On December 17, 2019, members of the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) and their outreach partners from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) were honored with a commendation from the City of Paramount City Council.
The HOST Team was recognized for conducting the First Responder Homeless Training class for the City of Paramount staff, for conducting multiple joint proactive outreach operations with local non-profit organizations, and for proactively engaging people experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect, while addressing public safety concerns and issues in and around the City of Paramount.
On Sunday, December 15, 2019, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Detective Dan Finn was honored by the Los Angeles Chargers as one of their Hometown Heroes during their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
On Thursday, November 14, 2019, a student from Saugus High School walked onto campus and shot five classmates, ultimately killing two of them.
That morning, Detective Dan Finn was at Saugus High School dropping off his girlfriend’s son, when he saw a crowd of students running out of the school with a look of terror in their eyes. Without hesitation, Detective Finn immediately ran into the school and asked a student what was happening. “Gunshots on campus!” was all he needed to hear when he made the split-second decision to run onto campus without a second thought.
Detective Finn, along with off-duty LAPD Officer Gus Ramirez and Inglewood Officer Sean Yanez sprang into action and rendered aide to some of the gunshots victims, while also coordinating a safety route for other students to exit the campus without harm.
Without Detective Finn, Officer Ramirez and Officer Yanez’ swift actions, more tragedy could have possibly struck Saugus High School that day.
Sheriff Villanueva was also in attendance to honor Detective Finn for his courage and heroism.
Thank you gentlemen for your bravery and heroic acts! #SaugusStrong
On Friday December 13, 2019, a total of 43 recruits lined up at the Eugene Biscailuz Regional Training Center, East Los Angeles in what would be their final platoon formation as academy classmates. After 8 weeks of grueling academy training, the recruits pressed through an equally intense and meticulous formal class inspection by law enforcement executives just before the ceremony.
The ceremony was a formal transformation of academy recruits into Custody Assistant civilian peace officers. Academy Class 102 is made up of 23 female and 20 male graduates.
Academy Class #102 is a largely international collection of backgrounds, reflective of the vast array of cultures found within Los Angeles County. Of the 43 graduating recruits, 2 were born outside the United States; 2 recruits lived abroad in the countries; and 29 recruits speak a language other than English; 14 have a Bachelor’s degree or higher; 5 have Law Enforcement Experience and 15 have Family members in Law Enforcement.
“To Conquer and Correct, Class #102 is here to protect”
Did you know #LASD Metrolink Bureau under contract with Metrolink, has the exclusive jurisdiction of policing all crimes aboard our Metrolink trains throughout the entire operational system. They are also tasked with the policing of the railroad rights-of-way within Los Angeles County only. LASD coordinates with local agencies during all incidents that occur within their jurisdiction.
Metrolink Bureau deputies perform a grade crossing enforcement operation throughout the six counties. They conduct a roving Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR)/Fare Operation on the different Metrolink Trains.
Explosives canines sweep the trains between station stops. The main objectives for Metrolink deputies is to ensure an orderly and safe event, to protect the welfare and safety of Metrolink patrons, employees and contractors and to ensure the uninterrupted movement of Metrolink and Union Pacific freight trains through the enforcement area.
Metrolink deputies consistently monitor and maintain a constant state of situational awareness and operational readiness related to the operations.
#LASD Metrolink Bureau is on board with Metrolink’s mission statement of providing a “safe, efficient, dependable, and on-time transportation service that offers outstanding customer experience, and enhances quality of life.”
Lakewood Station Deputies keep 17 year tradition goinghttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Powells-Christmas-Decor-1024x768.jpg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LAKEWOOD STATION DEPUTIES KEEP 17 YEAR TRADITION GOING
17 years ago Lakewood Sheriff’s Station decorated Deputy David A. Powell’s home for Christmas the day before we was laid to rest. 17 years later, Lakewood Station still carries on the tradition of never forgetting their partner and always supporting his wife. May you always being watching over us Dave!
Lakewood Station Honors Deputy David Powellhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LKD-Powell-Run.jpg640480SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Deputies at Lakewood Station honor fallen hero Deputy David A. Powell by running in his honor on Thursday, December 5, 2019.
On November 30, 2002, Deputy David A. Powell paid the ultimate sacrifice. Deputy Powell and his partner responded to a call of “shots fired” near the area of 166th Street and Elaine Avenue in the city of Artesia. A short time later, he was alerted to the presence of the suspect in a nearby residence. Informed that the suspect had taken a woman hostage, Deputy Powell and his partner attempted to force entry through the front door when four shots were fired through the house. Deputy Powell suffered a fatal gunshot wound. His partner returned fire with a shotgun and mortally wounded the suspect.
#LASD Explorer Class 103 celebrated FAMILY NIGHT with their family and friends. Congratulations to each and everyone of them.
The Explorers had to endure many weeks of grueling physical agility obstacles and many tests to get to where they are at today.
Also many thanks to Lt. Roberto Medrano, Sgt. Anthony Romo, Deputy Michael Sanchez and all the other participating agencies and staff for true dedication to the Explorer Program.
Please welcome Metrolink’s new K-9 Handler Deputy Anthony Velasco and his partner, Tina!
LASD/Metrolink Bureau is honored to have Deputy Velasco and Tina as part of our team. The Metrolink Bureau, currently deploys three K-9’s throughout approx 500 miles of train track.
Deputy Velasco and his partner are trained in explosives detection. The explosives detection K-9 teams combine excellent mobility and maneuverability with reliable detection through their natural born senses and experience. Their use today has evolved to include searching areas in response to bomb threats in aviation and mass transit systems. In addition, K-9 teams serve as general deterrents to any would-be terrorists and/or criminals.
Interesting Facts about K-9 Handlers: All Metrolink Bureau canine teams endure intense training at the TSA Explosives Detection Canine Handler Course at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
From there, each handler and K-9’s have to be annually certified through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) National Explosive Detection Canine Training program (NEDCTP).
LASD Metrolink Bureau Spreads Holiday Cheer To Its Patronshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Metrolink-Bureau-Holiday-Cheer.jpg720959SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LASD METROLINK BUREAU SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER TO ITS PATRONS
#LASD Metrolink Bureau and Metrolink team up to bring the holiday cheer with the transit community.
Captain Ed Wells of Metrolink Bureau and Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins join in on the fun by greeting all riders at this years Holiday Express Train at the Laguna Niguel Station. Toy donations were collected and give-always and holiday cheer were shared by all.
Thank you to all who participated, donated toys and their time. #CommunityInvolvement
Saugus High School Shootinghttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/LASD-large.png800170SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Homicide Investigating Saugus High School Shooting
At 7:38 AM, Santa Clarita Station received a call about an Assault with a Deadly Weapon at 21900 Centurion Way in Santa Clarita at Saugus High School. Santa Clarita deputies arrived within 2 minutes and realized it was an Active Shooter situation.
Deputies conducted a rapid deployment onto the school’s premises. Upon their arrival, they discovered 6 students in the quad area suffering from gunshot wounds. The students were triaged and sent to local area hospitals. The suspect was identified as one of students found in the quad. He is identified as a 16 year old male Asian, whose birthday was today.
The weapon recovered on scene was a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which no longer contained ammunition. The suspect is a resident of the 22900 block of Sycamore Creek Street Drive in Santa Clarita. That location was contained by Sheriff Deputies and a cursory search was conducted to identify any additional victims or suspects. A search warrant for the location was obtained by investigators to process the residence further evidence.
Homicide teams were deployed to several Santa Clarita Valley locations to process evidence and interview witnesses. Students who were possible witnesses to the incident are being interviewed by detectives from the LASD Homicide Bureau. We also have investigators working with the tech crews processing any videos we may receive from the surveillance system at the high school. We’re working and collaborating with the FBI to preserve and capture any cell phone video of this incident.
Detectives have reviewed the video at the scene, which shows the subject in the quad area remove a firearm from his backpack. He then shoots 5 people, and then shoots himself. The suspect is in critical condition at a local hospital. Unfortunately, a 16 year old female victim passed away at 9:23 AM and a male victim passed away at 11:31 AM. Three additional victims, one 15 year old female and one 14 year old female, and one male who is 14 years old are in stable condition at a local hospitals. This is preliminary information.
A social media account has been reported as possibly belonging to the suspect. The social media account stated, “Saugus have fun at school tomorrow.” However, the account has yet to be authenticated and it is unknown if this was posted by the suspect. Detectives have checked recent threats to the high school and have investigated two, but neither had a nexus to this incident. The investigation is on-going and anybody with information regarding the incident is encouraged to call the Los Angeles County Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
