TSB Coffee with the Sheriffhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Image-791x1024.jpeg7911024SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Santa Monica Downtown – 4th St. Metro Station, 402 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica
Join Sheriff Alex Villanueva and LASD Transit Services Bureau Captain Shawn Kehoe for some free coffee and pastries, and an opportunity to chat with them and your Sheriff’s transit policing team.
We’ll also have transit rider safety info and items for the kids.
For more info: Instagram: @lasdtransit Facebook: LAD Transit Services Bureau Twitter: @TransitLASD
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/.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to honor Women’s History Month by highlighting strong and courageous women while celebrating their accomplishments. Today we recognize #LASD Special Operations Division, Transit Services Bureau, Detective Karen Velasquez.
“All my life I have been into Physical Fitness and Nutrition. After graduating from Cal State San Bernardino with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science, my interest in Law Enforcement started after I read an article about a female Deputy Sheriff. She was very small in stature like myself and it inspired me to apply for a position as a Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “
Detective Velasquez has experienced a multitude of great assignments since graduating from the LASD Academy in 2000. Her Career started as a Module Deputy who oversaw male Felons at the Men’s Central Jail. That experience helped as she transitioned into a Patrol Deputy assignment at Cerritos Sheriff’s Station in 2007.
Detective Velasquez’s desire to become an Investigator stems from her selfless need to help people who are unable to help themselves. Detective Bureau Supervisor, Sgt. Edward O’Neil says, “Detective Velasquez is highly self-motivated in her desire to be the best detective she can be. On top of being kind and outgoing, her Leadership abilities can always be counted upon as a mentor to our newer Deputies.
In reflecting upon the strong role models in her own life, Detective Velasquez is most inspired by her Husband and Daughter. Her husband is also a Sworn Deputy Sheriff who has helped reinforce the notion that through fortitude and perseverance; anything she sets her mind to is possible.
“Women’s History Month is a time for all women to collectively come together,” said Detective Velasquez. “It’s a time to reflect upon how our collective cohesiveness positively impacts everyone around us in the workplace, and also to the victims we compassionately help daily.”
