Police Seek Driver In Fatal South L.A. Hit-and-Run

The Los Angeles Police Department is looking for a driver who struck and killed a woman Tuesday evening in the Vermont Square area of South Los Angeles. A vehicle believed to be a small white sedan was headed south on Western Avenue near Vernon Avenue when it hit a woman walking across Western, police said in a news release. The vehicle fled the scene. The pedestrian, a 42-year-old Angeleno, was taken to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Detective Gerald Chavarria at 213-924-3621 or [email protected]. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or go directly to lacrimestoppers.org.

KTLA 5

Sun Valley Man Arrested For Allegedly Threatening To ‘Unabomb' FBI Officers

A San Fernando Valley man was arrested Thursday on a federal criminal complaint alleging he sent a series of threatening emails to the FBI, including ones in which he threatened to bomb the bureau's Westwood office and referenced the notorious "Unabomber." Mark William Anten, 52, of Sun Valley, is charged with making threats by interstate communication, a felony carrying a sentence of up to five years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. FBI agents arrested Anten without incident at his residence. A federal magistrate judge Thursday ordered Anten jailed without bond and scheduled an arraignment for Jan. 11 in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, since July, Anten has sent numerous threatening communications to the FBI, including emails that reference bombing the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. Specifically, on Nov. 2, Anten allegedly emailed FBI agents saying he was voted most likely in his graduating class to become the next Unabomber -- a reference to Theodore Kaczynski, whose 20-year bombing campaign killed three people and injured nearly two dozen more. Kaczynski was convicted of federal crimes, spent the bulk of his prison sentence in the SuperMax federal prison in Colorado, and died in prison in June.

CBS 2

LAPD Holds Town Hall Amidst Rising Westside Burglaries

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) held a town hall meeting on Thursday night, addressing a surge in burglaries across Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Bel Air, with over 300 residents in attendance. The session focused on the 368 reported incidents this year and methods to enhance community safety. Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin noted the challenges of policing the vast West LA area, which has the least number of officers despite its size. He also mentioned that burglaries tend to peak on Fridays. Detective Hoebink from the LAPD's burglary unit explained the department's strategic use of heat maps to deploy resources efficiently. He identified three main groups responsible for the spike in burglaries: local transients, South LA gang crews, and South American theft crews, each employing unique methods of operation. Additionally, he noted that the Valley has also been targeted. The LAPD emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report any suspicious activities, including drones and unfamiliar vehicles. The department highlighted that video evidence is crucial in crime resolution, contributing to approximately 70% of solved cases.  

Westside Current

Chase Ends In Tarzana After Authorities Slam Into SUV, Tackle Fleeing Suspect

A dangerous chase featuring close calls on wet roads ended in Tarzana Thursday night with deputies slamming into a fleeing SUV and tackling the suspect to the ground. The suspect made an apparent gun gesture with his hands as he ran down Tampa Avenue after the pursuit, but authorities closed in on him to make the arrest. AIR7 HD was over the scene just after 10 p.m. in the Woodland Hills area. The chase first began in Ventura County after authorities say the suspect made an illegal left turn. There were moments when deputies appeared ready to slam into the suspect's SUV, only for the suspect to escape. Deputies ultimately performed a successful PIT maneuver under the 101 Freeway on Tampa Avenue in Tarzana. The chase came to an end just before 10:30 p.m. 

ABC 7

Man Assaults Woman In Metrolink Bathroom: LASD

A man was arrested Wednesday after police said he assaulted a woman in a Metrolink restroom in Santa Clarita. Video captured the woman’s pleas to be left alone then her screaming while running from the assailant during the daytime attack. Police said the assault was reported shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday at a Metrolink station bathroom off Railroad Avenue. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said deputies detained the man for physically assaulting the woman. Authorities did not release the name of the man who was arrested in connection with the attack, nor did they specify what charges he may face. Although the woman was not injured, she told authorities she was in pain. Metrolink passengers who spoke with NBC4 called the confrontation disturbing and surprising. “Get pepper spray. Seriously,” warned Patricia Mulcahey, a Metrolink passenger. Metrolink said in a statement to NBC4 that its security operations does not have a report of the assault.

NBC 4

CHP To Begin Holiday `Maximum Enforcement Period’ Friday

The California Highway Patrol will initiate its annual Christmas time “maximum enforcement period” beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, when all available officers will deploy to catch drunken or drug-impaired drivers, speeders and other scofflaws. The MEP will conclude late Monday night. Another CHP maximum enforcement period is slated for New Year’s weekend. “As we celebrate the joy of the season, let’s make a collective commitment to prioritize safety on our roads,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Your loved ones are waiting for you at home — buckle up, drive responsibly and have a plan that includes a safe, sober ride before you head out for the evening.” During last year’s Christmas MEP, CHP officers statewide arrested 639 motorists on suspicion of DUI, compared to 341 the year before, which was of much shorter duration. According to the agency, 26 people died in crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction during Christmas weekend 2022. Almost half of the victims were not wearing safety restraints.

MyNewsLA

A Raid Uncovers More Than $1 Million Worth Of Cosmetics Stolen From CVS, Sephora And 99 Cents Only Stores

Responding to a recent surge in retail theft, the California Highway Patrol announced Thursday it had seized more than $1 million in stolen items and arrested a Los Angeles woman in connection to a Southern California retail theft ring. The Organized Retail Crime Task Force of the CHP conducted a raid on a warehouse in the city of Paramount and a business called The Makeup Store on Whittier Boulevard in Los Angeles, uncovering more than a million dollars worth of stolen cosmetics during the operation. Officers arrested and booked Brenda Yanez, 48, on charges of organized retail theft, grand theft and receiving stolen property. Authorities linked her arrest to an organized theft ring targeting multiple Southern California retailers, including CVS, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Rite Aid, Nordstrom, and 99 Cents Only stores. In addition to the stolen property, police found tools used to remove anti-theft devices at the raided locations. Several loss prevention investigators from the affected retailers were on the scene, assisting in identifying stolen merchandise. 

Los Angeles Times

Connecticut K-9 Killed In Shooting After Troopers Tried To Serve Arrest Warrant

A Connecticut State Police K-9 was killed in a shooting that involved troopers and a man they were trying to arrest on a felony warrant, authorities said. State police said troopers went to the Pawcatuck section of Stonington, near the Rhode Island state line, at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday to serve the warrant and a shooting occurred. Authorities said there were “serious injuries,” but did not elaborate. It was not immediately clear if any troopers or the man they were seeking were injured. The names of the troopers and the man were not immediately released. Authorities said the arrest warrant was obtained by Norwich police, but did not disclose additional details. State police said in a statement that the dog, Broko, “courageously gave his life protecting his handler, fellow troopers, and our community.” “K-9 Broko heroically served with unwavering dedication, saving lives by locating missing individuals, apprehending dangerous suspects, and providing a steadfast shield to his handler. K-9 Broko ultimately sacrificed his life doing what he was known best for,” state police said. A procession of dozens of police vehicles drove through town several hours after the shooting.

Associated Press

50 States, 50 Police Heroes: How Cops Made An Impact In 2023

From helping a child celebrate their birthday to spreading holiday cheer, we’ve rounded up one act of police heroism from each of the 50 states – just a small sample of the excellent work law enforcement officers do every day across the country. Alabama: A traffic stop in DeKalb County turned up a child reported missing from Pennsylvania. And the officer responsible was the son of TV’s “Dog the Bounty Hunter” on his first day as a certified patrol officer. Alaska: The Alaska State Troopers teamed up with their public safety partners from the Mat-Su Valley to treat local children to a holiday shopping spree during “Shop with a Hero” at the Wasilla Walmart. Through the generous support of Walmart, Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains, Alaska Peace Officers Association and FOAST - Alaska Law Enforcement Museum, each child could purchase gifts for themselves and family members. Arizona: Officers with the Glendale Police Department responded to the canal for an animal welfare check when a passerby saw the German Shepherd swimming with no route for escape. An officer jumped into action by removing his ballistic vest and gun belt and hopped into the canal to try to rescue the dog. The dog was skittish and avoided the officer, but he came up with a plan: to lure the dog with freshly baked pumpkin muffins that his wife had packed him for his shift.

PoliceOne

Firefighters Respond To Pacific Palisades Hillside House Fire

Firefighters were working today to extinguish a fire in a hillside home in Pacific Palisades, above Pacific Coast Highway. The fire was reported in the 17840 block of West Lecco Lane, off Porto Marina Way, at 9:54 a.m., according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The firefighters were in an "offensive fire attack against flames within the rear portion of a 2,844-square-foot, descending hillside home,'' Humphrey said. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Westside Current

Heavy Rains Drag Car Through River In North Hills

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an emergency call about a car that fell into the Pacoima Wash. The incident was reported on Thursday afternoon in the 15100 block of W. Parthenia in North Hills. Rescue division officers responded on the ground and in the air, but they did not find any trapped victims. The authorities reported that the car involved appeared to have been abandoned and dragged into the river due to the rain. As a precautionary measure, the rescue units did a preliminary search in nearby areas to rule out that any person was swept away by the current, but no victims were found. The LAFD closed the investigation and classified it as a false alarm to make rescue units available for other emergencies. The rains hitting Southern California this week have flooded areas in the Ventura and LA counties. The National Weather Service issued several warnings for possible flooding until rains are expected to stop on Friday. 

NBC 4

Beloved Journalist And Professor Charles R. Donaldson Honored By L.A. City Council For Impactful Legacy

It’s fitting that the late journalist and professor Charles R. Donaldson was honored by the City Council in late October. The council chambers were an area he knew well. “I thought it was pretty great,” said his son, Eric, about his father’s recognition in the council chambers, “because the L.A. Times building was right across the street and that's where he worked for years. He used to love to cover the council meetings, because he was into politics and finding out what's going on in the city, so he would walk across the street and go to the city council meetings. It was kind of neat being in there in a place where he would have spent a lot of time.” At the close of the October 27th city council meeting, 11th District 11 councilwoman Traci Park read from remarks written by Eric Donaldson. “It is with profound respect and deep sadness that I ask that we adjourn today in honor of Charles R. Donaldson,” Park began. “A true Los Angeles legend passed away…Whether you read his stories in the Los Angeles Times, Glendale News Press or Pasadena City News, chronicling the current events of the time, including the Watts Riots in 1965 and the San Fernando earthquake of 1971, or if you were a student of his English or journalism classes, you knew him as someone who cared deeply about always getting the story right and passing his vast knowledge onto others.”

Westside Current

About the LAPPL: Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents more than 8,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education.