lying on the ground, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived on scene and began medical treatment on the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The victim was identified as 65-year-old Richard Allen Jefferson Sr., a resident of Compton, California. Based on information gathered, it appears that Mr. Jefferson was an innocent bystander. He was killed for no reason other than being friendly and having a conversation with a few other males that lived in the neighborhood. During the conversation, a car drove south on Paulsen Avenue and shot at the group, striking Mr. Jefferson. Investigators believe the vehicle was occupied by gang members from another neighborhood who mistakenly thought Mr. Jefferson and the other males were gang members. Neither Mr. Jefferson not any of the other male members had ever been involved in gangs.

“Here we are again, another family coming to the community asking for their help to resolve this senseless murder. Richard was a brother, he was a son, he was a father, a grandfather who was very much loved and it is our hope that with the money that’s being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person we can solve this,” said Mr. Jefferson’s brother, Kenneth Jefferson.

LASD Homicide detectives believe there are witnesses in the area who may have seen the suspects or know the suspects. If anyone has information about Mr. Jefferson’s 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).

Press Conference

outdoor picture of Sheriff's motorcycles parked along a race path. People dresses as Spiderman, Flash and Supergirl are standing facing the racers.
Super Hero 5K Run Walk 1024 683 SIB Staff

Super Hero 5K Run Walk

On Saturday, March 18, 2023, hundreds of runners, walkers and families gathered at Los Angeles County Bonelli Park for the Super Hero 5K Run/Walk Health & Safety Expo. Participants ran and walked at their own pace and enjoyed the event’s festivities afterwards.

The event was a fundraiser for Crime Survivors, an organization that provides hope and healing to victims and survivors of crime through advocacy and the support of resources, information, and empowerment.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Luna, Patricia Wenskunas, CEO and Founder of Crime Survivors; Captain Richard Ruiz from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau, Captain Andrew Meyer from Homicide Bureau and Jonathan Hatami from the District Attorney’s Office, attended the event to help raise awareness, prevention, advocacy, and healing for victims of crime.

Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you to the organizers and volunteers for making the event a success!