"Protecting Those Who Protect Others" | Representing over 8,500 dedicated and professional sworn members of the @LAPDHQ since 1922.

Los Angeles, CA
Joined April 2009
Federal authorities are cracking down on "764," a disturbing online network targeting children through social media and gaming communities to coerce them into self-harm and abuse. Three local men from the San Fernando Valley and Downey have pleaded guilty to federal child exploitation charges linked to the group. With over 500 active FBI investigations nationwide, authorities are urging parents to monitor their children's online activity and report suspicious behavior immediately. Protecting our youth requires vigilance, both at home and online. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
5
10
667
Nithya Raman’s record on policing is worth a closer look. In 2020, she called to “defund the police” and advocated for transforming LAPD into a “much smaller, specialized armed force.” She later opposed the 2023 LAPPL contract providing officer raises and retention incentives, and in January voted against hiring 170 additional officers. Today, LAPD is down to approximately 8,500 officers, making decisions about recruitment, retention and staffing increasingly consequential for public safety in Los Angeles.
14
4
3
12
2,531
Actions speak much louder than words. Councilmember Nithya Raman’s record on public safety is clear: - 2020: Called to “defund the police.” - 2021: Pushed to cut LAPD from hiring 300 new officers - Jan. 2026: Voted against hiring 170 new LAPD officers to fill vacant positions Since Raman took office, she has consistently voted to defund the police. The facts don’t lie. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
3
9
22
1,634
Burglars smashed through the sliding glass door of an Encino home early Friday morning while the homeowner was out of town. Police say three suspects dressed in all black broke into the residence around 1 a.m. and were gone within minutes, despite an alarm alerting authorities. The homeowner’s father says this is now the third time the same house has been targeted by burglars. LAPD is investigating, and it remains unclear what was stolen. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
5
2
707
Fentanyl, AR-15s & an Alligator, oh my! Federal authorities raided a luxury DTLA apartment and took down a couple who were either trying to build a Southern California lair for Dr. Evil or ordered the “Wannabe Kingpin Starter Kit” on Temu. The feds seized: - 42.6 kg of Fentanyl, Heroin & Cocaine - 1 AR-15 Rifle - 1 Gold-Plated .50-Caliber Desert Eagle - Commercial Drug-Processing Equipment - 1 “Small” Live Alligator Both suspects face federal fentanyl distribution charges and up to life in prison if convicted. Despite being described as straight cold-blooded, the alligator was rescued and handed over to U.S. Fish & Wildlife agents. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
1
5
547
More than 150 officers flooded the streets and sent a major message to illegal street takeovers: you’re not welcome.⁠ ⁠ The massive crackdown, Operation Street Sweeper, yielded:⁠ - 69 Arrests 🔒⁠ - 200+ Vehicles Impounded 🚗⁠ - 570 Citations Issues 📃⁠ - 7 Firearms Seized 🔫⁠ - 128 Juvenile Curfew Violations (some as young as 11) 👦⁠ ⁠ You like putting money into your car? No problem. Between a $215 tow fee, $66/day storage fee, daily city storage taxes, and a $115 admin fee, your impound costs will quickly spiral into the thousands.⁠ ⁠ What’s to come? "This is not a one-off. This is only the beginning." - LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.⁠ Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
5
2
2
7
623
We will never forget LAPD Police Officer Daniel Pratt, who was shot and killed by gang members during a drive-by shooting near the intersection of West Florence Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard. The shooter was sentenced to two life sentences without parole. The driver was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison and was released in 2016. Officer Pratt was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife and four children.
10
26
1
202
1,676
LAPD and UCLA Police joined forces Wednesday for a large-scale counter-terrorism exercise near Hedrick Hall. The simulation tested active-shooter response, inter-agency communication, and rapid decision-making. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that strong partnerships are critical to saving lives during a crisis, especially as LA prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
4
4
443
A Riverside County man has been convicted for murdering LAPD Officer Juan Jose Diaz. While off-duty, Diaz told Cristian Facundo and a group of associates to quit tagging gang graffiti in a neighborhood. Facundo left, returned to the group and opened fired killing Officer Diaz and wounding another victim as they were driving away from the area. Facundo was convicted of first-degree murder with a special gang circumstance and is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Officer Diaz is remembered as a dedicated public servant and promising young officer whose life and career were tragically stolen by Facundo and his associates. Officer Juan Diaz was 24 years old when he was murdered. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
3
3
20
565
Car thefts across California dropped 25% in 2025, marking the second straight year of declining vehicle thefts, according to the California Highway Patrol. CHP says 133,372 vehicles were stolen last year, down from 176,230 in 2024, with 84% of stolen vehicles eventually recovered. Officials credit the decline in part to targeted enforcement efforts in partnership with local law enforcement agencies in high-crime areas across the state. The downward trend began in 2024, marking California’s first year-over-year decrease in vehicle thefts since 2019. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
3
3
412
Mariachi Los Servidores, a band made up primarily of LAPD officers and civilian employees, brought the house down during their America’s Got Talent audition with a mariachi rendition of “Walking on Sunshine.” The group, founded in 2017 to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community through music, received a standing ovation from the audience and 4 yes votes from the judges. Yes, even Simon. For years they’ve served Southern California through music, and now they’re sharing that mission on a national stage. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
4
510
A heartbreaking investigation is underway after 1-year-old twin brothers were found dead inside their South Los Angeles home. NBCLA reports that multiple law enforcement sources stated the boys' deaths are being probed as a possible drug overdose; toxicology results are still pending, and no cause of death has been confirmed. Detectives continue to investigate as they await answers into what led to this unimaginable tragedy. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
2
2
6
624
As the Fourth of July approaches, law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to crack down on illegal fireworks across Southern California. The LASD says undercover sting operations have led to the seizure of more than 3,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and the arrest of at least 49 people in the past two weeks. Illegal fireworks pose a serious wildfire risk and have already been linked to devastating injuries and fires throughout California. Officials are reminding the public that selling illegal fireworks can carry fines of up to $5,000 in Los Angeles County. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
3
1
3
456
A driver accused of speeding at more than 112 mph and killing LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng and motorist Jesus Garcia on the 405 Freeway has been charged with two counts of murder. Prosecutors say Mario Bickham had a lengthy history of excessive speeding, including a citation for driving more than 105 mph just one month before the deadly crash. “Thirty-three cars, from the time he turns on his lights to the time that Mr. Bickham shows up, safely pass around Sgt. Deng and Mr. Garcia,” DA Nathan Hochman stated. Authorities allege Sgt. Deng had positioned his patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated to protect the crash scene when Bickham slammed into the victims. If convicted, Bickham faces life in prison. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
3
5
13
638
A transient was taken into custody after allegedly throwing chunks of concrete and a fire extinguisher from the roof of a downtown Los Angeles high-rise at responding LAPD officers. Police say the dangerous incident prompted a large response as officers worked to safely contain the scene. Fortunately, no officers were injured, though several patrol vehicles sustained minor damage. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
1
4
1
20
1,015
A registered sex offender from LA has been federally charged with producing and distributing child s*xual ab*se material and could face life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege Andrew Patrick Dominguez attempted to exploit multiple minors over a span of years and distributed CSAM online. Dominguez is already facing separate criminal charges in Colorado and was previously arrested in connection with a 2018 Monterey Park residential burglary. Investigators say the latest case involved the FBI, LAPD, and multiple law enforcement agencies. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
1
330
An elderly street vendor is recovering after a brutal attack in DTLA that was captured on video. The disturbing footage shows the woman being repeatedly punched, dragged by her hair, and knocked to the ground. Family members say the longtime vendor was simply trying to earn a living when she was targeted, and allege the suspect made racist remarks before the attack. LAPD is searching for the woman involved and asking anyone with information to come forward. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
1
1
1
376
A Los Angeles man has been arrested for allegedly using counterfeit cash to steal collectible gaming cards from sellers across North Hollywood and Hollywood. Police say the suspect arranged in-person sales through online marketplaces and mixed fake bills with real money to deceive victims. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone involved in a similar transaction to come forward. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
6
5
346
These images are real. The bullet holes in the patrol vehicle and the officer’s ballistic vest are real. The facts are our officers are encountering suspects that are more heavily armed than last year--which was higher than the year before. These officers took fire from a suspect who caused a vehicle pursuit. That suspect was willing to kill police officers to avoid arrest. This is the risk our officers take on every single day. By the grace of God, yesterday was a good day for the LAPD. Our officer is safe and the suspect is in custody. But as we know all too well, that is not how the story ends every time. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
10
17
1
61
1,474
A Valley Glen homeowner got quite the surprise while cleaning out her garage Thursday morning: 20 sticks of live dynamite hidden inside an old freezer. LAPD bomb squad personnel responded to the home, evacuated nearby residents as a precaution, and safely recovered the explosives. The homeowner stated they had no idea the dynamite was there or how it ended up in the garage. Detectives are investigating to determine where the explosives came from. Full story link: linktr.ee/protectiveleague
6
417