News
Victim of Alondra Bus Stop Shooting Identified
La Mirada~Authorities have identified a man apparently shot to death while sitting on a bus bench on Alondra Boulevard just east of Heron Avenue this past Sunday night.
The coroner’s office said yesterday Frank Mario Sainz, 46, of Norwalk was pronounced dead shortly after he was found lying in a pool of blood.
An autopsy performed indicated Sainz died from multiple gunshot wounds and the cause of death has been ruled a homicide, the office said.
There has been no suspect information or possible motive mentioned at this point of the investigation.
At this time, homicide officials believe the victim was seated at the bus bench, perhaps waiting for the next bus, when he was shot.
The victim was found by a Metro bus driver, laying in a pool of blood, about 6:10 p.m. The driver then called authorities.
See the brief interview with the driver moments after the discovery and other exclusive videos of the scene on our YouTube channel here.
The La Mirada Blog first reported the incident on its Twitter feed at 6:16 p.m.
If you have any info about the incident please contact the L.A. County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
Dead Body Found by Bus Driver on Alondra Boulevard
EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: A man's body lays motionless moments after apparently being shot while near or sitting at the bus stop on the north side of Alondra Boulevard just east of Heron Avenue on Sunday evening in La Mirada. Photo Tony Aiello |
UPDATE: 16:15 112513: Officials are reporting victim was fatally shot. Sheriff's saying he may have been on bus bench when shot, but not ruling out body was dumped as reported here first. Name not released pending next of kin notification. Man in his 40's also suffered trauma to body.
If you have any info about the incident please contact the L.A. County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
UPDATE 13:01 112513: Now confirmed, but it was reported here first, a Metro bus driver noticed the victim lying in a pool of blood in the gutter near a bus stop around 6:10 p.m. Although the driver wouldn't tell us at the time, see him on video moments after his call to police here.
UPDATE 21:50 112413: Sheriff's homicide investigators continue to work to determine the cause of death.
La Mirada~A male body has been found deceased along the 14300 block of Alondra Boulevard just east of Heron Avenue in La Mirada.
Victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Our Twitter feed was the first to report incident at 6:16 PM PT and we were onscene within ten minutes.
It is unclear how the person died. Deputies are looking for evidence on scene.
A Metro bus driver appears to be one who reported originally to police about the body on the street in a pool of blood directly in front of the bus stop on the north side of Alondra Boulevard just east of Heron.
Original call heard to police by La Mirada Blog was a dumped body.
Officials are waiting for the coroners office to determine identity and the cause of death. We are trying to obtain further details.
LASD Homicide detectives dispatched to scene.
See exclusive video footage of the incident as it unfolded on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/lamiradablog
©La Mirada Blog 2013
La Mirada Crime Report November 11-17
Robbery-An attempted robbery occurred at Imperial Hwy and La Mirada Blvd. The suspect attempted to snatch the victim's purse, but was scared off after a bystander that yelled at the suspect. The incident remains under investigation.
Vehicle Burglary-Three window smash burglaries were reported last week. An incident was reported on the 16000 block of Lorca Dr. A laptop computer, wallet, and other items were stolen from the vehicle. A wallet was reported stolen from a vehicle on the 14800 block of Springford Dr. A burglary occurred on the 14200 block of Firestone Blvd. A stereo and laptop computer was stolen from the vehicle.
Grand Theft-A shoplifting incident was reported on the 15700 block of Imperial Hwy. The suspect stole a large amount of cosmetics from the location.
Deputy Injured After Car Chase
Authorities and first responders appear at the scene of crash that trapped a deputy at the end of a high-speed chase in La Mirada on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (KABC Photo) Courtesy KABC/7 Los Angeles |
La Mirada~A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy was temporarily trapped in his patrol car after a high speed chase ended at Imperial Highway and Meyer Road, along the border of La Mirada and unincorporated South Whittier.
The deputy was freed and is reported in stable condition.
On the La Mirada Blog Twitter feed, the incident was originally reported at 8:39 a.m. by @usc_mahboy.
The suspect driving the car that was being chased jumped out of his car after the crash and ran. He broke into a nearby apartment near Coteau Drive and Leffingwell Road by smashing a window.
The suspect was tracked down and arrested a short time later.
Also on Twitter @rubygonzales2 reported, “involved a man who originally ran from COPS deputies, ran into a house so the (sheriff) station thought they had a burglary suspect. He ran thru yards stole car keys from one house, took that car, tried to run over a deputy in the front yard."
She continued, "He led deputies on a chase, drove on the wrong side of the street, dumped that car, ran into a complex then broke into an apartment by smashing thru a window. Resident locked self and kid in bathroom. Deputies snagged the culprit. He's at a clinic being checked for the cuts he got breaking the apt. window. No name on him yet.”
Weekend Closures Planned for I-5 in Santa Fe Springs/La Mirada Area
La Mirada/Santa Fe Springs~Motorists in Southern California, more particularly the La Mirada area, should allow for extra time this weekend as road closure plans could alter traveling plans.
Caltrans is advising northbound Santa Ana Freeway (Interstate 5) motorists from Orange County heading into Los Angeles County could expect delays of 60 to 90 during an extended closure from Valley View Avenue to Carmenita Road that begins Saturday, November 16 at 12:01 a.m. and continues through Monday, Nov. 18 at 5 a.m.
The northbound I-5 on-ramp at Valley View Avenue will be CLOSED beginning Friday November 15th at 8 p.m. and reopening at 5:00 a.m. Monday.
Also, CLOSED throughout the weekend will be one of three lanes on northbound I-5 from Valley View Avenue to Carmenita Road and the freeway connector transition from westbound State Route 91 to northbound I-5.
Also, two directional FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES on northbound I-5 only from Valley View Avenue to Carmenita Road will take place overnight Saturday (12:01 a.m. to 7 a.m.) and Sunday (1 a.m. to 5 a.m).
During the weekend all southbound I-5 lanes will remain OPEN for motorists throughout the weekend.
MISSING: Student From La Mirada High Call Sheriff With Info (562) 863-8711
Kenneth Lang, student from La Mirada High School, was last seen November 12th |
La Mirada Crime Report November 4-10
Aggravated Assault-An assault occurred on the 15000 block of Imperial Hwy. Three suspects were taken into custody after a physical altercation erupted with a male victim in the parking lot of a local business. The suspects had fled the scene, but were eventually apprehended. The investigation is ongoing.
Residential Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 15100 block of Cheshire St. It remains unknown if any property was taken. An incident occurred on the 14300 block of Elmrock Ave. Jewelry and a laptop computer were stolen from the home.
Vehicle Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 14900 block of Gagely Ave. Various items were taken. A window smash burglary was reported on the 15200 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A bag containing cosmetics and an e-book were stolen.
Be Aware of Scammers Posing as Utility Workers in La Mirada
La Mirada~The La Mirada Public Safety Team is reminding residents to be aware of various scams targeting utility customers. Recent incidents include scams that demand immediate payment for allegedly past due electricity bills or false requests to leave your residence for a utility-related cause to commit burglary.
In a recent incident on Nov. 10, two males knocked on the door of a house in La Mirada. Refusing to show identification or work orders, the imposters claimed they were from Southern California Edison (SCE) and instructed the residents to vacate the home immediately due to downed power lines affecting their property.
Confused, the residents eventually complied and moved to the backyard. Only after growing suspicious did the residents call 911. The burglars fled the scene before Sheriff's Deputies could arrive. Fortunately, no property was taken.
Residents should always ask for identification when a stranger comes to the door or calls claiming to be a utility worker. SCE utility workers particularly will provide verification, including their department and phone number, when asked.
Latest La Mirada Bi-Weekly Crime Report; Did Something Happen in your Neighborhood?
Aggravated Assault-An assault with a knife was reported on the 14000 block of La Barca Dr. The incident involved a dispute between family members. A domestic violence incident was reported near Rosecrans Ave and Valley View Ave. A suspect was arrested by responding deputies. An assault involving a butter knife was reported on the 13600 block of Duffield Ave. The suspect is related to the victims and the incident is under investigation.
Residential Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 14500 block of Florita Rd. Various electronics and other items were stolen from the residence. A burglary to a home under fumigation was reported on the 13900 block of Ratliffe St. Jewelry was taken from the residence. An attempted residential burglary was reported on the 15600 block of Olive Branch Dr. A residential burglary was reported on the 14100 block of San Joaquin St. It is unknown if any items were stolen in the incident.
Other Structure Burglary-A burglary to a business was reported on the 14600 Firestone Blvd. Various electronics were stolen from the location.A flat screen television was reported stolen from a hotel room on the 14700 block of Firestone Blvd. A cash register was reported stolen from a restaurant on the 12800 block of La Mirada Blvd.
Vehicle Burglary-A burglary to a truck was reported on the 15200 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. Tools were stolen from the vehicle. Two separate vehicle burglaries were reported on the 14900 block of Gagely Dr. A purse was stolen in one incident, and various items from the second vehicle. Various items were stolen from a vehicle on the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. A burglary was reported on the 14400 block of Firestone Blvd. A computer with accessories and other bags were taken. A laptop computer and a backpack were reported stolen from a SUV on the 15200 block of Badlona Dr. Vehicle registration paperwork was stolen from a vehicle on the 14400 block of Cartela Dr.
Gang Member Armed With Assault Rifle Arrested in La Mirada
La Mirada~Deputies from the City's Special Assignment Officers (SAO) team apprehended a confirmed gang member from a neighboring area in La Mirada on Oct. 23. The suspect was armed with a Ruger Mini 14 assault rifle slung across his chest, concealed beneath his clothing.
Working on a tip from a neighboring law enforcement agency, the SAO Deputies spotted the suspected gang member driving southbound on La Mirada Blvd. After conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of La Mirada Blvd. and Imperial Hwy., Deputies quickly moved in on the suspect and two other passengers suspecting he was armed.
During the investigation, Deputies discovered the suspect also had a high capacity magazine loaded with nearly 20 live rounds in one pocket, and methamphetamine in another pocket.
The suspect was arrested for possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm.