Assault/Battery on Police Officers
Fatal Traffic Accident - Possible DUI involved
LASD Press Release for Homicide on 9/22/14
DATE: Tuesday, September 23, 2014
TIME: 11:56 a.m.
VICTIM: Male adult
LOCATION: 13600 block Korblum Ave, Hawthorne 90250
SUSPECT: Male black adult
UNIT: LASD Homicide Bureau (Lt. Coleman)
NARRATIVE:
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a male Black adult that occurred on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 11:56 a.m. in the 13600 block Kornblum Avenue, Hawthorne.
Detectives have learned Hawthorne Police Department officers responded to a call at the location regarding a gunshot victim. When they arrived, they found the victim in the courtyard of the apartment complex with fatal gunshot wounds to the upper torso.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed the suspect is a male Black adult last seen running into a parking garage beneath the location.
There is no further information.
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), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Forwarded by:
Ryan Rouzan, Deputy
Approved by:
Pauline Panis, Sergeant
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
323-267-4800
City of Hawthorne Contracts with spcaLA for Animal Services
Armed Take-Over Robbery
Murder charge filed on Suspect who shot ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend
DUI Checkpoint Results
Hit-Run Accident Resulting in a Fatality-Arrest Made
Letter to the Community from the Chief of Police
DUI Hit-Run Driver Arrested
Arrest Of Outstanding Homicide Suspect CEDRIC STATEN
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
February 18, 2014
Arrest Of Outstanding Homicide Suspect CEDRIC STATEN
A Gardena man has been arrested and charged with killing a Hawthorne taxi driver following a parking dispute.
In the late afternoon of February 10, 2014, Hawthorne Police Officers responded to an assault victim down at 12821 S. Prairie Avenue, City of Hawthorne. They discovered 53-year-old Eddy Nwanyanwu of Hawthorne, on the ground convulsing. Nwanyanwu was treated by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel and transported to Harbor UCLA Hospital where he succumbed a short time later.
Hawthorne Police Detectives, assisted by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives, began their investigation. Through this collective investigation, Detectives determined that Nwanyanwu, a taxi cab driver by occupation, was in the Prairie Avenue business center when he became involved in a parking dispute with a female subject. At some point, this female made a phone call and summoned a family member to the location. Investigators believe that the person called was 28-year-old Cedric Dominic Staten of Gardena. Video surveillance from the complex’s cameras show Staten approach Nwanyanwu in the parking lot, and without provocation, punch the victim in the head area at least once, time knocking the victim to the ground. Staten is then seen running away from the area.
Staten was subsequently arrested on February 13, 2014 in Los Angeles. He was booked at the Hawthorne City Jail and is being held in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bond.
On February 18, 2014, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Staten with one count of Murder. Staten will be arraigned today, February 18, 2014, at the Airport Branch Courthouse.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835 Desk
Arrest of Jonathan Meister
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
February 18, 2014
2013 Arrest of Jonathan Meister
A lawsuit was filed last week against the City of Hawthorne and Police Department in response to a year-old arrest of Jonathan Meister, a deaf individual contacted during a burglary investigation. Initial notoriety has centered only on a perspective purported by this claimant and his attorneys; that being that Police Officers failed to neither recognize nor use alternate methods of engagement considering the aspect of hearing impairment. Defense-protocols to litigation preclude many of the immediate responses that this Police Department would normally present in factual contradiction; however, the below is necessitated pursuant to our commitment to the Hawthorne Community and its service:
Hawthorne Police Department Officers are trained to deal with incidents whereby communication, for various reasons, can sometimes be difficult. Examples range from dealing with persons who speak different languages, those who cannot see, cannot hear, those in shock, or in often cases – agitated or hostile. Officers make every effort to communicate effectively and bring every one of these incidents to the most peaceful resolution feasible. In almost all cases though, it is the contacted person’s behavior and actions which dictate police response – not necessarily communication barriers. That is certainly the case in this specific matter. This was not a case of Police Officers not accurately assessing or mishandling a deaf individual. This was a case of Meister, a 31-year-old, 6’-03” / 205 pound, ex-collegiate Rugby player, with accompanying physical skill sets, willfully and physically resisting and fighting uniformed Hawthorne Police Officers conducting a felony investigation, which he was the suspect of and no verification of his innocence had been achieved.
The Hawthorne Police Department assures its Community and stakeholders that our highest emphasis is always placed on treating every individual, regardless of attributes or limitations, with professionalism and respect.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
Pedestrian Seriously Injured In Traffic Collision
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
January 9, 2014
On January 9, 2014, at approximately 8:30am, Hawthorne Police Department Officers responded to reports of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and El Segundo Boulevard.
Once on scene, officers learned that a silver Honda sedan and a silver Mitsubishi sedan collided near the southeast portion of the intersection, causing the driver of the Honda to lose control of his vehicle and travel onto the sidewalk just east of Hawthorne Boulevard. Once on the sidewalk the vehicle collided with a pedestrian whom was seated on a bus stop at that location. The force of that collision caused the pedestrian to be hurled approximately thirty feet, where he finally came to rest near the “Jiffy Lube”, located at 12800 South Hawthorne Boulevard. The pedestrian was treated by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel and transported to Harbor UCLA Hospital in critical condition. He has been identified as twenty-two year old Joel Maya, a resident of Hawthorne.
Both drivers were interviewed at the scene, submitted to standard Field Sobriety Test’s, and voluntarily agreed to have their blood collected. Alcohol, and or drugs however do not appear to be a factor in the collision. Neither driver was cited.
The Hawthorne Police Department Traffic Bureau continues to investigate the cause of the collision and is asking anyone with information surrounding the accident to call 310-349-2801.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835
Armed Take-Over Robbery-Victim Shot
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
January 8, 2014
On January 7, 2014, at approximately 5:14pm, Hawthorne Police Department Patrol Officers responded to reports of an armed robbery / shots fired call at the “El Bodeguero Market” located at 4516 W. Imperial Highway, Hawthorne, CA.
Once at the store, officers were able to ascertain from the owner that a male black adult entered the store and made his way behind the open sales counter. The suspect was armed with a handgun and at some point racked the slide arming the weapon. The suspect then began rummaging through various boxes behind the counter looking for money as the owner of the store attempted to open the cash register. Suddenly the owner heard a gunshot and realized that he had been shot in the back of the leg by the suspect. The owner fell to the ground in pain as the suspect collected the stores money and fled the location. The owner’s family, including small children were present during the incident and rendered aid to their father until Los Angeles County Paramedics arrived on scene to treat the victim. He was then transported to an area hospital for the gunshot wound suffered, and was listed in stable condition.
The suspect is described as a Male Black Adult, approximately 25-30 years old, 6’-00”- 6’-02”, 200-210 pounds. He was wearing a dark colored zip up jacket with hood (over his head), light colored t-shirt, light colored pants, tennis shoes, and some type of black mask over his face.
Click this link to view the video:
Hawthorne Police Detectives are investigating the crime and are asking anyone with information related to this crime, or the identity of the suspect involved, to call Detective Paul Vu or Detective Andrew Batstone at (310) 349-2820.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835 Desk
Animal Cruelty Arrest
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
On January 2, 2014, Hawthorne Police and Animal Control Officers responded to the area of El Segundo Boulevard and Doty Avenue in reference to a deceased dog found in a bag. Subsequent investigation revealed that a 5 ½ year-old Chihuahua, later determined to be named “Cow Cow”, had been intentionally run over and left to die by its owner. Follow-up investigation by Hawthorne Police Detectives yielded surveillance video from a nearby location allowed the following events to be learned:
During midday, December 28, 2013, Michael David Parker, a 45 year-old resident of Hawthorne drove his vehicle into an alley near the above referenced location. From video, he is seen opening his trunk, closing it, and then re-entering his vehicle. Moments later “Cow Cow” appears from the side of the vehicle and runs out in front of it. Parker backs his vehicle up, and then appears to accelerate rapidly, steering directly toward the dog. “Cow Cow” is run completely over. The vehicle continues on out of sight. A nearby resident later discovers and collects the deceased dog from the alley, placing it in the bag it was found in.
Hawthorne Police Detectives identified and arrested Parker at his place of business on Friday, January 3rd, 2014. Parker was booked at the Hawthorne Police Department. Parker posted bond and his arraignment date is March 25, 2014 at the Los Angeles Airport Courthouse.
The video showing the crime is available for use by the media. If you would like a link to the video, please send your request to Lieutenant Swain at the email listed below. The video is graphic and may be disturbing to watch.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835
Operation Santa Is Real
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
December 29, 2013
The Hawthorne Police Department has recently partnered with the National Hockey League “NHL” Players Association to form an ice hockey team in which children from low income/urban families can learn to play ice hockey without having to worry about the high costs associated with the sport due to necessary equipment, the cost of ice rental time and much needed coaching. The team is comprised of 24 children, ages 4-7 and is coached by Hawthorne Police Officers and volunteers from the Hockey Community. No child is turned away!
The Hawthorne Force Ice Hockey players and parents are taught and abide by a code of honesty, integrity and positive reinforcement both on and off the ice. These same principles are what Hawthorne Police Officers exemplify on a daily basis and serve as a role model for the children. The team also helps build "community" as it has brought children and parents from different ethnic and geographic backgrounds together on one team. In fact, several children of Hawthorne Police employees play on the team (they pay $200.00 every 10 weeks to help offset costs).
It was brought to our attention by select team parents this holiday season that 2 children on the team had families who were in dire financial situations and might not be able to provide presents for their children this Christmas. Operation "Santa is Real" was born as a result of that fact. Using Facebook, the Hawthorne Police Department posted what the specific needs and desires of each child, a boy and a girl each 6 years old, where. The desires were simple with items such as a blanket with ponies and a pair of shoes. The resulting donations from the Hawthorne community was overwhelming and fulfilled the wishes of each child, and then some.
It was decided to make Christmas special for the children and have them meet "Santa Claus" at the ice rink where the team practices. A small group of filmmakers, Hawthorne Police Department employees and volunteers worked to create a magical experience for the children culminating in tracking down Santa Clause, retired Los Angeles King, Vic Venasky. The children had the opportunity to ice skate with Santa Claus and in turn learn that he is indeed real and wanted to make Christmas special for them because they were on the "nice list" and had worked very hard learning to skate and play ice hockey.
The event was filmed and edited by Film-maker James West who is also filming a documentary about the Hawthorne Force program itself. The video was shot on Christmas Eve, then edited and posted online on Christmas day. A link to the video has been “tweeted” out by Joel Stein of Time magazine, the NHLPA and numerous others who want to spread some Christmas joy and see the story of a little boy and little girl who so deserved a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
The Hawthorne Force hockey team will continue to practice and play every week until they are no longer able to afford the $300 per week fee for “ice rental” time. The parents and police officers have raised enough money to pay for 7 more weeks of play as of today. They are still looking for a full time sponsor to help keep the kid playing and to be a part of this special program.
The point of contact for the Hawthorne Force is Sergeant Chris Cognac who is assigned to the Hawthorne Police Department Community Affairs Unit. He can be reached directly at 310-349-2822 (Desk), 310-629-7611 (Cell), or (Email).
Testimonial from a Parent:
We had an awesome time last night but I also got very emotional during the interview with the NHLPA after witnessing the greatest event that my son is blessed to have been a part of. I really couldn't find the words to show our appreciation we have for this chance of a lifetime. I started to cry and simply told him how grateful we were. It was kind of embarrassing but I just hope they see how honored and grateful we are for this opportunity.
Thank you again and million times more for bringing this to our community. I owe you my life, I owe this great city of Hawthorne my life, I’ve been in Hawthorne all my life and I’ve never felt so proud and honored to be in this community since I got a chance to meet you and the rest of the HPD and be a part of all this.
Thank you for putting Hawthorne on the map. Thank you for making my son the happiest kid in the world. Thank you for being the man that you are and being a part of this community. You and the rest of the guys have created and achieved something so special that no one will ever forget.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835
Fatal Traffic Accident/ Suspect Arrested
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
September 14 2013
On October 12, 2013, at approximately 8:00 pm, Hawthorne Police Department officers were dispatched to the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Cordary Avenue, reference a traffic collision. Upon arrival, officers learned that a 70 year old female pedestrian was crossing Rosecrans Avenue from the south sidewalk to the north sidewalk at Cordary Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle that was traveling eastbound Rosecrans Avenue. The female pedestrian was not inside of a crosswalk when she was hit. The female pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female pedestrian’s name is being withheld at this time pending notification of the next of kin.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian continued eastbound Rosecrans Avenue, and then made a U-turn at Doty Avenue returning to the scene. An alert citizen who witnessed the accident saw the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian then exit his vehicle and place a bag in a nearby set of bushes. Officers were directed to the bag where it was recovered and found to contain a loaded firearm and narcotics which were packaged for sales. The driver, later identified as Edwin Otis Thurman, 51 years old, from Hawthorne, and a convicted Felon, was subsequently arrested for the weapon and narcotics found in the bag he discarded. Thurman was also given a series of Field Sobriety Tests during a Driving Under the Influence Investigation to which he failed. Results are still pending on a blood sample taken from Thurman after his arrest. Thurman is being held in the Hawthorne City jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835
Homicide Investigation, Suspect Arrested
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
September 27, 2013
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Detectives are continuing to assist the Hawthorne Police Department investigate the stabbing death of woman in the 4800 block of West 118th Street, Hawthorne.
Detectives have learned that the Hawthorne Police Department received a call from the mother of the victim. The mother stated when she arrived home, she found her 22-year-old daughter inside the apartment injured and unresponsive.
Hawthorne Police Department personnel and paramedics responded to the location and determined that the victim had been stabbed. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
There is no further 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), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the websitehttp://lacrimestoppers.org
***2nd UPDATE***
2nd UPDATE* LASD Homicide assisting Hawthorne PD with Stabbing Death Investigation, 4800 blk W. 118th St., Hawthorne
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Detectives are continuing to assist Hawthorne Police Department investigate the stabbing death of woman in the 4800 block of West 118th Street, Hawthorne, on Thursday, September 26, 2013.
Detectives have identified the victim’s stepfather as a person of interest and plan to interview him regarding the incident. The victim, her stepfather and mother lived at the location where the victim’s body was found.
If anyone has information regarding the stepfather’s whereabouts, please contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’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), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
3rd Update: October 6, 2013
In Custody:
Hawthorne Stabbing Death 9/26/13, Stepfather Suspect Arrested in Long Beach, LBPD, HPD, LASD Homicide
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide detectives are continuing to assist Hawthorne Police Department investigate the stabbing death of a woman in the 4800 block of West 118th Street, Hawthorne, on Thursday, September 26, 2013.
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's security officer saw murder Suspect Alvin Hunt Jr. in and around Seaside Park (14th St. and Chestnut Ave.), in the city of Long Beach on Saturday, October 5, 2013.
The security officer contacted Long Beach Police officers who arrested the suspect without incident on Saturday at 4:00PM. He was later booked for murder.
Suspect Hunt's bail has been set at two million dollars.
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835
3 Suspects Arrested in Death of a Man Found Burned in Castaic
HAWTHORNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
September 11, 2013
Three suspects have been arrested and charged in the death of a man found burning in Castaic on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. The victim has been identified as Lamondre Deon Miles, a 35-year old resident of the Florence / Firestone area of South Los Angeles.
At 6:00AM, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, a man’s body was found in the Castaic area on Lake Hughes Road when Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters extinguished a small fire at the site. (9/4/13 LASD News Release 9/4/13:) http://local.nixle.com/alert/5057929/
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide investigators learned that the man suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso and was dead prior to being driven to the Castaic area and set afire.
Sheriff’s investigators followed several leads including, but not limited to the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology (ALPR Info: http://nixle.com/alert/4736374/)
Working with Hawthorne Police detectives, it was determined that the crime had occurred in a car in the vicinity of Crenshaw Boulevard and the 105 Freeway, in the City of Hawthorne, on September 3, 2013, at approximately 2 pm. The car is a black 2007 Chevy Monte Carlo, California License plate number 6WUH53 and has been impounded by investigators.
Sheriff’s Homicide investigators continued their investigation which resulted in the arrest of two suspects by sheriff’s detectives at their homes in South Los Angeles on Friday, September 6, 2013.
23-year old Suspect Joanna Amezcua, and her brother, 22-year old Luis Amezcua, both from South Los Angeles, were charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with one count of murder each on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Bail was set at $1,000,000. A third suspect, 33-year old Javier Vega (Joanna’s Amezcua’s boyfriend) also from South Los Angeles, was also charged September 10 with Accessory to Murder and Arson. His bail was set at $575,000.
The motive of the crime appears to be a dispute over money allegedly owed by the victim to the suspects.
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), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.com/
Contact: Lieutenant Scott Swain
Detective Bureau Commander / Public Information Officer
(310) 349-2835