Investigators Look for Potential Car Theft Victimshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0506-768x1024.jpg7681024SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Investigators Look for Potential Car Theft Victims
On Thursday February 9, 2023, investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (TRAP) unit, held a press conference to release photographs of two suspects that stole cars from unsuspecting victims.
Early in the month of January, TRAP partnered with the South Gate Police Department and worked closely to identify two suspects responsible for the theft of multiple vehicles in the city of South Gate. Arnulfo Lira and Jose Parga of Bell Gardens were arrested and they’re responsible for stealing vehicles of at least 15 identified victims.
The suspects would lure their victims to parking lots of various businesses, but mainly the parking lot of a Walmart store in the city of South Gate and would steal their vehicles by using fraud, false pretenses, and even force. On some occasions, when the victims tried backing out of the deal, the suspects produced firearms and carjacked some of the victims.
The victims would meet the suspects on social media platforms and were drawn to meet them by false business propositions. The suspects would offer the victims cash to transport merchandise to the Fresno area in California. Once the victims were in the parking lot, the suspects would take control of the vehicles and steal them. On some occasions, the suspects persuaded the victims to rent vehicles and ultimately stole the rented vehicles. The suspects targeted Spanish-speaking victims.
Investigators would like to identify additional victims or anyone who can provide information regarding the suspect’s crimes. Anyone with information is urged to call 1 (800) 299-8727 (TRAP). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.
LASD Active Shooter Training at Pierce Collegehttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/POST_active-shooter-training-at-pierce-college-1024x543.jpg1024543SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff’s Department’s Community College Bureau Coordinates Active Shooter Exercise at Pierce College
The fundamental duty of all sworn personnel is to protect life and property. As part of a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff it is essential to provide ongoing training to ensure deputies, security officers, and responding outside agencies are proficient in handling tactical incidents, with officer and public safety as the primary goal.
On Thursday, April 7, 2022, personnel from Community College Bureau, Special Enforcement Bureau, Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, the countywide Services K9 team, Mental Evaluation Team, Aero Bureau and the Los Angeles City Fire Department gathered to conduct an active shooter drill at Pierce College in Winnetka California. With the opportunity to train together and practice their skills and tactics. First responders practiced planning for and handling situations involving “active shooters” and/or mass violence at locations with multiple victims.
Community College Bureau provides contract law enforcement services to nine community colleges on campuses across Los Angeles County and the drill, which was held during spring break, was the largest multi-agency exercise conducted yet by the Community College Bureau after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. They incorporated simulated gunfire with firearms and improvised explosive devices to create a real-life feel. Role players acted as patients in the scenarios; law enforcement worked together to locate the agitators, secure the campus, locate victims, and assist those in need of medical assistance; and fire rescue personnel assisted in coordinating patient care.
Captain John Gannon, who oversees the Community College Bureau, attended the training exercise and said, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department prioritizes the safety of students and staff at all Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) campuses.” “Emergency preparedness and campus safety requires an ongoing training preparing our personnel for emergencies. The ability of a department our size to provide specialized resources and rapid deployment teams further supports the College Bureau’s commitment to keep students and faculty safe.”
The day’s event was a meaningful, insightful and impactful training exercise for first responders, faculty and students, alike. One added benefit is the mental review and rehearsal of events by the students and faculty who, as civilians, would not normally receive this type of training. Their new understanding and preparedness will likely be shared with others, guide them in the event of an active shooter and help keep them calm. First responders from three different agencies learned to work together even more fluidly during a stressful situation to uphold the same priority: Keep everyone safe.
Help us Solve The Murder of Lentrail Hickshttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8885-1024x768.jpeg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Detectives and Family Members Seek Help from the Public to Solve The Murder of LeNtrail Hicks; Detectives Announce $20K Reward
On Thursday, March 24, 2022, Homicide Bureau Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department held a press conference to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Lentrail Hicks. The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.
Shortly before noon on November 7, 2020, deputies from the Century Sheriff Station responded to a call at a residence in the area of 66th Street and Compton Avenue, in the Florence-Firestone area of Los Angeles County. Upon arriving at the location, they located Victim Lentrail Hicks suffering from a single stab wound to his abdomen. At that time, Hicks was unable to give deputies any information that would assist them to identify or locate the suspect(s). He was also unable to provide the location of the incident.
On Monday, November 9, 2020, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Investigators were notified that Victim Lentrail Hicks had died from the injuries he sustained on November 7, 2020.
Upon obtaining and viewing surveillance footage, Investigators observed an incident involving three male Hispanics walking southbound on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave. The male Hispanics included a young boy, approximately 10 to 12 years of age, a male approximately 18 years old wearing all black clothing; and a male approximately 35 years old wearing a black t-shirt with a large white logo on the front, khaki-colored pants and had a ball cap in his hands. The victim, wearing a white t-shirt, dark colored pants, and a ball cap, walked northbound on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave. The Hispanics and the victim crossed paths on the northwest corner of 68th St. and Compton Ave. It appeared there were words exchanged, but no physical altercation. The victim continued walking northbound on Compton Ave, possibly entering a local business on the block. The group of Hispanic males continued walking southbound on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave. and out of view. The entire contact took approximately 30 seconds.
Approximately two minutes later, Investigators observed the victim enter the camera view on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave, near the businesses in the 6700 block of Compton Ave. The victim looks southbound but starts walking northbound. All of a sudden, a dark colored Prius is seen driving at a high-rate speed northbound Compton Ave in the southbound lanes. The Prius stops in the number 2 southbound lane, just north of 68th Street, parallel to the victim. A male Hispanic, wearing the same black t-shirt with a large white logo on the front and khaki-colored pants from the earlier confrontation with the victim, exited the front passenger door of the Prius. He walked straight to the victim and began a physical altercation with him on the sidewalk. It appeared the driver also exited the Prius and confronted the victim. The altercation spilled out into the lanes of traffic. The two male Hispanics appear to be assaulting the victim, and at one point, the victim attempts to protect himself by kicking at them. During the altercation, the Hispanic male in khaki pants can be seen making a stabbing motion toward the victim. The victim stops and looks down at his shirt. The second Hispanic male takes a large swing at the victim, who avoids contact by spinning around. Suddenly, the three males stop fighting. The two male Hispanics get back into the Prius, while the victim is seen walking northbound. The Prius makes a u-turn on Compton Ave, then drives west on 68th Street at a high-rate speed and out of view.
According to the Victim’s mother, Paula Stringer, when Lentrail got home he yelled to her to call 911 because he had just been stabbed. Ms. Stringer called 911 and paramedics performed first aid and lifesaving measures and transported him to St. Francis Medical Center for further treatment. Despite advanced life-saving measures, Victim Hicks ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
“I’m not angry, I’m more hurt than anything. My anger has passed. My son was a lovely father, a devoted brother, a loving son, and he did not deserve this. Whatever was going on out there, please come forward and let us know that Lentrail’s death won’t go in vain,” said Lentrail’s mom.
If you have information about Lentrail’s murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or 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/.
The LASD Special Enforcement Bureau – Emergency Services Detail has been hosting basic Tactical Casualty Care Course (TCCC) training for LASD deputies and other law enforcement agencies. The course teaches lifesaving medical techniques that can help save a person’s life during a high-stress tactical incident.
During a tactical incident, access to the scene by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel may be limited. Our deputies often provide medical attention to trauma patients until EMS personnel can safely enter the scene.
Course topics include:
Introduction to Tactical Medicine/Tactical Medical Planning
Tactical Casualty Care/Tactical Mass Casualty Incident Management
Tactical Medical Equipment
Medical Aspects of Wound Ballistics/Management of Blast Injuries
Hemorrhage Control
Airway and Respiratory Management
For more information on TCCC training contact Sheriff’s Information Bureau.
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.
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/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?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/.
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/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?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.
Two inmates are alive today after being saved by two separate doses of Naloxone also known as Narcan, administered by fellow inmates. On Wednesday, May 26th, at approximately 5:37 pm, Deputies assigned to work the North County Correctional Facility (NCCF) were alerted of two inmates in medical distress. Deputies and custody medical staff immediately responded to the dorm and found two inmates on an upper-tier, unconscious, suffering from possible overdoses. However, this potential tragic outcome was averted by fellow inmates housed in the same dorm.
At the direction of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recently implemented a program in the custodial environment that provides inmates access to Narcan, a medication that, if administered quickly, can be highly effective in reversing an opioid overdose. Inmates watch an instructional video on administering the medication during their Inmate Orientation program.
When Deputies arrived, the two unconscious inmates had just received a dose of Narcan, administered by fellow inmates. Minutes later, a third inmate began to complain of dizziness. All three inmates were treated by medical staff on scene and subsequently transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Hours later, they returned to their housing facility.
With opioid overdoses on the rise, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wants to ensure that inmate safety is of utmost priority. Currently, two Narcan doses are being distributed in each of the dorms at NCCF. If the pilot program continues to save lives, the Department plans to expand this program to all custody facilities.
The American Legion Star Post 309 Honors Retired LASD Commander, Thomas Vetterhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Post_Vetter_Tree_2-1024x768.jpg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
The Tree Planting Ceremony was first introduced in the 1930s as an Arbor Day Project by the American Legion Star Post 309. The Ceremony was later changed to a Memorial Day commemoration. It is one of the longest continuing observance of its kind in Los Angeles County, suspended only during World War II.
This year the Star Post 309 celebrated the life achievements of one of their very own Past Commanders, Thomas Vetter who retired as an LASD Commander and served as Star Post Commander in 1966. His End of Watch was January 16, 2021.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Star Post 309 was founded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies who were also World War I veterans. One of the founders was William I. Traeger who served as the 26th Sheriff of Los Angeles County.
In later years, memorial plaques were added to the newly planted trees in commemoration of Past Commanders and Worthy Members of Star Post 309. Trees were planted as a permanent and living memorial to the military veterans of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and other notable law enforcement officers in the State of California.
During this month of May, we celebrate the lives and memories of those who have died in the line of duty as law enforcement officers and as Memorial Day is upon us, we shall honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice of service to our great Nation. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth
VALOR AWARD PRESENTED TO SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT BUREAUhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Air-5-Crew-1024x681.jpeg1024681SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) Medal of Valor to five Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew members for their effort, skill, determination, and commitment during the search and recovery operation of SBSD Search and Rescue (SAR) member Timothy Staples.
Staples was one of 126 people across 23 teams searching for Sreenivas “Sree” Mokkapati, who was reported missing on December 8, 2019, after becoming separated from his group while ascending Mount Baldy. Staples’ partner on the search and rescue team alerted the sheriff’s department on Saturday that he had become separated from Staples. Despite inclement weather conditions and treacherous terrain, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew located Staples in “an area of ice and snow.” He was unresponsive, and a crew member lowered to Staples determined he was dead.
Even though the operation turned into a recovery, the crew’s efforts still demonstrate the dangerous working conditions search and rescue personnel face every day. “In my opinion, the LASD has one of the best search and rescue programs in the nation, and the Flight Deputies and Crew of Air 5 are the cream of the crop,” said Sheriff Villanueva.
San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Medal of Valor to Los Angeles County Air Rescue 5 Crew member Deputies Todd Kocisko, Scott Helbing, Steve Pratt, Jennifer Shepard, and Sergeant Dave Carver for their act of bravery during the operation.
