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Sheriff Robert Luna

Cloudy blue yellow background with the LA county Sheriff's Star and logo. "2024 Valor Awards" Courage, Bravery and sacrifice.
LASD Valor awards 2024 750 750 SIB Staff

LASD Valor awards 2024

Sheriff Robert Luna Recognizes and Awards Department Personnel During 2024 Valor Awards Ceremony

Every day, deputies risk their lives to protect communities in the County of Los Angeles, and sometimes certain deputies go above and beyond the call of duty.

In 1982, the Department Valor Awards Program was established to officially and publicly recognize the exceptionally heroic acts performed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department members with the highest awards such as the Meritorious Conduct Medal award and the Medal of Valor. These medals and awards symbolize acts of bravery, personal dedication, enduring physical trauma, and selfless sacrifice in the service of others with the ultimate goal of saving lives. 

On Wednesday, October 3, 2024, to honor their courage and commitment to service, Sheriff Robert Luna along with LASD Executives, presented medals to 26 Department members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), two retired and five civilians for their heroic actions with the highest honors during the annual Valor Awards Ceremony.

Watch the LASD Valor awards 2024

2024 LASD Valors awards, hosted at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, in Los Angeles – Facebook

Christine Devine who is an acclaimed and well-renowned American television news anchor for FOX 11 in Los Angeles was invited to be the Master of Ceremonies (MC). She has won an impressive 16 Emmy Awards throughout her career. Devine also holds an honorary doctorate from Cal State LA and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at her alma mater, Arizona State University.

During the event, Master of Ceremonies Cristine Devine invited Sheriff Robert Luna to the stage and recounted the heroic actions of each award recipient to an audience of nearly 300 Department personnel, colleagues, family, and friends.

Once all the recipients received their medals and awards, Sheriff Robert Luna took the stage and said, “As I look out in this auditorium, I see people who care about their communities, their neighbors, and place the value of service above self-interest, people who step forward and take action under very dangerous and uncertain conditions, none of these men and women never hesitated, they went right in.”

He recognized the community members by saying, “I commend our community members who earned Humanitarian Medals for their brave actions, that made a difference in the outcome of these incidents and the lives of others. We are all grateful and proud to have you here today.”

Sheriff Robert Luna during his speech expressed his admiration and appreciation to the recipients by saying, “The Medal of Valor is the highest honor given to a law enforcement officer and an absolute testament to the acts of unparalleled bravery and selflessness. I’m absolutely honored to be here with all of you today and to share the honor with our recipients. Every day, the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department face immense challenges and dangers, and their actions are scrutinized like never before, and yet, they risk everything. Everything to serve their communities, to serve each and to serve every one of us.”

Sheriff Robert Luna while ending his speech proudly said, “I am reminded of why at least me personally I wanted to become a law enforcement officer and why I take absolute pride in what I believe is the best but most difficult profession in the world. Heroic actions like these, we acknowledge today, are what sets our profession apart from all others that make it a truly noble profession.”

The eleven incidents highlighted during the Valor Awards are as follows:

Recipients of the Humanitarian Medal 

Pablo Pena, Fredy Hernandez, Dawaun Lucas, Cynthia Ramirez, and Victor Martinez.

Incident: Pico Rivera Station – July 5, 2020

On July 5, 2020, a suspect who had just committed a carjacking, which resulted in the death of a child, attempted to carjack a second vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle, Pablo Pena, had exited the vehicle to purchase drinks from a street vendor while his wife and child were in the running vehicle. The suspect jumped into the driver’s seat of Pena’s vehicle and began to drive away.

Pena feared for the safety of his family and quickly jumped into the rear passenger seat. He began punching the suspect and put him in a headlock, causing the suspect to lose control of the vehicle.

The vehicle crashed into a curbline, and the suspect exited the vehicle and began running. Witness Fredy Hernandez was working as a food and drink street vendor when he saw the suspect jump into Pena’s vehicle and then attempt to flee. Hernandez and other witnesses grabbed the suspect and held him down until deputies arrived.

Witnesses Dawaun Lucas, Victor Martinez, and Cynthia Ramirez followed the suspect after the first carjacking and called 911.

For their bravery, quick thinking, and immediate action, Pablo Pena, Fredy Hernandez, Dawaun Lucas, Cynthia Ramirez, and Victor Martinez were awarded the Humanitarian Medal.

Recipients of the Meritorious Conduct Silver Medal

Deputy Christopher Flores, Deputy Randell Anchondo, Deputy Anthony Pacheco, and Lieutenant Ruben Loera.

Incident: Temple Station – December 13, 2021

On December 13, 2021, Temple Station deputies responded to a call of a suicidal male under the influence of a controlled substance with a boxcutter knife. Deputies immediately formulated a plan to gain the male’s cooperation.

Deputy Christopher Flores, a Crisis Intervention Trained deputy, communicated with the male from the doorway of the male’s bedroom. The male began slashing his neck repeatedly. Deputy Flores fired his Taser at the male’s torso, but it did not deter the male from using his knife on himself. Sergeant Loera (now a Lieutenant) ordered Deputy Randell Anchondo to fire one round of 40MM, striking the male in the lower back. Deputy Flores then stunned the male in his upper back, however, both less-lethal tools were ineffective.

The male began losing large amounts of blood from his neck wound, which resulted in him dropping the knife. The deputies immediately applied pressure to the male’s neck while restraining the suspect, so he wouldn’t cause further harm.

For their bravery and decisiveness in a dangerous situation, Deputies Anchondo, Flores, Anthony Pacheco, and Lieutenant Loera are awarded Meritorious Conduct Silver.

Recipients of the Lifesaving Medal

Deputies Sterling Buck, Taylor Brannigan,

Recipients of the Meritorious Conduct Silver Medal

Deputy Santos Coronado

Incident: Lakewood Station – November 22, 2019

On November 22, 2019, Lakewood Station deputies responded to a call of a vehicle on fire with a person inside. Deputies arrived before the Fire Department to a black Chevrolet Trail Blazer engulfed in flames and immediately began using their fire extinguishers.

As the victim screamed for help from inside the vehicle, Deputies Sterling Buck and Taylor Brannigan attempted to extinguish the fire, giving Deputy Ivan Santos Coronado enough time to extract the victim from the vehicle.

Lakewood Station deputies demonstrated teamwork and determination to extract the victim. Deputies Buck and Brannigan are awarded Lifesaving medals, and Deputy Santos Coronado is awarded Meritorious Conduct Silver.

Recipients of the Meritorious Conduct Silver Medal

Deputy Elliot Plichta, Deputy Rafael Vargas, Deputy Aldrin Mora, Deputy Bryant Torregano Jr., Deputy Alejandro Tineo

Incident: Transit Services Bureau – January 19, 2021

On January 19, 2021, Transit Services Bureau deputies responded to a call at the El Monte Bus Terminal of a distraught woman threatening to end her life by jumping from the upper level of the terminal to the lower bus bay area 40 feet below.

Deputy Elliot Plichta immediately engaged the female in conversation to distract her. Deputy Rafael Vargas circled in an attempt to gain control of the female. As the female continued to converse with Deputy Plichta, Deputy Vargas grabbed her hand and held onto her as she stepped off the ledge.

The female was dangling from the ledge while Deputies Plichta, Vargas, Deputy Aldrin Mora, Deputy Bryant Torregano Jr., and Deputy Alejandro Tineo (now a Sergeant) grabbed her and pulled her up over the ledge to safety.

For their quick thinking, selflessness, and lifesaving actions, Deputies Plichta, Vargas, Mora, Torregano Jr., and Sergeant Tineo are awarded Meritorious Conduct Silver.

Recipients of Meritorious Conduct Silver Medal

Deputies Jason Colon, Deputy Hector Sinay

Incident: Lakewood Station – February 17, 2019

On February 17, 2019, Lakewood Station deputies responded to a call of a burning apartment in the city of Paramount.

Deputies Jason Colon and Hector Sinay arrived and found the balcony area of one apartment on fire and fire entering the unit. The deputies entered the building and rescued an elderly female and male from their unit.

Both deputies suffered from smoke inhalation and were transported to the nearest hospital to recover.

For Deputies Colon and Sinay’s extreme dedication to saving lives, their selflessness, and their willingness to go over and beyond, they are awarded the Meritorious Conduct Silver.

Recipients of the Meritorious Conduct Silver Medal

Deputies Travis Jaime, Christopher Abeyta, Sergeant German Ochoa Deputy Laura Garcia-Tinajero

Incident: Norwalk Station – June 28, 2018

On June 28, 2018, Norwalk deputies responded to a stabbing call in an apartment complex. When they arrived, the victim was lying on the upper walkway, bleeding profusely. Residents exited the building and notified the deputies that the suspect was still inside the apartment.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the deputies quickly formulated a plan to extract the suspect. Deputies Travis Jaime, Christopher Abeyta, and Detective German Ochoa (Now a Sergeant) provided security cover with a shield, while Deputy Laura Garcia-Tinajero rescued the victim. Deputy Garcia Tinajero delivered the victim to awaiting paramedics and rejoined her team on the upper walkway.

Deputies were told there was an eight-year-old girl inside the apartment with the suspect. They knew they had to be tactful and quick in extracting the suspect while protecting the young girl.

Deputy Jaime maintained the shield, Detective Ochoa deployed the Arwen, and Deputy Abeyta deployed a Taser. The team approached the door and found it unlocked. After making announcements and calling the suspect by name, the suspect walked towards the front door with the girl behind him. The young girl was rescued by the deputies while the suspect peacefully surrendered.

Deputies Abeyta, Jaime, Garcia Tinajero, and Sergeant Ochoa displayed incredible skill, kept calm in a dangerous situation, rescued the stabbing victim, the little girl, and apprehended the suspect without further incident. For that, they are awarded the Meritorious Conduct Silver.

Recipients of Meritorious Conduct Silver Medal

Sheriff’s Security Officer (SSO) Luis Medina

Incident: County Services Bureau – December 11, 2019

On December 11, 2019, while working at the West Valley Department of Mental Health Clinic in Chatsworth, Sheriff’s Security Officer (SSO) Luis Medina saw thick black smoke coming from a residence across the street from his post.

SSO Medina immediately ran towards the residence as he radioed for assistance from the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

SSO Medina entered the home through the smoke-filled garage and began checking the rooms. He found a male sleeping in one of the bedrooms. He made contact with the male and assisted him out of the residence. When SSO Medina determined there was no one else in the residence, he exited and noticed the fire had intensified.

SSO Medina used the garden hose to control the fire and minimize the damage to the residence. He noticed the garden hose was ineffective, so he stepped away from the residence and awaited the arrival of the Fire Department.

SSO Medina was treated for smoke inhalation and released with no restrictions. For SSO Medina’s bravery and quick action, he is awarded the Meritorious Conduct Silver.

Recipient of the Meritorious Conduct Gold Medal

Deputy Francisco Espinosa, Lieutenant Fray Lupian,

Incident: Malibu/Lost Hills Station – November 29, 2017

On November 29, 2017, Malibu/Lost Hills Station’s Deputy Francisco Espinoza was traveling on Pacific Coast Highway when he located a reported stolen vehicle. Deputy Espinoza broadcasted that he was “Code 9” following behind the vehicle.

Sergeant Fray Lupian (now a Lieutenant) and another deputy responded to Deputy Espinoza’s location. At this time, Deputy Espinoza initiated a felony traffic stop of the suspect vehicle. The suspect yielded, let out a female passenger, and sped away to evade the deputies.

Deputy Espinoza initiated a pursuit, however, Sergeant Lupian saw the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed and determined it was unsafe to continue the pursuit. Deputy Espinoza discontinued the pursuit of the vehicle, per Sergeant Lupian’s orders.

After stopping the pursuit, the suspect traveled at a high rate of speed and collided with three parked vehicles and one moving vehicle. The sergeant and deputy followed the cloud of smoke and found the suspect vehicle engulfed in flames.

Sergeant Lupian and Deputy Espinoza attempted to extinguish the flames with their fire extinguisher. The suspect was screaming in agony, and the extinguishers were ineffective.

Deputy Espinoza was finally able to open the driver’s door and he and Sergeant Lupian dragged the suspect out of the vehicle. Fifteen seconds after the suspect was extracted, the vehicle became fully engulfed and exploded.

Due to their bravery and selflessness regardless of who the victim was, Lieutenant Lupian and Deputy Espinoza are awarded the Meritorious Conduct Gold.

Recipient of the Line of Duty Medal

Detective Eliott Uribe (Retired)

Incident: Special Victims Bureau – January 8, 2018

On January 8, 2018, Detective (retired) Eliott Uribe was on duty and conducting follow-up on his cases in the city of Santa Clarita. Detective Uribe made a brief stop at a restaurant and as he was walking back to his vehicle, he was approached from behind by a male suspect.

The suspect stated to Detective Uribe, “You’re a cop.”, and without warning, the suspect stabbed Detective Uribe in the chest with a kitchen knife and fled the location.

Detective Uribe was seriously wounded but was able to enter his vehicle and radio to Santa Clarita Valley Station units that he had been stabbed and was also able to give a clear description of his attacker.

Detective Uribe applied pressure to his wound to stop the bleeding until help arrived.

Detective Uribe kept his composure and assisted with the capture of his attacker due to his description of an extremely stressful incident, and for this, he was awarded the Line of Duty medal.

Recipients of the Medal of Valor

Deputy Christine Adams, Deputy Nicholas Gallardo

Incident: Compton Station – April 3, 2019

On April 3, 2019, Compton Station deputies responded to a structure fire. The call that had come in stated for responding units to enter the building from its east entrance. Deputy Christine Adams approached the east entrance and saw multiple people running from the structure, which was engulfed in flames. One person shouted for help, stating their girlfriend was still inside.

Deputy Adams heard a faint cry for help from inside the courtyard and ran through the smoke towards the voice. Deputy Adams saw Deputy Nicholas Gallardo who notified her there was a woman trapped on the other side of the brick wall, inside a plywood structure between two buildings with an aluminum awning.

Deputy Gallardo lifted Deputy Adams on top of the wall. Deputy Adams made contact with the trapped woman who stated she couldn’t get out. The smoke from the fire was filling the structure and Deputy Adams was having difficulty breathing.

The woman collapsed and became unresponsive. Deputy Adams knew she had to act quickly, so she lifted the aluminum awning and jumped inside the structure. Deputy Gallardo straddled the brick wall, attempting to break the plywood walls.

Deputy Adams was able to grab the woman and she gained consciousness. Deputy Gallardo placed chairs on both sides of the wall to assist with lifting the woman over the wall to safety.

Deputies Gallardo and Adams worked together and saved the woman from the fire. The entire structure was subsequently destroyed by the flames.

Due to their incredible teamwork, preservation of human life, and unwillingness to give up, Deputies Gallardo and Adams are awarded the Medal of Valor.

Recipients of the Medal of Valor

Deputy Mitchell Laudano, Deputy Andre Cornejo Padilla, Deputy Christopher Fort, Deputy Eduardo Olmos

Incident: Crescenta Valley Station – January 30, 2024

On January 30, 2024, Crescenta Valley Station deputies responded to a call of a structure fire in La Canada Flintridge. Deputies Mitchell Laudano, Andre Cornejo Padilla, Christopher Fort, and Eduardo Olmos arrived at a residential home engulfed in flames and immediately formulated a plan to enter the structure and rescue residents trapped inside.

As deputies prepared to enter the residence, a resident ran out of the building and informed the deputies that additional family members were trapped inside. One resident began calling for help from the second-story window. Deputy Laudano quickly devised a rescue plan. He lifted Deputy Cornejo Padilla onto the ledge beneath the window. Deputy Cornejo Padilla safely extracted the resident through the window.

Deputies Fort and Cornejo Padilla climbed back onto the second-story awning to locate and rescue additional victims trapped inside. Their search yielded no further victims. Due to their selflessness, bravery, and quick thinking, Deputies Cornejo Padilla, Fort, Laudano, and Olmos are awarded the Medal of Valor.

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

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

On Thursday, September 14, 2023, a total of 76 polished recruits lined up at Stars Center (Memorial Wall Courtyard), in what would be their final platoon formation as academy classmates. After 22 weeks of rigorous academy training, the recruits pressed through an equally intense and meticulous formal class inspection by law enforcement executives just before the ceremony.

The ceremony was a formal transformation of academy recruits into sworn peace officers. Sheriff Robert G. Luna presided over the graduation ceremony and delivered encouraging remarks to the 17 females and 59 male graduates and their guests.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff's Statement from Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. Image of Luna in uniform, tan shirt with black tie, Against a green background.
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Sheriff Luna Committed to Zero-Tolerance on Law Enforcement Gangs

Yesterday, Sheriff Robert Luna met with the leaders of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs and the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association to discuss the report and recommendations of the Special Counsel to the Civilian Oversight Commission.

Sheriff Luna and the law enforcement union leaders agreed to work together to ensure that problems identified by the Civilian Oversight Commissions and other reports are addressed.

“I am pleased that our labor partners will work collaboratively with us to ensure 21st Century policing principles are the cornerstone of our work, that we protect public safety and enhance public trust, and that we protect the due process rights of our employees.”

Sheriff Luna
Sheriff Luna is speaking at a podium. He is dressed in a tan uniform, long sleeve tan buttondown shirt with a black tie. He is standing infront of the California state flag and the US flag.
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Sheriff Luna creates Office of Constitutional Policing

Sheriff Luna creates Office of Constitutional Policing, Appoints Eileen Decker as Director

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has created the Office of Constitutional Policing within the Sheriff’s Department, and has appointed Eileen Decker as its Director.
 
The Office of Constitutional Policing will play an important role in eradicating deputy gangs from the Department, in collaboration with the Undersheriff, the Civilian Oversight Commission and Inspector General; in bringing the Department into compliance with consent decrees; and in improving policies, procedures, and operations to ensure the Department is engaging in constitutional practices.
 
“This is an incredible Department, but like any organization, we can always do better,” said Sheriff Robert Luna. “The Office of Constitutional Policing will help our Department eradicate Deputy gangs, comply with consent decrees, and ensure our policies, procedures, and operations uphold people’s constitutional rights. This Office is an important step forward in my promise to bring new leadership and accountability to the Sheriff’s Department.”
 
“I’m very pleased to appoint Eileen Decker as the Director of the Office of Constitutional Policing at the Sheriff’s Department,” Sheriff Luna said. “Director Decker is one of the top civilian law enforcement professionals in our country, and an accomplished attorney. She will bring invaluable leadership to our office, and help us improve public safety and public trust in the Sheriff’s Department.”
 

Director Eileen Decker


“I’m honored to join the Sheriff’s Department as the Director of the Office of Constitutional Policing,” Director Eileen Decker said. “The employees of this department are talented and courageous, and I have the highest respect for their work to keep our communities safe. My career has been dedicated to public safety and public service, and this assignment is the culmination of my life’s work. I want to thank Sheriff Luna for his confidence in me, and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
 
Decker was one of three co-chairs of Sheriff Luna’s transition team. She recently helped oversee the Los Angeles Police Department as Vice President of the Los Angeles Police Commission, after previously serving as the Commission’s President. She also was a lecturer at the USC Gould School of Law.
 
From 2015 until 2017, Decker served as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California. As the top federal prosecutor for Los Angeles County and six other Southern California counties, she oversaw the largest US Attorney’s Office outside of the District of Columbia. She was appointed by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate.
 
Prior to becoming the United States Attorney, Decker was the Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety for the City of Los Angeles for nearly six years, serving under Mayors Antonio Villaraigosa and Eric Garcetti. As Deputy Mayor, Ms. Decker was responsible for matters related to the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Emergency Management Department.
 
Decker was an Assistant United States Attorney for almost 15 years, and served as the Office’s first Chief of the National Security Section, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Terrorism Section and as Deputy Chief of Organized Crime Strike Force.
 
Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Decker was in private practice for three years at the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Los Angeles. She also served as a law clerk to United States District Judge Gary L. Taylor in the Central District of California.
 
Decker received her undergraduate and law degrees from New York University, a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School and was a Wasserstein Fellow at Harvard Law School. In addition, she is a Past President of the Women Lawyer’s Association of Los Angeles.

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