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Investigators Seek Information on Abandoned Baby and Person of Interest 1024 768 SIB Staff

Investigators Seek Information on Abandoned Baby and Person of Interest

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, Special Victims Bureau detectives held a press conference to discuss the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of a newborn baby. They asked anyone with information to help identify a person of interest. 

On Friday, June 11, 2021, at approximately 8:00 a.m. a newborn Hispanic and/or African American baby boy was found by a park patron in a public restroom at Yvonne Burke-John D. Ham Park, in the city of Lynwood, CA. As the park visitor entered the restroom, she heard a “whimpering noise” coming from a trashcan and upon inspecting it, she found a baby amongst trash. She rescued the baby and called 911. Deputies assigned to the Century Sheriff’s Station as well as personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and rendered aid. The baby was transported to the hospital and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit where he is listed in stable condition.  

The parents of the baby have not been identified and detectives are looking for a person of interest seen on surveillance video. Throughout the investigation, the detectives learned these females may have some information that can potentially be helpful. She is a female Hispanic, late teens to early 20’s, 5’4, 120-125lbs, dark complexion, and wavy hair. The person was seen at the park with another female, who was wearing a light colored cardigan and had a small child that was pushing a pink trike stroller.

California has a Safely Surrendered Baby Law, which gives parents or guardians the choice to legally and safely surrender their baby at any hospital or fire station in Los Angeles County, with no questions asked. Since the program first launched in 2001, over 180 newborns have been safely surrendered in Los Angeles County.

A silver lining of this unfortunate situation is that there have been numerous inquiries about adopting the baby boy, including personnel from the Sheriff’s and Fire Department, as well as the responding paramedics and nurses that treated the baby in the hospital. He is now under the care and custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. Information on the adoption process can be found at dcfs.lacounty.gov/caregivers/adoption/ or the Adoption and Foster Recruitment line at (888) 811-1121.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Special Victims Bureau at (562) 946-8200 or by email at specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org.  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/.

MET team deputy helping a homelss man in a wheelchair. there are three people from Vetran affairs talking to a man in a large white sun hat, he is dressed in a long sleeve gray shirt,the wheel chari has an orange backpack on the back, the homeless man is in his 60s.
LASD HOST Team at Venice Boardwalk 900 675 SIB Staff

LASD HOST Team at Venice Boardwalk

LASD Homeless Outreach Services Team on a Humanitarian Mission in Venice

Law enforcement personnel are often the first contact with those experiencing homelessness. For that reason, the Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST) was created to exemplify the county’s efforts to combat homelessness and preserve public safety.  The LASD HOST’s mission is to positively impact the homeless crisis in the county while increasing public safety and preserving the rights and dignity of persons experiencing homelessness.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva visited the Venice Boardwalk recently and promised he would do everything he could to help the homeless community if local politicians failed to act regarding the homeless crisis. 

Two white easy ups with the words "City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks". There are tables set up underneith in the shade. Social workers are sitting and talking to over 4 homeless people who need various services.
Image of Veince boardwalk with large amount of trash falling out of trashcans, and rows all along the boardwalk of tents and make shift shelters. there are people jogging with dogs and playing
There are two shelters made of blankets on the sand next too the water. A woman is talking to a female deputy. there are other belongings next the the camp site. A life guard tower is visible just infront of the water's edge.

On Tuesday, June 8, 2021 the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team (LASD HOST), the Mental Evaluation Team (LASD MET) and the Veterans Affairs Administration, Venice Outreach workers and several other non-profit groups were on Venice Boardwalk assessing the humanitarian crisis in Venice.  

Homeless man in a floppy white sun hat sitting among a large amount of garbage and refuse on the Venice Boardwalk. The homeless man is in a wheel chair

Deputies and service workers were on scene contacting the homeless population on the Venice Boardwalk, connecting them with service providers who coordinate housing. In this exchange, we met Robert, a 76 year old Navy veteran, who has spent years living on the street. 

Our HOST (Homeless Outreach Services Team) has spent many days talking to Robert, building trust & understanding.  After long conversations in person, Robert had finally agreed to accept services from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. 

Image of a Deputy talking to a man that is walking out of a tent that is se tup among many other tents that are on the sand, the man is dressed in a short sleeve plaid red shirt with tan shorts, he is wearing aviator sunglasses. There is another man stanind next to the deputy holding bags fo items next to a bike.
A female Deputy is talking to a woman in a black shirt an paisly blue pants she is in a camp site among shelters made of large umbrellas and tarps, there are belongings strewn about the site and bikes laying on their side aswell as a spraypainted on parking sign,

LASD’s HOST (Homeless Outreach Services Team) & MET (Mental Evaluation) Deputies are the best at what they do showcasing everyday how leading with compassion & genuine concern makes a difference in solving this public safety crisis.

The LASD’s Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) continues to assist those experiencing homelessness throughout the County. Los Angeles County has established subsidies to support our most vulnerable residents, and it has proven affordable and effective. The County is redoubling efforts to combat this issue, and as part of the county family, the Sheriff’s Department is as well.

Two Deputy sheriffs are talking to a man sitting in a lawn chair, the man in the chair is set up infront of a row of tents. There are bikes near the camp sites.

Through our contacts with thousands of homeless neighbors, HOST has earned a reputation for being compassionate, accountable, innovative, and bold.  HOST has transcended the role of traditional law enforcement.  For years, HOST has accomplished the mission with zero uses of force.   

Sheriff's Car in the parking lot of the Venice beach park. there are palm trees all around play areas and slides and swings.
Two deputies are looking over the venice beach from a grassy area that is in front of the sand, there is a black tent set up on the sand and beach towels on the beach with people playing on the sand.
LASD Homeless Outreach Services Team Assessing the Humanitarian Crisis at the Boardwalk in Venice, CA
Sheriff Alex Villanueva Announces Crack Down on Illegal Marijuana Operations 1024 576 SIB Staff

Sheriff Alex Villanueva Announces Crack Down on Illegal Marijuana Operations

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a collaborative operation to take down multiple illegal marijuana grows in Unincorporated Lancaster.

As a result of information received through public calls for service and multiple complaints from residents in Unincorporated Lancaster, the largest operation in the history of the Sheriff’s Department was developed to put an end to the hundreds of illegal marijuana cultivations in the Antelope Valley. Over 400 personnel from multiple Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bureaus, the National Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and members from the Kern County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department were part of the operation.  

In the year 2020, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Narcotic Bureau Detectives identified 150 illegal marijuana cultivations during a flight reconnaissance. This year, the number increased to over 500.  The cultivations grew in size as well, the average size per grow was eight greenhouses and now the average is 15. Today, a 75 greenhouse grow that covered 10 acres of ground was bulldozed. Violent crime is also directly linked to illegal cultivations. Armed cartel members stealing water in the middle of the night from farmers and residents has become a common sight.

“We’re going to send a loud and clear message to all the cartels and illegal operations, ‘your days here are over and you need to pack up and leave or we’re going to find you,’” said Sheriff Villanueva.

So far, 23 arrests were made, 5 firearms were seized, 2 water trucks were recovered, and marijuana worth millions of dollars was seized from greenhouses.  Also, during the operation, seven mixed breed dogs including four puppies were recovered by LASD personnel and are now under the care of Reversed Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue organization. 


The success of this operation was possible because of the wide range of agencies that collaborated and thanks to the information collected from countless investigation hours and tips provided by courageous people who trust law enforcement.

search warrants lead to 22 arrest in an illegal marijuana/cannabis dispensaries enforcement operation 1024 768 SIB Staff

search warrants lead to 22 arrest in an illegal marijuana/cannabis dispensaries enforcement operation

LASD Narcotics Bureau and Additional Teams Served a 10 Location Search Warrant Operation, East Los Angeles

8 people were arrested for weapon charges, 14 people for possession of cannabis for sale, and approximately 220 lbs of cannabis flower, 215 lbs of cannabis edibles, and 227 lbs of cannabis concentrate were seized yesterday in a multiple location search warrant conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to the multiple arrests and seizures, 4 guns, 1 rifle, 456 grams of methamphetamine, and 56 grams of fentanyl were seized and approximately $28,000 in U.S. currency were recovered.

On Thursday June 3, 2021 at approximately 11:00 a.m. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau with the assistance of Community Partnerships Bureau (COPS), East Los Angeles Station Special Problems Team (SPT), Crime Enforcement Team (CET), Summer Team, Commerce/Maywood Special Assignment Teams, Pico Special Problems Team (PSP) and summer team executed a 10 location search warrant in the East Los Angeles area.

All of the locations were marijuana/cannabis dispensaries operating illegally in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County.

This operation is one of the many to come in which the focus is to take illicit and illegal drugs off the street.

Visitation room has one stool and partitions on either side, facing a glass partition where inmates can visit with family. There is a Security Officer overlooking the row of visitation booths.
LASD expands visitation to all facilities on June 5, 2021 900 600 SIB Staff

LASD expands visitation to all facilities on June 5, 2021

LASD has expanded visitation to all facilities starting Saturday, June 5.

Due to the nature of the pandemic, guidelines and requirements are subject to change at any time. Please check this website frequently for updated information.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the visitation process and requirements have changed. If requirements are not satisfied, you will be asked to leave, and the appointment will be canceled. Visitation appointments can also be canceled if an inmate is not eligible to receive visits due to a medical quarantine or other factors.

Requirements

  • All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointment allowed or scheduled at facilities.
  • Visitors will be screened for symptoms, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste. Visitors will be turned away if they have symptoms or are under quarantine or isolation orders.
  • Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance, or they will be asked to leave.
  • Only one adult visitor OR one adult with one child will be allowed. If more people show up, the entire visit will be canceled for everyone.
  • Visitors subject to a quarantine or isolation order will have their appointment canceled.
  • Visitors will have to show proof of a full COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test within the last three days, or proof of previous infection. Otherwise, the visit will be canceled.

For additional information, please review the Department of Public Health’s visitation guidelines.

Sheriff’s Naloxone Custody Pilot Project saves Inmates from Overdose 150 150 SIB Staff

Sheriff’s Naloxone Custody Pilot Project saves Inmates from Overdose

Two inmates are alive today after being saved by two separate doses of Naloxone also known as Narcan, administered by fellow inmates. On Wednesday, May 26th, at approximately 5:37 pm, Deputies assigned to work the North County Correctional Facility (NCCF) were alerted of two inmates in medical distress. Deputies and custody medical staff immediately responded to the dorm and found two inmates on an upper-tier, unconscious, suffering from possible overdoses. However, this potential tragic outcome was averted by fellow inmates housed in the same dorm. 

At the direction of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recently implemented a program in the custodial environment that provides inmates access to Narcan, a medication that, if administered quickly, can be highly effective in reversing an opioid overdose.  Inmates watch an instructional video on administering the medication during their Inmate Orientation program.

When Deputies arrived, the two unconscious inmates had just received a dose of Narcan, administered by fellow inmates. Minutes later, a third inmate began to complain of dizziness. All three inmates were treated by medical staff on scene and subsequently transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Hours later, they returned to their housing facility.

With opioid overdoses on the rise, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wants to ensure that inmate safety is of utmost priority. Currently, two Narcan doses are being distributed in each of the dorms at NCCF.   If the pilot program continues to save lives, the Department plans to expand this program to all custody facilities. 

Family standing in front of memoral wall, small tree is being planted, Sheriff Alex Villanueva is holding a shoval.
The American Legion Star Post 309 Honors Retired LASD Commander, Thomas Vetter 1024 768 SIB Staff

The American Legion Star Post 309 Honors Retired LASD Commander, Thomas Vetter

The Tree Planting Ceremony was first introduced in the 1930s as an Arbor Day Project by the American Legion Star Post 309. The Ceremony was later changed to a Memorial Day commemoration.  It is one of the longest continuing observance of its kind in Los Angeles County, suspended only during World War II.

image of vetter next to two marines inside of a heliocoptor. Vintage black and white image.
vintage image of Vetter in unifom stading infront of soldier color guard holding flags.

This year the Star Post 309 celebrated the life achievements of one of their very own Past Commanders, Thomas Vetter who retired as an LASD Commander and served as Star Post Commander in 1966. His End of Watch was January 16, 2021.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Star Post 309 was founded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies who were also World War I veterans. One of the founders was William I. Traeger who served as the 26th Sheriff of Los Angeles County.

vintage black and white photo of 10 men in stuits with legion cover hats on. Posing shoulder to shoulder infront of a wall sized american flag.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva standing infront of the Star Post 309 Memorial wal giving a speech infront of a crowd.

In later years, memorial plaques were added to the newly planted trees in commemoration of Past Commanders and Worthy Members of Star Post 309.  Trees were planted as a permanent and living memorial to the military veterans of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and other notable law enforcement officers in the State of California.

During this month of May, we celebrate the lives and memories of those who have died in the line of duty as law enforcement officers and as Memorial Day is upon us, we shall honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice of service to our great Nation.  #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

Image of Sheriff Alex Villanueva giving speach infront of the Star Post Memorial wall at a podium between the american flag and the American Legion flag.
head shot of suspect in this case, Dandre Lorenz Powell: male, very short hair, White hear plug earings, tatoo over right eye, tatoos on neck.suspect is wearing black hooded sweatshirt.
Information Wanted – Ride Share Driver Assault 791 1024 SIB Staff

Information Wanted – Ride Share Driver Assault

Information Wanted – Ride Share Driver Assault

On Thursday, May 20, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Temple Station Captain Mark Reyes, Detective Sergeant Richard Lewis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Frankie Sanchez, US Marshalls Service; and South El Monte Mayor Gloria Olmos, announced the arrest of the individual responsible for the brutal assault of an elderly Asian rideshare driver. 

On Monday, May 10, 2021, at approximately 9:20 p.m. a gunman slid into the backseat of an elderly Asian ride share driver as he waited for his next ride at a gas station near the intersection of Rosemead Boulevard and Rush Street in South El Monte. The driver was struck in the face multiple times with a gun and robbed of more than $1,500 in cash. The victim suffered severe facial trauma and received medical treatment. 

Since the attack was caught on dash cam video and was circulated widely on news outlets and social media, the public called in with information and made anonymous reports. Crime analysts began working on the case and identified the suspect. Within five days of learning of the crime, through a collaborative effort with the US Marshalls Service, 26 year-old Dandre Lorenz Powell, a resident of Downey, was arrested on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in the city of Paramount.

“A dangerous individual has been captured and taken off the streets. He has an extensive criminal history, is known to law enforcement and is currently on probation,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

If you have information about this senseless attack, or any other incidents involving the suspect, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Temple Station at (626) 292-3300.  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/.

Image of the Buena Park Police departent memorial of fallen officers. Bronze statue of a saluting officer, another officer on one knee presenting a folded flag to a little girl. all cast in bronze.
Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Department 900 715 SIB Staff

Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Department

LASD Deputy Shayne Daniel York honored by The Buena Park Police Department

There is no pain greater than losing your best friend or someone you love and admire.  It can leave behind a void in your life that seems impossible to fill and you are left with a broken heart for a lifetime.

For the last 24 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with his family, friends, and at the time his fiancée, have felt those exact emotions after losing Deputy Shayne Daniel York in 1997, when he was brutally murdered during a robbery in the city of Buena Park.

In a true act of brotherhood that exists in law enforcement, the LASD was humbled and appreciative to hear Deputy Shayne York was being memorialized by the Buena Park Police Department.

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, at approximately 9 a.m., the Buena Park Police Department unveiled a new Buena Park Police Department Fallen Officer’s Memorial site.

The memorial was created and dedicated to honor Buena Park’s Fallen officers: Detective Darrel “Bud” Cate, Corporal Tyler Matthew Pinchot, Officer Daniel Ryan Ackerman and Deputy Shayne Daniel York because he was murdered in the City of Buena Park.   

Family, friends, and law enforcement officers attended the memorial to remember our fallen heroes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Honor Guard performed a 21 gun salute while Buena Park’s Police Honor Guard guarded the memorial.

Sergeant Roger Plumlee, President of the Buena Park Police Association and one of the collaborators of the memorial said, “When we unveil this memorial, we will see something very beautiful made of stone, granite and bronze. The symbolism of the memorial is to remind the community and all who see it, of the loss we have suffered and the loss the families have suffered and who continue to do it today. When I look out and see everyone in uniform, I see a living memorial and its incumbent on of all us to keep the memory of these four men alive and share their stories.”

Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who attended the ceremony, started his speech by thanking Buena Park Police Chief Corey S. Sianez, distinguished guests and the families of the fallen Police Officers in the audience. “It’s a touching tribute to the sacrifice of each and everyone one of them (fallen officers) and of you the families,” he said. “First and foremost you will always be in our thoughts and prayers; it’s a tribute we will never forget.  Everything we do is a testament to their sacrifice and everyone here standing in uniform, everyone doing the job runs the risk of losing their life. It’s a testament of just the difficulties of the job and the times we live in.”

Chief Corey S. Sianez said, “This unveiling could not have happened at a better time during National Peace Officers Memorial Week. The week set aside to remember and recognize those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. The names on this memorial represent not only those that have sacrifice their own lives, doing what they love to do and serving their communities, but also those that remember the Buena Park Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Family. We are brothers and we knew them well. Although you have not seen the memorial yet, but you will very soon. We designed it to reflect the diversity of our department.”

The memorial depicts a touching and embracing moment when police officers comfort a fallen officer’s child with the plaques engraved with the names of the fallen officers below it. The memorial reads, “Remembering Their Service, Honoring Their Sacrifice.”

Deputy Shayne York was brutally murdered on the night of August 14, 1997 in the city of Buena Park.  Deputy York and his fiancée, who was also a deputy, were both off-duty and unarmed. They were in a hair salon when two suspects stormed into the location and ordered everyone to lie on the floor as they took their purses and wallets.

When the suspects discovered a badge in Deputy York’s wallet, they immediately executed him by shooting him in the back of the head. Deputy York was rushed to the hospital where he died from his wounds. Both suspects were caught a short time later and were convicted for the murder of Deputy York.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to send our sincerest thanks to the Buena Park Police Department for honoring our very own, Deputy Shayne York. The new memorial is a collaboration between Buena Park Police Department, Buena Park Police Association and the City of Buena Park. The goal of the new memorial is to capture the solemnity of the fallen officers but also the loss created from their ultimate sacrifice; leaving behind family, a law enforcement family and friends.

The new memorial stands directly in front of the Buena Park’s police station, and serves as a bitter reminder of the ultimate sacrifice police officers often take.

Still from security camera showing a Sheriff's Custody Assistant in uniform handing an inmate an item just before she is attacked. The inmate is dressed in a blue jump suit and is standing infront of a gurney. The room has a wide concrete floor and is surrounded by glass walls and a door is behind them.
LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted 600 394 SIB Staff

LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted

LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted in unprovoked attack by Inmate at the Inmate Reception Center

On May 5th, 2021, An inmate at the Inmate Reception Center brutally punched a custody assistant after his left hand was unsecured from his waist chain when he asked to use the restroom.

The 54-year-old Asian female was launched to the floor after handing the inmate toilet paper as she crashed into medical carts from the strong blow. The 29-year-old Inmate continued the assault by punching her two more times in her face as she laid on the floor.

The Inmate then stopped his attack and sat back down on a gurney, offering no resistance to arriving sheriff’s personnel who secured him to the gurney. The custody assistant suffered trauma to the face and head. She was transported to a local hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. She remains in stable condition.

The Inmate, 29-year-old Arnulfo Meza, was transported to a high-security area and is pending assault and hate crime charges.

There is no additional information at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Video of LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant assaulted in an unprovoked attack by an inmate. Viewer discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of the attack.