Lakewood

Deputy Albanese
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End of watch – deputy thomas j. albanese

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 8:58 AM, Deputy Thomas J. Albanese, 41, was killed in an unfortunate traffic collision at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard in the City of Lakewood. Deputy Albanese was traveling northbound on Paramount Boulevard, approaching Del Amo, when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle ahead of him.

As Deputy Albanese entered the intersection, he was struck by a sedan traveling westbound on Del Amo Boulevard. The force of the collision was extreme, and Deputy Albanese died instantly. Deputy Albanese was a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. He started his career with the Sheriff’s Department as a Security Assistant in 2013 in the Aero Bureau. In 2015, he took an oath of office to serve his duties as a peace officer faithfully and was assigned to Men’s Central Jail. He went to patrol at Transit Services Bureau and then transferred to Lakewood Station as a Field Training Officer.

Deputy Albanese’s last assignment was as a Pico Rivera Station Motor Deputy but was working overtime at the Lakewood Station when the tragic accident occurred. In addition to his short but impressive career with the Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Albanese was part of the Marine Corps, serving from March 2001 through March 2010. He served four tours in Iraq and was highly decorated.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “Thomas touched the lives of many people while working in the Department. He received several commendations for his work in patrol and helping the citizens of Los Angeles County.”Deputy Albanese is survived by his wife of 12 years, Erica, and his two young boys. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Family.

stock graphic of handcuffs on a wrist
Arrest of suspect and safe recovery of 7 month Old Child 600 338 SIB Staff

Arrest of suspect and safe recovery of 7 month Old Child

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) announces the arrest of Gianni Winters, for Home Invasion Robbery, Burglary, Child Abduction and Child Endangerment and the safe recovery of a seven month old child.

On July 1st, 2020, Major Crimes Bureau – Metro Detail detectives were notified by of a home invasion robbery in the city of Paramount, that resulted in the abduction of a seven month old baby.  Upon contacting the mother of the baby, detectives learned that her ex-boyfriend (Suspect Winters) and biological father of the baby, was recently arrested for domestic violence, but had since been released on a Bond.  Suspect Winters came to her residence and forced his way inside by kicking the door open.  Once inside the residence, Suspect Winters forcibly grabbed the baby from a family member who was holding him.   

The suspect then placed the baby in the rear seat of his vehicle unsecured by any type of car seat or restraint device, and sped off away from the residence.  As the family member went back inside the residence, they noticed money and jewelry missing that had been apparently stolen by Suspect Winters during the encounter.

Lakewood station deputies and MCB Metro Detail detectives determined the baby was possibly in serious physical danger based upon the suspects reported violent actions and recent and past criminal history.  Information was developed that led them to an apartment in the 12200 block of Heritage Springs Drive in the city of Santa Fe Springs.  Believing the baby was inside the apartment, detectives forcibly entered the residence where the suspect was found to be hiding.  Suspect Winters was taken into custody and the baby was safely recovered unharmed and reunited with the mother.  

Suspect Winters was arrested for several felony charges, including child abduction, child endangerment, burglary, and home invasion robbery.  He is being held on $150,000 bail and has a next court date of July 6, 2020 at the Compton Superior Court.  

The baby was examined at the scene by Santa Fe Springs Fire Department paramedics and found to be uninjured.      

If convicted of the criminal charges, Suspect Winters would be facing significant time in state prison. 

The MCB Metro Detail works closely in support of all Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station’s detective bureaus, as well as other Southern California local and federal law enforcement agencies.  
Forwarded by:  

Deputy James Nagao 
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom   
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department  
211 West Temple Street,  
Los Angeles California 90012  
   
Website: http://www.lasd.org    
 
*Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for “Nixle” alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for “LASD – Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.  
 
Alex Villanueva, Sheriff  
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 

Lakewood Sheriff's Station
Lakewood Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at riot 1024 256 SIB Staff

Lakewood Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at riot

Lakewood Station Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at the Scene of a Riot

A group of approximately 500 demonstrators gathered in front of Lakewood City Hall to protest the death of George Floyd on Friday, June 5, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. The crowd was peaceful, and at 3:00 p.m., they began to disburse and leave—most left southbound Clark Avenue. After the streets were reopened, Deputies returned to normal operations, answering routine calls for service and patrol.

Approximately thirty minutes later, a group of 100 protesters returned and occupied all lanes of traffic on Clark Avenue, which had been previously reopened. This caused a potential safety hazard for both protesters and vehicular commuter traffic.

Deputies responded, and dispersal orders were given after this gathering was determined to be an Unlawful Assembly. These protesters continued to occupy lanes of traffic and advance toward deputy personnel even after dispersal orders were given.

As this group of protesters approached the station area, deputies continued to give orders instructing this group of protesters to safely exit the street; however, they were much more aggressive and continued to refuse the deputies’ lawful orders. Among this group of protesters, there were approximately three to four agitators directing the group not to follow orders. Several minutes after dispersal orders were given, the group continued to occupy the roadway, causing a continued safety hazard to motorists and other pedestrians in the area.

Deputies on the scene identified the lead agitator of the group and formed an arrest team. Deputies approached the group to disperse them and arrest the primary agitator.

An individual in the group armed himself with a large steel piece of broken brake rotor and threw it directly at the deputies.

Deputies employed less than lethal pepper ball projectiles and launched them at the suspect who had thrown the brake rotor fragment. Pepper ball projectiles were also launched toward others in the group who were seen attempting to arm themselves with objects taken from a protester’s backpack.

Additionally, these pepper ball projectiles were launched against the ground and walls located near agitators as a dispersal tactic.

Smoke was also deployed rather than tear gas. Additionally, deputies advanced on the group to push them away southbound Clarke Avenue and out of the area.

One suspect was arrested and booked for Resisting an Executive Officer (69 PC) and Failure to Disperse at the Scene of a Riot (409 PC).

No Deputies were injured.

Lakewood Station personnel remain committed to our mission of protecting the public and property within the cities we proudly serve.

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned for 02/21/2020, Artesia 240 240 SIB Staff

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned for 02/21/2020, Artesia

DUI/DRIVER’S LICENSE CHECKPOINT PLANNED FOR 02/21/2020, ARTESIA

Artesia, CA – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, February 21, 2020, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. Last year the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated 395 DUI collisions which have claimed 21 lives and resulted in another 590 injuries.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.

• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.

• Report drunk drivers – Call 911. • Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Go Safely, California” Impaired Driving 30 sec:

LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. If you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), using your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

*Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for “Nixle” alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for “LASD – Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.

Alex Villanueva,

Sheriff Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

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Sheriff Attends the 26th annual BRAVO awards

On Thursday, February 6, 2020, Sheriff Villanueva attended the 26th annual BRAVO (Bellflower Recognizes Acts of Valor and Outstanding Service) Awards inside Bellflower City Hall

Detective Saavedra, Deputy Manjra, and volunteer Asad Megally were awarded the “Outstanding Service.” Deputy Parriott and Deputy Saldivar were given the “Valor Award,” and Patricia Bateman was recognized for her Distinguished Service.

Deputy Parriott and Deputy Saldivar were on duty when they heard an emergency call for service of a man not breathing. They rushed to the location and immediately administered CPR on the patient until paramedics arrived.  The man was transported to the local hospital and survived. Due to their fast actions and great judgment saved the man’s life. They received the “Valor Award” and were honored for their heroic efforts.

Deputy Manjra and Detective Saavedra were investigating a series of vehicle burglaries in the Bellflower area. They looked into every tip received and were able to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect, who was selling the stolen auto parts online. The deputies were awarded the “Outstanding Service” for their dedication and honored for their commitment to community safety. 

Patricia Bateman has served as the Telephone Operator since 1995 at the Lakewood Station. She is a valued asset to the station and the community and was awarded the “Distinguished Service Award.”

Asad Megally works at the Lakewood Sheriff’s station as a volunteer.  His volunteer efforts have been appreciated each day and were honored with an “Outstanding Service Award.”

We congratulate all deputies and personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who received these distinguished honors and salute their outstanding work. They inspire all of us to continue our devotion to community outreach and public service.

Sheriff's Captain and people standing next to building
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Lakewood Boy Spots Missing man

Lakewood Boy Spots 83 y/o Missing man During Search, Helps Project Lifesaver and Deputies Reunite him with Family

Today, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station personnel and city of Lakewood officials joined 8 year-old Jaxon and his family to talk about the details surrounding how Jaxon spotted 83 year-old missing person Roger Dunworth during a neighborhood search.

Jaxon was also presented with gifts of appreciation by LASD MET personnel and the city of Lakewood for his help in finding Mr. Dunworth.

City of Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers stated, “One of our dearest held values is neighbors helping neighbors. People stepping up to help their fellow resident here in the city of Lakewood.” Mayor Rogers then thanked Jaxon “for being Lakewood’s newest hero.”

Lakewood Station Captain David Sprengel praised Jaxon and said, “Today we celebrate Jaxon Opdyke, our eight year-old hero from Lakewood,” before presenting Jaxon with the Lakewood Station pin which is just like the one Lakewood deputies wear.

“Look! Down that street,” said Jaxon after spotting a person fitting the description of Mr. Dunworth. Once Jaxon and his family got closer, Jaxon’s grandmother asked, “Hey, are you Roger?” Mr. Dunworth replied, “Yeah, I could sure use a ride!”

Mr. Dunsworth was then brought home safely.

Lakewood Boy Spots 83 y/o Missing Person During Search, Helps Project Lifesaver MET Deputies Reunite with Family

Lakewood Boy Spots 83 y/o Missing Person During Search, Helps Project Lifesaver MET Deputies Reunite with FamilyToday, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station personnel and city of Lakewood officials joined 8 year-old Jaxon and his family to talk about the details surrounding how Jaxon spotted 83 year-old missing person Roger Dunworth during a neighborhood search.Jaxon was also presented with gifts of appreciation by LASD MET personnel and the city of Lakewood for his help in finding Mr. Dunworth.City of Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers stated, “One of our dearest held values is neighbors helping neighbors. People stepping up to help their fellow resident here in the city of Lakewood.” Mayor Rogers then thanked Jaxon “for being Lakewood’s newest hero.”Lakewood Station Captain David Sprengel praised Jaxon and said, “Today we celebrate Jaxon Opdyke, our eight year-old hero from Lakewood,” before presenting Jaxon with the Lakewood Station pin which is just like the one Lakewood deputies wear.“Look! Down that street,” said Jaxon after spotting a person fitting the description of Mr. Dunworth. Once Jaxon and his family got closer, Jaxon’s grandmother asked, “Hey, are you Roger?” Mr. Dunworth replied, “Yeah, I could sure use a ride!”Mr. Dunsworth was then brought home safely.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday, February 5, 2020
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Lakewood Station Deputies keep 17 year tradition going

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!

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Lakewood Station Honors Deputy David Powell

LAKEWOOD STATION HONORS DEPUTY DAVID POWELL

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.