L.A. hardware store was a front for a $4.5-million cargo theft ring, police say
Law Enforcement News
L.A. hardware store was a front for a $4.5-million cargo theft ring, police say
They may have looked like innocuous hardware stores from the outside, but inside these two L.A. County storefronts was an estimated $4.5 million worth of goods stolen from trains, trucks and cargo ships, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. On Wednesday, Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced that the department had busted a massive cargo theft ring operating out of DJ General Tool & Wire’s Montebello and Huntington Park locations. The stolen goods included power tools, e-bikes and appliances from brands such as Dyson, Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita, police said. The business’ owner, 41-year-old Dojoon Park of Montebello, was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property, and the L.A. County district attorney’s office intends to file hefty charges. “We are in the process of fully evaluating the crimes that he has committed, and we anticipate charges being brought against him ... that will involve maximum sentences of years of state prison time,” Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said at a news conference.
LAPD officers search for two young brothers who vanished in Westlake area
Police are searching for young brothers who disappeared in Los Angeles' Westlake area. The boys, ages 2 and 10, were reported missing at about 1:30 a.m. in the 300 block of South Virgil Avenue. The boys were last seen at an apartment in the neighborhood west of downtown Los Angeles. Police also were searching in the Vermont Square area in connection with the case. Details about the circumstances surrounding the brothers' disappearance were not immediately available. Refresh this page for updates.
LAPD seizes cache of guns during domestic violence call in downtown
The Los Angeles Police Department seized a small cache of guns during a domestic violence investigation inside a downtown apartment unit. "One of the sure ways to get firearms seized is being involved in domestic violence," Capt. Lillian Carranza, who oversees the downtown LA station, post on X. "Under California Penal Code § 18250, officers responding to a domestic violence call are required to seize any firearms or ammunition. They must be held for at least 48 hours." After arriving at the apartment in the corner of West 8th Street and Francisco Street, police found seven guns during a protective sweep of the unit. Officers confiscated seven guns, including several rifles and two ghost guns. LAPD said there were four people inside the apartment, none of whom claimed ownership of the weapons. Officers did not arrest anyone as of Wednesday. LAPD's Central Station handed over the case to the department's Gang and Narcotics Division.
Vandalism suspect arrested after windows shattered on multiple vehicles in North Hollywood
A felony vandalism suspect was arrested after the windshields of "numerous" vehicles were shattered in North Hollywood, authorities said. Officers were called about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday to the 5000 block of Tujunga Avenue to investigate a report that a man in his 40s was vandalizing vehicles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The suspect was arrested, but his name was not immediately released. Police did not specify how many vehicles were damaged, but an LAPD spokesperson told ABC7 that "numerous" vehicles were vandalized. In an interview, one resident said his work truck, and the cars of his mother, his sister and his neighbor, were among those damaged. "Last night, I heard somebody acting crazy outside -- just yelling, cussing," Jovany Garduno said. "They actually banged on some of the apartment walls. I called the cops, the cops had me on hold for like twenty-plus minutes -- which was honestly infuriating.
Swing for the Officer Needs Help Fund!
Join us for the 43rd Annual Chief Daryl F. Gates Golf Tournament on October 6, 2025 at the beautiful Porter Valley Country Club. This is your chance to tee off for a cause. Every swing helps support the Officer Needs Help Fund. Enjoy a day of friendly competition, scenic fairways, and great company while aiming for exciting prizes and bragging rights. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just out for the fun, you’ll be part of something truly meaningful. Sponsorship opportunities are available, giving you a chance to showcase your support for our law enforcement family. Don’t miss your shot! Register today and help us drive change, one hole at a time!
LA woman faces federal stalking charges in high-profile case
A Los Angeles woman is facing federal stalking charges after allegedly harassing multiple victims, including a high-profile singer and actress. The case involves bizarre claims and has led to severe emotional distress for those targeted. For over a year, international recording artist Lika O has been subjected to relentless stalking and harassment. The accused, Eugenia Skripnik, also known as Jane Skripnek, allegedly sent thousands of harassing emails daily to Lika O, her family, friends, colleagues, and even employers. These emails contained fabricated links and false claims, labeling the victims as frauds, pedophiles, and criminals. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, and Skripnik was arrested on federal stalking charges.
Public Safety News
Memorial to be Installed for Boy, 12, Killed While Biking in South LA
A ghost bike memorial will be installed Thursday at a South Los Angeles intersection, near the spot where a 12-year-old boy was fatally struck by a speeding hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle in the early afternoon. Michael Smith was fatally injured on July 22. The youth’s mother and other relatives were expected to attend the installation at 83rd and Main streets. In addition to a white “ghost bike,” doves will be released in the boy’s memory. According Damian Kevitt of Streets are for Everyone, the preteen started running his own ice cream truck when he was 7 and dreamed of growing the business before his life was cut short while on his way to meet a friend. Streets are for Everyone reported in a blog post that Smith was riding on 83rd Street approaching Main Street when he was hit by a driver reported to be speeding at 75 miles per hour on the city street.
Fire reported in 100 year old Echo Park church
A longstanding church in Los Angeles’ Echo Park neighborhood, which is currently vacant due to needed repairs, caught fire Thursday morning. Firefighters were called to the Echo Park United Methodist Church on North Alvarado and Reservoir streets shortly before 7 a.m. Aerial video from Sky5 showed smoke billowing out the front door of the two-story church as firefighters entered to extinguish the blaze. “Fire crews forced access and located fire in a closet,” the Los Angeles Fire Department stated in a news alert. The fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes, and no injuries were reported, the Fire Department said. The Echo Park United Methodist Church (EPUMC) community has been in Echo Park since 1906, with the current church building being dedicated in 1924, according to the EPUMC website. The church has been closed due to renovations needed to the bell tower, after a powerful 2024 storm revealed structural damage.
LAFD introduces new wildfire hand crew unit
As Southern California braces for its hottest weather of the summer, the Los Angeles Fire Department is rolling out a new unit that specializes in stomping out brush fires. The group, known as CREW 4, is the city's first full-time and paid wildfire unit. It's 24 members who graduated from the five-week course at the department's academy in June. The firefighters were trained on wildland fire behavior, weather, chainsaw operations and line cutting. “The first in the city's history, which brings us in alignment with our allied agencies around us," Battalion Chief Adam Knabe said. "They are constantly training. They are ready for whatever the fire department needs to dispatch them to." Former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley tried to get CREW 4 in place long before the January wildfires, but the city did not allocate enough funds in the budget for the unit. In the wake of the fires, Crowley publicly challenged the city about the lack of proper funding for the department.
Southern California firefighters, first responders prepare for elevated fire danger amid sweltering heat
Firefighters and first responders are taking proactive steps as sweltering heat descends on Southern California this week, hoping to gain an advantage over the elevated fire danger. "It's always a worry, especially living here in the foothills," said Barry Shimauchi, who lives in Azusa, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. "September, August, things start to dry out and then you get that late kind of heat wave." The incoming heat, which will bring triple-digit temperatures to much of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, is potentially the worst of the year, leading National Weather Service officials to issue red flag fire conditions for specific areas. In response, the California Office of Emergency Services has also sent extra resources to the area. "This includes fire engines, firefighters, bulldozers, helicopters," said Cal OES State Fire Rescue Chief Brian Marshall. "It gives them a better opportunity to contain the fire when it's small, so we don't have a big disaster."
Heat wave expected to bring near record temps in SoCal: ‘Get outdoor activities done as early in the morning as possible’
A heat wave baking Southern California could bring near record-setting high temperatures across the region starting Thursday, the National Weather Service warned. A heat advisory is in place along the coast but almost everywhere else across the region is under a more serious heat warning, with temperatures Thursday expected to hover in the 90s inland from the coast, and somewhere between 100 and 109 degrees in the valleys, lower mountains, farther inland and the Antelope Valley. “Get outdoor activities done as early in the morning as possible and don’t leave people or pets in closed vehicles for any amount of time,” a Thursday morning forecast from the Weather Service said. “Only the beach areas will not have dangerous heat.” Woodland Hills is forecast to hit 107 on Thursday and downtown Los Angeles may hit 95. It’s forecast to hit 101 degrees in Pasadena. Officials warn that overnight temperatures will also remain high, possibly in the 70s for much of L.A. County, providing little respite from the daytime heat.
Local Government News
LA Council Moves Forward Proposal to Allow Single-Stairway Housing
The City Council Wednesday instructed the Department of Building and Safety and attorneys to develop an ordinance that would allow the construction of single-stairway six-story apartments in Los Angeles. In a 13-1 vote, council members asked building and safety staff with aid from the City Attorney’s Office, Department of City Planning and Fire Department to amend the necessary codes to allow such developments. Additionally, city staff are expected to consult the California State Fire Marshal on the policy — a decision intended to address concerns about fire safety. Earlier this year, council members Nithya Raman, Katy Yaroslavsky and Bob Blumenfield introduced a motion calling for more affordable family-sized apartments.
