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Still from security camera showing a Sheriff's Custody Assistant in uniform handing an inmate an item just before she is attacked. The inmate is dressed in a blue jump suit and is standing infront of a gurney. The room has a wide concrete floor and is surrounded by glass walls and a door is behind them.
LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted 600 394 SIB Staff

LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted

LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted in unprovoked attack by Inmate at the Inmate Reception Center

On May 5th, 2021, An inmate at the Inmate Reception Center brutally punched a custody assistant after his left hand was unsecured from his waist chain when he asked to use the restroom.

The 54-year-old Asian female was launched to the floor after handing the inmate toilet paper as she crashed into medical carts from the strong blow. The 29-year-old Inmate continued the assault by punching her two more times in her face as she laid on the floor.

The Inmate then stopped his attack and sat back down on a gurney, offering no resistance to arriving sheriff’s personnel who secured him to the gurney. The custody assistant suffered trauma to the face and head. She was transported to a local hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. She remains in stable condition.

The Inmate, 29-year-old Arnulfo Meza, was transported to a high-security area and is pending assault and hate crime charges.

There is no additional information at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Video of LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant assaulted in an unprovoked attack by an inmate. Viewer discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of the attack.
Still image from Body Camera Footage of Deputy writing ticket to a woman inside a car. The Woman is holding up her phone showing the Deputy something on the screen. The image details have been blured to protect the woman's personal information and Identity.
SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021 1024 557 SIB Staff

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

Recently, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy assigned to San Dimas station was involved in a traffic stop that was caught on body-worn camera video. During the traffic stop, a citation was issued to the driver. Shortly after the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle in question filed a personnel complaint against the Deputy. The traffic stop video was seen on social media, which garnered overwhelming public and media interest. Online stories were generated wherein speculation of the complainant’s identity and work location was being discussed. Although the person in the video identified themselves as a teacher, it should be noted they have not been employed with the Los Angeles Community College District since 2017. Additionally, there are numerous names wrongfully being associated with the individual’s identity. We caution others about the dangers associated with these false accusations. An investigation was completed wherein the complainant was interviewed, and a thorough review of the incident, including body-worn camera footage, was reviewed. After the investigation, it was determined the traffic stop was conducted within department policy and procedures.

Please note – some sections of the video have been blurred and some audio has been redacted to protect the identity of the individual who was cited.

Body Camera Footage of San Dimas Traffic Stop

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants 1024 768 SIB Staff

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants


Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants

The proliferation of illegal Marijuana cultivation operations throughout the high desert area has become an ever-growing problem in the Antelope Valley. As a result of information received through public calls for service, and the office of Supervisor Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to Community Partnerships Bureau (COPS) served two search warrants in the Fort Tejon area of Palmdale targeting some of these illegal operations.


 
On Tuesday, May 4th, 2021, a suspect was taken into custody for the illegal cultivation of marijuana during these warrant services. Additionally, approximately 3,800 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Due to the fact these operations were being conducted on public lands, members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also present. Their office will seek additional charges related to the destruction and contamination of local wildlife.


 
Illegal marijuana grows are not only illegal, but are harmful to the environment and wildlife due to the hazardous chemicals and toxic pesticides used. The illegal marijuana grows are also dangerous for residents who may stumble upon them.  There could be toxic molds and fungus, faulty electrical hook ups and booby traps that can be life threatening to those who wander onto the land where these illegal marijuana grows are.
 
We thank those residents who contacted the LASD to provide the information which led to the apprehension of the suspect, the seizure of the illegal narcotics, and the return of these public lands to the residents of the Antelope Valley. 
 
If you know of any illegal marijuana grow operations in your area, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Picture of hand painted sheriff's badge, painted on a white wall in the C R D F Jail. The words above read, "Visiting Center".
Reopening of Jail Visitations at CRDF 1024 683 SIB Staff

Reopening of Jail Visitations at CRDF

Update: LASD has expanded visitation to all facilities starting Saturday, June 5, 2021. More information here.

LASD values the importance of visitation, and its role in family connectedness during this difficult time.

We are excited to announce the phased reopening of jail visitation commencing on Mother’s Day weekend (May 8th and 9th) at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF).

CRDF Detention Facility

All other facilities are expected to reopen by the first week of June. The Department will also be offering free vaccinations on Saturday, May 8th from 9am to 12pm at CRDF.

Visitation Requirements:

• All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointment allowed or scheduled at facilities.
• Visitors will be screened for symptoms, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste. Visitors will be turned away if they have symptoms or are under quarantine or isolation orders.
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance, or they will be asked to leave.
• Only one adult visitor OR one adult with one child will be allowed. If more people show up, the entire visit will be canceled for everyone.
• Visitors subject to a quarantine or isolation order will have their appointment canceled.
• Visitors will have to show proof of a full COVID vaccination i, a negative COVID test within the last three days ii, or proof of previous infection iii. Otherwise, the visit will be canceled.

For more information on visitation requirements, please go to https://sheriff33.lasd.org/covid19updates/#inmate_visit.

VALOR AWARD PRESENTED TO SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT BUREAU 1024 681 SIB Staff

VALOR AWARD PRESENTED TO SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) Medal of Valor to five Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew members for their effort, skill, determination, and commitment during the search and recovery operation of SBSD Search and Rescue (SAR) member Timothy Staples.

Staples was one of 126 people across 23 teams searching for Sreenivas “Sree” Mokkapati, who was reported missing on December 8, 2019, after becoming separated from his group while ascending Mount Baldy. Staples’ partner on the search and rescue team alerted the sheriff’s department on Saturday that he had become separated from Staples. Despite inclement weather conditions and treacherous terrain, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew located Staples in “an area of ice and snow.” He was unresponsive, and a crew member lowered to Staples determined he was dead.

Even though the operation turned into a recovery, the crew’s efforts still demonstrate the dangerous working conditions search and rescue personnel face every day. “In my opinion, the LASD has one of the best search and rescue programs in the nation, and the Flight Deputies and Crew of Air 5 are the cream of the crop,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Medal of Valor to Los Angeles County Air Rescue 5 Crew member Deputies Todd Kocisko, Scott Helbing, Steve Pratt, Jennifer Shepard, and Sergeant Dave Carver for their act of bravery during the operation.

Image of fake pharmaceuticals confiscated by LASD.
Intellectual Property 900 503 SIB Staff

Intellectual Property

National Day of World Intellectual Property

Today we mark National Day of World Intellectual Property. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe.”

Counterfeiting is the largest global criminal enterprise affecting economic growth and impacting the health and safety of consumers. This illicit trade is a significant problem worldwide that continues to grow. Whether it is smuggling, counterfeit, or tax evasion, governments are losing billions of dollars in tax revenues, legitimate businesses are being undermined, and consumers are being exposed to poorly made and unregulated products.

Image of 40 or 50 fake motorcycle helmets displayed in an office. The Helmets are on a wall rack along the wall.

It is a crime to steal, with the intention to, Sell and/or Manufacture of someone’s registered trademark and/or logo, whether it’s a song, artwork, or tangible property. 

Within the County of Los Angeles, the Sheriff’s Department enforces trademarks to protect against Intellectual Property theft and ensure the health and safety of consumers. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement (CAPE) Team is an active investigative unit consisting of Sheriff Deputies, a Sergeant, and a Lieutenant responsible for enforcing counterfeit-related crimes and investigation of various “quality of life” issues, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and safety products. 

If you know of someone who is selling counterfeit products, you can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Community Partnerships Bureau, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement Team at 323-981-5300 to provide information on the Sale and/or Manufacture of counterfeit goods. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Sheriff Alex Villanueva & Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn Host Covid Vaccination Clinic 1024 576 SIB Staff

Sheriff Alex Villanueva & Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn Host Covid Vaccination Clinic

On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District, hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Cerritos Civic Center. They were joined by the City of Cerritos Mayor Naresh Solanki, Dr. Sean Kossari, and Cesar Landeros from the Center for Family Health and Education.

Sheriff Villanueva was pleased to announce that after a year of uncertainty, lockdowns, and health concerns, this week, the COVID-19 test positivity rate dropped to the lowest it has been since the pandemic began. He stated that it had been a difficult time for everyone. Many have endured the death of family, friends, and co-workers, suffered economic losses, been hospitalized, but little by little, progress is being made. 

“Although we might share differing opinions at times, the Board of Supervisors and I ultimately have the same goal when it comes to the health and wellness of the residents of Los Angeles County,” acknowledged Sheriff Villanueva as he thanked Supervisor Hahn for her support on important issues such as equipping deputies with body-worn cameras and the COVID-19 Super-Spreader Taskforce.

In addition to hosting vaccination clinics for the community, on January 7, 2021, LASD started “Operation Homebound.” This program was designed to vaccinate the most underrepresented, homebound, and underserved disabled residents of Los Angeles County, including those experiencing homelessness. Deputy Sheriff Personnel, who are state and nationally certified paramedics and emergency medical technicians, administer the vaccines and respond to residences and provide them with this life-saving opportunity.

He invited those who fall in this category to contact their local Sheriff’s Patrol Station. Send an email to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau at [email protected], or call (213) 229-1700 to receive more information about Operation Homebound. 

Sheriff Villanueva reminded everyone that aggressive variants are still out there and urged people to continue to wear their facemasks to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Sheriff alex villanueva graphic. portrait of sheriff in tan shirt black tie. Sheriff's uniform, on greeen background with the hall of justice building behind him faded in the back ground.
Readiness for the possibility of civil unrest 1024 249 SIB Staff

Readiness for the possibility of civil unrest

Readiness for the possibility of civil unrest

April 16, 2021

In readiness for potential civil disturbances related to the trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd, coupled with the recent national attention regarding several high profile shootings, and to meet the operational needs of Los Angeles County, we are in constant communication with our state and local law enforcement partners as to their state of readiness, which includes contingency planning with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and California National Guard. At this time, no direct request has been made of the California National Guard, because that can only be done when there is a specific mission to request and assign. But through our preparation, any possible lag time to mobilize should be significantly reduced.

I strongly support the First Amendment and the people’s right to protest, but if these actions become violent or shift into lawlessness, then swift and decisive action will be taken to protect life, protect property, and maintain civil order. This will be accomplished in a fair, firm, and impartial manner, in accordance with the law and 21st century policing concepts.

I believe in the important role the press plays in truth and transparency, as such my personnel are directed to support them in their duties, but that support does not extend into allowing members of the media to become part of the problem once an assembly has been declared unlawful. I strongly encourage members of the press to seek out supervisory personnel and identify yourselves, so they are aware of your status and can more easily support you in your mission.

We the people can exercise our First Amendment rights peacefully, without the need for violence and destruction.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

SHERIFF PRESENTS CHECK TO POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL 1024 487 SIB Staff

SHERIFF PRESENTS CHECK TO POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL

In an ongoing effort to increase public awareness about the fight against breast cancer, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva presented a $10,500.00 check to the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Breast Health Center.

Proceeds were generated through the Pink Patch Project, a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association (LACPCA) and over 500 public safety agencies throughout the United States. As part of this program, participating agencies sell their commemorative pink patches not only to public safety personnel but also to the community. In addition to pink patches, other merchandise, including T-shirts, challenge coins, and stuffed animals, is sold to generate funds. Last year face masks were added to the list. Proceeds from the sale of these items go to fund breast cancer education, research, and treatment.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the community’s support of the Pink Patch Project,” said Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President/CEO of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. “The funds raised help us to provide free resources to those in our community affected by cancer, including Nurse Navigators for patients, support groups, a wig program, creative journaling and exercise classes, as well as investments in advanced technologies, such as our SmartCurve breast stabilization system, which reduces pain during mammograms, and the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System that reduces the risk of hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.”

Maria Perez, a former patient of PVHMC, shared her story of survival: “When they tell you ‘you have stage IV cancer’ and when you see your kids, and you see that you’re going to leave them by themselves, who is going to take care of them? I pushed myself to come here.” 

Sheriff Villanueva, a cancer survivor himself, added: “Early detection, prevention, and intervention is the key to success, and we want to encourage and facilitate any which way we can to give all the resources to the community to facilitate treatment.”

Please visit www.lasdpatch.com to purchase pink patches and other merchandise. Proceeds from the sale of these items will directly benefit cancer research and treatment.

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
SHERIFF PROVIDES UPDATE ON TIGER WOODS TRAFFIC COLLISION 768 170 SIB Staff

SHERIFF PROVIDES UPDATE ON TIGER WOODS TRAFFIC COLLISION

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Captain James Powers announced that the primary cause of the collision involving golfer Tiger Woods was driving at a speed unsafe for the road conditions and the inability to negotiate the curve of the roadway.

On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods was involved in a traffic collision on Hawthorne Blvd., in Rancho Palos Verdes. According to the vehicle’s event data recorder, estimated speeds at the first area of impact were 84 to 87 mph and when the vehicle made a final impact on a tree the speed was 75 mph.

Villanueva stated that no citations were issued and there were no signs of impairment. Contrary to various reports, Mr. Woods did not receive preferential treatment and the primary concern after the crash was providing the medical care needed to survive his life-threatening injuries.

Captain Powers reiterated that there was no evidence of impairment, no odor of alcohol, no open containers in the vehicle, no narcotics or evidence of medication on the vehicle or in his person. Also, due to the traumatic nature of his injuries, it would have been inappropriate to administer a sobriety test. Since there was no observation by a peace officer or no independent witnesses, a citation was not issued. Cell phone records were not reviewed because the only factors of the accident were speed and the failure to maintain the curvature of the roadway. There was no probable cause to obtain bloodwork at the hospital because based on the facts, there was no evidence of intoxication or impairment.

According to the event data recorder, it is believed that Tiger Woods inadvertently hit the accelerator instead of the brakes.

To view the traffic report of the collision please click here.