Posts Tagged :

2021

Image of a coffee cup on a plate, the plate is covered with coffee beans. Everything is sitting on a burlap material. At the top there is a Sheriff's star, gold six point star with an engraving of a bear in the middle. The text reads "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Coffee with a Deputy"
Coffee with a Deputy – San Dimas 1024 653 SIB Staff

Coffee with a Deputy – San Dimas

Join your neighbors and local San Dimas Sheriff’s for a friendly conversation.

Thursday, October 7, 2021
4-6 p.m.

Starbucks – San Dimas
114 E. Bonita Avenue,
San Dimas, CA, 91773

We Will Never Forget, September 11, 2001. Image of the american flag waving over the One Trade Center Tower on the left of flag and the Right side of flag are the Twin towers very faint over the orange purple sky.
LASD Remembers and honors the 20th anniversary of 9/11 900 900 SIB Staff

LASD Remembers and honors the 20th anniversary of 9/11

Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

LASD will Never Forget 911!

deputy sheriff is walking with two hispanic men down the street towards a camera. They are having a friendly conversation. The Deputy is wearing a tan longsleeve shirt with a black tie and green pants. there are two men on either side of the deputy. They are holding books and a backpack.
Policy Regarding Immigration Inquiries and Notification 662 522 SIB Staff

Policy Regarding Immigration Inquiries and Notification

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Policy Regarding Immigration Inquiries and Notification

This policy is intended to reassure immigrant communities that there is no need to fear contact with the Sheriff’s Department.  Policy Section 05-09/271.00 “Immigration Inquires and Notifications.”

  • Department members shall investigate criminal activity without regard for an individual’s legal status.
  • Department members shall not initiate police action with the objective of discovering the individual’s immigration status.
  • Deputies shall not arrest an individual on suspicion of violating a federal immigration law relating to illegal entry, being unlawfully present, or overstaying a visa.
  • Department members shall not inquire about an individual’s immigration status.
  • If a victim’s, witness’ or offender’s immigration status is discovered during an investigation, deputies shall not forward that information to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Department members shall not use an immigration authority as an interpreter.
  • For additional policy information visit www.lasd.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be deported by LASD during a routine traffic stop or call for help?
Answer: No.  The Sheriff’s Department does not enforce federal immigration laws.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are prohibited from asking about a person’s immigration status during routine traffic stops or calls for service.

If a deputy discovers I’m an undocumented immigrant, will the deputy arrest me for a violation of a federal immigration law?
Answer: No.  Sheriff’s Department policy prohibits deputies from arresting or booking an individual on suspicion of violating federal immigration laws.

Can I be deported by LASD if I report a crime or call for help?
Answer: No.  The mission of the Sheriff’s Department is to investigate crimes that have occurred, regardless of a victim’s or offender’s immigration status.  When receiving a call for service, the focus of the Sheriff’s Department is helping victims and witnesses, not enforcing federal immigration laws.  If a victim’s or a witness’ immigration status is discovered during an investigation, Department personnel are prohibited by policy from notifying ICE of the person’s immigration status.

What happens to a Deputy who asks about my immigration status?
Answer: A deputy sheriff who inappropriately inquiries about immigration status is subject to administrative discipline.

Does the Sheriff’s Department assist ICE with immigration enforcement operations?
Answer: No.  The Sheriff’s Department does not participate in or assist ICE with immigration enforcement operations.  We may participate in joint federal task force operations with federal immigration authorities only where the purpose of the task force is to investigate violations of local, state, or federal criminal laws.

Guía Informativo Sobre Inmigración

Preguntas Frecuentes
¿Seré deportado por ICE después de haber sido encarcelado por un delito?
Respuesta: Depende.  El gobierno federal tiene acceso a las huellas dactilares de todos los que es­tán encarcelados por todo el país y puede comen­zar procedimientos de deportación. Sin embargo, el LASD solo permite el acceso de ICE a reclusos que han sido condenados por ciertos crímenes, tal como son enumerados en el Proyecto de la Ley 54 del Senado de California (Consulte la sec­ción 7282.5 del Código del Gobierno de Cal.).

¿Cuál es el procedimiento para que una víctima de un delito solicite una “Visa U”?
Respuesta: La persona debe ser víctima de un crimen calificado. En algunos casos, los testigos y / o miembros de familia pueden ser elegibles en solicitar una Visa U. El solicitante o el detective de la estación pueden iniciar la solicitud de la Visa U (Formulario I-918 de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS)). El formulario debe ser llenado y presentado al detective manejando el caso. El detective revisará el expediente y de­terminará si el solicitante fue víctima de un cargo calificado y fue útil en la investigación. La present­ación de cargos penales y un enjuiciamiento crimi­nal no son requisitos para nuestra certificación en la solicitud de una Visa U. Si se cumplen todos los requisitos en la solicitud, la estación o el capitán de la unidad certificarán la solicitud, firmándola en nombre del Alguacil. La copia original es devuelta al solicitante o al defensor. El peticionario enviará todos los documentos aplicables al USCIS.

Para preguntas o quejas por favor llame a la:
Unidad de Información del Alguacil (213) 229-1700
Unidad de Asuntos Internos (800) 698-8255

Les animamos en ponerse en con­tacto con cualquier estación local del Alguacil para ob­tener respuestas a cualquier pregunta adicional o si tiene una preocupación.

image of a hand writing on a chalk board, the board reads "BACK TO SCHOOL" and has a smile under the two o in the word "School".
Back to School 900 900 SIB Staff

Back to School

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL!

THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES THE PUBLIC TO STAY AWARE AND STAY SAFE IN SCHOOL ZONES: As students head back to the classroom, schools and the communities around them are going to be busier than they’ve been since the start of the pandemic. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone to stay aware and stay safe with increased traffic returning to school zones.

There are going to be a lot more parents, students and staff out than residents have seen in more than a year. Please drive carefully in school zones, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. This includes remembering what to do around school buses.

The easiest, safest thing to do is to stop the car when you encounter a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights. There are going to be students getting on and off the school bus. It’s also the law.

California law requires drivers to stop when a school bus is in front of them and extends its stop sign with flashing red lights. Drivers must remain stopped if the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips to stay safe around schools: • Slow down. • Follow any school rules for dropping off or picking up students. • Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting. • Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn. • Always look both ways before crossing the street. Make sure cars see you. • Walk on sidewalks, when available. Cross at marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals. • Watch for cars entering or backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces

head shot of suspect in this case, Dandre Lorenz Powell: male, very short hair, White hear plug earings, tatoo over right eye, tatoos on neck.suspect is wearing black hooded sweatshirt.
Information Wanted – Ride Share Driver Assault 791 1024 SIB Staff

Information Wanted – Ride Share Driver Assault

Information Wanted – Ride Share Driver Assault

On Thursday, May 20, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Temple Station Captain Mark Reyes, Detective Sergeant Richard Lewis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Frankie Sanchez, US Marshalls Service; and South El Monte Mayor Gloria Olmos, announced the arrest of the individual responsible for the brutal assault of an elderly Asian rideshare driver. 

On Monday, May 10, 2021, at approximately 9:20 p.m. a gunman slid into the backseat of an elderly Asian ride share driver as he waited for his next ride at a gas station near the intersection of Rosemead Boulevard and Rush Street in South El Monte. The driver was struck in the face multiple times with a gun and robbed of more than $1,500 in cash. The victim suffered severe facial trauma and received medical treatment. 

Since the attack was caught on dash cam video and was circulated widely on news outlets and social media, the public called in with information and made anonymous reports. Crime analysts began working on the case and identified the suspect. Within five days of learning of the crime, through a collaborative effort with the US Marshalls Service, 26 year-old Dandre Lorenz Powell, a resident of Downey, was arrested on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in the city of Paramount.

“A dangerous individual has been captured and taken off the streets. He has an extensive criminal history, is known to law enforcement and is currently on probation,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

If you have information about this senseless attack, or any other incidents involving the suspect, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Temple Station at (626) 292-3300.  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/.

Image of the Buena Park Police departent memorial of fallen officers. Bronze statue of a saluting officer, another officer on one knee presenting a folded flag to a little girl. all cast in bronze.
Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Department 900 715 SIB Staff

Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Department

LASD Deputy Shayne Daniel York honored by The Buena Park Police Department

There is no pain greater than losing your best friend or someone you love and admire.  It can leave behind a void in your life that seems impossible to fill and you are left with a broken heart for a lifetime.

For the last 24 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with his family, friends, and at the time his fiancée, have felt those exact emotions after losing Deputy Shayne Daniel York in 1997, when he was brutally murdered during a robbery in the city of Buena Park.

In a true act of brotherhood that exists in law enforcement, the LASD was humbled and appreciative to hear Deputy Shayne York was being memorialized by the Buena Park Police Department.

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, at approximately 9 a.m., the Buena Park Police Department unveiled a new Buena Park Police Department Fallen Officer’s Memorial site.

The memorial was created and dedicated to honor Buena Park’s Fallen officers: Detective Darrel “Bud” Cate, Corporal Tyler Matthew Pinchot, Officer Daniel Ryan Ackerman and Deputy Shayne Daniel York because he was murdered in the City of Buena Park.   

Family, friends, and law enforcement officers attended the memorial to remember our fallen heroes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Honor Guard performed a 21 gun salute while Buena Park’s Police Honor Guard guarded the memorial.

Sergeant Roger Plumlee, President of the Buena Park Police Association and one of the collaborators of the memorial said, “When we unveil this memorial, we will see something very beautiful made of stone, granite and bronze. The symbolism of the memorial is to remind the community and all who see it, of the loss we have suffered and the loss the families have suffered and who continue to do it today. When I look out and see everyone in uniform, I see a living memorial and its incumbent on of all us to keep the memory of these four men alive and share their stories.”

Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who attended the ceremony, started his speech by thanking Buena Park Police Chief Corey S. Sianez, distinguished guests and the families of the fallen Police Officers in the audience. “It’s a touching tribute to the sacrifice of each and everyone one of them (fallen officers) and of you the families,” he said. “First and foremost you will always be in our thoughts and prayers; it’s a tribute we will never forget.  Everything we do is a testament to their sacrifice and everyone here standing in uniform, everyone doing the job runs the risk of losing their life. It’s a testament of just the difficulties of the job and the times we live in.”

Chief Corey S. Sianez said, “This unveiling could not have happened at a better time during National Peace Officers Memorial Week. The week set aside to remember and recognize those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. The names on this memorial represent not only those that have sacrifice their own lives, doing what they love to do and serving their communities, but also those that remember the Buena Park Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Family. We are brothers and we knew them well. Although you have not seen the memorial yet, but you will very soon. We designed it to reflect the diversity of our department.”

The memorial depicts a touching and embracing moment when police officers comfort a fallen officer’s child with the plaques engraved with the names of the fallen officers below it. The memorial reads, “Remembering Their Service, Honoring Their Sacrifice.”

Deputy Shayne York was brutally murdered on the night of August 14, 1997 in the city of Buena Park.  Deputy York and his fiancée, who was also a deputy, were both off-duty and unarmed. They were in a hair salon when two suspects stormed into the location and ordered everyone to lie on the floor as they took their purses and wallets.

When the suspects discovered a badge in Deputy York’s wallet, they immediately executed him by shooting him in the back of the head. Deputy York was rushed to the hospital where he died from his wounds. Both suspects were caught a short time later and were convicted for the murder of Deputy York.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to send our sincerest thanks to the Buena Park Police Department for honoring our very own, Deputy Shayne York. The new memorial is a collaboration between Buena Park Police Department, Buena Park Police Association and the City of Buena Park. The goal of the new memorial is to capture the solemnity of the fallen officers but also the loss created from their ultimate sacrifice; leaving behind family, a law enforcement family and friends.

The new memorial stands directly in front of the Buena Park’s police station, and serves as a bitter reminder of the ultimate sacrifice police officers often take.

Still from security camera showing a Sheriff's Custody Assistant in uniform handing an inmate an item just before she is attacked. The inmate is dressed in a blue jump suit and is standing infront of a gurney. The room has a wide concrete floor and is surrounded by glass walls and a door is behind them.
LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted 600 394 SIB Staff

LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted

LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted in unprovoked attack by Inmate at the Inmate Reception Center

On May 5th, 2021, An inmate at the Inmate Reception Center brutally punched a custody assistant after his left hand was unsecured from his waist chain when he asked to use the restroom.

The 54-year-old Asian female was launched to the floor after handing the inmate toilet paper as she crashed into medical carts from the strong blow. The 29-year-old Inmate continued the assault by punching her two more times in her face as she laid on the floor.

The Inmate then stopped his attack and sat back down on a gurney, offering no resistance to arriving sheriff’s personnel who secured him to the gurney. The custody assistant suffered trauma to the face and head. She was transported to a local hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. She remains in stable condition.

The Inmate, 29-year-old Arnulfo Meza, was transported to a high-security area and is pending assault and hate crime charges.

There is no additional information at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Video of LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant assaulted in an unprovoked attack by an inmate. Viewer discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of the attack.
Still image from Body Camera Footage of Deputy writing ticket to a woman inside a car. The Woman is holding up her phone showing the Deputy something on the screen. The image details have been blured to protect the woman's personal information and Identity.
SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021 1024 557 SIB Staff

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

Recently, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy assigned to San Dimas station was involved in a traffic stop that was caught on body-worn camera video. During the traffic stop, a citation was issued to the driver. Shortly after the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle in question filed a personnel complaint against the Deputy. The traffic stop video was seen on social media, which garnered overwhelming public and media interest. Online stories were generated wherein speculation of the complainant’s identity and work location was being discussed. Although the person in the video identified themselves as a teacher, it should be noted they have not been employed with the Los Angeles Community College District since 2017. Additionally, there are numerous names wrongfully being associated with the individual’s identity. We caution others about the dangers associated with these false accusations. An investigation was completed wherein the complainant was interviewed, and a thorough review of the incident, including body-worn camera footage, was reviewed. After the investigation, it was determined the traffic stop was conducted within department policy and procedures.

Please note – some sections of the video have been blurred and some audio has been redacted to protect the identity of the individual who was cited.

Body Camera Footage of San Dimas Traffic Stop

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants 1024 768 SIB Staff

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants


Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants

The proliferation of illegal Marijuana cultivation operations throughout the high desert area has become an ever-growing problem in the Antelope Valley. As a result of information received through public calls for service, and the office of Supervisor Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to Community Partnerships Bureau (COPS) served two search warrants in the Fort Tejon area of Palmdale targeting some of these illegal operations.


 
On Tuesday, May 4th, 2021, a suspect was taken into custody for the illegal cultivation of marijuana during these warrant services. Additionally, approximately 3,800 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Due to the fact these operations were being conducted on public lands, members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also present. Their office will seek additional charges related to the destruction and contamination of local wildlife.


 
Illegal marijuana grows are not only illegal, but are harmful to the environment and wildlife due to the hazardous chemicals and toxic pesticides used. The illegal marijuana grows are also dangerous for residents who may stumble upon them.  There could be toxic molds and fungus, faulty electrical hook ups and booby traps that can be life threatening to those who wander onto the land where these illegal marijuana grows are.
 
We thank those residents who contacted the LASD to provide the information which led to the apprehension of the suspect, the seizure of the illegal narcotics, and the return of these public lands to the residents of the Antelope Valley. 
 
If you know of any illegal marijuana grow operations in your area, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Image of fake pharmaceuticals confiscated by LASD.
Intellectual Property 900 503 SIB Staff

Intellectual Property

National Day of World Intellectual Property

Today we mark National Day of World Intellectual Property. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe.”

Counterfeiting is the largest global criminal enterprise affecting economic growth and impacting the health and safety of consumers. This illicit trade is a significant problem worldwide that continues to grow. Whether it is smuggling, counterfeit, or tax evasion, governments are losing billions of dollars in tax revenues, legitimate businesses are being undermined, and consumers are being exposed to poorly made and unregulated products.

Image of 40 or 50 fake motorcycle helmets displayed in an office. The Helmets are on a wall rack along the wall.

It is a crime to steal, with the intention to, Sell and/or Manufacture of someone’s registered trademark and/or logo, whether it’s a song, artwork, or tangible property. 

Within the County of Los Angeles, the Sheriff’s Department enforces trademarks to protect against Intellectual Property theft and ensure the health and safety of consumers. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement (CAPE) Team is an active investigative unit consisting of Sheriff Deputies, a Sergeant, and a Lieutenant responsible for enforcing counterfeit-related crimes and investigation of various “quality of life” issues, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and safety products. 

If you know of someone who is selling counterfeit products, you can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Community Partnerships Bureau, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement Team at 323-981-5300 to provide information on the Sale and/or Manufacture of counterfeit goods. Or 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