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Suspect arrested after short pursuit in La Puente 600 128 SIB Staff

Suspect arrested after short pursuit in La Puente

SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER SHORT PURSUIT IN LA PUENTE

A suspect is in custody after biting a deputy sheriff, and leading several other deputies on a pursuit through residential streets before crashing into another vehicle.   

It began on Friday, January 10, 2020, at approximately 5:00 PM, when Deputy Sheriff’s from Industry Station conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle at the intersection of Evanwood Avenue and Lassalette Avenue, in the unincorporated area of Valinda. The suspect was asked to exit his vehicle but refused to comply with the Deputy’s commands.  The driver instead reached for a bag on the floorboard of the vehicle.  Thinking the suspect might be reaching for a weapon, the Deputy grabbed hold of the suspect’s arm/shoulder preventing him from reaching inside the bag.  As the Deputy held on, the suspect reached down and bit the Deputy’s hand.  The suspect drove away from the scene after the Deputy let go of him and went in pursuit of the suspect  through various residential streets in La Puente, and surrounding areas.

Upon reaching the intersection of Willow Avenue and Fairgrove Avenue, the suspect crashed into another vehicle.  The suspect’s vehicle  then came to rest after colliding into a wall.  Deputies were then able to detain the suspect with no further incident.  The Los Angeles County Fire Department transported the Suspect to a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation and clearance for booking.  A firearm was recovered inside the bag the suspect was reaching for.  

A woman in the other vehicle involved in the collision, was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries. 

The Deputy who was bit by the suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time. 

Patrol car with red lights on
Pico Rivera Hit and run 1024 768 SIB Staff

Pico Rivera Hit and run

Deputies and Traffic Detectives investigate fatal hit and run in Pico Rivera

Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Deputies and Traffic Services Detail Detectives are currently investigating a fatal hit and run traffic collision that occurred at the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Paramount Boulevard in the city of Pico Rivera. The victim, a 15 year old male juvenile, was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident occurred on Friday, January 10, 2020 at approximately 3:00pm, when four pedestrians were running south through the crosswalk of Paramount Boulevard and Slauson Avenue.  A box truck traveling east on Slauson Avenue, struck one of the pedestrians in the intersection, and failed to stop.   The suspect fled the scene, and continued eastbound on Slauson Avenue, out of view.  The suspect’s vehicle license plate was captured by witnesses. 

Deputies responded and located the victim, and witnesses, at the intersection.  With the assistance of the Los Angeles County Fire Department the victim was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital in critical condition.  The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

During the course of the investigation, and shortly after the traffic collision, officers from Whittier Police Department assisting Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Deputies located what they believed to be the suspect’s vehicle.  Currently, a person of interest is being detained related to the investigation.

No other information is currently available at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station, attention Traffic Detective Marquez (562)949-2421. 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.

Lakewood man arrested in connection to Animal Cruelty 693 442 SIB Staff

Lakewood man arrested in connection to Animal Cruelty

LAKEWOOD MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO ANIMAL CRUELTY

A man was arrested today for animal cruelty after it was discovered he shot a dog to death in La Mirada on Sunday January 05, 2020 around 12:43 P.M. The suspect, Shane Dubyak, 23 of Lakewood was arrested after a vehicle and foot pursuit with deputy sheriffs through the cities of Artesia and Cerritos on Friday, January 10, 2020.

The initial incident started when a witness saw a male Hispanic (later identified as Suspect Dubyak) exit the passenger side of a white vehicle near the 16400 block of Phoebe Ave; an industrial area of La Mirada.  The witness added he saw Suspect Dubyak place an object on the ground near the gutter, which was immediately followed by two gunshots. Suspect Dubyak re-entered the vehicle and it drove south on Phoebe Avenue, east on Firestone Boulevard and out of view.  The vehicle was being driven by a female Hispanic.


After the vehicle left the location, the witness looked for the object from the gutter, and found it to be a dog that died from multiple gunshot wounds.  Norwalk station deputies responded, and with the help of station detectives, they recovered video surveillance of the incident.

With multiple tips from the public, and investigative work by the detectives, the suspect’s vehicle was identified. As the investigation continued, a female was arrested and then released pending further investigation.  The white Jeep Grand Cherokee used in the crime was also located.  After receiving additional public tips, Norwalk station detectives continued their investigation and developed information that lead them to Suspect Dubyak.  

On Friday, January 10, detectives were en route to the City of Long Beach in attempt to locate the suspect when they saw him driving black Kia Forte near Artesia Boulevard and Pioneer Boulevard.  Detectives attempted to stop Suspect Dubyak. However, he failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.  Suspect Dubyak abandoned his vehicle in the City of Cerritos and tried to run from deputies.  He was quickly apprehended. A firearm was thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit and later recovered. There were no injuries related to the incident.

Suspect Dubyak was charged with a felony Cruelty to Animals, 597(a) PC; Evading Arrest, 2800.2 CVC; and Ex-felon Possess a Firearm, 29800(A) PC. His bail is currently set to $75,000.

Anyone with additional information can contact Norwalk Sheriff’s Station Detective Christensen at 562 466-5419.

Class 443
Class #443 Graduation 1024 575 SIB Staff

Class #443 Graduation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva Presides over Graduation Ceremonies of Deputy Academy Class #443

On Friday January 10, 2020, a total of the 69 polished recruits lined up at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center, Santa Clarita, in what would be their final platoon formation as academy classmates.  After 22 weeks of rigorous academy training, the recruits pressed through an equally intense and meticulous formal class inspection by law enforcement executives just before the ceremony.

The ceremony was a formal transformation of academy recruits into sworn peace officers. Sheriff Alex Villanueva presided over the graduation ceremony, and delivered encouraging remarks to the 8 female and 61 male graduates and their guest.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva was joined on stage by Assistant Chief Ronald Iizuka, Culver City Police Department and Chief Carl Polvilaitis, Glendale Police Department in presenting the 69 graduates with their Peace Officer Standards and Training certificates.  The graduates were then officially sworn in as California Peace Officers

In a special segment of the ceremony, Jonathan W. Buchan, LASD, was named as the class Honor Recruit.  This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest numerical average based upon leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship, and physical performance throughout the training period.   David M. Nohles, LASD, was honored as Academic Recruit.  This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest academic scores.

Each class of recruits processed through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department College of the Canyons Training Academy, brings together a collection of unique aspects, qualities and experiences. Academy Class #443 is a largely international collection of backgrounds, reflective of the vast array of cultures found within Los Angeles County.  Of the 69 graduating recruits, 7 were born outside the United States in the countries Chile, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Lebanon and Mexico; 11 recruits lived abroad in the countries of Cambodia, Chile, England, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Taiwan; and 36 recruits speak a language other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL), Armenian, Indonesian, Korean, Mandarin, Pidgin Hawaiian and Shanghainese.

These graduates bring with them a large source of higher education (20), service experience in the armed forces (10), and backgrounds in law enforcement (5), and many come from families with a tradition of serving in law enforcement (30).

Congratulations Academy Class 443!

Animal Cruelty SUSPECT Arrested by norwalk station detectives 693 442 SIB Staff

Animal Cruelty SUSPECT Arrested by norwalk station detectives

ANIMAL CRUELTY SUSPECT ARRESTED BY NORWALK STATION DETECTIVES

A man was arrested today for animal cruelty after it was discovered he shot a dog to death in La Mirada on Sunday January 05, 2020 around 12:43 P.M. The suspect, Shane Dubyak, 23 of Lakewood was arrested after a vehicle and foot pursuit with deputy sheriffs in the through the cities of Artesia and Cerritos on Friday, January 10, 2020.

The initial incident started when a witness saw a male Hispanic (later identified as Suspect Dubyak) exit the passenger side of a white vehicle near the 16400 block of Phoebe Ave; an industrial area of La Mirada.  The witness added he saw Suspect Dubyak place an object on the ground near the gutter, which was immediately followed by two gunshots. Suspect Dubyak re-entered the vehicle and it drove south on Phoebe Avenue, east on Firestone Boulevard and out of view.  The vehicle was being driven by a female Hispanic.


After the vehicle left the location, the witness looked for the object from the gutter, and found it to be a dog that died from multiple gunshot wounds.  Norwalk station deputies responded, and with the help of station detectives, they recovered video surveillance of the incident.

With multiple tips from the public, and investigative work by the detectives, the suspect’s vehicle was identified. As the investigation continued, a female was arrested and then released pending further investigation.  The white Jeep Grand Cherokee used in the crime was also located.  After receiving additional public tips, Norwalk station detectives continued their investigation and developed information that lead them to Suspect Dubyak.  

On Friday, January 10, detectives were en route to the City of Long Beach in attempt to locate the suspect when they saw him driving black Kia Forte near Artesia Boulevard and Pioneer Boulevard.  Detectives attempted to stop Suspect Dubyak. However, he failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.  Suspect Dubyak abandoned his vehicle in the City of Cerritos and tried to run from deputies.  He was quickly apprehended. A firearm was thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit and later recovered. There were no injuries related to the incident.

Suspect Dubyak was charged with a felony Cruelty to Animals, 597(a) PC; Evading Arrest, 2800.2 CVC; and Ex-felon Possess a Firearm, 29800(A) PC. His bail is currently set to $75,000.

Anyone with additional information can contact Norwalk Sheriff’s Station Detective Christensen at 562 466-5419.

_____________________________________________________
Previous Press Release:

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Norwalk Station Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects responsible for fatally shooting a dog near the 16400 block of Phoebe Ave in La Mirada.

On Sunday, January 5, 2020 at approximately 12:43 p.m., the above listed vehicle stopped at the location. A witness saw a male Hispanic exit the passenger side of the vehicle and place an object on the ground near the gutter, immediately followed by two gunshots. The male re-entered the vehicle and it drove south on Phoebe Ave, east on Firestone Blvd and out of view.
According to witness, the vehicle was being driven by a female Hispanic.

After the vehicle left the location, the witness found the object from the gutter, and found it to be a dog that died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspects and are asking anyone with information to please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Norwalk Station at (562) 466-5419.

If you prefer to remain ANONYMOUS, you can call “Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-8477, use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://www.lacrimestoppers.org/

Angela D. Walton promoted to captain 819 1024 SIB Staff

Angela D. Walton promoted to captain

ANGELA D. WALTON PROMOTED TO CAPTAIN

Captain Walton has served as a Lieutenant at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) since 2013, making her the ideal choice to take the helm. Walton has been appointed the newest Captain of CRDF, following Diana Gealta’s promotion to Commander.

Walton joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1995, working as a patrol deputy, field training officer, and a Major Crimes detective before promoting to Sergeant. She worked at Altadena station as a field supervisor, watch sergeant and watch commander before moving on to the administrative side of the Department at Personnel. There, she was part of the “Women are Leaders” campaign and was instrumental in the largest female recruitment drive in the history of the Department.

As a Lieutenant, she was assigned at Pitchess Detention Center– East Facility, in 2011 then CRDF in 2013. She served as a watch commander at both facilities before taking on the Access to Care unit within CRDF, which is tasked with making sure the facility meets Federal compliance standards.

Walton’s last assignment at CRDF was as the Operations Lieutenant, overseeing the day to day operations of the facility, investigating administrative cases, maintaining the unit’s budget and handling personnel matters. From there she went on to oversee the Critical Incident Team at Custody Compliance sustainability Bureau, managing the Inmate Deaths Corrective Action plans.

Walton has a bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, and is a Master of Science candidate at Boston University. She has earned certificates from the Sherman Block Leadership Institute, Behavior Analysis Training Institute, Leadership California, and the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute, just to name a few.

When she isn’t working, Walton enjoys traveling, reading, mentoring, writing, collecting, art, skiing and spending time with family and friends. Her breadth of experience both on and off duty have prepared her for tackling the challenges that come with running the largest female jail facility in the nation.

Sheriff’s RESPONSE TO LA TIMES 680 380 SIB Staff

Sheriff’s RESPONSE TO LA TIMES

SHERIFF’S RESPONSE TO LA TIMES

January 2, 2020

Los Angeles Times Editorial Board

2300 East Imperial Highway

El Segundo, California  90245

Dear Los Angeles Times Editorial Board:

SHERIFF VILLANUEVA’S RESPONSE TO THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

The year 2019 is now over, and it is an appropriate time to look back on what we have achieved by reforming, rebuilding, and restoring the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to better serve our community. I campaigned on that promise, and I delivered on that promise as well. For those keeping score, violent crime is down 7% in the areas policed by LASD, aided by a 15% drop in homicides, and another 15% drop in burglaries.

There was good news in other important areas as well. Jail violence is down across the board, with a 33% drop in inmates assaulting each other, a 27% drop in inmates assaulting staff, and a 10% drop in deputies using force against inmates. These figures are a welcome change from five years of increase after increase in jail violence, and they were achieved without changing any reform measures put into place by previous administrations.

The successful hiring and retention of sworn personnel, something that eluded previous administrations, has turned out to be a resounding success, with a healthy 65% increase in hiring over the average of the previous four years. This was achieved by scrupulously adhering to state standards for the hiring of peace officers, and newfound faith in the direction the department is going.

Recruitment and hiring is now a local effort only, ensuring that our deputies are serving the communities they grew up in, and have a vested interest of well-being.

The leadership diversity of the LASD has changed drastically in my first year in office, with women and minorities now occupying every single rung of the hierarchy, something that was impossible in the past. Both the line staff and the leadership of the department are now a true reflection of the rich diversity of Los Angeles County, another singular achievement previously out of reach.

The disciplinary system, long a source of contention between the department and the unions representing the rank-and-file members, is now a model of reform. Policies were introduced to strengthen investigative integrity, ban the formation of subgroups and cliques, and improve accountability, all while honoring due process and procedural justice for the workforce.

What the Times and my critics have failed to recognize is that in order to attract a highly qualified workforce, I have to be a fair and stable employer. A punitive and erratic employer with double standards only results in a flight of deputies to greener pastures – a direct threat to public safety. As my record now shows, I have no reservation terminating employees who fail to uphold the high standards of the Sheriff’s Department.

In 2019 I terminated 30 employees, each one for cause based on evidence, not agendas. I rehired exactly six deputies; all as a correction to bad employment decisions made by the previous administration. The first was rehired based on solid evidence that showed he was both falsely accused and wrongfully terminated. The evidence to rehire was far greater than that used to condemn him. Four of those rehired resulted from an order by the Civil Service Commission, and the last was initiated by one of my predecessors’ division chiefs on the belief that termination was excessive based on the facts of the case.

The Times would have the reader believe all is doom and gloom with the Sheriff’s Department under my command, however the opposite is the case. By removing ICE agents from LASD facilities, rejecting federal grant money in exchange for the database of undocumented inmates, and improving on SB54, we have now seen transfers to ICE custody drop by 53%. At the same time, we have been working closely with advocacy groups such as the Coalition of Humane Immigration Rights Los Angeles, the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, and the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs, in order to build trust with our many immigrant communities.

I have increased threefold the number of deputies dedicated to our Homeless Outreach Services Team, and we are initiating an engagement model of policing for all of the communities.  A policing model which places an emphasis on partnerships, problem-solving, alternatives to incarceration, and using enforcement action as a tool of last resort, not first.

In closing, what I’ve discovered to be true as sheriff runs contrary to the Times’ false narrative. Accountability and exacting performance standards of conduct are no substitute for ethical leadership and caring about the welfare of every employee. One cannot demand deputies respect the constitutional rights of our citizens if their own leadership cannot be trusted to respect theirs. Constitutional policing is a two way street – only when the community and the department work together we can make Los Angeles County a safer place for all. To that end, we did just that in 2019 and look forward to expanding our engagement efforts across all of our sprawling and incredibly diverse jurisdictions. I can only hope and pray that in 2020 the Times Editorial Board finds the courage to be more honest in their coverage of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Sincerely,

ALEX VILLANUEVA

SHERIFF

If you have concerns regarding the above, share your voice.  You may contact your Board of Supervisors at the below:
 County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
Phone: (213) 974-4111
[email protected]

Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor, Second District
Phone: (213) 974-2222
[email protected]

Sheila Kuehl
Supervisor, Third District
Phone: (213) 974-3333
[email protected]

Janice Hahn
Supervisor, Fourth District
Phone: (213) 974-4444
[email protected]

Kathryn Barger – CHAIR
Supervisor, Fifth District
Phone: (213) 974-5555
[email protected]

Not sure who your Supervisor is?  Click Link to Find Out: http://bos.lacounty.gov/About-Us/Board-of-Supervisors

Statement: Middle East Threat 1/03/20 680 380 SIB Staff

Statement: Middle East Threat 1/03/20

STATEMENT: MIDDLE EAST THREAT 1/03/20

Nearly every nationality in the world can be found in the County of Los Angeles. Keeping all residents and visitors safe is always a top priority. We at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are aware of the unfolding events in the Middle East.

At this time, there are no specific credible threats to the Los Angeles area.  Our Sheriff’s Intelligence Unit is working with our local, state, and federal partners to monitor and investigate any potential threats should they arise. 

Your Sheriff’s Department has thousands of uniformed deputies on-duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week, protecting the varying communities we serve throughout the county. We are ready to respond to any threat.

However, we could always use information. I ask all of you to remain vigilant and report any information about potential incidents to your local law enforcement.  If you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), using your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

As always, if you see something of an emergent nature, please call 9-1-1.

LASD SAR Members Pay Respect to SBCSD SAR Tim Staples 720 960 SIB Staff

LASD SAR Members Pay Respect to SBCSD SAR Tim Staples

LASD SAR MEMBERS PAY RESPECT TO SBCSD SAR TIM STAPLES

Today, Saturday, December 28, 2019, a ceremony to celebrate the life of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue team member, Tim Staples was held in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

While Tim was in the Mount Baldy area searching for another missing hiker on Saturday, December 14, 2019, he became separated from his partner, and was tragically found dead a short time later. Tim was among approximately 125 other brave Search and Rescue volunteers from 11 different counties that were assisting with the search, and he ultimately gave his life trying to save someone he never knew.

In addition to being a volunteer Search and Rescue team member with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the past 9 years, Tim was also a social science teacher at a local high school, where he touched the lives of many past and present students. He was recently married to his wife, Katie and was also a brother, a son, an uncle, a nephew and friend to so many others.

To show their support, several members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue team attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department sends our deepest condolences to the Staples family, the men and women of West Valley Search and Rescue, and to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Industry Station Bring Operation Christmas to La Puente Family 495 276 SIB Staff

Industry Station Bring Operation Christmas to La Puente Family

INDUSTRY STATION BRING OPERATION CHRISTMAS TO LA PUENTE FAMILY

On Tuesday. December 17, 2019, a Special Assignment Team from Industry Sheriff’s Station held an “Operation Christmas” contest,with the goal to adopt a family in need and to brighten their lives during this Holiday Season.

Industry Sheriff’s Station‘s, La Puente Special Assignment team was contacted by a woman named Cynthia who nominated her sister Valerie, and Valerie’s 10 year old, twin boys Jeremy & Jordan.

Jordan was diagnosed with a terminal illness. One of Jordan’s wishes was to have a winter wonderland Christmas this year but because of his illness, he has been restricted to his home.

With the help of generous vendors and the community, these deputies decided to bring a winter wonderland to Jordan. They were able to bring snow, a face painter, a holiday arch way, many decorations, gifts and most importantly Santa Claus. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, Alex Verdugo joined Sheriff Alex Villanueva to be a part of Jordan’s special Winter Wonderland.

To watch the whole event unfold, please visit our YouTube page, or click the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OXAfJ6k_mQ