KTLA https://ktla.com Los Angeles news and live streaming video Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:49:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.3 https://ktla.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/01/favicon.png?w=32 KTLA https://ktla.com 32 32 Loved ones devastated after Southern California teacher found murdered in car trunk https://ktla.com/news/local-news/loved-ones-devastated-after-southern-california-teacher-found-murdered-in-car-trunk/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:48:46 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800778 Loved ones are devastated after the body of a young teacher was found in the trunk of a burned vehicle in Lancaster.

Family, friends and community members gathered at Anaverde Park in Palmdale to honor Veronica Aguilar, 27, a second-grade teacher found murdered on Dec. 20.

“It’s a huge loss to the community, a huge loss to the school,” said Chris Welch, a parent at the school where Aguilar taught. “She was an awesome teacher and it was devastating to my kids and everybody else that she tragically passed.”

Emergency crews first responded to a house fire in the Quartz Hill neighborhood on the 41400 block of 38th Street West around 8:30 a.m. 

Arriving firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage. Two charred vehicles were found inside along with Aguilar’s body in the trunk of a car, said LASD. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • Veronica Aguilar in a family photo.
  • Veronica Aguilar in a family photo.
  • Veronica Aguilar in a family photo.
  • A candlelight vigil where hundreds of friends, family, students agtehred to honor Veronica Aguilar's memory. on Jan. 17, 2024. (KTLA)
  • Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
  • Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
  • Emergency responders look inside the trunk of a vehicle after responding to a fire in Lancaster.
  • Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
  • A candlelight vigil where hundreds of friends, family, students agtehred to honor Veronica Aguilar's memory. on Jan. 17, 2024. (KTLA)
  • A candlelight vigil where hundreds of friends, family, students agtehred to honor Veronica Aguilar's memory. on Jan. 17, 2024. (KTLA)
  • Veronica Aguilar in a family photo.
  • Veronica Aguilar in a family photo.
  • Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
  • Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)

At the time, no other occupants were located inside the home which was heavily damaged from the blaze.

The next day, detectives arrested the homeowner, Matthew Switalski, 37, as a suspect in Aguilar’s death. He was taken into custody in Kern County.

The two were believed to be dating at one point. Aguilar was living at Switalski’s home when she was killed.

Neighbors told KTLA that Switalski was previously employed by Northrop Grumman and reportedly rented out several rooms of his house to Northup Grumman employees.

Aguilar grew up in Southern California and graduated from UCLA before becoming a teacher at Anaverde Hills School.

“Great dedication to boys and girls and great dedication to making a difference,” said Regina Rossall, Superintendent of the Westside Union School District. “A tremendous loss. Young energy, she coached for some of our athletic teams, always willing to help.”

Many gathered to honor Aguilar, including her current and former students. Handmade signs filled with photos of Aguilar were seen at the candlelight vigil.

“I volunteered for her for the whole year when my son was in her class and she made a very big impact on my son and on me,” said Trivina George, a parent of Aguilar’s former student. “She became more than just my son’s teacher, she became my friend. It’s just terrible what’s happened. We’re just trying our best to get through it.” 

“We’re a small family and now we’re even smaller,” said Juan Aguilar, the victim’s brother during the Wednesday night vigil. “We are heartbroken and there is a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.”

“We’re never going to forget my sister,” said Alejandro Aguilar, the victim’s brother. “She will always have a spot in our hearts.”

Switalski was arrested on murder charges and is being held on $10 million bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 18.

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2024-01-18T06:49:49+00:00
Can Hollywood's Walk of Fame be cleaned up, modernized by 2028 Olympics? https://ktla.com/news/local-news/can-hollywoods-walk-of-fame-be-cleaned-up-by-2028-olympics/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:42:47 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800710 The Hollywood Walk of Fame, made famous by movie premieres, award show red carpets and legendary star ceremonies, is supposed to represent glitz and glamour, but from crime concerns to homeless encampments, many believe Hollywood Boulevard is long overdue for another makeover.  

It doesn’t take those visiting the 1.3-mile stretch along Hollywood Boulevard to realize that much of the area is more grit than glam.  

“It’s definitely not what we expected it to be,” tourist Sarah Saryan said. “It’s not clean and everything like it appears in movies.”  

The famous tourist destination is plagued by homelessness and filthy streets and has become an area where many locals say they don't feel safe.  

Can Hollywood's Walk of Fame be cleaned up by 2028 Olympics?
A homeless encampment seen near Hollywood's Walk of Fame, a major tourist destination, in this undated file photo. (KTLA)

Evie Pasi Rosca, who works at a gift shop along the Walk of Fame, said theft is a serious problem in the store.  

“Every day they try to steal stuff, crazy people every day,” she says.  

Steve Nissen, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said he believes these are valid concerns about the state of the Walk of Fame.  

“If you sense something that makes you uncomfortable, you’re not going to come back,” Nissen told KTLA’s Mary Beth McDade.  

One of the problems, according to the chamber president, is a lack of police patrols. Pre-pandemic, 60 officers were assigned to just the Hollywood Entertainment District. That number has since been cut in half, making it much harder to control crime.  

Can Hollywood's Walk of Fame be cleaned up by 2028 Olympics?
Officers with LAPD seen dealing with an issue along Hollywood's Walk of Fame in this undate file photo. (KTLA)

KTLA filed a public records request for crime reports for the last several years along the main tourist stretch, from Vine Street to Highland Avenue along Hollywood Boulevard.  

While incidents involving unhoused people have increased, as have assaults with a deadly weapon and sexual assaults, Hollywood as a whole is seeing progress.  

Overall, violent crime is down 11.6% from 2022 to 2023.  

“Some of that is attributable to the great nonprofits that work the streets here,” Nissen said, referring to the unarmed volunteers who started patrolling the streets last year.  

The volunteers help people who may be experiencing mental health or addiction crisis. In addition, many of the businesses along Hollywood Boulevard have hired private security guards, but the chamber president admits that perception is important.  

“Part of feeling safe is not just that the crime statistics are going down, but also that you’re walking streets that look clean and these streets are not often clean,” Nissen said. “You can walk down the street; you don’t want to be panhandled, accosted.”  

A beautification plan called the “Heart of Hollywood” was created three or four years ago by a councilman who was later voted out of office, so the modernization project never got underway. There is, however, a new councilman who has been devising his own facelift plan.  

“The idea of modernizing and making Hollywood Boulevard one of the most beautiful streets in the world is still there,” Nissen explained.  

In the meantime, some businesses have shown they’re looking ahead too. Netflix has recently become a tenant of the entertainment district as well as Kim Kardashian who has headquartered her shapewear and clothing brand company SKIMS there.  

In addition, there are several new high-rise apartment buildings.

The goal, according to Nissen, is for the Walk of Fame to have a big reveal in time for the 2028 Olympics. 

“We want the rest of the world to see Hollywood Boulevard and go back and talk about it with friends and neighbors all around the globe rather than leave like they do today, a bit disappointed,” he said.  

For those who want to weigh in on the Hollywood Boulevard Safety and Mobility Project, a virtual town hall is being held on Thursday, Feb. 1. More information on the project and how to RSVP for the event can be found by following this link.  

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2024-01-18T06:48:45+00:00
Suspected DUI driver evades police, gets away https://ktla.com/news/local-news/police-in-pursuit-of-driver-in-north-hollywood/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:35:09 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800715 Authorities were in pursuit of a driver suspected of being under the influence Wednesday night.

The chase, which was initiated in the San Fernando Valley by officers with the Los Angeles Police Department, quickly turned into a dangerous situation.

The suspect was clocked at incredibly high speeds, running red lights and weaving in and out of traffic. As the suspect evaded authorities, sparks were seen coming from beneath the vehicle every time the driver hit the brakes.

Due to the dangerous conditions, police on the ground backed out of the pursuit.

LAPD was tracking the vehicle from the air before losing sight of it and deciding to no longer attempt to apprehend the suspect.

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2024-01-18T06:14:37+00:00
Alleged sexual abuse lawsuits settled by O.C. school districts for $4.8 million https://ktla.com/news/local-news/alleged-sexual-abuse-lawsuits-settled-by-o-c-school-districts-for-4-8-million/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:38:44 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800575 Two Orange County school districts have agreed to pay millions of dollars to settle a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of six female water polo players by their former coach, the victims’ attorneys announced Wednesday.  

The former water polo coach, Barham Hojreh, was convicted in Nov. 2022 on 23 of 24 felony counts all related to the sexual assault of minors.  

Hojreh, who was known for coaching Olympic prospects at the International Water Polo Club in Los Alamitos, according to reporting by the L.A. Times, was sentenced in Jan. 2023 to 18 years and four months in prison.  

In total, the settlement comes to $4.8 million, with the Anaheim Union High School District settling for $2.5 million and the Irvine Unified School District settling for $2.3 million.

“It is a truly horrific example of the failure of adults to protect children from the predators that lurk in the youth sports,” the victims’ attorney Morgan Stewart told The Times in 2018 when the lawsuit against AUHSD was announced.  

Stewart’s law firm had previously sued USA Water Polo and International Water Polo, where Hojreh also coached, on behalf of a dozen other young women. That lawsuit was settled in 2021 for $13.8 million.  

“Barham Hojreh is a monster who was allowed free reign over vulnerable young girls for many years," Stewart said in a news release announcing the latest settlements. “Complaints by parents and female players themselves were ignored. Hojreh’s bizarre and threatening behavior towards these girls was ignored. The neglect by these school districts resulted in young women, minors at the time, being victimized by a predator.”  

KTLA has reached out to officials in both school districts and is awaiting comment.  

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2024-01-18T02:38:45+00:00
Church volunteer, wife arrested for alleged sexual, physical abuse of children in Riverside https://ktla.com/news/local-news/couple-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-physical-abuse-of-children-in-riverside/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:15:47 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800611 A church volunteer and his wife were arrested for the alleged sexual and physical abuse of children in Riverside.

The suspects were identified as Jose Cruz Martinez, 47, and his wife Dawn Renee Johnson, 48, according to the Riverside Police Department.

The couple was arrested following an investigation into the reported abuse of two juveniles that took place 10 years ago. The juvenile victims were only identified as a boy and a girl.

Between 2016 to 2023, Martinez worked as a youth volunteer at a local church in Riverside. Due to his proximity to children through this role, detectives believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. 

Specific details on the alleged abuse the two children experienced were not released. 

After a months-long investigation, Martinez was arrested on Jan. 5 for multiple counts of sexual and physical abuse violations of a minor under the age of 10. 

Jose Cruz Martinez, 47 and Dawn Renee Johnson, 48, in booking photos from the Riverside Police Department.
Jose Cruz Martinez, 47 and Dawn Renee Johnson, 48, in booking photos from the Riverside Police Department.

His wife, Johnson, was arrested on Jan. 10 for multiple counts of aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of a minor and physical abuse. 

Both suspects are being held on $2 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center.

Police are searching for additional possible victims. The suspects' photos have been released in case victims may recognize them.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective C. Wilcox at 951-353-7133 or CWilcox@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective V. Mutuku at 951-353-7945 or VMutuku@RiversideCA.gov. 

Anonymous tips can be emailed to RPDTips@RiversideCA.gov or provided through the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app using the “Send a Message” feature.

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2024-01-18T03:15:47+00:00
Police release video of deadly pedestrian hit-and-run involving multiple vehicles https://ktla.com/news/local-news/police-release-video-of-deadly-pedestrian-hit-and-run-involving-multiple-vehicles/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 23:27:36 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800118 The Los Angeles Police Department is continuing to investigate the death of a pedestrian who was hit by multiple vehicles, none of which stopped to provide help.

It all took place on Jan. 12 in Pacoima, and video released by the Police Department Wednesday sheds new light on the man's final moments.

The unidentified pedestrian was attempting to cross San Fernando Road, just south of Montague Street, when he was hit by a white pickup truck equipped with utility racks that was traveling northbound.

The man was injured but alive and as he attempted to get back to his feet he was struck again by another northbound vehicle.

The LAPD has released security footage that shows multiple vehicles flee the scene after striking a pedestrian in Pacoima on Jan. 12, 2024. The unidentified pedestrian died at the scene. (Los Angeles Police Department)
The LAPD has released security footage that shows multiple vehicles flee the scene after striking a pedestrian in Pacoima on Jan. 12, 2024. The unidentified pedestrian died at the scene. (Los Angeles Police Department)

That vehicle, believed to be a light-colored full-size SUV, hit the man a second time, the impact of the collision sending him into the opposite lane where he was struck a third time by a dark-colored mid-size SUV traveling south.

None of the three vehicles who hit the man stopped to provide help, and the video released by police showed that at least two other vehicles appeared to slow down as they approached the critically wounded man in the roadway before driving off.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. His name has not yet been released and he's been identified only as a Hispanic man in his late 20s or early 30s.

Police released security footage from a nearby building that shows the three collisions and the multiple vehicles involved.

The video has been uploaded online and police are asking for the public's help if they recognized any of the vehicles shown.

While the worst of the collisions is blurred, the video may still be considered difficult to watch.

To view the video, click here.

Anyone with information about this deadly collision is urged to contact LAPD Valley Traffic Division Officer Sison at 818-644-8022 or Officer Freeman at 818-644-8115. Anonymous tips can be made online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

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2024-01-17T23:27:38+00:00
NBA star won't be charged for alleged relationship with underage girl https://ktla.com/news/local-news/nba-star-wont-be-charged-in-alleged-relationship-with-underage-girl-tmz/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:18:24 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800344 Josh Giddey of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder won't face criminal charges related to allegations that he dated an underage girl, police said.

Giddey, 21, was allegedly involved in a relationship with a girl who was 15 or 16 at the time; in California, the age of consent is 18.

The Newport Beach Police Department investigated the matter after the allegations were posted on social media and despite information and photos posted online, police were "unable to corroborate any criminal activity."

TMZ, which was the first to report that Giddey would not face charges, previously reported that the girl and her family were refusing to cooperate with the police investigation.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Newport Beach police said detectives had conducted a "thorough and exhaustive examination" of the case. The Police Department, which was relatively quiet throughout the process, said it was committed to "ensuring that accurate information was disseminated to the public, while also ensuring the rights of those involved."

The Australian star has not commented on the allegations.

Despite the active police investigation, Giddey continued to play for the Thunder who are currently second in the NBA's Western Conference.

The NBA has previously indicated it was conducting its own independent investigation but commissioner Adam Silver said in December that the league would "take a backseat" and wait for the criminal investigation to conclude.

The league could still suspend the rising star under its player conduct policy, but it remains to be seen if such a punishment will be made.

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2024-01-18T02:39:47+00:00
Tech worker goes viral after posting her layoff on TikTok https://ktla.com/news/money-business/she-went-viral-after-posting-her-layoff-on-tiktok/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 22:30:28 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2799991 A tech worker has gone viral -- and received job offers -- after posting her layoff by San Francisco's Cloudflare on TikTok.

Brittany Pietsch, 27, told the Wall Street Journal she has no regrets about posting the video and has been flooded with responses congratulating her on sticking up for herself.

Cloudflare is a networking and cybersecurity firm. Pietsch started working there last August and says she's received high marks from her boss.

Nevertheless, she was contacted at her Atlanta home recently by a pair of Cloudflare HR employees, who broke the bad news that she was being handed her hat because she didn't meet expectations.

Pietsch didn't just roll over.

Brittany Pietsch
Brittany Pietsch (TikTok: @brittanypeachhh)

"Every single one-on-one I've had with my manager, every conversation I've had with him, he has been giving me nothing but I am doing a great job," she told the HR reps, and asked to hear the real reason she was being let go.

She speculated that Cloudflare, like many tech companies, had overhired and now couldn't afford its payroll.

"If that's the real answer, I would rather just you tell me that instead of making up some bull**** and telling me that right before I lose my job from someone that I've never met before," she said.

The HR duo declined to go into specifics.

"To be let go for no reason is like a huge slap in the face," Pietsch said. She was equally miffed that her manager wasn't willing to do the dirty work himself, outsourcing the task instead to HR.

After the video went viral, Cloudflare's CEO, Matthew Prince, weighed in via Twitter (aka X).

"The video is painful for me to watch," he admitted. "Managers should always be involved. HR should be involved, but it shouldn’t be outsourced to them."

Prince said employees should never be blindsided with a verdict that they're underperforming. "We don’t always get it right," he said.

The video has been viewed millions of times -- and has drawn mixed reactions on social media. Some see it as a breach of trust between an employee and her employer.

But most viewers responded with you-go-girl enthusiasm for how Pietsch defended herself.

"Reputable companies have reached out to me and told me, 'I want someone like you on my sales team,'" she told the Journal.

Proving that a little gumption can go a long way.

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2024-01-17T22:58:20+00:00
Video captures masked intruders ransacking Pico-Union bakery https://ktla.com/news/local-news/video-captures-masked-intruders-ransacking-pico-union-bakery/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:37:48 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800464 Video captures the terrifying moment a group of masked suspects ransacked a Pico-Union bakery as workers were still inside.

The break-in happened at El Valle Oaxaqueño bakery on the 1600 block of Vermont Avenue at around 3 a.m.

Security video inside the bakery shows the suspects shattering a glass door to enter. An overnight employee is seen running for his life as several masked intruders carrying construction tools chase after him.

The worker hid in a nearby bathroom where suspects tried opening the locked door. He recalled the terrifying ordeal through a translator.

“I went to the oven to check the bread,” said the victim, who wished to remain anonymous. “At that moment, they broke in and started screaming. The only reaction I had was running to the restroom. I thought, ‘I’m going to die.’ I thought they were going to kill me.”

  • Video captures the terrifying moment a group of masked suspects ransacked a Pico-Union bakery as workers were still inside on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)
  • Video captures the terrifying moment a group of masked suspects ransacked a Pico-Union bakery as workers were still inside on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)
  • Video captures the terrifying moment a group of masked suspects ransacked a Pico-Union bakery as workers were still inside on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)
  • Video captures the terrifying moment a group of masked suspects ransacked a Pico-Union bakery as workers were still inside on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)
  • Video captures the terrifying moment a group of masked suspects ransacked a Pico-Union bakery as workers were still inside on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)
  • The suspects’ vehicle, described as a newer model dark-colored Cadillac SUV, seen leaving the bakery on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)
  • The suspects’ vehicle, described as a newer model dark-colored Cadillac SUV, seen leaving the bakery on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)
  • Video captures the terrifying moment a group of masked suspects ransacked a Pico-Union bakery as workers were still inside on Jan. 15, 2024. (El Valle Oaxaqueño)

Cameras captured the group of thieves eventually forcing the remaining workers in the bakery into another restroom.

The bakery’s owner, Arturo Aguilar, said while the employees were locked up, the intruders ran around the shop for eight minutes, searching for cash and valuables. 

“They didn’t find money because we don’t keep money here,” Aguilar said through a translator. “At the end of the day, they just took a basket with candies and small stuff and they left.”

The five intruders exit the bakery and head to a getaway car described as a newer model dark-colored Cadillac SUV. A license plate was not captured as it had been covered. 

Authorities believe a sixth suspect may have been the getaway driver.

Still shaken from the terrifying ordeal, Aguilar said he's thankful nobody was hurt. However, he estimates the damage left by the suspects will cost thousands of dollars to repair. 

He plans to implement additional security measures to hopefully prevent a similar situation from happening again. He also said he believes local government needs to be stricter on criminals targeting small businesses like his.

The suspects remain at large. Anyone with information on the incident can call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-275-5273.

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2024-01-18T01:37:48+00:00
Carjackers rob food delivery driver at gunpoint https://ktla.com/news/local-news/carjackers-rob-food-delivery-driver-at-gunpoint/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:17:37 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800621 A food delivery driver was carjacked at gunpoint earlier this week in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, authorities announced.  

The Jan. 15 incident occurred just before 10 p.m. at the corner of 10th Street and Plymouth Avenue, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.  

After he had picked food for delivery, the victim told police he noticed he was being followed by a vehicle described as a black, newer model SUV that ultimately cut him off and blocked his path.  

“Two suspects exited the vehicle and, at gunpoint, ordered the victim to exit his vehicle and patted him down, taking his wallet and his car keys,” police said, adding that two other suspects stayed inside the black SUV.  

The armed suspects, described as Hispanic males 20-25 years old, also took the victim’s white 2013 Hyundai Sonata, which has still not been recovered.  

No description was available for the two suspects that remained in the SUV.  

The investigation into the carjacking and robbery is ongoing and detectives are searching for security camera footage in the area that may have captured the suspects’ vehicle.  

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact LAPD Wilshire Robbery Det. A. Aguayo at 213-922-8215. Anonymous tips can be made through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at L.A. Crime Stoppers.  

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2024-01-18T03:17:39+00:00
Police searching for missing L.A. County girl https://ktla.com/news/local-news/police-searching-for-missing-l-a-county-girl/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 04:11:02 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800635 Loved ones are searching for a missing teen who disappeared in the South Bay area Wednesday.

The critically missing girl was identified as Zahira Boydston, 16, by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Boydston was last seen near Sepulveda Boulevard and Century Boulevard in the Westchester neighborhood at around 1:45 p.m.

She is described as a Black female with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie and black pants and could be wearing eyeglasses.

According to loved ones, Boydston has a diminished mental capacity. Her family has not heard from her since and they are concerned for her well-being.

Zahira Boydston, 16, in a photo from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Zahira Boydston, 16, in a photo from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Anyone who may know of the girl’s whereabouts or has information on her disappearance is asked to call LAPD’s Pacific Juvenile Detectives at 310-482-6366.  

The public can also call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be provided to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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2024-01-18T04:11:02+00:00
Retail theft crew busted after hitting Kohl's department store: Police https://ktla.com/news/local-news/retail-theft-crew-busted-after-hitting-kohls-department-store/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:10:47 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2799509 An organized retail theft crew was busted Monday after more than $3,000 in merchandise was taken from a Kohl's store in La Verne, police said.

Officers located and stopped a vehicle the four suspects were believed to have fled in after taking a large amount of clothing from the store, the Claremont Police Department posted on Instagram Wednesday.

Three of the suspects remained inside the vehicle and were taken into custody during the stop.

The fourth suspect fled on foot but was later apprehended, police said.

"During the investigation, officers were able to determine that the suspects were part of an organized retail theft crew and had just stolen approximately 50 “Nike” clothing items from the Kohl’s in La Verne," the police department stated.

A retail theft crew was busted in the City La Verne on Jan. 15, 2024.
A retail theft crew was busted in the City La Verne on Jan. 15, 2024. (Claremont Police Department)

An image showing some of the items piled on top of the suspect vehicle was posted by the police department.

The value of all the stolen items was worth an estimated $3,300 investigators said.

All four suspects, who are from Moreno Valley, were booked on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, conspiracy and resisting or delaying a police officer.

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2024-01-17T19:40:45+00:00
Authorities seek additional victims of strong-arm robbery suspect https://ktla.com/news/local-news/authorities-seek-additional-victims-of-strong-arm-robbery-suspect/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:40:10 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800418 Authorities arrested a 41-year-old man accused of two separate strong-arm robberies earlier this month in West Hollywood and are asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims.  

The first incident occurred at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 12 when the suspect, identified as Hardy Arriaza, followed a woman to her apartment in the 9000 block of Rangely Avenue.  

“A struggle ensued, and the victim was able to break free and enter a neighbor’s apartment,” according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  

A little less than two hours later, Arriaza allegedly removed a kitchen window at a nearby residence on the same block and entered another woman’s home. The victim in that case heard the suspect and screamed.  

Authorities seek additional victims of strong-arm robbery suspect
Hardy Arriaza, 41, was arrested after two robbery attempts in West Hollywood on Jan. 12, 2024. (LASD)

“The suspect continued to enter the residence and threatened the victim,” the release stated, adding that the woman was able to flee her apartment.  

When deputies from the West Hollywood Station arrived at the scene, they located the 41-year-old inside the second victim’s apartment and arrested him.  

The investigation into Arriaza’s attempted strong-arm robberies is ongoing.  

The 41-year-old is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing around 143 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.  

Anyone with information about these two incidents or other similar crimes is encouraged to contact LASD Detective Zeff at 310-358-4033 or by email at bgzeff@lasd.org. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at L.A. Crime Stoppers.  

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2024-01-18T00:46:24+00:00
Raw oyster illnesses traced to parts of Mexico: Public Health https://ktla.com/news/local-news/raw-oyster-illnesses-traced-to-parts-of-mexico-public-health/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:02:10 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800234 As the cases of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to oysters rises to more than 150, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is directing the public to avoid eating bivalves that originated in parts of Mexico.

Diners in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties have been warned about eating raw oysters, as more than 40 people were believed to have been infected with noroviruses as of Tuesday.

But on Wednesday, with suspected infections topping 150, health officials directed their advisories toward the source.

"At this time, Public Health is warning consumers not to eat raw oysters from Laguna De Guerrero Negro, Baja California, Mexico; Laguna Manuela, Baja California, Mexico; and Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico because they may be linked to outbreaks of norovirus illnesses in California," Public Health said in a news release.

To avoid being sickened, diners should ask the restaurant and/or oyster vendor where the mollusks were harvested.

If you've been sickened by eating raw oysters or by consuming something else, you're encouraged to report that to the California Department of Public Health using this link.

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2024-01-18T00:08:14+00:00
Italian province starts DNA testing dog poo to penalize lazy owners https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/italian-province-starts-dna-testing-dog-poo-to-penalize-lazy-owners/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:23:33 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800226 Irresponsible dog owners beware: Pick up after your furry friend or face a hefty fine.

That's at least the case in one Italian province, according to the Guardian.

Dog owners in Bolzano are now being ordered to submit their dog's DNA so that authorities can match them up with any feces left on city streets.

As required by law, owners are required to pay for the DNA tests, which cost about $70, so that that evidence can be collected as part of a large dog doodoo database.

Fines for failure to pick up after Fido range from $315 to a whopping $1,100 (the equivalent in Euros, of course). Additional fines exist for owners who neglect to get their dogs registered.

Panoramic aerial view of Bolzano, the capital city of the South Tyrol province in Northern Italy.

Bolzano is located in the mountainous Trentino-Alto Adige region of North Italy and is home to some 45,000 dogs, the Guardian says.

Dog owners had a New Year's Day deadline and fines were supposed to start being levied in March. But so far, only 5,000 samples have been compiled, the publication says, citing Italian media.

Responsible dog owners say it's unfair that they have to pay to get their dog registered and others have voiced concerns about stray dogs and tourists making a mess of the streets with no repercussions.

Others have questioned how expansive and expensive a program like this could be and whether or not it's the best use of the government's time.

Local government officials say the program will have other uses like identifying animals that have attacked other animals or people, or informing owners if their pets have been killed in traffic collisions.

Despite those that say the new law stinks, that same Italian official claimed other unnamed regions are considering similar measures.

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2024-01-18T00:48:17+00:00
Potentially heavy rain in the forecast for Southern California https://ktla.com/weather/national-weather-service-socal-to-not-see-the-sun-for-a-while/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:30:06 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2799104 After a sunny start to the week, weather officials are now advising Southern California residents to not expect to see the sun “for a while.” 

According to the National Weather Service, a weak storm system will bring breezy winds and light rain to much of the area on Wednesday; communities that don’t experience rain will still see mostly cloudy skies and temperatures hovering in the high 60s to low 70s. 

The chance of rain will only increase as the weekend gets closer. 

“Periods of rain, potentially heavy at times, will be possible across most of the area late Friday through Monday,” NWS said. “Don’t expect to see the sun for a while as Southern California enters into a cloudy and increasingly wet period.” 

There is a five to 15% chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, weather officials said, with snow levels remaining around 7,000 feet. 

National Weather Service: SoCal set to not “see the sun for a while”
A series of storms is expected to move through SoCal beginning on Friday and lasting through Monday. (National Weather Service)

Local preliminary rainfall projections range from just over half an inch in Lancaster to 2.7 inches in Ojai, with over three inches of rain expected in parts of San Luis Obispo County and over four inches in Santa Barbara County. 

Minor flooding of small streams and in urban areas is possible, weather officials said.

Air quality is also deteriorating, with many in SoCal urged to limit their outdoor activity.

"Usually, [we can get] an idea as to why we are seeing this poor air quality ... it might be a consistent ridge of high pressure that sits on top of us for days and traps pollutants," KTLA 5 meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said. "Oftentimes it could be from recent fires or an ongoing fire, but we just have some poor air quality going on and it's worth mentioning because if you do any type of [outdoor] physical exercise, you need to be aware of that."

To view the most up-to-date forecast for your community, click here.

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2024-01-18T00:26:33+00:00
Deadly Northridge earthquake remembered 30 years later https://ktla.com/news/local-news/deadly-northridge-earthquake-remembered-30-years-later/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:17:25 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2798982 Wednesday morning marks 30 years since the deadly 6.7 magnitude Northridge earthquake rocked the San Fernando Valley. 

The catastrophic quake struck just seconds before 4:31 a.m. on Jan. 17, 1994.

KTLA's Annie Rose Ramos recalls, as a child, running downstairs with her family after the quake struck.

“Part of our kitchen wall had actually caved in,” she said. Fortunately, Annie Rose says her family was fine but many others were not as fortunate.

57 people were killed and thousands more were injured.

  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
  • Damage is seen from the 1994 Northridge earthquake

KTLA covered the chaotic scene with reporters on the ground and in the studio.

“Debris in the street. People out on the street. Reports of a train derailing. Looting along Sunset Boulevard. There are fires,” KTLA’s Eric Spillman reported in the wake of the devastation.

People were left trapped in cars while homes and apartment buildings collapsed. Power went out for many and for a while, water was no longer deemed drinkable.

Property damage estimates from the massive earthquake range between $13 billion and $50 billion.

Many residents now wonder whether Northridge would be more prepared if the quake were to strike today.

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones spoke about that during a recent episode of Frank Buckley Interviews.

“There will be much fewer collapsed apartment buildings,” Dr. Jones said. “But the thing is it won’t be that location. It’s going to be somewhere else.”

A U.S. Geological Survey Shake Movie posted on X, formerly Twitter Wednesday morning indicated that shaking was felt more than 2,000 miles from the quake's epicenter.

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2024-01-17T14:19:10+00:00
L.A. developer accused of homeless housing 'Ponzi scheme' https://ktla.com/news/local-news/l-a-developer-accused-of-homeless-housing-ponzi-scheme/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:21:58 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2799862 California Attorney General Rob Bonta is suing a contractor involved with the state's homeless housing program, alleging that they are "putting projects in jeopardy by illegally borrowing against them," the Los Angeles Times reports.

Bonta wants L.A.-based Shangri-La Industries to repay more than $100 million in Project Homekey funds after the company allegedly took out loans on six of the seven properties with which it was involved.

Three of those properties are in Southern California: one in Riverside, one in San Bernardino and one in Thousand Oaks. The other four are in Northern California.

The state did not approve being part of those loans, the lawsuit explained, comparing Shangri-La's actions to a Ponzi scheme that left the state on the hook.

"The state learned of the problem when the banks sent notices of default, and all seven properties are now at risk of foreclosure, the complaint said," the Times reports.

Shangri-La didn't respond to the Times' request for comment, but the company's owner and CEO Andy Meyers told KCRW that "I'm not going to respond to that allegation at all."

“We are an entity, Shangri-La Industries, and have a number of properties," he said. "But there’s no Ponzi scheme. Obviously, whomever made such an accusation doesn’t know what a Ponzi scheme is.”

State officials, however, dispute that characterization, noting that "Shangri-La has misrepresented multiple financial considerations and has yet to cure a number of breached contractual obligations to the state and the Homekey program," Pablo Espinoza, spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Community Development, told The Press-Enterprise in an email.

"The difficulties they find themselves in are of their own making,” he added.

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2024-01-17T23:38:15+00:00
Suspect arrested in connection with fatal shooting at Hawthorne restaurant https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-fatally-shot-while-getting-takeout-at-hawthorne-restaurant/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:09:49 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2799393 A man was shot and killed after he got into an altercation outside a burger restaurant in Hawthorne early Wednesday morning, and a suspect has now been taken into custody. 

Officials with the Hawthorne Police Department confirmed the arrest just before noon Wednesday.

"Based on statements and evidence collected at the scene, Hawthorne officers and detectives were able to quickly identify a possible suspect," the Hawthorne Police Department said in a release. "That suspect was tracked to a location in a neighboring city ... [and] was safely taken into custody without incident."

According to the HPD release, officers were initially called to Fabulous Charbroiled Burgers at 3301 Rosecrans Ave. around 2 a.m. on calls of a gunshot victim. 

When first responders arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot. 

Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but the man succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified by loved ones as Eddie McAllister.

A woman who identified herself as the victim’s daughter told KTLA that her father was simply getting takeout after getting off work as a security guard early. 

  • Man fatally shot while getting takeout at Hawthorne restaurant
  • Man fatally shot while getting takeout at Hawthorne restaurant
  • Man fatally shot while getting takeout at Hawthorne restaurant

“Something so simple as him grabbing his plate; he already had his food, and he was ready to go,” Emani McAllister said. “Something verbal broke out between him and another man, and before you know it they were tussling.” 

“Instead of [the suspect] taking a whooping and letting it be what it was, he [resorted] to a gun,” she added.    

McAllister also told KTLA that she lost her brother to gun violence in 2011 and that several other family friends have been shot and killed over the last few years.

Distraught loved ones were seen gathering near the restaurant as police put up caution tape and began their investigation.

The Hawthorne Police Department and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office are handling the investigation.

Anyone with further information is urged to call the HPD Detective Bureau at 310-349-2820.

To submit information anonymously, visit lacrimestoppers.org or call 1-800-222-8477.

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2024-01-17T20:34:51+00:00
In-N-Out among the 'best' places to work, according to Glassdoor https://ktla.com/news/california/in-n-out-among-the-best-places-to-work-according-to-glassdoor/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 22:54:15 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2800088 In-N-Out seemingly isn’t just a great place to grab dinner after the Golden Globes or pick up a hot chocolate on a rainy day; the beloved California-based company is also a great place to work, according to a new study from Glassdoor.

In-N-Out took the sixth spot on Glassdoor’s 2024 “Best Places to Work” list of large, United States-based companies. The ranking was created based on Glassdoor users’ reviews.

In-N-Out employees cited pay, benefits and flexibility as some of the top reasons the company is a great workplace. However, reviews regarding poor management styles and favoritism dominated the negative reviews.

In-N-Out was the only fast-food restaurant that ranked within the top 100 "best” places to work and ranked higher than companies like Google, Microsoft and Apple.

About 85% of In-N-Out employees who left Glassdoor reviews would recommend the job to a friend and 92% approved of the company’s CEO Lynsi Snyder.

The complete study can be viewed here.

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2024-01-17T22:57:22+00:00