The Hawthorne Police Department Focuses on Distracted Driving Enforcement
Illegal Gambling Operation Shut Down
On February 12th, 2021, Hawthorne Police Department detectives, assisted by the SWAT team, served a warrant in the 13200 block of Hawthorne Blvd. The results of the warrant and preceding investigation yielded over 12 arrests, 14 people were issued citations, over $8,500 of dollars in U.S. currency, 2 firearms, several ounces of Methamphetamine and half-dozen Illegal gambling machines were seized.
The Hawthorne Police Department had received a complaint from concerned citizens regarding possible criminal activity at the location. Detectives were able to determine that office space within a small strip mall appeared to be being used as an illegal gambling location, operating 24 hours a day. During the investigation, detectives noted an increase in crimes in the immediate area, including a shooting, resulting in one person being shot.
The Hawthorne Police Department will continue to work with the community and other City departments, in order to minimize the likelihood of this illegal activity returning to the area.
If you have any additional information related to this case, or believe there is an illegal gambling operation in your area, please contact the Hawthorne Police Department Detective Bureau at (310) 349-2820.
BURGLARY SUSPECTS ARRESTED
On Saturday, February 6, at approximately 8:45 AM, Hawthorne police officers responded on a report of a burglary which had occurred to a business earlier in the morning. The business was a mortuary, located in the 3900 block of Marine Avenue. Based on video footage provided by the mortuary, it is believed that the burglary occurred sometime between 2:00 and 2:30 AM that morning. Officers took a report at the time (HPD DR #21-1470).
On Tuesday, February 9, at approximately 2:45 AM, Hawthorne officers responded on a report of a burglary in progress to a mortuary in the 13800 block of Hawthorne Blvd. Upon arrival, officers were able to confirm that a burglary had occurred, but that the suspects had already fled the scene. (HPD DR #21-1558).
With knowledge of the mortuary being burglarized on February 6, and having just responded to an additional mortuary burglary, officers working the shift decided to conduct a security check on a third mortuary, this one in the 4200 block of Broadway Ave. Upon arrival (about 3:15 AM), officers saw that there were subjects inside the business using flashlights. Officers contained the building until two males exited into the parking lot. Upon being ordered to stop, one of the two subjects complied, while the second attempted to run. He was apprehended almost immediately. Elias Dominguez, a 39 year old transient, and Edwin Jimenez, a 26 year old transient, were both placed under arrest for burglary related charges.
Hawthorne police detectives are now working to determine if the two subjects in custody are also responsible for the burglaries which took place on February 6 (3900 block of Marine) and earlier during the night (13800 block of Hawthorne Blvd.).
FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION
On Sunday, February 7th, 2021, at approximately 3:59 AM, Hawthorne Police Department officers were dispatched to the intersection of Rosecrans and Cerise Avenue regarding a major traffic collision. When responding officers arrived on scene, they located an unconscious male driver lying next to a black Fiat with major front end damage. Hawthorne PD Officers immediately began to provide life saving measures; unfortunately, the male driver succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.
Hawthorne PD Traffic Bureau investigators were called to the scene and conducted a follow up investigation. Preliminary evidence indicates the deceased driver was driving eastbound in the number two lane of Rosecrans Avenue at a high rate of speed. As the deceased driver approached Cerise Avenue, he collided into the rear of a commercial food truck, that was also travelling eastbound on Rosecrans Avenue. The traffic signal light for eastbound Rosecrans Avenue at the time of the collision was a solid green light. The driver of the commercial food truck remained on scene and cooperated with officers and investigators on scene.
A Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office investigator responded to the scene of the collision and took custody of the deceased male driver. The investigation and the cause of the collision is still on-going. The Hawthorne Police Department is asking for any witnesses of the noted traffic accident, who may have pertinent information and/or video surveillance footage, to please call Hawthorne Traffic Investigator Barlin at 310.349.2707.
Governor Newsom Honors Public Safety Officers and Service Members with Medal of Valor
Governor Newsom and Attorney General Becerra honor public safety officers and service members
Governor Newsom Honors Public Safety Officers and Service Members with Medal of Valor
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Xavier Becerra today presented the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to eight public safety leaders from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Hawthorne Police Department, Gilroy Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Governor also awarded the California Military Department Medal of Valor to seven members of the California National Guard. Each of the honorees distinguished themselves through courageous conduct above and beyond the call of duty.
“Today’s Medal of Valor honorees demonstrated unparalleled heroism in service to their communities, risking their own safety to save lives,” said Governor Newsom. “Their actions are an inspiration to all of us and we offer our deep reverence and gratitude to these extraordinary individuals for the sacrifices they make every day to protect their fellow Californians.”
“The recipients of the Medal of Valor selflessly answered the call of duty, exemplified exceptional heroism in the face of imminent and life-threatening peril, and displayed the inspirational attribute of a chief responder: courage,” said Attorney General Becerra. “As our families persevere through this pandemic, it is important that we thank and honor those who give us hope. Today we do just that.”
The Governor may award a Public Safety Medal of Valor to public safety officers who are recognized by the Attorney General for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. The Attorney General’s Office receives nominations from public safety agencies to be reviewed by the Medal of Valor Review Board, which makes a recommendation to the Attorney General.
Officers or enlisted member of the National Guard or Naval Militia may be awarded a Medal of Valor presented by the Governor for courageous conduct at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty while in the service of the state or of the United States. The California Military Department processes nominations for the Medal of Valor, with awards approved by the Adjutant General and presented by the Governor.
The following public safety officers were awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor today:
California Highway Patrol
Officer Michael Panlilio
On June 19, 2019, CHP Officer Michael Panlilio responded to a request for assistance by the Sacramento Police Department (SPD) at a Sacramento residence. The SPD advised Officer Panlilio that Officer Tara O’Sullivan of the SPD had been shot and was lying in the backyard of a residence. Any attempt to rescue her was met with gunfire by the barricaded suspect. Officer Panlilio responded to the scene without hesitation and began working with allied agency personnel to actively assess the situation. The suspect was using a high-power rifle, capable of penetrating department-issued ballistic vest material. The suspect was also shooting from an elevated position, obscured behind the walls of his home, and using security cameras to monitor the exact positions of on-scene law enforcement personnel.
Despite the extreme danger, Officer Panlilio made the decision to leave his position of safety and join the effort to rescue Officer O’Sullivan. He entered an armored vehicle, which came under fire as it breached the backyard fence and was positioned between the gunman and Officer O’Sullivan.
Officer Panlilio and Deputy Richard Nielsen of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department left their place of safety behind the armored vehicle, retrieved Officer O’Sullivan and carried her back into the armored vehicle. As the armored vehicle retreated it became disabled while still in the line of fire. Officer Panlilio helped carry Officer O’Sullivan approximately 30 feet away from the armored vehicle to an awaiting SPD patrol vehicle so that she could be transported to the hospital. The gunman fired several rifle rounds at Officer Panlilio and Deputy Nielson as they moved to the patrol vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, Officer Panlilio directed the driver to transport them immediately to the UC Davis Medical Center. While en route, Officer Panlilio used his advanced medical training to guide Deputy Nielsen in helping him perform a two-person cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Unfortunately, despite their valiant efforts, Officer O’Sullivan succumbed to her injuries.
For his extraordinary bravery, heroism and courage in the face of imminent and personal life-threatening peril, Officer Panlilio’s actions were above and beyond the call of duty and exemplify the highest standards of a California public safety officer.
California Highway Patrol
Officer Robert Paul
Officer Ryan Smith
On August 12, 2019, CHP Officer Robert Paul was assisting CHP Officer Andre Moye with an enforcement stop and vehicle impound in Riverside. While impounding the vehicle, the suspect retrieved a rifle and opened fire on Officer Moye without warning, critically injuring him. Officer Paul immediately drew his weapon and engaged the suspect, while requesting backup. Riverside area CHP units immediately responded to the scene. Allied agencies were also notified, and units from the Riverside Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call.
Officer Paul sustained multiple gunshot wounds to both legs, but continued his courageous fight from the supine position, moving himself from left to right, keeping the suspect unsure of his location. The suspect attempted to gain tactical superiority by advancing and utilizing positions of cover behind vehicles. Even though Officer Paul was outmatched by weapon capability and despite his life-threatening injuries, he was able to actively engage and hold off the suspect until backup arrived.
As CHP Officer Ryan Smith arrived on the scene, his patrol vehicle immediately began taking rounds from the suspect. Officer Smith was able to exit his patrol vehicle and return fire. While actively engaging with the suspect, Officer Smith was able to locate and pull Officer Paul out of the line of fire. Officer Smith sustained wounds to both legs, but he was able to pull Officer Paul over 100 feet to safety while law enforcement personnel from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and CHP engaged with the suspect to draw fire away from the injured officers.
Deputies were able to evacuate Officer Paul from the scene and transport him to the hospital. While en route, a Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy applied tourniquets to Officer Paul’s legs to stop the arterial bleeding. Officer Paul received lifesaving care from doctors at the Riverside University Health System Medical Center.
For their extraordinary bravery, heroism and courage in the face of imminent and personal life-threatening peril, Officer Paul’s and Officer Smith’s actions were above and beyond the call of duty and exemplify the highest standards of a California public safety officer.
Hawthorne Police Department
Officer Jose Gomez
On April 7, 2019, Hawthorne Police Officer Jose Gomez responded to a call at the Marriott TownPlace Suites in Hawthorne. What initially was identified as a domestic violence call elevated to an armed suspect threat to the general public. A male suspect, armed with a gun, was chasing a female. Multiple callers reported that the male suspect had shot the female and one of the witnesses. The suspect was now chasing the female victim toward the hotel lobby.
Officer Gomez was the first to arrive on the scene and observed the suspect, dressed in full military gear, run toward the Manhattan Gateway Shopping Center. The suspect began shooting at Officer Gomez, striking his patrol cruiser. Officer Gomez exited his patrol cruiser and engaged the suspect by returning fire, utilizing a zig-zag approach. The suspect ran toward a shopping outlet and took cover. He once again engaged Officer Gomez in an exchange of gunfire from a distance of approximately 100 yards. Officer Gomez took cover behind the pillars in front of a restaurant and returned fire, exhausting his rifle capabilities.
Field Training Officer Jesus Ceniceros was the second to arrive on the scene. Officer Ceniceros also took cover behind the pillars, limiting cover for both officers. The suspect jumped over the west wall of the building and was shot by Officer Gomez. Officer Gomez was shot by the suspect and suffered a through-and-through rifle wound to his left thigh, leaving him motionless and exposed. Hawthorne Officers Jesse Lopez, Alan Weinreb, Cody Dahlen and Robert Shay arrived on the scene and immediately began first-aid efforts by applying a tourniquet to Officers Gomez’ leg. The Officers carried Officer Gomez to a nearby police unit. Officer Ceniceros drove Officer Gomez to the nearby LA County Fire Department Station for medical treatment.
Multiple agencies, including SWAT teams and fire and rescue, would coordinate the efforts to locate and arrest the suspect, who ultimately surrendered and was taken into custody by responding Manhattan Beach SWAT Officers.
For his extraordinary bravery, heroism and courage in the face of imminent and personal life-threatening peril, Officer Gomez’s actions were above and beyond the call of duty and exemplify the highest standards of a California public safety officer.
Gilroy Police Department
Detective Robert Basuino
Detective Eric Cryar
Officer Hugo Del Moral
On July 28, 2019, Gilroy Police Detectives Eric Cryar and Robert Basuino and Officer Hugo Del Moral were on foot patrolling the Gilroy Garlic Festival. They were about 150 yards south of an armed suspect when he began shooting. Detective Cryar, a military veteran, immediately recognized the sound of an AK-47 style assault rifle. Detectives Cryar and Basuino and Officer Del Moral ran north through the park towards the gunfire.
The suspect was located by a large inflatable play structure that was between several vendor booths and the main stage. This area was heavily populated with adults and children. The suspect’s rifle was loaded with a 75 round drum magazine and he carried additional high capacity 40 round magazines that were taped together to accommodate fast reloading. The suspect continued to fire his rifle in a counterclockwise fashion at the crowd. He shot and killed a 25-year-old male, 13-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy.
When the suspect saw the officers running towards him, he stopped his attack on the crowd and began firing on them. Detectives Cryar and Basuino and Officer Del Moral returned fire. Though outgunned by the suspect’s AK-47 style assault rifle, they demonstrated remarkable marksmanship and struck the suspect multiple times in the chest, back, legs and hand from a significant distance, all while under fire. The suspect ultimately turned his rifle on himself, inflicting a fatal gunshot wound.
For their extraordinary bravery, heroism and courage in the face of imminent and personal life-threatening peril, Detective Cryar’s, Detective Basuino’s and Officer Del Moral’s actions were above and beyond the call of duty and exemplify the highest standards of a California public safety officer.
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Edward “Nick” Macko
On July 25, 2019, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist (OLS) Edward “Nick” Macko received an emergency call describing a swimmer trapped in Gorge 3, one of the deep-water caves at Abalone Cove in Rancho Palos Verdes. OLS Macko responded to the call immediately. After making the appropriate radio notifications to request the Baywatch rescue boat and helicopter rescue assistance, OLS Macko donned his personal protective equipment and maneuvered his lifeguard unit toward Gorge 3.
As OLS Macko approached the swimmer, he saw the man was clinging to the side of the cave wall, very fatigued and barely able to keep his grip. Heavy surges and huge swells were slamming against the razor-sharp rock walls that surrounded the swimmer. OLS Macko made contact with the swimmer and used the rescue tube to tether the man to himself. He then began the grueling rescue swim back to shore. Once he spotted his exit route out of the channel, OLS Macko scrambled up the rock and assisted the patient onto land and out of harm’s way. He wrapped the swimmer in thermal blankets to stave off hypothermia and continued coordinating efforts with the helicopter resource to transport.
For his extraordinary bravery, heroism and courage in the face of imminent and personal life-threatening peril, OLS Macko’s actions were above and beyond the call of duty and exemplify the highest standards of a California public safety officer.
The following service members were awarded the California Military Department Medal of Valor today:
California National Guard
Chief Warrant Officer Five Joseph A. Rosamond, 40th Combat Aviation Regiment
Chief Warrant Officer Five Kipp C. Goding, 40th Combat Aviation Regiment
Chief Warrant Officer Two Irvin J. Hernandez, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment
Chief Warrant Officer Two Brady J. Hlebain, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment
Warrant Officer One Ge P. Xiong, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment
Sergeant George Esquivel, Jr., Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment
Sergeant Cameron S. Powell, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment
While serving as aviation crewmembers in support of the response to the Creek Fire in Fresno on September 4, 2020, these soldiers risked their lives to rescue 30 stranded families isolated in the rapidly growing fire. They navigated a hazardous ingress route at night, identifying the only suitable landing zone for their aircraft. They returned to the rescue site two additional times to save a total of 224 citizens while surrounded by fire within 50 feet. Their personal courage and astute analysis during a dire situation saved lives. Their actions are in keeping with the highest military traditions of selfless service, honor and personal courage and reflect great credit upon themselves, the California National Guard and the State of California.
Hawthorne Police Officer Jose Gomez, 12 years with HPD, Former Marine
Officer Jose Gomez with Chief Michael Ishii
COMMUNITY MESSAGE REGARDING PARKING ENFORCEMENT
COMMUNITY MESSAGE REGARDING PARKING ENFORCEMENT
The Hawthorne Police Department would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season. This community message is to remind all residents and visitors to be mindful of parking illegally in the City of Hawthorne. We understand this year has been difficult for everyone due to the pandemic, but please be sure to follow all local parking rules and regulations within the City of Hawthorne. The City of Hawthorne has been enforcing all parking rules and regulations since June 8, 2020 and will continue to do so until further notice. We thank you for your adherence to the parking laws and we wish everyone a prosperous, safe and healthy new year.
Hit and Run – Pedestrian Fatality
On Monday, October 19, 2020, at approximately 9:26 PM, Hawthorne police officers responded to the 11700 block of Prairie Avenue regarding a major traffic collision. A witness reported an elderly female pedestrian on the ground and not moving. The witness also stated the involved vehicle had left the scene.
Responding officers found the elderly female unresponsive in the northbound number three lane of Prairie Avenue. Sadly, the pedestrian succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel. A witness had located a license plate nearby, possibly belonging to the suspect vehicle, and turned it over to officers. The California license plate returned to a 2017 Honda Civic, registered out of Los Angeles. Hawthorne Police Department Traffic Bureau investigators were called and responded to the scene.
Approximately one hour 45 minutes after the initial radio call, a male subject returned to the scene of the collision, and identified himself as the driver of the suspect vehicle. The male subject provided an account of the collision and acknowledged fleeing the scene without rendering any aid to the elderly female. The male subject also provided officers the location of his vehicle, which was parked in a residential area in the City of Torrance.
The male subject was later arrested and booked at the Hawthorne Police Department. The vehicle was located in the City of Torrance and was impounded as evidence pending further investigation. Family members of the pedestrian were at the scene of the collision and positively identified the elderly female for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s investigator. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
Anyone with information related to the collision is asked to call Hawthorne Police Department Traffic Investigator A. Barlin, at 310-349-2707.
The Hawthorne Police Department is Working to Curb Distracted Driving
Homicide Invstigation
On Thursday, October 15, 2020, at approximately 2:12 AM, Hawthorne police responded on a report of a gunshot victim in the 4200 block of El Segundo Boulevard. Officers located the male victim in a hotel parking lot, as well as evidence that a shooting had occurred. The victim was pronounced deceased by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded and identified the victim as Ramiro Fonseca Jr., 44 years of age. An autopsy will be scheduled for the victim in the near future. Detectives from the Hawthorne Police Department are handling the investigation. If anyone has any further information that will assist in the investigation, they are asked to call the Hawthorne Police Department.
HIT AND RUN - JUVENILE VICTIM - Update - Suspect Arrested
This is an update from the original Press Release:
October 16, 2020
On October 2, 2020, a bicyclist in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Doty Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue, was struck by a motorist. The bicyclist, a 14 year old male, was severely injured. The motorist fled the scene. The bicyclist remains hospitalized at this time.
The Hawthorne Police Department Traffic Bureau immediately began working on the investigation. Through their investigative efforts, the involved vehicle was identified as a Toyota sedan, and a license plate was obtained. The sedan returned with an address in the Riverside area, but a local address associated with the registered owner was also identified.
On October 14, 2020, a search warrant was obtained for a residence in the City of Gardena. The Toyota was located on the property, covered. Some of the damage which occurred during the collision appeared to have already been repaired.
Amongst the individuals contacted at the residence was 28 year old Darlene Delgadillo. Delgadillo admitted to being the driver of the car when the collision occurred. Delgadillo was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of felony hit and run, and booked at the Hawthorne Police Department. The car was impounded as evidence and is being processed by Hawthorne Police forensics personnel. ***
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On Friday, October 2, 2020, at approximately 7:27 am, Hawthorne police officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Doty Ave. and Rosecrans Ave., involving a car versus a bicyclist. The driver of the car had fled the scene without stopping. Officers found the bicyclist was 14 years old, and had suffered a major head injury. He was treated at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire personnel before he was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
At this time, it appears that the bicyclist was waiting for the traffic signal at Doty and Rosecrans to change so that he could cross Rosecrans Ave., from the south to the north. As the signal for east and westbound traffic on Rosecrans turned red, the bicyclist began to ride his bike north across Rosecrans, in a marked crosswalk. As he rode the bicycle through the intersection, a white four door Toyota (possibly a Camry) travelling east in the number one eastbound lane of Rosecrans Ave., struck the bicyclist at a high rate of speed, causing significant injuries. The driver of the white Toyota continued east on Rosecrans Ave., out of sight.
The suspect vehicle likely has extensive front end and front windshield damage, and is still outstanding. The above photograph is a screenshot taken from a nearby security camera, and depicts the actual suspect vehicle. If you have any information about the identity or whereabouts of this driver or the vehicle, please call 9-1-1, or contact the Hawthorne Police Department at (310) 349-2700.
VIDEO LINK (Graphic Content):
Bicyclist Killed in Traffic Accident
On 10-8-20 at approximately 11:00 PM Hawthorne police officers were dispatched to the area of Rosecrans and Chadron Avenues in the City of Hawthorne regarding a bicyclist who had reportedly been involved in a traffic collision with a motorist. Upon the arrival of officers and medical personnel to the scene they located a single unidentified male adult with a bicycle lying next to him in the roadway for west bound traffic on Rosecrans. The male appeared to have sustained upper torso related injuries and was pronounced deceased at the location by medical personnel. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office was also notified. In addition to the bicyclist, officers located a motorist who had struck two parked vehicles just west of where the bicyclist had been found. The unidentified female adult driver gave a statement she had struck an unknown item in the roadway moments earlier that had caused her to lose control of her vehicle and collide into the two parked vehicles. The female driver complained of being injured from the traffic accident and was transported to a local emergency center for further evaluation. The female driver exhibited symptoms of possible alcohol intoxication at the time of the incident which a DUI investigation was then completed. The Hawthorne Police Department is asking for any witnesses of the noted traffic accident, who may have pertinent information or video surveillance footage, to please call Hawthorne Traffic Investigator Officer Barlin at 310-349-2707.
Hawthorne Police Department Receives Grant For Motorcycle "Ride to Live" Training Classes for the Public
Hawthorne Police Department Awarded $185,000 Grant from the OTS
Hawthorne Police Department Awarded $185,000 Grant from the OTS flyer
