Tag Archive for: Crime

,

Video of Echo Park stabbing from last week released

Two people were stabbed late-night last week (Wednesday, May 23, 2012) near the corner of Echo Park Avenue and Montana Street, in what may have been a hate crime. Blogger of “Your Friend, Savannah” said the two victims, one of which was stabbed in the hip and one in the stomach, were called “faggots” by the suspects just before the attack.

The Northeast Division of the LAPD released two videos on its You Tube account yesterday, showing the suspects stabbing the victims (via LAist):

The caption reads: “In this first video, the Suspect tells the Victims, “You guys are fucking faggots!” He walks away with his 2 associates, then runs back toward the Victims waiting for a bus and stabs Victim-1 in the abdomen. The LAPD is trying to identify the Suspect and his associates.”

The caption reads: “In this second video, the Suspect had just stabbed Victim-1 and is running south on Echo Park. He stops, takes a fighting stance, and as Victim-2 approaches, stabs Victim-2 in the midsection, striking the hip bone. Suspect flees on foot.”

If you can identify any of the suspects, you can submit your tips anonymously by calling 800-222-8477.

/556 Comments/by
, ,

Blogger says friends were stabbed in Echo Park last night

The blogger of “Your Friend, Savannah” has a startling post today about two friends who were stabbed on the corner of Echo Park Avenue and Montana Street last night:

Two friends of ours were out last night and were on their way home. On MONTANA and ECHO PARK they were approached by a man (possibly 2?) who is described as a gang member. He began yelling at them and calling them “faggots” and saying really awful homophobic slurs. (Neither are gay, but are straight allies, are vocal for gay rights, and wear rainbow patches and buttons on occasion.)

They were both stabbed and all of their stuff was stolen.

My friend Brian is a bike rider in LA and his bike is BLACK, has a predominate RAINBOW STICKER down the side of a tube, and it has a BIG, FAT SEAT. His back pack is orange and his helmet is grey. (He is sometimes known as BRAINZ LA)

Brian was stabbed in his stomach, right above his belly button. He is alive and discharged, as this luckily didn’t hit anything vital. Our other friend (name withheld) was stabbed in his hip, so hard, it fractured his pelvis. He is still recovering in the hospital.

We’ve inquired for some more information, including the time of the incident. One of our Twitter friends heard a multitude of sirens last night at about 12:30 am, so we’re wondering if it’s related.

Stay safe out there!

/637 Comments/by

Angelino Heights police activity this afternoon

A post on the Angelino Heights Yahoo! forum today caught our attention, and you may have noticed the helicopter and police activity. Here’s why:

At the request of Ed of Select Patrol, I’m just sending out a quick set of details of the police activity that occurred on the 1300 block of Carroll Avenue starting around 3:10pm today. All of this information is relayed from Ed and one or two other neighbours who were around.

Around 3:10 this afternoon, a young woman was dropped off near the intersection of Bellevue and West Kensington. She approached another woman that was walking down the sidewalk and ripped a gold chain from this woman’s neck before either walking or running west in the direction of Edgeware. Ed witnessed the incident and followed the robber up Bellevue to Edgeware and onto Carroll with the victim of the attack in pursuit on foot.

When the suspected thief reached the corner of East Edgeware and Carroll, it seems she returned the necklace to the victim in an attempt to claim she had committed no crime. Ed was in touch with LAPD dispatch at this point and was relaying details of the incident and the location of the alleged thief. After some remarkably loud and histrionic behaviour (claims that the took the necklace because she was pregnant and needed the money for neonatal care, etc.) that seems to have been an attempt to get the victim and Ed to leave her alone, the suspect then approached 1320 Carroll while wailing aloud.

At this point in time, roughly 3:20pm, the police patrol cars were inbound and there was an LAPD helicopter circling. Within a few minutes, the patrol cars had arrived, the suspect was in handcuffs being questioned and the victim was returning to Carroll now that there was a police presence.

And that was pretty much the end of the drama.

One neighbour did claim that he saw a suspect vehicle parked near the intersection of Douglas and Carroll with only the driver in it and it may have been the vehicle that dropped off the alleged thief and was waiting to pick her up. Ed and at least one LAPD officer think this may be the pattern of a group of robbers. As always, you should keep a healthy eye out for cars that seem to be traveling too slowly for traffic or that seem to be passing pedestrians repeatedly. It is likely that the victim in this case was spotted from the car and may have been watched for a short time before she was mugged.

Just sending this out as a favor to Ed. I have related the events as they were conveyed to me as accurately as I can but I only witnessed the last few minutes of the incident. As a result, there are sure to be errors. My apologies in advance.

Stay safe out there!

/124 Comments/by

It wasn’t all fun and games during the World Naked Bicycle Ride

This is one of those times you just have to ask: What is wrong with people?

The World Naked Bike Ride (we wrote about the event last Friday) is a yearly event that promotes the use of bicycles as an alternative to cars. The naked part was meant to demonstrate “the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against car culture.”

Unfortunately, not everyone “got it.” A fight broke out on Saturday during the ride near the Echo Park/Silver Lake border along Sunset, during which a couple of men in a car in traffic got out of the car and started beating up two cyclists. The Eastsider LA has the scoop, sent to them by someone who was filming the cyclists when the fight suddenly broke out:

 

And from the witnesses themselves, via The Eastsider LA:

While driving down Sunset, we came upon on a nude bike ride that looked like a protest of some sort. People were having fun it seemed, we took a video to document the fun things that happen in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, some guys behind us in traffic, got out of their car to beat up the riders. I don’t know what provoked them to do such a thing. All I heard them yelling was “faggot” at the riders.  In the shaky video, its hard to see, but one of the guys picks up a bike and slams it into a rider.  It happened so quick, but we got the license plate info.

The cyclists were okay and declined medical attention, but the perpetrators won’t get off easily as the beating is being investigated as a hate crime because they yelled the “f-a-g” word.

Lt.Wes Buhrmester also provided a description of two male suspects:

The first suspect is described as a male, 20 years old, black hair, brown eyes, 5-8, 180 pounds, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. The second suspect is a male, late 20s, black “buzz cut” hair, dark complexion, 5-10, 200-250 pounds, wearing a blue shirt with blue jeans. If anyone has information, you can either call or e-mail me at the addresses below (confidentiality will apply, other than me referring your information to detectives), or call Rampart Detective Division at (213) 484-3450. Refer to DR No. 11-0212143. There are some leads upon which detectives are acting.

Let’s hope these guys get what they deserve!

UPDATE:

Suspects were arrested on Wednesday, June 22, according to an article published by The Eastsider LA.

/by

Three suspects at large following Echo Park shooting

At around 7:30 pm last night (Monday, February 21, 2011), a teenage boy was shot and killed in a possibly gang-related incident at North Benton Way and West Temple Street, reports various media outlets. The shooting occurred in front of the old LAPD Rampart Division headquarters.

Echo Park Patch reports the suspects fled in a black Toyota Camry. The suspects are still at large as of this morning.

If you have any information that will help this investigation, call the Rampart Division at 213-484-3400.

/108 Comments/by
,

La Espiga Bakery tagged… again

We noticed a worker painting over the remnants of overnight tagging on the front and sides of the La Espiga Bakery, located on the corner of Glendale Boulevard and Scott Avenue. We’ve seen it get tagged up before, but they really did a number on the bakery this time around.

/1,048 Comments/by

While you were sleeping: Weekend shootings keep Rampart busy

This went under the radar for us, but police need your tips so we thought we’d pass it along anyways.

Last Saturday night just before 2:00 am, Rampart officers responded to a call about a shooting along the 400 block of North Westlake Avenue and found a man with a gunshot wound in his leg (he told them it came from a car driving by). The man was taken to the hospital where he was treated.

Minutes later, another shooting on the radio at Glendale Boulevard and Park Avenue. Officers found an abandoned tan colored Mercury van on the southeast corner. Then, minutes after that, another shooting victim was reported to be at a hospital on the 1700 blog of West Temple Street. Unfortunately, that person died.

More from the LAPD Blog:

Read more

/190 Comments/by

Suspect shot and killed by police in Echo Park

Photo from the NBC LA website

The Eastsider LA is reporting that a suspect was shot and killed by police at around 4:30 pm today on the corner of Temple Street and Union Avenue.

Police were pursing the vehicle after a check on the license plate determined that the occupants were armed and dangerous. After being cornered by police, the suspect got out of his car and started firing the rifle at officers, [LAPD spokeswoman April] Harding said. She had no other details about the incident.

No police were injured, but reports are saying the suspect shot at police with an AK-47, and the car may have been stolen. KTLA is reporting the police were following a “convicted felon” through the Downtown LA area.

UPDATE:

Don’t try to drive up Temple in Echo Park tonight – Temple Street is closed at Glendale Blvd. all the way to Burlington, and traffic has gotten a little messy in those areas.

In addition to the AK-47 (“or a similar weapon”), LA Now is reporting the suspect also had a handgun in his back pocket. The name has not yet been released, and it’s not yet known whether or not officers were fired upon.

/1 Comment/by

Just in from Northeast Division: Robbery in Echo Park

This just came in from the Northeast Division E-Policing Newsletter, and it’s a little scary. Be careful out there!

On September 7th, 2010 at approximately 12:05 AM a street robbery occurred in the Echo Park area. The victim, a female, was walking near Laveta Terrace and Scott Avenue with a male friend. Two suspects appraoched on foot, one armed with a baseball bat. They demanded the victims property then struck the victims friend on the leg with the bat. The victim complied and surrendered her property. The suspects then fled the area by vehicle.

Approximately 50 minutes later near Ames Street and Ben Lomond in the Franklin Hills area, a lone male was walking home when he was approached by two suspects that were armed with baseball bats. The suspects demanded his property. When the victim refused and began to scream for help, he was struck on the head with the bat. The suspects fled on foot.

The suspects are described as being male hispanic, approximately 16 to 20 years of age and wearing dark colored hoodies. In one incident their vehicle was described as a white 4 door sedan, possibly a 1980’s model.

While both crimes occurred miles apart , they have a variety of similarities that have led us to believe that they were committed by the same suspects. The investigations continue, and at this time there is nothing that indicates that the victims were chosen based on sex, descent, race, or sexual preferance. It does appear that the most common factor is the location of each crime and time of day. Both areas were dark with little vehicle or foot traffic. It has not been determined if the incidents are gang related.

Anyone with any information on these two incidents is urged to contact the Northeast Robbery Detectives at ( 213) 485-2566 or after hours, the Northeast Watch Commander at (213) 485-2563. (DR#101119069 and 011119139)

/1 Comment/by
,

Echo Park shooting last night results in death of a teenager

Today is a heartbreaking day for the family of a 16-year-old boy who was shot and killed around 11:30 last night near Temple Street and Union Avenue. The Eastsider LA and L.A. Now are both reporting that it may have been a gang-related shooting.

L.A. Now quotes LAPD Officer Bruce Borihanh as saying:

A male suspect walked up to the victim at the corner of Temple Street and Union Avenue about 11:30 p.m., Borihanh said. The suspect, described as 19 to 24 years old, fired multiple rounds at the victim with a handgun, striking the victim in the head and shoulder.

Lt. Wes Buhrmester of the Rampart Division told The Eastsider LA that the victim was in an argument with the suspect, who fired five rounds:

Right now (8:00 a.m.), the investigation is still ongoing.  Rampart Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene, and are still here, piecing things together.  The victim has been identified and his parents notified and interviewed, however because he is a juvenile his name is being withheld at this time.

Thanks to The Eastsider LA and L.A. Now for keeping us in the know. Be safe everyone!

/82 Comments/by
,

Shots fired in Echo Park this afternoon

Things look pretty peaceful right now at Echo Park Lake, but The Eastsider LA is reporting that shots were fired earlier this afternoon near Laguna and Echo Park Avenue, leaving one man injured:

An afternoon shooting near Echo Park Lake left one man injured in what one resident described a “Wild West” scene, police said.  The victim told police he was fired upon by suspects in a car  on Echo Park Avenue, said Sgt. Michael Mabie with the Rampart Division.  Details are still sketchy but the man – who was shot in the leg and was grazed in the back by another bullet – was able to drive himself or have a relative drive him to a nearby hospital, Mabie said.  No suspects were in custody and police were still interviewing residents.

A resident commented on the article, saying, “First thing I screamed as I went outside is anybody hurt? It has been over 15 years since I have heard so many shots. Thanks to all the neighbors on Laguna for the descriptions given to the police.”

There’s a LOT of tagging on along Laguna Avenue near Laveta Terrace, but the Eastsider article says it’s unclear the tagging is related.

Click here to read the full article.

UPDATE:
The Eastsider LA reported an update last night, saying the shooting does appear to be gang related and that the victim is believed to be a gang member.

If you have any information about the incident on Sunday, call the Rampart Division at (213) 484-3400.

/8 Comments/by
,

Echo Park Dispensary Shooting Update

Flickr photo via Walking Flower

News sources (including Echo Park’s own Eastsider LA) are reporting one arrest has been made and another suspect being sought for the robbery and shooting that took place on June 24 at the Higher Path marijuana dispensary in Echo Park. The LAPD held a news conference today to announce new developments in the case, specifically the arrest of 31-year-old Daniel “Scooter” Hinton. They are still looking for another suspect, 27-year-old Raymond Lemone Easter. Hinton is currently being held without bail.

The robbery resulted in the slaying of dispensary employee Matthew Butcher and the injury of the store’s security guard.

h/t The Eastsider LA for the scoop!

/403 Comments/by
,

Arrest Made in Shooting at The Echo

Photo via ChinaShop Magazine

The Eastsider LA is reporting that police have made an arrest in relation to the June 21 shooting outside of The Echo nightclub in Echo Park.

The incident occurred around 2:00 am on Monday, June 21. A Rampart Division officer told us in an update that the suspect supposedly shot at a security guard after being denied entry into the club. The suspect was described as: “a stocky White or Latino male standing 5′-8″ to 5′-11″ tall and weighing between 200 to 230 pounds, according to preliminary reports.”

The shooting injured three people, two were released from the hospital after being treated, the third was shot in the torso and was hospitalized (we have no updates on his condition at this time).

Lt. Wes Buhrmester with the LAPD Rampart Division told The Eastsider LA today: “Our gang unit followed a bunch of leads and made an arrest in that shooting at the Echo, which occurred on June 21. They just did so a little while ago after serving a search and arrest warrant.”

/12 Comments/by
,

Echo Park Crime Updates

At last night’s Echo Park Improvement Association’s Town Hall meeting, we had a rep from both the Northeast and Rampart Divisions to provide us with an update on crime in the Echo Park area. Some notes worthy of mention are:

  • Officer Hill says the Yankee Game weekend enforcement went well, that they were citing people for public drinking as early as 10:00 am in Elysian Park. Northeast also had a DUI task force in place near stadium exits for drunk drivers.
  • Two significant arrests were made Wednesday in relation to recent burglaries (one on Clifford by the elementary school). Approximately four or five people retrieved their stolen property from that bust.
  • From the Rampart Division, there are no new updates on the robbery at the Higher Path Dispensary last week.
  • July 4th is on Sunday, and we were reminded that fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles. Anyone who has lived in Echo Park during a 4th of July knows the havoc that goes on at the Lake. Officers will be responding to calls if residents notify 311 (or 911 if it’s an emergency) of any illegal activity.
  • Update on the shooting at the Echo a couple of weeks ago: the Rampart officer at the meeting last night says apparently someone had been denied entry into the club, so he came back and shot at a security guard.

And from Captain Bill Murphy, we have some information to share from the Northeast Division E-Policing Newsletter we received yesterday:

National Night Out will take place in Echo Park at the Walgreens on Tuesday, August 3 from 5-8:00 pm. “National Night Out is a fun and informative event with entertainment provided at each site.”

Dodger Night: “On Wednesday July 28, 2010, from 6-9:00 pm at the Dodger Stadium Stadium Club overlooking the right field and first base lines. The Dodgers recently renovation the Stadium Club and it now has an overhang deck with a spectacular view of the ballpark. Everyone is invited to this event and free parking will be provided in lot L. Come hear from your Captains, SLOs, and elected officials regarding the ‘State of Northeast Area.’ Make sure you get there early as last year several hundred people attended this event.”

Neighborhood Crime Update:

Echo Park

Over the last week the crime looks good. Over the past 28 days there are some property crimes occuring along the Sunset corridor mostly from late PM hours through daybreak (a few car break-in and GTAs). We had a bad burglary problem that I spoke about in the last newsletter. This has been cleaned up tremendously with several arrests of burglars over the past four weeks.

Elysian Valley

Very clear over the past week – only a few property crimes over the past 28 days.

You can contact Captain Murphy at 26152@lapd.lacity.org. To sign up for the E-Policing Newsletter, go to lapdonline.org. Then click on E-Policing in the navigation. All you have to do is provide your email address and you’re set!

/5,780 Comments/by
,

Trouble near Elysian Park Ave. and Sunset Blvd.

Tweets started coming in not too long ago about road closures and traffic building up on Sunset Blvd., and The Eastsider LA is now reporting that police are searching for a gunman following a possible shooting.

Photo via resident and business owner Justin Warwick

The photo above, taken by Warwick owner Justin Warwick, shows that LAPD are diverting traffic on Sunset Blvd.

In addition, ABC7 is reporting the following:

LAPD officers were on the scene of a reported shooting near Echo Park on Sunset Blvd. Thursday afternoon.

The shooting occurred on the 1300 block of West Sunset Blvd. at about 4:13 p.m. Thursday, according to the LAPD.

One person has been transported by firefighters.

No suspects were arrested.

Police did not immediately release further details.

Los Angeles Police were investigating the incident.

We’ll keep you posted! Follow us on Twitter!

UPDATES:

LA NOW reports that one man at the pot dispensary, The Higher Path, where the robbery took place was killed, while another is in the hospital. The Echo Park robbery occured at around 4:15 pm, and hours later at 9:15 pm another dispensary was robbed El Centro Avenue in Hollywood, leaving another employee dead. The LAPD have not yet determined whether or not the two events are linked.

/7 Comments/by