Hawthorne Police Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving - April 27

Hawthorne, California – on Thursday, April 27th, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Hawthorne PD Chief Gary Tomatani said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hawthorne Police Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving - April 6

Hawthorne, California – on Thursday, April 6th, 2023, the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Hawthorne PD Chief Gary Tomatani said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

The Hawthorne Police Department will hold another distracted driving enforcement operations on April 14th, April 17th, and April 19th.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hawthorne Police Department Holding Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on May 6, 2023

Hawthorne, California. – Hawthorne PD will have extra officers on patrol on May 6th looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

• Use your signal when changing lanes.

• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

The Hawthorne Police Department will hold additional motorcycle safety enforcement operations on May 9th, 11th, 20th, 27th, and 31st.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Check Twice for Motorcycles: May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Hawthorne, California – During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Hawthorne Police Department reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles.

“Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so being extra careful before changing lanes is always good practice,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “Motorcycle riders are out in the elements and do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Please share the road with motorcycles and drive safe.”

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.

• Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

• Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.

• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for May 3, 2023

Hawthorne, California – the Hawthorne Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation May 3rd, 2023 focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.”

The Hawthorne Police department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

• Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

• Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

• Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

• If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

F O R P U B L I C R E L E A S E

Contact Sgt Kemp 310-349-2701

MAIN DESK 310.349.2700

Hawthorne PD will dedicate bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement to the memory of Michael Leon in the Month of May

Hawthorne, California – May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Hawthorne Police Department reminds drivers to follow the speed limit and look out for pedestrians and people on bike rides.

“The days are longer, and the weather is pleasant, making for ideal conditions to go on a walk or bike ride,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “Drivers, please share the road so we may all get places safely.”

The Hawthorne Police Department suggests the following safety tips for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers:

Pedestrians

• Stay aware of cars and bicyclists while out walking in our neighborhoods.

• When necessary to cross a street, try to use a marked crosswalk whenever possible. When not possible or practical, cross at an intersection. Never “jay walk” or cross a road in the middle of a block.

• While bicyclists and drivers should yield to you as a pedestrian, take extra care before crossing a street; bicycles and cars might not be able to stop quickly. It’s always a good idea to know that a bicyclist or driver sees you, before you begin to cross a street.

Bicyclists

• Use lights at night (at minimum, a front white light and rear red reflector).

• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.

• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Drivers

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.

• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.

• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist. Maintain at minimum three feet of space when passing or overtaking a bicyclist.

• Never drive distracted or impaired

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Fatal Hit & Run Traffic Collision/Arrest

On Thursday, April 27, 2023 at approximately 8:46 pm, Hawthorne Police

Department officers received a radio call of an injury traffic collision near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Cerise Avenue.

The investigation determined that a male bicyclist was struck by a vehicle traveling west on Rosecrans Avenue. Unfortunately, the male bicyclist succumbed to his injuries, being pronounced at the scene of the collision by Los Angeles County Fire personnel. The driver and the vehicle which collided with the bicyclist fled the scene.

After reviewing intersection cameras, investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a black newer model Nissan SUV. An anonymous caller later notified the Hawthorne Police Department that a newer model Nissan SUV was parked in a secure underground parking structure in the 14100 block of Cerise Avenue. The anonymous caller informed the police dispatcher that the vehicle had fresh collision damage. Investigators located the vehicle and confirmed that this was the vehicle involved in the hit/run collision. A 21-year old Hawthorne resident was identified and arrested for this crime.

If anyone was a witness to the collision or has information regarding the collision they are encouraged to please contact the Hawthorne Police Traffic Bureau at 310-349-2701.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Hawthorne, Calif. – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the

Hawthorne Police Deparment will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Chief Gary Tomatani said. “Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach.”

According to the 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 72% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 56,000 citations for distracted driving.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text, email, or in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Homicide Investigation

On Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, at approximately 11:15 PM, Hawthorne police officers responded on an “unknown trouble” call at a multi-unit residential complex in the 12600 block of Ramona Avenue. Upon arrival, patrol officers located three deceased adults (two males, one female) inside of an apartment unit. All three had been shot. The three adults were pronounced deceased at the scene by LA County Fire Department personnel. One deceased male is estimated to be in his late 30s to early 40s. The second deceased male is estimated to be i his early to mid 20s. The deceased female is estimated to be in her late 30s to early 40s. The older man and woman were in a dating relationship. The younger adult male was the deceased woman’s son from a previous relationship. Hawthorne police detectives believe that all the deceased individuals knew one another.

Additionally, when the incident occurred, there were five minors inside the apartment, all of whom have since been identified as children of the deceased woman. Their ages range from seven months up to 15 years old. The minors are being cared for the LA County Department of Children and Family Services. None of the minors were physically injured during the incident.

Based on a preliminary investigation, Hawthorne police detectives believe the incident is a result of domestic violence. At this time, there are no outstanding suspects being sought by police, and there is no threat to the public. Statements obtained from witnesses (the children who were present) indicate that the older male shot and killed the female victim. The younger adult male then confronted the older male, during which both men were shot and killed.

The Hawthorne Police Department and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office are investigating this incident. All parties have been identified but their names are not being released at this time, pending notification to additional next of kin.

Be a Saint on St. Patrick's Day Celebrate Responsibly with a Designated Sober Driver

Hawthorne, California - This St. Patrick’s Day don’t push your luck by letting drunk drive. The Hawthorne Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by not driving under the influence.

Additional officers will be on patrol Friday, March 17th from 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Leave your keys at home and plan ahead before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Hawthorne Police Chief Gary Tomatani said. “Designate a sober driver, schedule a ride share or make other plans to get home safely if you plan to consume alcohol.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roads. In 2020, more than 11,000 people in the U.S. died in drunk-driving crashes.

Chief Tomatani wants to warn the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Contact Sgt. S. Kemp 310-349-2701 / skemp@cityofhawthorne.org

MAIN DESK 310.349.2700

Police pursuit of stolen vehicle (carjacking w/ firearm) & officer involved traffic collision

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, at about 9:40 PM, Hawthorne police officers located a car reported stolen in a carjacking. Information from the original crime report indicated that the suspect in the carjacking was armed with a firearm. The driver did not yield when officers attempted to pull the car over, and a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, while travelling south on the 405 Freeway near the Rosecrans Avenue offramp, a Hawthorne police officer lost control of a police car and collided with a freeway median. No other vehicles were involved in the collision. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the location to treat the officer, who was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

The California Highway Patrol responded to assist with incident and will be handling the collision investigation.

At this time, the suspect and the suspect vehicle, described as a 2022 white Hyundai Santa Fe, have not been located by law enforcement.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

On Thursday, February 23, 2023 at approximately 8:33 pm, Hawthorne Police Department Officers responded to an injury traffic collision near the intersection of El Segundo Boulevard and Crenshaw Blvd.

The preliminary investigation determined that a vehicle making an eastbound turn onto El Segundo Boulevard struck a male adult motorcyclist travelling northbound on Crenshaw Blvd. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle abandoned their vehicle and fled prior to police arrival. The suspect is still outstanding. Due to the active investigation, no suspect information is being released at this time.

If anyone was a witness to the collision or has information regarding the collision they are encouraged to please contact the Hawthorne Police Traffic Bureau at 310-349-2701.

Hawthorne Police Department Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on February 25, 2023

Hawthorne, California. - Hawthorne PD will have extra officers on patrol on February 25th looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

• Use your signal when changing lanes.

• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

The Hawthorne Police Department will hold additional motorcycle safety enforcement operations in the upcoming months.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Hawthorne Police Department Reminds Parents Are Key to Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

Hawthorne, California – In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 16-22), the Hawthorne Police Department encourages teens and their parents to talk about the importance of following the rules of the road and driving responsibly.

Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 2,378 teenagers died in car crashes in 2020 – a 14% increase from the prior year. Per mile driven, teen drivers are nearly four times as likely to be involved in a crash as drivers in all other age groups.

“Parents play a critical role in teen driver safety and in communicating important driving safety information,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Michael Ishii said. “Teen drivers are still gaining experience behind the wheel and more likely to take risks and pick up bad habits. This is why it’s important for parents and caregivers to play an active role in talking to their teens about risky driving behaviors that can lead to deadly and tragic consequences.”

The Hawthorne Police Department offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

• Provisional Driver’s License : Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.

• Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show your teen how to drive safely.

• Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, being distracted by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up.

• Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving under the influence or riding with someone who has been drinking.

Super Bowl LVII is a Win-Win When You Plan Ahead: Score a Sober Ride Home

.Hawthorne, Calif. – The Hawthorne Police Department is reminding football fans that there’s no “DUI” in team. If you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and you plan on drinking, make sure you stick to the “Go Safely” game plan and choose a sober way to go.

During Super Bowl LVII weekend (Feb. 11 & Feb. 12) the Hawthorne Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“We want the football fans in our community to enjoy Super Bowl festivities, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads,” Chief Gary Tomatani said. “Before you grab a drink, make sure your game plan includes scheduling a ride-share or designating a sober driver. Choosing a safer way to go is something we can all root for.”

The Hawthorne Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect you.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic

Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

.Hawthorne, California – With a commitment to keeping the community safe, the Hawthorne Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From Dec. 14th, 2022 through New Year’s Day, the Hawthorne Police Department had additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The extra enforcement effort was part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in car crashes nationwide in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, or one person every 45 minutes.

The Hawthorne Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Chief Michael Ishii said. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Possible Negligent Storage of a Firearm Ends in Injury to 11 Year Old

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Missing Person

On Friday, January 13, 2023 at approximately 8:20 PM, Hawthorne Police officers responded to a radio call of a Missing Person. The reporting party stated that her husband, Robert Gregory, left their Hawthorne, CA residence at 3:00 AM to go hiking. When Mr. Gregory failed to return home, his wife contacted the police.

On January 14, 2023 at approximately 4:00 PM, personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station were able to locate Mr. Gregory’s vehicle just north of the Crystal Lake Café, in front of the Deer Flats trail head (San Gabriel Mountains). Los Angeles County Sheriff’s personnel have conducted an extensive search for Mr. Gregory utilizing both ground and air units. Mr. Gregory has not been located as of January 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM. Search efforts will continue as resources and weather conditions permit, and updates will be provided when available.

Fatal Traffic Collision

On Sunday, January 8, 2023 at approximately 8:34 pm, Hawthorne Police Department Officers received a radio call of an injury traffic collision near the intersection of El Segundo Boulevard and Truro Avenue.

The investigation determined that a male juvenile, female juvenile and male adult were crossing El Segundo Boulevard when the male juvenile and male adult were struck by a vehicle traveling west on El Segundo Boulevard. Unfortunately, the male juvenile succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision. The male adult was later transported to a local hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene of the collision.

If anyone was a witness to the collision or has information regarding the collision they are encouraged to please contact the Hawthorne Police Traffic Investigator Barlin at 310-349-2701.

Airplane Crash

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at approximately 6:30 PM, Hawthorne police officers and LA County Fire Department personnel responded to the Hawthorne Airport (3600 block of 120th Street) on a report of a small airplane crash. Information is preliminary at this time, but it appears that the airplane, a small passenger jet, had just landed at the airport when control was lost.

The airplane did not stop at the end of the runway, but did come to a rest on airport grounds. As with all aircraft crashes, the investigation will be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration. Any further inquiries into this incident can be directed to the FAA.

At the time of the incident, there were eight persons on the plane, including the pilot. Nobody was seriously injured as a result of the crash. Due to the current resting point of the airplane, all northbound lanes of Prairie Avenue, between Jack Northrop and 120th Street will remain closed until clearance is obtained from the FAA.