LASDHQ

A hand holding a cell phone; on the screen, the caller ID says "Scammer" with a large red "End Call" button below
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#National Slam the Scam Day – Social Security Scams

SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM AWARENESS

National “Slam the Scam” Day is designated to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the United States. These scammers pretend to be government employees and claim your identity has been stolen or that there is another problem with your SSN, account, or benefits. These criminals continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department gives you the tools to recognize Social Security related scams in order to stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.

Tips on how to avoid falling victim to scam callers:

· If you receive what seems to be a suspicious call, text, or email, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as an agency online website, online search engine or phone book directory. Do not use the contact info provided by the caller on the message the scammers sent.

· Do not feel pressured by the threatening caller until you have verified their identity and story. You can ask the caller for their name, employee identification number, callback number, and a reference number for the matter they are calling about. This information can be used to contact the organization directly to determine the validity of the request.

· It’s OK to Hang UP especially if you suspect the call to be a scam.

· Never send money or give bank account details, or other personal information to anyone you don’t know or trust.

· Don’t be so quick to give personal information. Always verify who you are speaking with if the call doesn’t seem legitimate, ask them to mail you the information.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urges the public to remain safe and reach out to their local law enforcement agencies. Stations | Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (lasd.org)

Or directly contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-229-6297 or visit https://www.ssa.gov/scam/resources.html if you feel you have been a victim of these crimes.

Person holding a cell phone; caller ID on screen says "Police"; the person is holding a credit card in their other hand
Scam Spoofing Apps Impersonating LA County Deputies 1024 1024 SIB Staff

Scam Spoofing Apps Impersonating LA County Deputies

Los Angeles County Sheriff – Scam Alert

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to warn the public of phone call scammers Impersonating L.A. County Deputies using spoofing apps that show their number on the victim’s caller ID as the Sheriff’s office or local police agencies.

Los Angeles County continues to receive reports from residents receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to be a Sheriff’s office Sergeant, Lieutenant or personnel asking for payment for missing grand jury duty subpoena. The scammers will then ask for some type of electronic payment and threaten the callers with their arrest if their payment is not received.

Remember, if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will not receive a phone call from the Sheriff’s Office.

Stay informed by following the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Headquarters social media pages and your designated patrol station to help keep you up to date on crime trends and safety tips.

Tips on how to avoid falling victim to scam callers:

  • If you receive what seems to be a suspicious call, text, or email, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as an agency online website, online search engine or phone book directory.

Do not use the contact info provided by the caller on the message the scammers sent.

  •  Do not feel pressured by the threatening caller until you have verified their identity and story.  You can ask the caller for their name, employee identification number, callback number, and a reference number for the matter they are calling about. This information can be used to contact the organization directly to determine the validity of the request.
  • It’s OK to Hang UP especially if you suspect the call to be a scam.
  • Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department or any government agency would never ask for any type of payment over the phone or banking information.
  •  All financial transactions are typically handled in person at the courthouses and custody facilities. 
  • Never send money or give bank account details, or other personal information to anyone you don’t know or trust.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urges the public to remain safe and reach out to your local law enforcement agencies  Stations | Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (lasd.org) if you feel you have been a victim of these crimes.

Last New Year. Los angeles county sheriff's logo with a badge on the left side. Don't Drink & Drive. Image of a man blowing into a Blood Alcohol meter. There is a view of a car accident at night in the background.
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Last New Year – DUI PSA

You make a choice every day. Make the correct choice; don’t drink & drive!  

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be highly visible and out enforcing the law to protect the community during the New Year’s.  Deputies will be on the road patrolling the areas looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Celebrate the New Year responsibly by calling a friend, calling a taxi or by using a ride share app. 

a couple is shopping online, they are sitting on a couch both using a computer. the camera is looking at the computer and keyboard, the wife is holding the credit card and the husband is navigating on the keyboard.
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Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

This Thanksgiving weekend is the start of the holiday shopping season. Black Friday and Cyber Monday provide an opportunity for consumers to find a great deal. In order to help the public have a crime-free shopping season, LASD periodically informs & continues to warn the public through social media about holiday safety

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

  • Neighbors watch out for neighbors! If you will be staying home or traveling, help keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it to your local law enforcement. This makes communities safer.
  • Let someone you trust know when you’re traveling. Have them watch your house and retrieve any newspapers and collect your mail. If you are going to be gone long, contact your United States Postal Service and put your mail on hold.
  • When out shopping, stay vigilant! Park in a well-lit area.
  • Avoid shopping alone! Consider shopping with friends or relatives so everyone looks out for each other.
  • If you are shopping with children, coach them on what to do if they become separated. Make sure they know their first and last name, have contact phone numbers memorized and teach them about 911.
  • Do not leave packages in plain view in your vehicle. Lock your vehicle and place all your merchandise in the trunk.
  • If you place packages in your vehicle and plan to go back inside for more shopping, please consider driving away from your current parking spot and park somewhere new, so no one knows what valuable items you just left unattended.
  • Remember where you parked and be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car. Prior to getting into your vehicle take a look inside and around before entering.
  • Be cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason. Many thieves will use different methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money or merchandise. Consider Instead, volunteering or donating to a charity.
  • Keep a secure hold on your purse. When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep your home safe! Set lights on timers, giving the impression the house is not alone. Make sure to close all blinds and lock all entry points such as windows, sliders, and all your doors.
  • Celebrate responsibly by planning ahead. Even if you’ve had only one drink, play it safe and designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home. If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving.
  • Don’t use a debit card. Many people like using a debit card due to convenience or as a budgeting tool, but debit cards lack the same consumer protections that credit cards do. Should your account be compromised, you can be responsible for a greater share of the loss than if you had used a credit card
  • Be wary of online deals that are too good to be true. Do your research on whoever you are buying from.
  • If an online seller asks you to wire payment, be suspicious. Many times fraudsters will advertise a great deal on a high dollar item, but will only accept a money wire transfer. Once the money is wired to an account, it is very difficult to recover it if later on it turns out you were the victim of fraud.
  • Only do business with vendors who use secure websites.
  • Keep an eye on your credit cards at all times. A common tactic of fraudsters employed by a legitimate company is to take the card you present as payment, swipe it through the legitimate payment system, and then swipe it again through their own collection device. Your credit card information can then be used by the crook for their own purpose or sold to other crooks.
  • Guard your identity the same as you would your pocketbook. Criminals not only want your money, they want your identity. With it, they can use it to get credit and make purchases while sticking you with the bill. Your information is valuable and can be sold to other criminals as well.
  • Be suspicious of people claiming to be from your credit card company who need to “verify” information. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from your credit card company asking you to verify Personally Identifiable Information be careful.
  • The caller could be a scammer who is gathering information that will later on help him steal your identity. If you feel there is some legitimacy to the callers questions, terminate the call and call back the company using a phone number you know is legitimate. You can find these numbers on your credit card statement or the company’s website.
  • Monitor bank statements for suspicious activity. With increased activity during the shopping season, it is easy for a bad guy to slip in a few unauthorized transactions without you knowing it. Monitor bank and credit cards regularly for suspicious transactions and question anything that does not look legitimate regardless of the amount. Most financial companies offer online access to your account and you can monitor transactions in real time.
  • Limit use of free Wi-Fi. Don’t use free wireless networks, such as those in coffee shops, when you shop online. Fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots are too easy to set up and are often disguised to look like legitimate services offered by reputable companies. Bad guys use these fraudulent sights to capture your data or install malware on your device. Waiting until you have a secure connection at home or using data from your own personal cellular plan is a good way to eliminate this type of operation.
  • Stay informed by following the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Headquarters social media pages and your designated patrol station to help keep you up-to-date on crime trends and safety tips.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wishes everyone a safe, productive crime free shopping season.

Image of Deputy Clinkunbroomer smiling. His portrait image is in front of a section of the american flag. He is wearing a tan longsleeve shirt with a black tie. There is a Sheriff badge over his left side. Words read: Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, End of Watch 9-16-2023.
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Update on the Murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in Palmdale

Update 9/18/2023See Third Press Conference video below for update regarding detainment of person of interest

Sheriff Luna Provided Details on the Arrest of Suspect Responsible for the Murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer

Following a pivotal 4:00 p.m. press conference held yesterday on 09/17/2023, the Palmdale community demonstrated exceptional unity and commitment to justice. Their cooperation and valuable information have led to a significant development in the murder investigation of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
 
Early this morning 09/18/2023, our highly specialized Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Special Enforcement Bureau executed a warrant at the residence of the prime suspect, located in the 37600 block of Barrinson Street, Palmdale.
 
When the family exited the residence, the suspect opted to barricade himself and initially refused to exit. He remained barricaded as Special Enforcement Bureau deputies were engaged for an extended duration, working diligently to de-escalate the situation. They employed various techniques, including the utilization of hostage negotiators, in their efforts to resolve the standoff.
 
“Because those special enforcement deputies took the time to try to de-escalate this and take this individual peacefully into custody when they knew that our deputy was not afforded the same opportunity he never gave our deputy a chance, but yet are men and women gave this individual a chance to take him in the custody peacefully.”-Sheriff Luna
 
During this operation, investigators successfully recovered a substantial amount of firearms and identified the vehicle of interest depicted in yesterday’s flyer.
 
The suspect, 29-year-old Kevin Cataneo Salazar of Palmdale, was promptly apprehended and transported to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, where he will remain in custody pending further investigation.
 
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that this case will be meticulously presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations, underscoring our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice to the fullest extent of the law.
 
Sheriff Luna expressed profound gratitude to the Palmdale community members whose courage and cooperation provided the critical leads necessary for the suspect’s arrest. Their dedication to the safety and well-being of their community has proven invaluable.
 
Further, Sheriff Luna extended his sincere appreciation to the relentless efforts of the homicide investigators who tirelessly coordinated with numerous members of the Detective Division throughout this investigation. He also acknowledged the dedication and swift response of all department personnel who rose to the occasion during this tragic event.
 
Clinkunbroomer Family shared their heartfelt sentiments about Ryan’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the Sheriff’s Department.
 
“Our son Ryan was a dedicated, hard-working Deputy Sheriff, who enjoyed working here at the Palmdale Station. He was proud to work along the side of his partners, that he considered brothers and sisters as he sacrificed daily to better the community that he served. Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. Ryan was recently engaged to the love of his life as our firstborn son, Ryan will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Sheriff’s Department as a whole. Please keep Ryan’s family friends and colleagues in your prayers and respect everyone’s privacy during our time of mourning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart the Clinkunbroomer family.” – Statement from the Clinkunbroomer Family
 
Sheriff Luna went on to extend thanks to the city of Palmdale, the city of Lancaster, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), Board of Supervisor Katherine Barger, Mayor Laura Bettencourt, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their unwavering support and collaborative efforts.
 
Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger conveyed her appreciation for the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment displayed by all involved in the pursuit of the suspect.
 
“We have the best and the brightest working and last night I had the honor of meeting some of them and I knew they were going to catch the suspect.” Kathryn Barger.
 
Mayor Laura Bettencourt expressed her gratitude to the community for their collective efforts in providing valuable information that may have contributed to the suspect’s apprehension.
 
“Thank you to the community everyone that was here last night after the vigil, lots of calls came in from the community, we united finding the suspect.” Mayor Laura Bettencourt
 
ALADS President Richard Pippin took pride in serving as a deputy sheriff and expressed his appreciation to the dedicated men and women who demonstrated exceptional skills within this department.
 
“I am proud of my partners and today the men and women of this department for their professionalism, the skill they showed.”-Richard Pippin
 
Suspect Kevin Cataneo Salazar, now under arrest for murder, will face the legal consequences of his alleged actions, and the authorities are relentless in ensuring that justice prevails for Deputy Clinkunbroomer and the entire community.
 
LASD continues to urge individuals to step forward and provide any information that would be useful in the investigation. This remains essential because the arrest marks just one phase of the process. The focus now shifts to thoroughly ensuring that the suspect faces prosecution of the law.
 
Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, attention Detective G. Carrillo or Detective D. Machuca
 
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website: http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Third update Press Conference – 09/18/2023


Previous Update (09/17/2023) on the Tragic Incident Involving the Murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department remains dedicated to identifying the perpetrator(s) responsible for the tragic murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. Deputy Clinkunbroomer, an eight-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, tragically lost his life while on duty at Palmdale Sheriff Station.
 
On the evening of the incident, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Deputy Clinkunbroomer was ambushed while conducting routine patrol duties. He was in full uniform, driving a marked patrol vehicle, and had just left the Palmdale Station, heading northbound on Sierra Highway. Deputy Clinkunbroomer was alone in his vehicle when he stopped at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q in Palmdale. Shortly thereafter, a Good Samaritan discovered him unconscious in his vehicle and promptly alerted Palmdale Station personnel. Deputy Clinkunbroomer was rushed to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where dedicated medical staff made every effort to treat a gunshot wound he had sustained. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
 
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated medical staff at Antelope Valley Medical Center for their tireless efforts to save Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s life.
 
Our investigators are actively conducting interviews, scrutinizing evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage. A widely circulated video from the incident also captured a secondary vehicle traveling alongside Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s patrol vehicle, which is of significant interest to our ongoing investigation. We ask for the public assistance locating the vehicle and its occupants.

Special Bulletin: $250,000 Reward. Homicide Investigation/Information Wanted. 2006-2012 Toyota Corolla. Grey car.

The vehicle in question is described as a dark grey 2006-2012 Toyota Corolla.

Deputy Clinkunbroomer, aged thirty, dedicated most of his eight-year service to the Palmdale community.
 
During this challenging time, Sheriff Robert Luna and his family offer their prayers and support to Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s family, friends, fellow department members, and the Palmdale community.

“Ryan is not coming home, and Ryan wasn’t only a Deputy Sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, but he was a son, grandson, and newly engaged. He had so much ahead of him.”

Sheriff Luna.

The Sheriff’s Department expresses sincere gratitude to the Board of Supervisors, Palmdale, and Lancaster City officials for their unwavering support during this challenging period.
 
Additionally, Sheriff Luna extends his appreciation to the numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that have reached out, offering their assistance. He also acknowledges the District Attorney’s Office for their prompt response and support in this ongoing investigation.
 
Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed her heartfelt emotions over the devastating loss of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbloomer. As an incentive, she will introduce a motion during Tuesday’s upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting. This motion seeks to establish a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for Deputy Clinkunbloomer’s murder.

“The persons or person responsible will be held accountable, and I make that promise to you. Justice must and will be served.”

Kathryn Barger.

Mayor Laura Bettencourt assured the community with the entire city’s support and commitment to utilize all available resources, and the city will be taking action to expedite efforts. The city is pledging to match the county’s $100,000 reward, thereby contributing $100,000 from the city of Palmdale towards the capture and conviction of the perpetrator.

“Deputy Clinkunbroomer embodied the values we hold dear as a community values of service, protection, and the commitment to keep us safe.”

Mayor Laura Bettencourt

ALASD President Richard Pippin conveyed the devastation of the murder of Deputy Clinkunbroomer and the numerous people this has affected.
 
As an effort to bring justice, ALADS has offered a $50,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible for the murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.

“This is an attack on our profession. It was an attack on the people that protect you and your loved ones.”  

-Richard Pippin.

Sheriff Luna ensures the public the individuals responsible for this senseless act will be brought to justice.

If anyone was present at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q at approximately 6 pm on the day of the incident and may have witnessed anything or possesses relevant information, we urge you to contact our Homicide Investigators at 323-890-5500. For those who wish to remain anonymous, please reach out to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Second update Press Conference – 09/17/2023

First update Press Conference – 09/16/2023

image of 12 deputies standing in line waiting to graduate, They are wearing tan shirts with black ties, badges over left side, white gloves, and green pants.
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Graduation Ceremony of Academy Class 467

Sheriff Robert G. Luna Presided Over Graduation Ceremony of Academy Class #467

On Thursday, September 14, 2023, a total of 76 polished recruits lined up at Stars Center (Memorial Wall Courtyard), in what would be their final platoon formation as academy classmates. After 22 weeks of rigorous 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 sworn peace officers. Sheriff Robert G. Luna presided over the graduation ceremony and delivered encouraging remarks to the 17 females and 59 male graduates and their guests.

Image of Sheriff Robert Luna, standing at a podium speaking to a crowd that is out of frame, He is pointing one finger outward towards the audience. He is wearing a tan uniform shirt with a black tie and a badge over his left side.


Sheriff Robert Luna was joined on stage by Chief Garrett Kennedy, Alhambra Police Department; Chief Roy Nakamura, Arcadia Police Department; Captain Art Jimenez, Bell Police Department; Captain Adam Cornils, Burbank Police Department; Chief Leslie Murray, Downey Police Department; Chief Jaime Bermudez, El Segundo Police Department; Chief Manuel Cid, Glendale Police Department; Chief Cosme Lozano, Huntington Park Police Department; Chief Steven Zipperman, Los Angeles School Police Department; Chief Alan Sanvictores, Monrovia Police Department; Chief Ramon Batista, Santa Monica Police Department; Chief Darren Arakawa, South Gate Police Department; Chief Jeremiah ‘Jay’ Hart, Torrance Police Department; Interim Chief John Thomas, University of California, Los Angeles Police Department in presenting the 76 graduates with their Peace Officer Standards and Training certificates. The graduates were then officially sworn in as California Peace Officer

picture of Sheriff luna in the center of two deputies getting rewards. Rivera is on the left of Sheriff luna, and Gomez is on Sheriff Luna's right.

In a special segment of the ceremony, Deputy Jimmy Rivera, LASD, was named as the class Honor Recruit. This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest numerical average based upon leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship, and physical performance throughout the training period. Deputies Fabian Gomez and Jimmy Rivera, LASD, were honored as Academic Recruits. This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest academic scores.

The class additionally had an honorary speaker, Mia Wright. Mia is the 11-year-old daughter of CHP Sergeant Brandon Wright of CHP Central Los Angeles Division. Mia addressed Class #467 and reminded the newly sworn the community cares about them and supports Peace Officers. Mia has initiated her own cause, “Operation Thank Blue,” where she reminds Peace Officers in the community that their service is cherished by those they serve. 

Each class of recruits processed through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Stars Center Training Academy, brings together a collection of unique aspects, qualities, and experiences.

Academy Class #467 is a largely international collection of backgrounds, reflective of the vast array of cultures found within Los Angeles County. Of the (76) graduating recruits, (52) recruits speak a language other than English, including Cantonese, Igbo, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish & Vietnamese. With (3) recruits born in the foreign countries of Colombia, Liberia, China.

These graduates bring with them a (38), service experience in the armed forces (7), backgrounds in law enforcement (15), and many come from families with a tradition of serving in law enforcement (23).


The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Congratulates Academy Class 467!

If you would like to view the ceremony, please click on the link:
https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment/videos/1235679083822796

Suicide Prevention Day; You're not alone. Text over an image of a person with long hair sitting in front of partially open blinds. the person is back light so you only see a silhouette.
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National Suicide Prevention Day

In 2022, almost 50,000 lives were lost to suicide in the US.

Remember, you’re not alone. Reach out – help is always available.

Dial 988 for immediate access to free crisis counseling. Together, we can make a difference.  You matter.

Resources for you or someone you know.

988 – offering 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors that provide free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1.

NAMI Helpline.
Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. PST
Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Email: helpline@nami.org
Text: “HelpLine” to 62640
Chat: nami.org/help

Sheriff Robert luna in a blue suit standing behind a wooden podium. LASD staff as well as LAPD staff stand behind him.
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Man sought by LASD for Unincorporated Whittier Homicide

Man sought by LASD Homicide Bureau for Unincorporated Whittier Homicide

A man is sought for a murder he committed in an Unincorporated Whittier community on Monday.  This information was shared by Sheriff Luna this afternoon during a news conference as he provided additional information on a stabbing death investigation that occurred on August 28, 2023, in the 15300 block of Goodhue Street.  Sheriff Luna added, “The suspect entered through an unlocked door, and the victim was violently assaulted.” LASD Homicide investigators shared surveillance video footage during the news conference of a suspect running toward the victim’s residence.

The suspect is described as a male adult with a dark complexion and facial hair. He is of a thin build, approximately 150 lbs., wearing dark-colored pants and a tan shirt. He is approximately 30 years old. The suspect was in possession of the victim’s vehicle for approximately one day between Monday, August 28, 2023, and Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The vehicle is described as a 2021 Silver Toyota Rav-4, CA, License plate #8VPH289. Investigators recovered the vehicle in the city of Chino, CA. Sheriff Luna stated, “We believe the suspect had been driving around in this vehicle for at least a day or night. If anyone saw this vehicle anywhere between Whittier to Chino or Ontario, please call Homicide Bureau.”

 The suspect is believed to be anywhere and passed through the cities of Whittier, Chino, and Ontario, CA. He should be considered armed and dangerous. It is also believed that the suspect may be homeless. Sheriff Luna stated, “We are working very diligently to keep you safe. That is the primary purpose; we believe there is a public safety risk. Please lock your doors.” For more information, please watch the news conference below:

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

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 

For more information, watch video

Sheriff Robert Luna at a podium
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LASD Readiness: Historical Hurricanes Impacting the County of Los Angeles

Today, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) discussed its preparations for the impending Hurricane Hillary. The department expresses gratitude for the presence of its partners and emphasizes their readiness for the storm.

Sheriff Robert Luna urges the public, ” Please listen to your news as closely as possible for the next several days. Please have an emergency plan and check on your family and friends who are in impacted areas.”

Hurricane Hillary is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, storm surge, rough seas, and potential tornadoes. It is predicted to weaken to a tropical storm by the time it reaches the California coast on Sunday evening into Monday.

LASD has been actively coordinating with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and other county departments to ensure the community’s safety. They have mobilized search and rescue teams, swift water rescue personnel, and rescue aircraft on standby, with additional teams scheduled for deployment. The department’s operations center will manage and coordinate all resources during the storm.

LASD is committed to informing the public through the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, providing updates and preparedness messages. They encourage residents to follow LASDHQ on social media and sign up for emergency alerts for Los Angeles County. Additionally, LASD is collaborating with homeless outreach partners to assist the homeless population in riverbeds, particularly considering the impending storm.

Efforts are underway to assess and communicate potential dangers in riverbeds, and LASD will work closely with local law enforcement to address any issues. The department is also in contact with police chiefs throughout Los Angeles County to ensure effective communication and coordination.

The LASD’s reserve forces, mounted enforcement detail, community-oriented policing teams, and mental evaluation teams will assist with security checks along riverbeds and waterways. On Catalina Island, the Avalon station collaborates with various agencies to ensure community safety, including evacuation routes, rescue plans, and medical support.

“This is really all hands-on deck effort,” said Fourth District, Board of Supervisors, Janice Hahn. Hahn continued to express her concern for the well-being of the unhoused, ” Our Homeless Initiative Teams, in collaboration with our Sheriff’s Department and Public Works, are reaching out to them.”

The LASD and other county departments are working together to inform and prepare the community for the impending storm, hoping to minimize damage and prevent loss of life. They emphasize the importance of staying informed through official channels, having an emergency plan, and checking on loved ones in high-impact areas.

Kevin McGowan from the Office of Emergency Management emphasizes the importance of being prepared, “It distills down to get ready, sign up for alerts, and make a plan.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stands ready to serve the County of Los Angeles and neighboring counties as needed and urges residents to stay vigilant and prepared in the coming days.

To sign up for alerts for the County of Los Angeles, go to the following link: ready.lacounty.gov/alerts

Sheriff Luna at a poduim with District Attorney Gascon, and Supervisor Janice Hanh in the background
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Sheriff Luna Announces Arrest of Violent Robbery Suspects

On Friday, August 18, 2023, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna; Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón; Michael Hoffman, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearm’s Los Angeles Division; and Esther Lim, Justice Deputy for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Hilda Solis, came together following an extensive and intricate investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions to disclose the arrest of two suspects believed to be connected to the purse-snatching viral video in Hacienda Heights.

The robbery, which took place on August 14, 2023, involved a male suspect who had forcibly dragged an elderly woman across a sidewalk by her purse before seizing it and fleeing the scene. Multiple jurisdictions had been involved in this exhaustive and complex investigation that culminated in the arrest of the suspects. Law enforcement officials, including detectives from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, were present to provide additional information about the investigation and the successful apprehension of the suspects.

The LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau—Burglary Robbery Task Force has maintained a strong partnership with the Orange County Violent Crimes ATF Task Force for over 11 years, emphasizing a shared commitment to public safety and crime prevention.

On Monday, August 14, 2023, the Orange County ATF task force collaborated with the LASD Major Crimes Bureau Burglary—Robbery Task Force to address a series of violent robberies targeting primarily Asian victims in the Rowland Heights and Hacienda Heights areas. Over three months, this criminal crew is believed to have committed three purse snatch robberies against female victims and robbed a male victim of his wallet. The crew’s manner of working was forcefully seizing victims’ purses. During one of these incidents, a suspect resorted to firing a pistol into the air while struggling with the male victim.

In an unexpected turn of events during the joint task force meeting, investigators were alerted to another recent violent robbery that had taken place in the Hacienda Heights vicinity. The violent video footage depicted an elderly Asian woman being subjected to a forceful theft, wherein a male suspect dragged her along the pavement in an attempt to take her purse. The suspect wrestled the purse from her grasp, escaping into a waiting vehicle that sped away. The victim sustained several injuries, including scrapes, bruises, and a possible concussion.

Major Crimes detectives worked tirelessly, successfully identifying the two suspects as 19-year-old Russell Hardy Jr. and 19-year-old Cameron DeShawne Perry, both residents of Los Angeles.

Russell Hardy Jr., who served as the getaway driver, was apprehended late Wednesday evening in Los Angeles. Shortly after that, Cameron DeShawne Perry, the suspect responsible for dragging the elderly victim, was arrested Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles. The collaborative efforts of the Major Crimes Bureaus’ Burglary-Robbery Taskforce and the United States Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce ensured these suspects’ swift and safe apprehension.

The diligent teamwork, effective collaboration, and unwavering professionalism displayed by all parties involved contributed to the prompt identification and apprehension of the suspects. The exceptional investigative work conducted by the detectives working on this case augments the possibility of a successful prosecution against two violent individuals who have instilled fear in innocent Los Angeles County residents.

Sheriff Luna expressed his feelings regarding the brutal attack, “This is an assault on our entire community.”

The charges against the suspects include a range of counts, encompassing 1st Degree Robbery, 2nd Degree Robbery, Attempted 2nd Degree Robbery, and Elder Abuse. The Burglary Robbery Task Force remains committed to assisting in any further investigations that could link these suspects to additional robberies within Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon addressed the residents from the Los Angeles County, “No one in our community should have to leave their home in fear that they will be robbed and assaulted while running errands,”

This incident underscores the significance of cross-jurisdictional partnerships in enhancing community safety. The collaborative endeavors facilitated by the Orange County ATF Violent Crimes Task Force have yielded substantial results in addressing various state and federal investigations over the years. These endeavors have encompassed confronting challenges such as a violent 7-11 serial murder-robbery crew, a Southern California gun store burglary ring, a series of violent high-end jewelry and watch store robberies, and numerous other high-profile, high-risk investigations.

The enduring partnership between the LASD and the Orange County ATF Violent Crimes Task Force has proven to be a resounding success for Los Angeles County and the surrounding cities. The dedicated investigators of the Orange County ATF Violent Crimes Task Force exemplify tenacity and professionalism, and the Department highly values their contributions.

Janice Hahn of the Fourth District on The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has emphasized that prioritizing public safety remains her foremost concern. She further emphasizes, “It is our responsibility and obligation to keep the residents of LA County safe.”

In the face of criminals who recognize no boundaries, collaboration remains an indispensable cornerstone of our collective safety. All agencies will continue to maintain a safer environment for all by working together.