South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearmhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Post_SLA_C_Rod_Hernandez-gun.jpg449280SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Additional Witnesses Sought – South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearm.
On Sunday, October 16, 2022, South Los Angeles deputies were involved in a use of force incident with an armed suspect in the city of Inglewood. The suspect, Blake Anderson, was subsequently arrested for the following charges: felon in possession of firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of (loaded) concealed firearm, assault on a peace officer with a firearm.
Satchel that contained firearm.
Suspect: Blake Anderson
Suspect Anderson sustained minor injuries during the use of force. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and medically cleared for booking. It should be noted Suspect Anderson had a previous traumatic injury which he sustained in an unrelated incident prior to contact with Deputies.
Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional information.
Anyone who witnessed the arrest is encouraged to call the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station (323) 820-6700) to provide information to investigators.
UPDATE: Suspect Anderson was on active parole at the time of his arrest, is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, and was not an employee of the “Good Batch Hookah Lounge.” The initial contact and force used in this incident is concerning and is being reviewed. Depending on the outcome, proper administrative action will result.
Passing of Retired Executive Officer Raymond Leyvahttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Post_Leyva_R_Berev_600.jpg600750SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
The Office of the Sheriff is saddened to announce the passing of retired Executive Officer Raymond Leyva. Mr. Leyva passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
Ray Leyva began his career as a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1975, leaving the LAPD to work as a police officer for the Burbank Police Department in 1976, before transferring to the Sheriff’s Department in 1981. He served as a Deputy Sheriff at Men’s Central Jail, Sybil Brand Institute for Women, and Firestone and Marina Del Rey stations before promoting to Sergeant in 1985. As a Sergeant, he worked at multiple stations as well as Custody Division Headquarters. Upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 1990, he was assigned to the Office of the Undersheriff, East Los Angeles Station, North County Correctional Facility, East Facility, Recruit Training Bureau, Custody Division Headquarters and Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau.
In August of 1999, he was promoted to Captain of Court Services West Bureau. In 2001, he was transferred to Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau with responsibilities involving the Office of the Sheriff and all media interaction for the Department. In 2003, he was placed in command of Men’s Central Jail and in 2004, was transferred to Pitchess Detention Center North Facility. In March 2010, he was moved to the Pitchess Detention Center East Facility.
In 2012, Mr. Leyva was promoted to the position of Commander and assigned to Field Operations Region I, where he supervised patrol stations located in northern Los Angeles County. In 2013, the Department reorganized and he was reassigned to North Patrol Division. His responsibilities included managing the budget and personnel needs of the Division along with other administrative duties.
In 2016, he retired from the Department as a Commander after 35 years of service. In 2018, he accepted an offer to return to the Department as an Executive Officer, performing the duties of the Undersheriff.
Mr. Leyva held both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University Los Angeles and Pepperdine University, respectively. He graduated from several leadership programs throughout the country and taught “Train the Trainer” courses nationwide in the area of Analytical Interviewing. Mr. Leyva had extensive training in Emergency Management protocols and completed the Tactical Science Course involving Disaster and Crime Scene Management. He served as the HAPCOA representative to the Department of Homeland Security and assisted numerous agencies nationwide in the selection of supervisory and management personnel.
Mr. Leyva was a Past-National President of the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, Past-President of the Southern California Chapter of HAPCOA, Past-President and Board Member of the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association, Board Member of the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), as well as a member of several other Law Enforcement Associations.
The Sheriff’s Department extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Leyva family. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Street Racinghttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Keep it safe. Keep it legal. Keep it on the track.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has created a new Public Service Announcement to address the rise in street racing takeovers, and let drivers know that there are safe, legal alternatives to the deadly takeover events that have been proliferating throughout Los Angeles County.
There are many racing venues throughout Southern California where drivers can participate in drifting and drag racing events, in front of large crowds, and as part of a vibrant car community. The LASD asks drivers to stick to these venues, rather than contribute to the needless injuries and fatalities that continue to occur at illegal street takeovers.
Public Corruption Investigationhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/LASD-large.png800170SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Multiple Search Warrants Served Today in Connection With Ongoing Public Corruption Investigation
Today, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Public Corruption Unit served search warrants at multiple locations in connection with an ongoing public corruption investigation. Those locations included the homes of Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and Los Angeles County Civilian Oversight Commissioner Patricia “Patti” Giggans. Also searched were offices located at: Los Angeles County Hall of Administration, Peace Over Violence Headquarters, and LA Metro Headquarters. The investigation has been shared with a federal agency and they continue to monitor.
This remains an active investigation and we are unable to comment further at this time, although in full transparency the search warrant has been posted here:
Letter to Board of Supervisors regarding a request for removal of Max Huntsman as Inspector General, September 21, 2022 – PDF
Letter to Attorney General Bonta regarding request for investigation, September 21, 2022 – PDF
Declaration of Max Fernandez in response to Court’s Order, September 20, 2022 – PDF
Sheriff’s response letter to Board of Supervisors regarding demand to relieve specific confidential employees from their duties of public trust, October 05, 2022 – PDF
Declaration brief regarding Destruction of evidence – PDF
Twenty-one years ago, our world was drastically changed on September 11, 2001, when the United States was cowardly and viciously attacked by terrorists. In the span of a few moments, our nation’s history was redefined, and the scar of those tragic events will remain etched in our minds forever.
Over three thousand American lives were lost that day, and many more continue to die due to illnesses they have developed over the years from that fateful morning. Today we honor their memory and pray that their families and loved ones find peace.
Today, we remember our heroes; the first responders who ran up the World Trade Center (Twin Towers) stairs. The first responders who went up the many levels of stairs to help people. With 40-plus pounds of equipment and fear in their eyes, they ran up those stairs into the unknown. Imagine, as innocent people ran down the stairs, those first responders kept running up. Not knowing what would come next, those first responders sacrificed their lives to help as many as possible and never got a chance to say goodbye to their families. Many heroes were lost that day and in the days to come.
In the aftermath of September 11, the phrase, ‘Never Forget,” became a symbol. It is now a symbol that reminds all Americans never to forget those we lost. In memory of many, in honor of all, let’s stand united and never forget.
Help to Identify Suspect for the Death of a Metro Passenger https://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Post_Metro-suspect-806x1024.jpeg8061024SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Detectives and Family Members Need the Public’s Help to Identify a Suspect Responsible for the Death of a Metro Blue Line Passenger
On Friday, September 9, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives and Oscar Ayala’s family members asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for his death.
On Sunday, March 13, 2022, Oscar Ayala was riding the south-bound Blue Line train at about 5:55 p.m. The suspect was riding the same train. Both the victim and the suspect exited the train at the Compton Blue Line Station. There is no indication that they knew each other but as they walked towards the exit, they appeared to be talking. Just beyond the station turnstiles, the suspect assaulted Oscar who fell to the ground. The suspect then rifled through the victim’s pockets, took his cellphone and walked away northbound from the train station.
Compton Fire Department paramedics responded and transported Oscar to the hospital where several days later he succumbed to his injuries.
Oscar was a native of South Los Angeles and grew up near the Los Angeles Coliseum. Two years prior to his death, he moved to Compton. He was passionate about soccer and practiced the sport with his dad since he was a little boy. He graduated from Manual Arts Senior High School in Los Angeles and then attended California State University, Northridge where he majored in Botany. Oscar’s love of his life was his one-year-old boy.
“He can hurt someone else the same way he hurt my boy, that’s why my family is asking for the public’s help to find this man so he doesn’t hurt others and my boy can rest in peace because he is also asking for help to find the man that took his life. The day of his funeral… so many people went, so many people knew him, he had so many friends, he was a good boy,” sobbed Oscar’s mom, Maria Ayala.
Investigators have exhausted all leads in trying to determine the suspect’s identity and are asking for the public’s help to identify him. Anyone with information is urged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and continues to be on the rise. On #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, our goal is to raise awareness and hope that the information we provide can help prevent a tragedy from happening.
Recognizing the warning signs and understanding how to respond, can help prevent suicides. Depression, financial problems, abuse, aggression, exploitation, or a life-changing event, can contribute to feelings of pain, despair, and hopelessness. If you or someone you love are in a crisis and suffer from depression, please don’t wait. Help is available, all you have to do is one of the following:
• Call 911
• Go to the nearest hospital
• Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 on your smartphone or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free confidential emotional support. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the United States.
• Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting the word HELLO to 741741
• Lifeline counselors are available for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing by dialing the 988 number.
• Veterans and service members, the Veterans Crisis Line has crisis line responder readily available to help by texting 838255.
Homicide Detectives Release New Information about the Murder of 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivashttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Post-Rojas-main-1024x633.jpeg1024633SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Homicide Detectives will Release New Information about the Murder of 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas; $20,000 Reward Offered
Homicide Bureau detectives will release new information they received via anonymous tip about the murder of Danah Rojo-Rivas. They will also release a picture of what they believe to be the actual suspect vehicle. On Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas was in the backseat of her mother’s car, leaving a church function when suspects were chasing unrelated persons in a vehicle. The intended target exited his vehicle and fled south across Euclid Avenue in the City of Lynwood. The suspect fired several times, missing his target, but striking the car Danah was in. Danah was fatally wounded during the shooting. Homicide Detectives and deputies will go door to door in the neighborhood passing out flyers with a picture of what they believe to be the actual suspect vehicle.
Press Conference
Information wanted posters
$20,000 reward. Information Wanted. The suspects were last seen in a silver Ford Taurus.
$20,000 reward. Information wanted. Victim Danah Rojos-Rivas.
LASD Air Rescue 5 Save a Man And His Doghttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Post_Rescue_5_main-1024x683.jpg1024683SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
The Guardians of the Sky – LASD Air Rescue 5 Save a Man and his Dog.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Emergency Services Detail, also known as Air Rescue 5, rescued a hiker and his beloved dog after the hiker was unable to traverse the trail in the Mount Wilson area.
On August 8, 2022, at approximately 1:30 pm, Air Rescue 5 received a call for service regarding a hiker and his dog who fell 200 feet over the side of the trail near Mount Wilson.
The Air 5 crew responded to the area of the call and located Mr. Dave Santonil and his dog Bubba, who were approximately 200 feet over the side of the Mount Wilson Trail. Mr. Santonil and his dog were standing on a small shelf of soil that protruded from the vertical mountainside and had a very steep drop. Based on Mr. Santonil and his dog’s difficult position, Air Rescue 5 assessed the situation and devised a rescue plan.
The Air Rescue pilots maneuvered the aircraft in the canyon and placed it where the helicopter’s rotors would not blow Mr. Santonil and his dog from their fragile position. With the assistance of his partners, Deputy Belleville using rappelling equipment was lowered from the helicopter to where Mr. Santonil and his dog were. He managed to secure Mr. Santonil & his dog safely and hoisted them up into safety.
Hiker and his dog are sitting in the door of the Helicopter.
“There are dangers in the trails. We have the nation’s largest county, and we have the nation’s largest playground right next to the largest population. So, the mixture of those two leads the crew of Air Rescue 5 to be very busy during the summer months, during the winter months and pretty much all year long.” Sheriff Villanueva stated during the press conference.
LASD’s Air Rescue five motto is “Saving Lives Priority One.” Another incredible rescue from the guardians of the sky.
LASD continues to remind hikers of the dangers of hiking alone and with pets. Have a hiking plan and tell someone your plan. Visit LASD.org for more hiking tips at https://sheriff33.lasd.org/hiking-tips/
LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau: Emergency Services Detail (SEB/ESD) is a highly trained multi-mission bureau. SEB/ESD deputies operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to their tactical operations, all SEB/ESD deputies are certified, paramedics and rescue divers. They are responsible for coordinating and participating in mountain search & rescue, underwater search & rescue, and swift water & flood rescue operations for the Sheriff’s Department. They staff the Air Rescue 5 Helicopter and the Ocean Rescue Boat and accompany the Special Weapons Teams on all operations.
Major Crimes Bureau Arrested Rowland Heights “99 Ranch Market” Robbery Suspect – Additional Suspects Sought
On Monday, August 15, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Captain Steven Ruiz from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Major Crimes Bureau, held a press conference to announce the arrest of a suspect in the Rowland Heights “99 Ranch Market” robbery.
On July 9, 2022, Major Crimes Bureau’s – Metro Detail detectives learned of an armed robbery that occurred in the parking lot of the 99 Ranch Market in Rowland Heights, CA. An Asian female adult and an Asian male adult were walking to their vehicle in the parking lot when they were confronted by two male Black adult suspects wearing hoodies. The suspects were armed with handguns, and they demanded a watch one of the victims was wearing. Before the victims could react or comply with the suspects’ demands, they were physically assaulted by the suspects, causing both victims to fall to the ground. The suspects then physically removed the watch from the male’s wrist. The suspects fled in a white-colored Dodge Challenger with paper plates that contained distinctive traffic collision damage to the rear passenger fender.
With the assistance of local law enforcement agencies, investigators were able to identify Demoryie Watts as one of the suspects involved in the robbery.
On Friday, August 12, 2022, Major Crimes Bureau detectives, assisted by the LASD Special Enforcement Bureau, conducted a multi-location search warrant at two residences in Los Angeles and one in Lancaster that were associated with Suspect Watts.
During the search at the residence in Lancaster, Suspect Watts was located and safely taken into custody without incident. It was learned that at the time of the robbery, Suspect Watts was on parole for a prior carjacking arrest. The vehicle used during the robbery was located and a handgun believed to have been used during the robbery was also located and seized. Evidence was taken from the residence. However, the Rolex watch was not recovered during the arrest of the suspect.
Watts was arrested for robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and a parole violation. He is currently in custody and a second suspect is still outstanding.
“There is a lot of pieces of the puzzle that the community provides that allows us to turn that one lead into a clue and that clue into an evidentiary value that actually assisted us in capturing the suspect and identify him,” said LASD Major Crimes Bureau, Captain Steven Ruiz.
This specific crime was shocking to all because it occurred during broad daylight and at a peaceful family community in Rowland Heights. According to investigators, there is no evidence to indicate the subjects were motivated by hate.
“Our concern is now the District Attorney is not filing cases. Last year, 13,677 cases where we went to a call, spoke to victims, prepared a report, arrested a suspect, had all the evidence presented to the District Attorney and he refused to file charges because it was a special order and that blanket policy allowed a lot of people to continue harming the community,” said Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Sheriff Villanueva emphasized the need of more deputies on the streets. The hiring freeze imposed by the Board of Supervisors is shrinking the Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County community is the one most affected by the brazen crime throughout Los Angeles County.
