DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVING DAVID ORDAZ JR.
July 30, 2021
On March 14, 2021, deputies responded to a call of a man with a knife who was under the influence of drugs and wanted to commit “suicide by cop.” Tragically, David Ordaz Jr. died as a result of wounds sustained in a deputy involved shooting. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. This event was captured on body worn camera video and a critical incident video of the event has been posted at LASD.org under our Transparency Promise webpage. I want to clearly state I have grave concerns regarding this deputy involved shooting. One of the deputies has been relieved of duty and their peace officer powers have been suspended, pending the outcome of this investigation.
Upon completion of the investigation, it will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney – Justice System Integrity Division, who will determine the legality of the shooting. Additionally, the investigation will be shared with Los Angeles FBI Field Office for their review.
Man arrested for Narcotics Sales in connection with Venice Homeless Outreach Organizationhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Narco-Op-072221-2-1024x768.jpg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a44d5d9db7fd8278dd77b467fd496aaf?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Narcotics Bureau investigators served a two-location search warrant in the Venice area of Los Angles on Thursday, July 22, 2021, after receiving information of a potential narcotics dealer disguising himself as a homeless outreach advocate. The investigation identified that narcotics dealer, Garry Featherstone (11/23/55), had been using a tent to facilitate narcotics sales to the local Venice homeless population and close proximity to the “Venice Bridge Home,” a transitional housing location close to his base of operations.
Investigators conducted countless hours of surveillance of Featherstone and saw him complete several hand-to-hand narcotics transactions. Featherstone masquerades as a homeless outreach advocate while supplying homeless individuals with narcotics.
In the afternoon hours of Thursday, July 22, 2021, Investigators conducted the search warrant operation on a tent near 3rd Avenue and Rose Street, as well as a residence in the Venice area, and arrested Featherstone for possession of Phencyclidine (PCP) for sale;11378.5 HS and Possession of Methamphetamine for sale;11378.1 HS. Over 15,000 dollars in U.S. currency was also recovered.
Featherstone, a self-proclaimed homeless advocate operates “Homeless Enterprise” from a tent on 3rd Avenue, where he sells sodas, candy, and other snacks and beverages to the local homeless population. “Homeless Enterprise” is registered with the city of Los Angeles Finance Department.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “This is another clear example of how several people are using the veil of outreach to run criminal enterprises and exploit the already marginalized population of county residents who are experiencing homelessness. It’s time for common sense, compassionate regulation of public space. It’s time for politicians to stop using the homeless population as a platform and for them to either help law enforcement keep the community safe or get out of the way.”
LA County Health Officer order to mask while indoorshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER MODIFICATION MASKING WHILE INDOORS
July 16, 2021
Forcing the vaccinated and those who already contracted COVID-19 to wear masks indoors is not backed by science and contradicts the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) has authority to enforce the order, but the underfunded/defunded Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will not expend our limited resources and instead ask for voluntary compliance. We encourage the DPH to work collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors and law enforcement to establish mandates that are both achievable and supported by science.
Walnut Station Asks Assistance about Fatal Hit & Run in Diamond Barhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BruceBodel-1024x683.jpg1024683SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1da259cd08f53aa175642133a3231d68?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Monday, July 12, 2021, during a press conference, Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Walnut Station Detectives and family members asked the public’s assistance for any information about a suspect driver and vehicle that was involved in a fatal hit and run incident in the City of Diamond Bar.
On Sunday, July 4, 2021, at approximately 10:30 p.m., 72 year-old Bruce Bodel was taking an evening walk near his home. As he was walking north on Penarth Avenue crossing Lycoming Street, he was tragically struck by a vehicle when he was crossing the street. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render any aid and immediately fled the scene traveling southbound on Lemon Avenue.
Mr. Bodel suffered major injuries and succumbed to his wounds days later. The vehicle that struck him is described as a two-door silver sedan, and from evidence recovered at the scene, it is believed to have damage to the front as well as a cracked windshield.
“This has devastated my family. He always liked to go out for walks, that was just his habit. Rather than taking a car he would take a bike or he would walk. He was a vegetarian, he’d never hurt a fly. So anybody who could help bring my uncle justice, would be greatly appreciated,” said Bodel’s niece, Jessica.
If you have information about this senseless tragedy, please contact the Walnut Station Detective Bureau at 909-859-2817. 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/.
On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced the results of the Marijuana Eradication Operation which began on the early hours of Tuesday, June 8, 2021, and lasted 10 days. The collaborative operation took place in the Antelope Valley and several local, state and federal agencies were involved including: over 400 personnel from multiple Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department units, deputies from the Community Partnerships Bureau, Operation Safe Street and Special Victims Bureau detectives, Lancaster and Palmdale Station deputies, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, California National Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and members from the Kern County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County Sheriff’s Departments.
In 2020, Narcotics Bureau Detectives identified 150 illegal outdoor marijuana grows in the Antelope Valley. In 2021, investigators conducted reconnaissance flights and they identified over 500 illegal cannabis grows.
Violent crime has been linked directly to the grow sites. In July 2020, two murder victims were discovered adjacent to an illegal marijuana grow in the unincorporated area of Lancaster. In March 2021, a murder victim was found buried in the desert near Lake Los Angeles and the suspects wanted in connection with the murder operated an illegal marijuana grow in Lake Los Angeles. Threats by armed individuals against citizens living in close proximity to illegal marijuana grows have occurred on a regular basis and were increasing in frequency.
The threat to the environment and wildlife cannot begin to be calculated as growers consistently use banned pesticides and fertilizers for their illegal crops. Two dead bears were discovered and their death is attributed to pesticide use.
Water theft occurs at an alarming rate and it has threatened the water supply for residents in the eastern portion of the antelope valley. Theft occurs from fire hydrants and unpermitted water wells that were being drilled on the grow sites.
“Most Californians would be shocked and disappointed at the amount of water these unlicensed, illegal grows are using, especially as California suffers from a drought,” said DEA Associate Special Agent in Charge Curt Fallin. “By our calculation, the illegal grows in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties require an astounding 5.4 million gallons of water a day, every day.”
Thanks to public calls for service and multiple complaints from residents, the largest operation in the history of the Los Angeles county Sheriff’s Department was developed to put an end to the hundreds of illegal marijuana cultivations in the Antelope Valley.
As result of this operation, a total of 131 arrests were made; 65 vehicles, including two water trucks were seized; approximately $28,000 dollars in U.S currency were seized; a total of 33,480 pounds of harvested marijuana were seized; 30 locations were demolished, 33 firearms were sized; 180 animals were rescued; and there were19 water theft arrests. The total estimated street value of the plants destroyed is $1.193 billion dollars.
“What we want to do is send a clear and loud message to all the cartels and anyone doing illegal operations in the high desert, ‘your days here are over and we’re coming for you,’” said Sheriff Villanueva.
Anyone who sees activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature should contact their local sheriff’s station, or remain anonymous and call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS.
LASD Announces Arrest in Attempted Murder of Two Young Adultshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/OSS-1024x683.jpg1024683SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/acdb2e82e2505e0ba10575665071559c?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Captain Robert Jones from the Operation Safe Streets (OSS) Bureau, announced the arrest of two individuals responsible for the brutal attempted murder of two young male adults.
On Friday, June 18, 2021, at approximately 9:50 p.m. two young males were walking on Raven Lane and Avenue J-4 in the city of Lancaster. As they passed two males, one riding a bicycle and the other one on a skateboard, the suspects began firing towards the victims. The gunmen continued shooting even as one of the victims laid on the pavement in agony and distress as he screamed in pain. The perpetrators continued their way still on the bike and skateboard. The victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds to their backs, torso and legs. Both victims were transported to a local hospital where one remains in critical condition while the other one was released and is recovering at home.
Investigators from the OSS Bureau responded and found approximately 30 expended shell casings at the scene. They immediately began an exhaustive investigation, executed search warrants at two locations and on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at approximately 9:00 p.m., OSS investigators arrested the suspects connected to the shooting, along with three additional individuals. Several “ghost gun” firearms were also seized from the locations. Ghost guns are virtually untraceable weapons that can be made at home using parts that are legally purchased usually in the internet.
Ghost gun and extended magazine seized from the location.
Ghost gun firearms seized from the location.
The adult suspect is a self-admitted gang member and has an extensive criminal history. He is currently on parole under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). Based on current laws, the juvenile was unable to be interviewed by investigators.
“Now it seems like the movement from the District Attorney’s office is ‘Let cuff the cops and release the crooks’ and that whole mentality is making its way onto the streets now where it’s more dangerous for our community members. So we need to definitely rethink what our role is and what reform really means in the criminal justice system and who’s benefitting from this reform…” said Sheriff Villanueva.
Sheriff Addresses the Homeless Crisis in Los Angeles Countyhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Villanueva Addresses the Homeless Crisis and Provides Statistics in Los Angeles County
On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Lieutenant Geoffrey Deedrick from the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), along with business owners from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, held a press conference to address the homeless crisis in Los Angeles County and the direct effect on businesses throughout Los Angeles County and the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Sheriff Villanueva showed various clips of news reports that portrayed the homeless crisis on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and explained that regulating public space and public safety are necessary to combat the homeless crisis.
Sheriff Villanueva stated that Venice Beach is within Los Angeles County and is the second most popular tourist destination in Southern California. The tourism industry brings approximately 50 million visitors to Los Angeles per year, contributing an estimated18 billion dollars to the local economy.
The people of Los Angeles County are being directly and indirectly affected by the homeless crisis. According to the Los Angeles County Homeless Count, ten years ago, the homeless count was approximately 40,000 and today that number doubled to approximately 80,000. Various measures, including Measure H, have passed to help the homeless. But some non-profit organizations intended to assist the homeless are more of a benefit to executive officers, directors, physicians, etc. Some nonprofit organizations (such as Share Your Share Inc. and Safe Place for Youth) have no financial data available. While billions of dollars are destined to help the homeless, very little money gets to the source of the problem. In the last ten years, six and a half billion dollars was destined to the homeless, and no progress was done. Instead, the number of homeless individuals doubled in the last ten years.
Bob Carlson, owner of a skateboard and snowboard brand founded in Venice, has lived in the popular city for 30 years and has seen firsthand what the homeless population has done to Venice Beach. A few years ago, he had the necessity to hire a full time security guard, and two weeks ago the security guard was viciously attacked on the parking lot of his business when he told a homeless man that he could not drink on the parking lot. He was so badly wounded that he almost bled to death. It took the Los Angeles Police Department almost an hour to respond. Doctors informed Carlson that two vital arteries were barely missed and his employee was lucky to be alive. Carlson said the people in Venice Beach are “on their own” and thanked Sheriff Villanueva for his efforts.
The Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team is a dedicated group of law enforcement professionals who are making a difference in the well-being of the homeless, one person at a time. The HOST team consists of a lieutenant, one sergeant, and four deputies. From its inception, the mission of HOST was to positively impact the homeless crisis in Los Angeles County, while enhancing public safety and preserving the rights and dignity of persons experiencing homelessness. Their approach is simple, yet effective. Their outreach efforts include contacting the homeless and assisting them in accepting services to include transportation and relocation, among others.
Sheriff Villanueva concluded the press conference by sharing that on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, he sent a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting them to declare a local state of emergency regarding the homeless crisis in Los Angeles County, stating, “Enough is enough. We need to kick it into high gear.”
Investigators Seek Information on Abandoned Baby and Person of Interesthttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_5203-1024x768.jpg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/acdb2e82e2505e0ba10575665071559c?s=96&d=blank&r=g
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/.
LASD HOST Team at Venice Boardwalkhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Post_venice_Host_Team_1.jpg900675SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LASD Homeless Outreach Services Team Assessing the Humanitarian Crisis at the Boardwalk in Venice, CA
Sheriff Alex Villanueva Announces Crack Down on Illegal Marijuana Operationshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/i-DzWnrcM-X3-1024x576.jpg1024576SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/acdb2e82e2505e0ba10575665071559c?s=96&d=blank&r=g
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.
Chief Laura E. Lecrivain has been a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Department) since 1995. She oversees Countywide Services Division which includes the Community Partnerships, Community Colleges, Parks, and County Services Bureau. Prior to her promotion to chief, she worked as a commander for Countywide Services Division and Custody Division.
As a captain, Chief Lecrivain commanded the Twin Towers Correctional Facility (TTCF) where she was responsible for over 800 personnel and the care of 3,000 mentally ill inmates arrested in Los Angeles County (County). The TTCF is the largest mental health facility in the United States and houses the County’s most severe mental health inmates.
During her time on the Department, Chief Lecrivain had the privilege of working an array of assignments. As a deputy, she worked Century Station patrol, detective bureau, and Operation Safe Streets (OSS). Later, as a sergeant, Chief Lecrivain worked at the Men’s Central Jail, Compton Station, OSS, and Administrative Services Division. Upon her promotion to lieutenant, Chief Lecrivain worked as a watch commander at Palmdale Station, and later at Compton Station.
Chief Lecrivain is lifetime resident of Los Angeles County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management, and a Masters’ Degree in Leadership from the University of Southern California. In her spare time, Chief Lecrivain enjoys spending time with her family and Dodger baseball. She also loves reading and enjoys running.
