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
Man sought by LASD for Unincorporated Whittier Homicidehttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Post_Presser_Stabbing_main-1024x684.jpg1024684SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
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
LASD Readiness: Historical Hurricanes Impacting the County of Los Angeleshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-023-088-003-1024x819.jpg1024819SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4483a3d8479236e0bb61cda938f4f11de225b06c311c4e91c6a6948aba088210?s=96&d=blank&r=g
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 Announces Arrest of Violent Robbery Suspectshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Team--1024x512.jpg1024512SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4483a3d8479236e0bb61cda938f4f11de225b06c311c4e91c6a6948aba088210?s=96&d=blank&r=g
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.
Sheriff Robert Luna discusses Palmdale Use of force incident from july 14, 2022https://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Capture-1024x552.png1024552SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4483a3d8479236e0bb61cda938f4f11de225b06c311c4e91c6a6948aba088210?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Statement from Sheriff Robert Luna regarding a Palmdale Use of Force
One year ago tomorrow, on July 13, 2022, just prior to midnight, Palmdale Station deputies conducted a traffic stop after seeing a car driving at night without headlights. During the traffic stop, deputies smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle. There were also four females and three infants in the vehicle. The infants were being held in the arms of the mothers without the use of child car seats.
As a result, deputies on scene made the discretionary decision to arrest the passengers and the driver for felony child endangerment. The male driver was also arrested for driving suspended license and driving under the influence of alcohol. Additional deputies and a supervising sergeant arrived to assist with the traffic stop.
During the arrests of the females a use of force occurred on two of the women to affect the arrest and gain control of the infants. One of these uses of force involved a mother and her three-week-old infant, who was refusing to let go of her child. During the encounter a deputy punched the female twice in the face.
This use of force was assigned to the Internal Affairs Bureau for an investigation shortly after the incident. The event was captured on the deputies Body Worn Camera, and we have released the video today, in accordance with our commitment to transparency.
As your Sheriff, I want to speak clearly and directly to our community about this incident. I found the punching of the woman in these circumstances unacceptable. While this incident occurred one year ago, before my term as Sheriff began, I took swift action upon learning of this incident several days ago. I must note that state law precludes me from disclosing disciplinary actions taken in this matter.
I directed our Professional Standards Division to refer this incident to the District Attorney for criminal consideration. The Los Angeles FBI Office will also looking into this matter.
I have spoken with local elected officials, along with community and religious leaders, to discuss this incident.
Even during our most difficult moments – we must continue to work together as a community to build bridges, to have those painful and candid conversations. And that is my commitment, so we can establish public safety and public trust for this Department.
I have said it before, and I will repeat it again; the vast majority of our deputies and professional staff are doing incredible work on behalf of the 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. I remain in awe of the professionalism, commitment, and courage shown by members of our Department each and every day.
I was elected as Sheriff to keep our communities safe, and to bring new leadership and accountability to this department. And that’s exactly what we will do. My goal is to ensure services are respectful, empathetic, and constitutional.
That is our standard – which is what Los Angeles County deserves from this Department.
LASD Custody Assistant participates in dog training program to assist Guide Dogs of Americahttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/LASD-large.png800170SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Our Twin Towers Custody Assistant Officer Valenzuela has been participating in a dog training program to assist Guide Dogs of America achieve milestones in their dogs to help them transition into becoming guide or service dogs for our military veterans and the disabled.
During Gretel’s visits at Twin towers Correctional facility, Gretel provided comfort and a smile to both our staff and inmates.
Telephonic and impersonation scams have been on the rise and we have a few safety tips to prevent you from being a victim of these type of crimes.
Be aware of how in depth your social media post may be.
Do not upload material with personal information or make private information about yourself public.
Law enforcement agencies will never call and ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrencies, personal information or any form of payment over the phone, EVER!
Verify the validity of the caller by calling your local police station before taking any action.
If you have elderly parents/grandparents, extended family, friends etc. who live alone, please inform them and protect them from these predatory calls.
Lancaster use of Force Press Conferencehttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Post_Lancaster_UOF_PC_Main-1024x599.jpg1024599SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Robert Luna holds News Conference regarding Lancaster Use of Force
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has opened an investigation into this incident. While the Department does not make statements related to ongoing investigations, Sheriff Luna has made it clear that he expects Department personnel to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect, and that personnel who do not uphold our training standards will be held accountable. In the interest of transparency with our community, the Sheriff’s Department is releasing body-worn camera video from the incident.
Background: On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Lancaster Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a report of an in-progress robbery at a grocery store at 700 block of West Avenue K-4 in the city of Lancaster.
Upon arrival, deputies approached a man, and a woman, matching the description given by store security personnel in calls placed to 911. As deputies attempted to detain the individuals described by store security personnel, the encounter escalated into a use of force incident that was captured by a community member with a cell phone camera. The video is disturbing.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has initiated an investigation of this incident. That investigation will include reviewing body-worn camera video, surveillance video from the store and cell phone video provided by a community member. Both deputies have been re-assigned from field duty pending further administrative review.
An objective review of the incident will be conducted to determine if the force used was reasonable, necessary, appropriate, and proportional to the level of actions described.
Please note that this video is being released before a full investigation of this incident and that additional facts may come to light that are not apparent in the body-worn camera video.
LASD Develops New Custody Bail Procedure Following Los Angeles County Superior Court Ruling on Bail Schedulehttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/LASD-large.png800170SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LASD Develops New Custody Bail Procedure Following Los Angeles County Superior Court Ruling on Bail Schedule
California Superior Court Judge Lawrence P. Riff declared on May 16, 2023, that enforcing the bail schedule, including monetary bail, violates the Due Process clause of the U.S. and California Constitutions. As a result, the judge has issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits the application or enforcement of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s 2022 Felony Bail Schedule and 2022 Bail Schedule for Infractions and Misdemeanors by the Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department before arraignment.
This ruling will impact only pre-arraigned arrestees and applies solely to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The 45 independent city agencies within the county may continue to hold their inmates from arrest through arraignment.
As part of the court’s directive, the Sheriff’s Department will now adhere to the provisions outlined in the “THIRD LOS ANGELES COUNTY EMERGENCY BAIL SCHEDULE MODIFICATION,” effective October 20, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.
Elimination of cash bail: The modification aimed to eliminate the requirement of posting cash bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses. Instead, individuals charged with these offenses would be released on their recognizance or subject to non-monetary conditions. The Los Angeles County Jail System will not accept inmates who do not meet the exception criteria outlined in the Emergency Bail Schedule, this includes court lock-ups. These arrestees will need to remain in the custody of the arresting agency until the arraignment is complete or the arrestee is released by that agency.
Exceptions for certain offenses: The modification did not apply to serious or violent offenses, including certain most crimes such as of violence, sexual offenses, domestic violence, and offenses involving weapons. Please review the exception criteria outlined in the Emergency Bail Schedule.
The judge’s ruling also updates the “Repeat Offender” provision, stating that subsequent offenses committed while released on $0 bail during the abeyance period will be subject to bail parameters set forth by the applicable bail schedule.
The ruling will not affect Parole and Probation Revocations unless they fall under the pre-arraigned provision of the preliminary injunction. Parole or probation warrants undergo judicial review before being issued.
As noted above, this ruling only applies to pre-arraigned arrestees. Inmates remanded by the Superior Court will continue to be accepted into the Los Angeles County jail system.
Family Seeks Help to Solve the Murder of carlos Alvarez-Diaz-$30,000 Rewardhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_0645-1024x768.jpg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Family Members Seek Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of their Loved One, Detectives Announce $30,000 Reward
On Wednesday May 17, 2023, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD) Homicide Bureau, City Officials from Hawaiian Gardens and relatives of the victim held a press conference to announce a $30,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the identity, arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Carlos Alvarez-Diaz. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $20,000 and the city of Hawaiian Gardens offered an additional $10,000, for a total of $30,000.
On October 8, 2022, at approximately 1:09 a.m., LASD deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot victim call at the 22300 block of Wardham Avenue, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens, CA.
Upon arrival, deputies observed Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz lying on the ground, near his vehicle, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived on scene and pronounced Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz deceased. A 14-year-old was also struck by gunfire but survived.
Homicide investigators learned Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was shot while he drove north on Norwalk Boulevard at 226th Street, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens. Investigators believe Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was an innocent victim of this senseless act of violence.
The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored, four-door vehicle with several males inside. The shooter was described as a Hispanic male, in his late teens or early 20’s, wearing a black t-shirt and black beanie. The vehicle was last seen northbound on Norwalk Boulevard.
Carlos Alvarez-Diaz grew up in Hawaiian Gardens and was a resident of San Bernardino at the time of his death. He was a family man whose greatest joys were his two daughters and his unborn son. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
“My brother was not a gang member. He was not looking for trouble. He was just driving his car around and unfortunately, he was the victim of a senseless act of violence. He leaves behind a wife, two girls and a baby boy who is never going to meet his dad. If anybody knows anything, we ask that you please call this number and give us information. Don’t do it for the money, do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Carlos’ brother, Adrian Diaz.
“Those responsible for murdering Carlos Alvarez-Diaz and shooting and injuring a 14-year-old are still at large. If you have any information that could help Sheriff’s detectives solve this case, I urge you to come forward. Carlos’s family need and deserve answers. I appreciate the Sheriff Department’s attention to this case and our partnership in bringing this reward forward,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn in a written statement.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or (323) 697-7327. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.
