LAPD South Bureau Reports 140% Increase In Homicides From Previous 28 Days

Twelve homicides were reported in the Los Angeles Police Department’s South Bureau between June 7 and July 4, a 140% increase from the previous 28 days, the department reported Wednesday. The area, which covers over 1,000 street miles and 57.2 square miles, had 65 shooting victims, a 92% increase, during that period, police said. The South Bureau consists of the Southwest, 77th Street, Southeast and Harbor stations, and covers neighborhoods from Jefferson Park south to San Pedro. 

Thousands Attend Funeral For Ohio Cop Fatally Shot On July 4

Toledo officer Anthony Dia was shot and killed on Independence Day while responding to a disturbance call. His funeral, held at a local sports arena, drew thousands of people Tuesday, reported WNWO. Dia’s colleagues and family spoke at the ceremony, all commending his work and positive attitude. WNWO said Toledo Police Chief George Kral honored Dia with words from Dia’s shift commander, Lt. Joe Trudeau: "He took every assignment given to him in stride and completed it with the upmost professionalism. He always took time to say hi to people on the street, particularly kids, as he would let them sit in the seat of the police car and turn on the siren and take pictures with anyone asking." Just hours before he was fatally shot, Dia took time to pose for a photo with two boys while showing off his cruiser. 

Texas Officer Burned By Exploding Firework Shot Into His Patrol Car

A police officer suffered serious burns after a firework was shot into his patrol car. KTXS.com reported that Amarillo police responded to a report of a group of people shooting off fireworks near a park on July 4 around 10:15 p.m. When the first officer arrived on scene, a mortar shell was shot through his open driver side window. The firework exploded on the officer, causing serious burns to his upper and lower body. Additional officers responded, but couldn't locate the suspect "due to the large number of fireworks being shot at them by the crowd," according to the report. The officer, whose condition is unknown, was transported to a hospital. Police are asking anyone with evidence of the assault or anyone who might know the identity of the suspect to call the Criminal Investigation Division.

1 Adult, 3 Children Injured After Being Struck By Vehicle In South Los Angeles

Four pedestrians were struck by a car Wednesday evening in South Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, one adult was critically injured and three children suffered minor injuries after being hit in the 8700 block of Wadsworth Avenue. The circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately known, nor was it known if the driver remained at the scene.

Authorities Looking For 2 Suspects Connected To San Fernando Shooting

Authorities are searching for two suspects in connection to a shooting in San Fernando last month. The shooting was reported on June 3 at about 10:40 p.m. in the 1600 block of San Fernando Road, according to the San Fernando Police Department. Three suspects got into an argument with a customer in a liquor store then left and got into a car. Shortly after, two of the suspects exited and fired several shots at the victim, who was not struck. Police said it was not immediately clear if the victim was the same person the suspects were arguing with inside the store. Authorities circulated a photo of the suspects and encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to call 818-898-1286. To report anonymously, call 800-222-TIPS.

80-Year-Old Man Attacked In Bathroom Of Lancaster Grocery Store

An 80-year-old man was hospitalized with several broken ribs after he was assaulted and robbed in the bathroom of a Lancaster grocery store Wednesday. The assault occurred about 8:30 a.m. at the grocery store in the 1000 block of East Avenue J, near 10th Street, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lancaster Station. Witnesses told investigators the suspect, who left the store on foot, is a Black man between 22 and 25 years old, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, and about 250 pounds, the sheriff’s department reported. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts. The victim was taken to a hospital for facial injuries and broken ribs, according to the sheriff’s department.

Security Guard Charged With Murder After Fight Over Face Mask

A murder charge was filed Wednesday against a Gardena market security guard who allegedly shot a customer who came into the store without a face mask. Umeir Corniche Hawkins, 38, of Gardena, pleaded not guilty to one count each of murder and possession of a handgun by a felon, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The murder charge stems from the shooting death of Jerry Lewis, 50, who entered the market in the 2300 block of Rosecrans Avenue without a mask and got into an argument with Hawkins on Sunday, according to police and prosecutors. The fight turned physical after Lewis returned to the store, according to Gardena police Lt. Christopher Cuff. Afterward, Lewis was walking toward his vehicle when Hawkins shot him, the lieutenant alleged. Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.

Man Charged With Murder, Kidnapping In Violent Pico Rivera Carjacking That Killed 13-Year-Old Girl

A 26-year-old man faces murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the death of a 13-year-old girl during a violent carjacking in Pico Rivera over the weekend, officials said Wednesday. Jose Elias Aguilar has been charged with 10 counts, including corporal injury to a child and four counts each of carjacking and kidnapping during the commission of a carjacking, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He also faces special allegations of murder during the commission of a carjacking and kidnapping, and having previously been convicted of a crime. Isabella Cortes was killed and her 8-year-old brother was severely injured during the July 5 incident.

Early Research Links Coronavirus Gun Sales Surge To Increased Shootings

Gun purchases have soared during the coronavirus pandemic, and a new paper suggests that these additional firearms may be exacerbating violence around the country. In a paper pre-print released on July 4, researchers at the University of California, Davis found a link between excess gun sales over the past few months and increased rates of intentionally inflicted gun injuries and deaths. In the new paper, which has not yet gone through the peer-review process that will subject it to vetting by other scientists, the researchers analyzed data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System from January 21 through May 31, 2020 in 48 states and Washington, D.C., to get a sense of how many people have been buying guns and where. They then compared those numbers to the same months in previous years.

Public Safety News

House Fire In Northridge Leaves 1 Hospitalized; Cause Found To Be Flames From A Barbecue

A woman was taken to a hospital Wednesday, July 8, with second-degree burns suffered during a house fire in Northridge. The fire was reported about 7:15 p.m. at a one-story home in the 8900 block of Wilbur Avenue, between Nordhoff and Rayen streets, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Investigators determined that the fire started accidentally when flames from a barbecue grill reached the home, officials said. The blaze had extended into the building’s attic before 39 firefighters managed to extinguish it in about 20 minutes. “Many people are surprised to learn that grills, barbecues and hibachis are involved in approximately 10,600 home fires annually in the United States – that lead to an average of 10 civilian fire deaths and cause more than $149 million in direct property damage,” Humphrey said in a statement.

LA County Coronavirus Deaths, New Cases And Hospitalizations Continue To Increase

Los Angeles County officials on Wednesday announced 2,496 additional cases of novel coronavirus as well as 65 new deaths, bringing the totals to 123,004 cases and 3,642 deaths. Of the newly reported deaths, 34 were individuals over the age of 65, 33 of which had underlying health conditions. Twenty-three people who died were between the ages of 41 and 65, 13 of which had underlying health conditions. Five people who died were between the ages of 18 and 40, four of which had underlying health conditions. “Tragically, we do expect that more of our loved ones and neighbors may die of COVID-19 in the coming weeks," said county Public Health Director, Dr. Barbara Ferrer. “Our cases are rising, the rate of infection is increasing and the number of hospitalizations are up," Ferrer added.

LA County Health Officials Begin Text-Message Coronavirus Survey

In hopes of better tracking the impact of the coronavirus in specific communities, the county Department of Public Health Tuesday announced a voluntary text-message-based survey that will send weekly health inquiries to participants. The "Angelenos in Action'' survey is billed as a confidential outreach effort open to any resident willing to participate. In a statement, public health director Barbara Ferrer called it "an easy way for people to get involved in helping us slow the spread of COVID-19, especially as LA County moves further into the re-opening phases.'' "Residents who participate will receive a short, weekly text survey asking if they are experiencing symptoms," Ferrer said.

California Sets Record For Most Coronavirus Cases In A Single Day

The coronavirus outbreak continued to worsen in California this week, with 9,500 infections recorded on Tuesday — the most new cases reported in a single day since the pandemic began — and triple-digit fatalities that sent the statewide death toll past 6,500. California cases are on pace to double every 24.8 days, a number that is used by experts to measure how quickly the virus is spreading. As of Wednesday afternoon, the state had 284,691 coronavirus cases. Over the last week, there have been an average of 7,403 new coronavirus infections and 69.6 new deaths per day, according to data from The Times’ tracker. With cases continuing to climb and hospitalization numbers increasing, counties across the state have been forced to roll back business reopenings in an effort to stem the spread of the virus.

LA County Plans To Fine Restaurants That Violate COVID-19 Orders

Los Angeles County businesses could be fined or even temporarily shut down for ignoring coronavirus safety protocols, authorities said. The LA County Board of Supervisors introduced a motion Tuesday night that would enforce penalties for non-compliant businesses that fail to implement safety measures such as physical distancing guidelines and face covering requirements. Officials said repeat offenders could even have their business permits or liquor licenses provoked. The board is concerned that the current method is not adequate given the recent surge of coronavirus cases. “Now business is slow, but we don’t complain”, said Jose Valdez, the general manager at The Original Pantry Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles. Workers at the Pantry Cafe have been wearing both masks and face shields, but according to health officials, that is not the case at some restaurants across the county.