LA City Council Greenlights Looks To Expedite LAPD Hiring

The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday moved forward an effort to explore expediting the hiring process of police officers, as well as positions in building and safety and several other areas. In a unanimous vote, the City Council instructed the Personnel Department to report back with a framework and an analysis for expediting sworn and civilian hiring. The report is also expected to detail ways in which the hiring process could be taken out of personnel’s hands and given to other city departments looking to fill positions. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who supported the motion, noted the city needs to “overhaul the system in its entirety.” “What’s critical in all of the hiring practices is for us to really take a deeper dive in evaluating the workflow map for each of the hiring practices for each of the classifications that we have and figuring out with the department that are affected by these practices,” Rodriguez said. “We want to hire the best and the brightest, and we should equally provide a response in our hiring practice that is eager to get them on board,” she added. The effort comes at a time when the city is looking to bolster the Los Angeles Police Department’s ranks as recruitment efforts remain a challenge.

MyNewsLA

Johnny Wactor Case: Arraignment Set For Suspects Charged With Actor's Murder

Arraignment is scheduled Thursday for two men who are charged with the murder of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor. The alleged gunman, Robert Isaiah Barceleau, 18, of Huntington Park, is charged with murder and the special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of an attempted robbery in connection with the actor's May 25 killing. Barceleau -- who could face a potential life prison term without the possibility of parole if convicted -- is also charged with one count each of attempted robbery and grand theft, both with allegations he was armed with a firearm. Sergio Estrada, 18, was also charged with murder, but is not charged with the special circumstance allegation. He was also charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, along with gun allegations. Two other suspects are facing lesser charges. Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement, both with gun allegations. The fourth suspect in the case, Frank Olano, 22, of Inglewood, was charged with being an accessory after the fact to the killing, along with receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

FOX 11

Police Release Video Of Hit-and-Run That Left Pedestrian With Serious Injuries In South LA

Police have released surveillance footage of a hit-and-run crash that happened back in May that left a pedestrian with serious injuries. It happened on May 15 at around 8:30 p.m., when a 41-year-old man was crossing the intersection of 65th Place and Western Avenue in the Harvard Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was struck by the driver of a black sedan almost as soon as he stepped into the street. Instead of stopping, the driver continue to drive, leaving the pedestrian lying in the road. Investigators say that the driver's side mirror recovered at the scene is a possible match with a 2016-2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The victim, who has not yet been identified, was rushed to a hospital by paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department for severe injuries. His current status was not known. Anyone who knows more is asked to contact LAPD investigators at (323) 421-2500.

CBS 2

Home Burglary Suspect Arrested In Cheviot Hills After Police Issue Community Alert For West LA Area

Los Angeles police arrested a residential burglary suspect in Cheviot Hills two days after issuing a community alert for the West L.A. area, officials said. At least two victims were inside the home during the break-in, which was reported about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 1000 block of Northvale Road, just north of the 10 Freeway, an LAPD spokesperson said. No injuries were reported. The suspect, whose identity was not released, previously had been arrested 11 times for burglary, police said. In a community alert and burglary warning issued Monday, the LAPD noted that during the past several months "a wave of burglaries" have targeted single-family homes in more than a dozen West L.A. neighborhoods. As many as four males "are part of an organized burglary crew impacting" West L.A., the alert said, adding that the suspects are known to target large homes that appear to be unoccupied at the time of the break-in. On several occasions, the Police Department said, the intruders have used a ladder, step stool, outdoor furniture or exterior drain pipes attached to the rear of the residence to gain access to the master bedroom's second-story balcony.

ABC 7

6 Arrested In Crime Tourism Bust; Group Allegedly Ran LA-Based Car Rental Company For Thieves

The owners of a Van Nuys car-rental agency are accused of using the business as a front to operate a crime-tourism ring, bringing in criminals from South America to steal millions of dollars in cash and property from Southern California businesses and homes. Authorities on Wednesday announced a takedown of the alleged criminal crew, arresting six people including the owner of the business. They are facing multiple federal criminal charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and structuring transactions to avoid financial reporting requirements. The indictment alleges a Santa Clarita Valley man facilitated the "crime tourism group of South Americans" in burglaries, thefts and other crimes. Federal authorities said they served 11 search warrants - mostly in the San Fernando Valley, but as far north as Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita and Palmdale. Twenty-five vehicles, several properties and some horses were seized. "This is not just a local problem. The crimes are affecting not just one city, one county, one region, one state, but the entire country," said Martin Estrada, U.S. attorney for California's Central District. "But, the effects of crime tourism are being felt very acutely here in Southern California."

ABC 7

Santa Monica Transient Who Targeted, Attacked Hispanic People Convicted Of Hate Crime, Other Charges 

A homeless man was found guilty on a slew of charges stemming from multiple assaults across Santa Monica and Los Angeles that targeted Hispanic people. According to a press release issued by the Santa Monica Police Department, officers received a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon in the 3100 block of Main Street on Aug. 20, 2023. Upon arriving, the officers located a Hispanic man with head injuries who had been attacked from behind with a large wooden stick, police said. “The assault was unprovoked, and the victim did not see the suspect,” SMPD stated. “The victim sustained a large laceration to his head and required stitches behind his ear.” Two days later, Santa Monica Police officers located another Hispanic man who was the victim of an attempted assault at Palisades Park, located in the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue. That victim was a maintenance worker for the City of Santa Monica, authorities said. “The victim stated the suspect walked directly towards him and attempted to punch him in the face,” the SMPD release read. “The suspect then threw a glass bottle towards the victim’s face but missed.” 

KTLA 5

L.A. County Children Abducted By Parents Remain Missing Two Weeks Later

Authorities are still searching for a brother and sister who were abducted by their parents earlier this month during a supervised visit in South Los Angeles. The children — 2-year-old Willow and 4-year-old Wyman — had been in foster care since last year, when their newborn sibling tested positive for drugs, ABC7 reported. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the children’s parents — Tiffany Bryant, 39, and David James, 53 — fled with Willow and Wyman from a Department of Child Support Services facility. The parents were driving a brown 2008 Buick Enclave SUV with a blue paper license plate in front and a missing license plate at the rear of the vehicle, according to authorities. The four were last seen around 3:10 p.m. in the 8300 block of Vermont Avenue. Nina Glass with the nonprofit Search and Rescue San Antonio TX Inc. is providing assistance to the foster family who was caring for Wyman and Willow when they were abducted. James and Bryant left the third child, now 15 months old, at the Department of Child Support Services during their supervised visit, Glass said. That child has been with his caregivers for approximately one year, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Los Angeles Times

SoCal Serial Road Rage Driver Released Early From 5-Year Prison Sentence

The man who was caught on multiple viral videos attacking and threatening drivers across Los Angeles has been released from state prison less than one year after he was sentenced to a five-year sentence. Nathaniel Radimak pleaded guilty to felony charges of assault and making criminal threats in August 2023, and has been paroled after ten months in a state prison, prompting several of his victims to speak out about his release. "His early release has shocked and disappointed many of the victims whom I represent,” said attorney Gloria Allred, whose clients want to remain anonymous. “Many of these victims were never consulted about the plea deal and were never given a chance to speak at the sentencing.” Videos of Radimak’s road rage behavior went viral in 2022, showing him violently attacking drivers on LA streets and freeways, leading to his eventual arrest. Radimak was eventually arrested in January 2023 and took a plea deal eight months later. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Radimak was granted 424 days for time served while awaiting sentencing, plus more time credits while in prison.

NBC 4

CHP Plans Maximum Enforcement Period For Labor Day Weekend

The California Highway Patrol Wednesday announced a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period to combat traffic safety issues during the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Beginning at 6:01 p.m. Friday and continuing through 11:59 p.m. Monday, all available CHP officers will be on patrol to encourage safe driving and assist motorists. "Everyone's safety is our top priority, so make responsible choices. Drive sober, stay focused and help keep our roads safe for all who use them," CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. "Your decisions behind the wheel can save lives -- yours and others." During last year's Labor Day MEP, 38 people were killed in crashes throughout the state, CHP officials said. Nearly half of the crash occupants in CHP jurisdiction were not wearing seatbelts, the agency added. Additionally, 1,064 arrests were made for alleged driving under the influence during the 78-hour holiday enforcement period last year.

Westside Current

SoCal Man Suspected Of Giving Teen Girlfriend Fatal Fentanyl Dose Arrested At U.S.-Mexico Border

Law enforcement officials arrested a Riverside County man suspected of giving his then-17-year-old girlfriend a fatal fentanyl dose, taking him into custody at the U.S.-Mexico border two years after her death. Michael Garcia, 23, is accused of supplying the highly potent drug to the teenager before she was found unresponsive on the morning of Aug. 21, 2022, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Deputies found her in a bedroom after arriving to a home located in the 15000 block of Via Quedo in Desert Hot Springs just before 9 a.m. Detectives identified Garcia as the suspect following several months of investigation, which led to a warrant being issued for his arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement agencies assisted in tracking down and arresting him after investigators learned he may have fled to Mexico, sheriff's officials said. On Monday, Cathedral City police arrested him in El Centro, about 10 miles north of the border, before he was booked into John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on $75,000 bail, according to county inmate records. Investigators with the sheriff's department said he is being held on suspicion of unlawfully furnishing a controlled substance to a minor and felony child endangerment.

CBS 2

Intense Fire At Vacant Vermont- Slauson Tire Store Contained

A suspicious rubbish fire became a greater alarm fire at a vacant tire store in the Vermont-Slauson neighborhood and eventually extended to an outside tire storage unit was finally contained by Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters Thursday. The fire was reported at 3:28 a.m. and fire crews responded to 6901 S. Vermont Ave. near 69th Street, which was also the site of an Aug. 2 fire that produced intense flames coming from the roof of the one-story, 75-feet by 100-feet building, said LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey. It took 80 firefighters 90 minutes to contain the blaze, which was still smoldering as the LAFD’s Arson Unit arrived at the scene. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

MyNewsLA

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.