LAPD led child exploitation task force makes 341 arrests, rescues 40 children
LAPD led child exploitation task force makes 341 arrests, rescues 40 children
The Los Angeles Police Department, joined by representatives from several other Southern California law enforcement agencies, announced 341 arrests and 40 child rescues resulting from Operation Firewall, a child exploitation task force. The targeted operation conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force took place over a couple of weeks in April and May, spanning five counties. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said at a Thursday morning news conference that investigators worked undercover across multiple social media platforms, and "executed numerous residential search warrants and arrest warrants throughout the five-county region." Some of the arresting offenses involving children as young as 1 years old included: production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material; lewd acts with a child; contacting or attempting to meet a minor for lewd purposes; human trafficking; failure to register as a convicted sex offender; and parole and probation violations by registered sex offenders.
3 arrested in deadly Hollywood stabbing after dog attack
Three people were arrested in a deadly stabbing Wednesday afternoon in Hollywood that appeared to stem from a dog attack. Police responded to the assault with a deadly weapon call at about 3 p.m. Wednesday near Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue. A man who had been attacked by a dog pulled out a knife and stabbed the dog, the LAPD told NBC4 Investigates. The man, who was possibly homeless, was then attacked by four men, police said. The man suffered multiple stab wounds and died at a hospital. Three men were taken into custody in connection with the deadly stabbing. A fourth person was sought by police. Detectives are still gathering and piecing together information around what led to the altercation. The dog was taken to a veterinary office and treated for injuries. Police asked anyone with information about the altercation to call LAPD Robbery Homicide West Bureau Section 213-382-9470.
Shooting Near Union Station Sends One to Hospital
Police Thursday are investigating a shooting near Union Station that sent one man to a hospital. Los Angeles Police Department officers responded at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday to the 800 block of North Alameda Street, south of East Cesar Chavez Avenue where they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the torso, an LAPD officer told City News Service. The victim told police he thought he was being followed before he was shot. The victim was taken to a hospital by Los Angeles Fire personnel in an unknown condition, police said. There was no suspect description.
Amber Alert canceled after 3-year-old missing in South LA found, LAPD says
An Amber Alert sent out to the public Thursday about a missing child in South Los Angeles was in the process of being deactivated when it was sent out, officials confirmed to NBC Los Angeles. The alert, which was issued by the California Highway Patrol on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department, said a 3-year-old was last seen near Slauson and Van Ness around 8 a.m. Thursday. By 6 p.m., the child had been found safe and the suspect was in custody, the LAPD said. Officials say they were in the process of canceling the alert when it went out a little after 6 p.m.
Los Angeles police search for missing 83-year-old man
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a Silver Alert on Thursday for a missing 83-year-old man who wasn’t been seen since May 20. Alfredo Luna was last seen around 5:50 a.m. near the 13600 block of Gager Street, according to police. They’re asking for the public’s help with finding him. Police say he may be confused and disoriented. He only speaks Spanish, walks with a limp, has a visible surgical scar, and may have difficulty hearing. He’s described as a Hispanic man with balding hair and brown eyes. He’s approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. Luna was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue shirt and brown baseball cap with the word “Mexico” across the front. If you have seen Luna or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact Missing Persons Unit of the LAPD’s Detective Support and Vice Division at 213-996-1800 or dial 911.
LAPD officers clear rat-infested homeless encampment in Pico Union
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department cleared a rat-infested homeless encampment in a Pico Union neighborhood on Thursday. But hours later, people started setting up tents on the sidewalk again. Neighbors and business owners said this is the frustrating cycle they've become accustomed to near the intersections along West Olympic Boulevard. The crackdown in District 1 was part of the city's CARE+ program, in which outreach teams, sanitation crews and LAPD work together to clear encampments. LAPD's Rampart Division posted videos and photos of rats darting through the sprawling encampment on Instagram. "When people ask why we do enforcement at homeless encampments, this is why," officers wrote in the Instagram post. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez said the area has been a longtime hotspot for public health and Americans with Disabilities Act violations.
Alleged Colombian burglary ring arrested in Southern California
San Bernardino County deputies arrested four men accused of running a Colombian burglary ring in Southern California. Jesus Velez-Hernandez, 35, Sergio Paez-Cuervo, 38, Javier Pulido-Ramirez, 41, and Akksel Cadena-Diaz, 29, all citizens of Colombia, have been tied to burglaries throughout Southern California, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Detectives said the suspects allegedly targeted homes using camouflaged surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi jammers and other sophisticated burglary tools to disable security systems. Investigators also believe the suspects put fraudulent license plates on their getaway cars. Working with law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California, deputies started tracking the alleged burglary ring following a residential burglary on April 22, 2026, in the San Antonio Heights neighborhood in unincorporated Upland.
‘Throw me your kid': Mother drops baby into Mich. officer’s arms in house fire rescue
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety released video showing a woman in a burning house dropping a child to rescuers below. Firefighters then used a ladder to rescue the woman. “Hey, throw me your kid. Kick out the screen,” public-safety officer Michael Arnett said on police video. “Oh my God,” he said. Moments later, he said: “Yep, I got (the baby).” The fire was reported around 4:15 p.m. Friday, May 15, at a two-story house in the 1200 block of Washington Avenue near James Street. Dispatchers were told that a woman and her infant were trapped in a second-floor unit. When firefighters arrived, they saw flames engulfing the porch on the right side of the three-unit house and Arnett found the 911 caller leaning from a second-floor window on the left side. Smoke poured from the window as she held her baby. Arnett told the woman to drop the infant to him. Both the mother and child were taken for evaluation at a local hospital but neither suffered injuries. The occupants of two lower-level units escaped on their own and were not injured.
Public Safety News
2 hospitalized, dogs rescued and several displaced after Sherman Oaks apartment fire
An apartment fire in Sherman Oaks Thursday morning sent two people to the hospital, displaced several residents and prompted the rescue of pets, according to authorities. The fire broke out around 9 a.m. in the 14000 block of Dickens Street, just south of Ventura Boulevard and east of Van Nuys Boulevard. Firefighters encountered "heavy fire" and "a lot of smoke" coming from a second-story unit as they arrived, Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Tony Tubbs said. Two people - a 69-year-old woman and a man - were transported to the hospital, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The woman was treated for possible smoke inhalation and is in moderate condition. The second victim's condition is unclear. AIR7 video showed the intensity of the blaze as flames tore through the apartment. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire. A fire department spokesperson said the flames spread into the living room and another room, leaving extensive damage, including charred debris and broken windows.
Local Government News
LA Council Approves Revised $14.9B Budget
The Los Angeles City Council Thursday approved a revised $14.9 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27, preserving the core structure of Mayor Karen Bass’ proposal while making adjustments to reinforce reserves. The City Council voted 12-1 to approve the revised budget, which increased the city’s reserve fund from $490 million to $515.9 million, and represents about 6% of general fund revenues. The spending plan increased the city’s budget stabilization fund from $9 million to $14.5 million. Councilwoman Traci Park was the lone dissenter, while Councilman Curren Price recused himself, citing a potential conflict of interest as he is a landlord. Councilman Tim McOsker was absent during the vote. Revisions bring the city’s cumulative reserve fund from about 8.41% up to 9%. The revised budget is well above a 5% minimum for reserves, but still below a 10% financial policy set by the city.
