Sheriff Villanueva has lawfully responded to all subpoenas from the COC, and has just recently met with the COC Chair to discuss building a better working relationship. A LASD captain, and a subject matter expert when requested, has attended every COC meeting. This meritless politically motivated attack is unsupported by real facts and remains a shameless repeat of the same spectacle played out on September 17, 2020. Despite this political theater, Sheriff Villanueva will continue being the most accessible and transparent sheriff in the history of Los Angeles County.
MAX HUNTSMAN OMITS THE FACTS ONCE AGAINhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sheriff_Statement_Social_twitter.jpg680380SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Today, I learned of the latest Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. Conspicuously absent from the report is the fact the OIG had multiple opportunities to address the “Banditos” issue during the four years under my predecessor but chose to remain silent. This is because his job as a political appointee is to do whatever the Board instructs him to do. Mr. Huntsman now claims the past is the present, while willfully omitting all of the progress which has been made. His actions are purely politically driven and an attempt to undermine the reputation of the Department.
The report alleges investigators did not conduct a thorough investigation into the Kennedy Hall deputy on deputy fight. This is false. Both criminal and administrative investigations were conducted where investigators interviewed over 70 involved parties and witnesses in the case. In addition, this case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) for their review and their office concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The facts are that immediately after taking office, I relieved the East Los Angeles Station captain of his command, overhauled the entire leadership of the station, and transferred 36 personnel. In February of 2020, I became the first and only sheriff to successfully implement a policy specifically addressing employee groups which violate the rights of other employees or members of the public.
On August 13, 2020, at the conclusion of the Kennedy Hall fight between deputies investigation, I held a press conference to publish the results of the investigation for the public. Twenty-six deputies involved in that early morning fight were either suspended or terminated. As has become his pattern, Mr. Huntsman seems to have once again intentionally omitted facts which do not further his political agenda.
Please view our August 13, 2020, press conference:
Sheriff Alex Villanueva
If you have concerns regarding the above, share your voice. You may contact your Board of Supervisors at the below:
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]
COUNTY CONTINUES TO DEFUND LAW ENFORCEMENThttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sheriff_Statement_Social_twitter.jpg680380SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On September 29, 2020, the Board of Supervisors continued their campaign to defund the LASD by approving a supplemental budget which eliminates an additional $105M from an already depleted budget. This money is being diverted to support criminal offender support programs such as the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) initiative, at the expense of patrol, detective, and custody resources that keep the community safe.
The Board has a long history of underfunding the Department’s budget. This $105M budget cut follows last year’s cuts and has resulted in the elimination of 1,281 budgeted positions. Some of the positions defunded were Youth Activities League (YAL) Deputies, School Resource Deputies, Crime Prevention Teams, and Detective positions. The reductions applied to Custody will now result in the closure of a medium security jail and the transfer of 700 inmates to other facilities, increasing the risk of COVID-19 exposure throughout the entire jail system. Additionally, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas made a motion to defund our budget an additional $23.9M and eliminate the presence of our deputies in all Los Angeles County parks, which will have a devastating impact to public safety and the community’s willingness to use our parks.
Bottom Line: Major cities all over the U.S. are being vandalized and burned by those committed to violence; it is against all logic and common sense for our elected officials to defund public safety. I believe the “defund movement” is the priority of a small number of radical special interest groups, not the majority of Los Angeles County residents.
Sheriff Villanueva Announces Arrest of Suspect in Compton Deputy Ambush
Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference today, Wednesday, September 30, 2020, to announce the arrest of the suspect who deliberately attempted to kill two deputies in an ambush-style shooting, while they sat in their patrol car.
Sheriff Villanueva noted the cowardly act was followed with bystanders celebrating and cheering the despicable act. He relayed how he saw the worst in humanity when a crowd made its way to the hospital and chanted for the deputies to die while they fought for their lives. In juxtaposition, he saw the best of humanity when the entire Sheriff’s Department worked together to bring justice to the deputies. The outpouring of support from the community, the nation, both presidential candidates, people from all walks of life, including children, was a source of support, not only for the injured deputies, but for all law enforcement personnel.
Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Kent Wegener, gave a summary of the ambush and events which led to the arrest of the suspect. The shooting occurred Saturday evening, September 12, 2020, north of the Metro Blue Line Station, located at 101 East Palmer Street, in Compton, as two deputies sat in a marked patrol car. The suspect surreptitiously approached the passenger side of the patrol car and fired multiple rounds through the open window. Both deputies suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and extremities. The suspect fled the scene in a black sedan, and a monetary reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
Through review of video and witness statements, investigators determined the armed suspect drove from the scene of the attack in a black Mercedes Benz. In the following hours, investigators learned that on September 1, 2020 -eleven days prior to the attempted murder of the deputies- a carjacking occurred on Bradfield Avenue, in Compton. The suspect shot the carjacking victim in the leg with a high-powered rifle and stole a black Mercedes Benz. The suspect was a male Black adult. The carjacking case was investigated and an arrest warrant was obtained for Deonte Lee Murray, 36, of Compton.
On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 11:30 A.M., units from the Major Crimes Bureau – Surveillance Apprehension Team located the suspect and attempted to stop him in a vehicle. The suspect fled in a 2006 Toyota Solara and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, the suspect threw a pistol from his car, which was recovered and held as evidence. The pursuit lasted until the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot near the 3100 block of Carlin Avenue in Lynwood.
Around 9:50 P.M., the suspect was located, hiding in the bushes; he was detained and arrested for the carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon warrant. The stolen Mercedes Benz was recovered a short distance from the containment and impounded as evidence.
In the days following, a forensic firearms report was published by the crime laboratory, which compared ballistic evidence from the scene of the ambush to the pistol discarded by the suspect during the pursuit. It was determined through ballistic comparison that the pistol recovered was the same gun used to shoot the deputies. The gun in evidence was a .40 caliber, 80% non-serialized pistol, loaded with eight rounds, five rounds short of its 12-round capacity. The number of missing rounds coincides with the five rounds fired at deputies during the ambush attack. Murray has a criminal history to include multiple felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Dozens of video clips were collected, and witnesses are still being identified and interviewed. As a part of the interviews, photographic lineups may be conducted, involving the suspect’s image. In consideration of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid any compromise of the case, photographs of the suspect are not yet being released to the public. Investigators believe Murray acted alone in the attempted murder of the deputies and are not looking for any other suspects at this time.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that, earlier this morning, her office charged Murray with two felony counts of Willful, Deliberate and Premeditated Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer. Murray also faces charges of Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Robbery, and Assault in relation to the carjacking. If convicted as charged, he faces life in state prison. His bail was set at $6,155,000.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, to announce the arrest of the suspect who deliberately attempted to kill two deputies in an ambush-style shooting, while they sat in their patrol car. Sheriff Villanueva noted the cowardly act was followed with bystanders celebrating and cheering the despicable act. He relayed how he saw the worst in humanity when a crowd made its way to the hospital and chanted for the deputies to die while they fought for their lives. In juxtaposition, he saw the best of humanity when the entire Sheriff’s Department worked together to bring justice to the deputies. The outpouring of support from the community, the nation, both presidential candidates, people from all walks of life, including children, was a source of support, not only for the injured deputies, but for all law enforcement personnel.Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Kent Wegener, gave a summary of the ambush and events which led to the arrest of the suspect. The shooting occurred Saturday evening, September 12, 2020, north of the Metro Blue Line Station, located at 101 East Palmer Street, in Compton, as two deputies sat in a marked patrol car. The suspect surreptitiously approached the passenger side of the patrol car and fired multiple rounds through the open window. Both deputies suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and extremities. The suspect fled the scene in a black sedan, and a monetary reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.Through review of video and witness statements, investigators determined the armed suspect drove from the scene of the attack in a black Mercedes Benz. In the following hours, investigators learned that on September 1, 2020 -eleven days prior to the attempted murder of the deputies- a carjacking occurred on Bradfield Avenue, in Compton. The suspect shot the carjacking victim in the leg with a high-powered rifle and stole a black Mercedes Benz. The suspect was a male Black adult. The carjacking case was investigated and an arrest warrant was obtained for Deonte Lee Murray, 36, of Compton.On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 11:30 A.M., units from the Major Crimes Bureau – Surveillance Apprehension Team located the suspect and attempted to stop him in a vehicle. The suspect fled in a 2006 Toyota Solara and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, the suspect threw a pistol from his car, which was recovered and held as evidence. The pursuit lasted until the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot near the 3100 block of Carlin Avenue in Lynwood. Around 9:50 P.M., the suspect was located, hiding in the bushes; he was detained and arrested for the carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon warrant. The stolen Mercedes Benz was recovered a short distance from the containment and impounded as evidence.In the days following, a forensic firearms report was published by the crime laboratory, which compared ballistic evidence from the scene of the ambush to the pistol discarded by the suspect during the pursuit. It was determined through ballistic comparison that the pistol recovered was the same gun used to shoot the deputies. The gun in evidence was a .40 caliber, 80% non-serialized pistol, loaded with eight rounds, five rounds short of its 12-round capacity. The number of missing rounds coincides with the five rounds fired at deputies during the ambush attack. Murray has a criminal history to include multiple felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Dozens of video clips were collected, and witnesses are still being identified and interviewed. As a part of the interviews, photographic lineups may be conducted, involving the suspect’s image. In consideration of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid any compromise of the case, photographs of the suspect are not yet being released to the public. Investigators believe Murray acted alone in the attempted murder of the deputies and are not looking for any other suspects at this time.Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that, earlier this morning, her office charged Murray with two felony counts of Willful, Deliberate and Premeditated Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer. Murray also faces charges of Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Robbery, and Assault in relation to the carjacking. If convicted as charged, he faces life in state prison. His bail was set at $6,155,000.
Updated Info – Deputy-Involved Shooting in South Los Angeleshttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PC.jpg774435SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva Provides Update on theDijon Kizzee Investigation
Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference today, Thursday, September 17, 2020, to announce the latest developments surrounding the death of Dijon Kizzee.
Sheriff Villanueva gave a perspective of the community of where the shooting occurred and showed a series of PowerPoint slides depicting a one-mile radius where Suspect Dijon Kizzee was shot. A total of 12 homicides, 163 aggravated assaults, and 115 offenses with weapons have occurred since January of 2020. Sheriff Villanueva added that although it appears to be a high crime area, most of the residents are law-abiding citizens. The Sheriff’s Department is trying to protect the community. The Sheriff further stated most youth programs in the community had been eliminated due to budget cuts, and that has an impact when it comes to crime.
The Captain of Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, Kent Wegener, gave a detailed briefing of the shooting. On August 31, 2020, at 3:14 p.m., deputies attempted to detain Suspect Kizzee for a traffic violation, but he refused to stop and fled on his bicycle. He fell off the bicycle, abandoned it, and ran from deputies on Budlong Avenue. Deputies returned to their patrol and began checking the area for Kizzee.
When the deputies located Suspect Kizzee on 109th Place, west of Budlong Ave., the passenger deputy exited the patrol vehicle and attempted to detain him. Suspect Kizzee briefly raised his hands; he had a green towel in one hand and a black and red jacket in the other hand, as the deputy approached him. Suspect Kizzee lowered his hands, then struggled with the deputy before punching the deputy in the face. During the struggle, the handgun Suspect Kizzee was carrying fell to the ground. Seeing the handgun fall, Deputies drew their pistols as Suspect Kizzee stopped, bent over, reached back, and picked up the pistol. Deputies fired and struck him several times, causing the gun to fall again. Paramedics responded, and Suspect Kizzee was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time the deputy-involved shooting occurred, Suspect Kizzee was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his status as a convicted felon. The handgun he had was a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Protocols were followed, and the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau responded to the scene. Representatives from the Internal Affairs Bureau, the Inspector General’s Office, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division, also responded. Witnesses were interviewed, and their testimony was recorded. Several videos were obtained, and some of those videos were shared by users on social media. An autopsy was performed on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, and the report has not yet been completed.
During the investigation, it was discovered the pistol in Suspect Kizzee’s possession at the time of the shooting was reported stolen during a residential burglary in Las Vegas, Nevada, back in February of 2017. When it was recovered at the scene, it had 15 live rounds.
The cellular phone of Suspect Kizzee was forensically reviewed, and videos were discovered, which show him in possession of the same handgun.
During the news conference, several videos of the shooting incident were shown.
From the beginning of the investigation, Sheriff Villanueva assured a thorough, transparent, and objective investigation, no matter how long it would take. Once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office to determine if the force used by the deputies violated any criminal laws.
Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visithttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_8375.jpg800600SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visit
Matthew “Matu” Ignacio is just 11 years old and eager to get back into the swing of things, now that he’s surviving cancer. At age six, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and had two tumors removed. Now, with medication and monitoring, Matu can get back to the good stuff of childhood.
Part of growing up is going to school. Assistant Sheriff Gross and deputy personnel from the Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives youth program, known as VIDA, came to Matu’s house and presented him and his two older brothers with backpacks and school supplies.
Matu has a connection with the VIDA deputies; they mentored him and have been in his life over the past few years, through all the ups and downs. Matu also regularly speaks to at-risk kids participating in the program and offers words of perspective about uncertain tomorrows. Life is precious and not guaranteed, which is why we must cherish each minute. Even in Matu’s short time on earth, he has a great understanding of this concept, considering the circumstances he faced.
In an exciting moment at the event, Matu was appointed as an honorary Sheriff’s Explorer and presented with their uniform shoulder patches. His face beamed with happiness and pride as he accepted the gift.
Actor Cody Walker also attended this special occasion and offered his support and encouragement as Matu continues his journey to improved health.
RESPONSE TO THE COC MOTION CALLING FOR SHERIFF VILLANUEVA’S RESIGNATIONhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/LASD-large.png800170SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
RESPONSE TO THE COC MOTION CALLING FOR SHERIFF ALEX VILLANUEVA’S RESIGNATION
September 17, 2020
The Sheriff’s Department received word that several members of the Civilian Oversight Commission are calling for the resignation of the sheriff, who is an elected public servant. The fact this motion is even being considered, particularly when two members of our department are recovering from a life-threatening ambush, is morally repugnant and emblematic of the political animosity of the politically-appointed commission.
It is becoming painfully obvious this commission is acting in retaliation against the sheriff for his efforts in investigating potential criminal conduct from county officials and for challenging the legality of subpoenaing the sheriff himself versus the LASD. The sheriff will remain focused on serving the residents of Los Angeles County as he leads the department in investigating the ambush, overseeing the response to the Bobcat Fire evacuations, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic’s impact to the jail system.
Multi-Agency Effort Leads to Several Indictments of Members Asian Organized Crimehttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/4-1024x699.jpg1024699SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Multi-Agency Effort Leads to Several Indictments of Members Asian Organized Crime
On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) held a press conference to announce the Federal Indictments of 25 individuals involved in organized Asian crime that were linked to investigations that spread across the nation, including Los Angeles, California, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Chicago, Illinois; Las Vegas, Nevada; New York, New York and San Francisco, California.
In collaboration with the FBI, DHS Homeland Security Investigations, Los Angeles-High Intensity Trafficking Area 49, Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation lead to the largest takedown in the Los Angeles area since 2002.
Members of the Asian Criminal Enterprise (ACE) were charged with 42 counts, including distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine; engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The ACE members used untraceable assault rifles (also known as “ghost guns”) to further advance illegal activity.
During the course of the operation, approximately 27 pounds of methamphetamine, 89.1 grams of cocaine/cocaine base, and 32 firearms (to include handguns, assault rifles, ghost guns, live ammunition, magazines, and weapon accessories) were recovered.
The cases are currently being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn T. Andrews, Violent and Organized Crime Section.
LASD announces Reward in La Puente Shootinghttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Post_Falcon_Press_Release_091520.jpg900742SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives to Announce $20,000 Reward in La Puente Shooting Death of Ten-Year-Old Boy
During a press conference at the Homicide Bureau offices, investigators and family members made a public plea for information about the murder Enrique Sebastian Falcon, a ten-year-old victim shot to death in front of his family.
At 9:15 P.M. on Sunday, May 17, 2020, the little boy known by his middle name, was a passenger in the back seat of a car, travelling through La Puente with his mother and her boyfriend. As they drove southbound on Hacienda Boulevard, a black sedan pulled alongside their vehicle and the boyfriend alerted the occupants to turn on their headlights. Both vehicles continued southbound on Hacienda Boulevard. As the two vehicles approached the intersection with Amar Road, a male inside the other vehicle fired one round from a handgun at Sebastian’s vehicle. Sebastian was struck one time on the right side of his torso.
Sebastian’s mother called 9-1-1, and deputies assigned to Industry Sheriff’s Station responded to their location. Deputies administered life-saving measures to the little one while they drove him with lights and sirens in a patrol vehicle to the nearest hospital. Despite their efforts to save his life, Sebastian succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital later that night.
The suspect vehicle fled the area in an unknown direction. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, bald, between 20 and 25 years of age.
Homicide detectives announced a cash reward for $20,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for taking Sebastian’s life. The reward was secured by the city of La Puente, and the Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office.
Detectives and Sebastian’s family spoke at the event and asked for the public’s assistance to bring the perpetrators of this senseless crime to justice. Sebastian’s mother, Adriana, held one of her son’s favorite toys as she faced media. She said they missed him and asked for justice.
If you have information about the suspect, suspect’s vehicle or this investigation, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
During a press conference at the Homicide Bureau offices, investigators and family members made a public plea for information about the murder Enrique Sebastian Falcon, a ten-year-old victim shot to death in front of his family.At 9:15 P.M. on Sunday, May 17, 2020, the little boy known by his middle name, was a passenger in the back seat of a car, travelling through La Puente with his mother and her boyfriend. As they drove southbound on Hacienda Boulevard, a black sedan pulled alongside their vehicle and the boyfriend alerted the occupants to turn on their headlights. Both vehicles continued southbound on Hacienda Boulevard. As the two vehicles approached the intersection with Amar Road, a male inside the other vehicle fired one round from a handgun at Sebastian’s vehicle. To read more and learn about the reward offer, click: https://sheriff33.lasd.org/lasd-announces-reward-in-la-puente-shooting/
Ambush Shooting of 2 lasd Deputies in Comptonhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Post_Compton_shooting_flyer-791x1024.jpeg7911024SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
$100K REWARD OFFER in Manhunt for Suspect in Ambush Shooting of 2 LA Sheriff’s Deputies inCompton
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting of two LASD deputies. The incident was reported Saturday, September 12, 2020, at approximately 6:58 p.m., at the MLK Transit Center in Compton.
A lone gunman ambushed two of our deputies. The suspect approached the vehicle from behind and fired several rounds from his firearm at the deputies, striking them. The deputies sustained critical injuries.
The suspect is described as a male Black 28-30 years-old, wearing dark clothing.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has authorized a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
There is no additional information available at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
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 Villanueva preliminarily discusses the circumstances surrounding an incident in which two deputies were ambushed and shot while seated inside of their patrol vehicle. The incident occurred today, around 7:00 P.M., at the Compton Blue Line Pax. Both deputies were transported to a local hospital in critical condition and are currently undergoing surgery. At least one suspect fled the scene and is still outstanding.
