For DTLA, 2025 started off with a bang. Unfortunately, the explosions weren’t confined to regular illegal fireworks going off at 3am. Instead, the year continued without a New Year’s resolution of less violence and mayhem for the residents and visitors of downtown Los Angeles.
Starting off This Week in Crime – New Years Edition…
Shoppers Flea in Panic at Figat7th
The man being held responsible for a shooting on Dec 30, where bullets pierced store windows sending shock waves through the mall was apprehended a day later thanks to the assistance of a concerned neighbor who recognized the man and turned him into the law.
Three days later, on Jan 3rd, newly elected L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman visited the site of the shooting discussed the charges, announcing Metoyer was officially charged with armed robbery and attempted murder.
Hochman, possible hunting of making a strong example out of Metoyer, with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell standing by his side, is perceived by his voters as being tougher on crime than the former DA, told the media, “This kind of brazen thievery and violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County.”
Serving Punches at Bottega Louie
A dispute between a server and a customer escalated into a scuffle on New Year’s Day at the popular restaurant, Bottega Louie was reported via Citizen App on New Year’s Eve.
An highly unusul place for an altercation, from its storied beginnings forging its way into downtown LA history, Bottega Louie helped to transform a once gritty cityscape into a vibrant culinary destination. And to this day, it reigns supreme for a white and pink weekend brunch indulgence.
What usually hums with energy and aroma of wood-fired pizzas was forced for some moments to share the stage with the type of mayhem otherwise unheard of at this iconic downtown Los Angeles restaurant.
Bloody Scuffle at the Palm Restaurant
Welcome to Downtown. NOW GTFO…It’s a growing sentiment among many downtown locals who see an uptake in random crimes as an intrusion mostly performed by outsiders that don’t or won’t appreciate its beauty.
What was meant to be a bittersweet celebration, part fine dining, part fine wine, part farewell became a nightmare for guests of the Palm Restaurant on NYE. Horrified diners, enjoying filets and lobster on silver platters suddenly had their dinners interrupted as a physical altercation broke out, resulting in injuries to one individual who was allegedly pinned beneath a table and beaten by three assailants, one of whom used a whiskey glass as a weapon. No word yet on the identity of the well-dressed perpetrators, who somehow managed to put a scar on one of Downtown’s most impeccable, and well-loved, fine dining establishments.
Johnny Wactor Murder Confession
The individual responsible for the murder of Johnny Wactor was apprehended. A subsequent jailhouse confession revealed that the suspect shot Wactor while attempting to steal his catalytic converter. The confession also indicated that the suspect acted in defense of a “homie” who Wactor was allegedly threatening.
The young star, known for his role in the popular soap opera “General Hospital,” was fatally shot on May 25th while attempting to protect a friend from the carjacking.
Urban memorial in honor of slain actor – photo by Shawn Smith
The arrest came as a small victory for the grieving family and community, who have been grappling with the senseless loss of a rising talent.
Waymo’s Unhoused Driver
Seems like only yesterday the world was introduced to drones, followed soon by robo-dogs and androids, and now autonomous vehicles has been added to the realization, the future is now.
In 2024, downtown LA saw the initiation of dozens of Waymo autonomous vehicles. Innocent and unable to defend themselves, numerous incidents have been reported of human beings vandalizing the autobots.
An incident involving a Waymo self-driving vehicle and an unhoused individual who refused to vacate the passenger seat occurred on January 7. The unhoused man was then arrested for attempting for grand theft auto.
Come On Baby, DON’T Light My Fire
A devastating fire engulfed the iconic Morrison Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday morning, causing significant damage to the landmark building. The blaze, which erupted around 11:00 AM, required a massive response from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). While no injuries were reported, the building sustained significant structural damage, including a partial roof collapse.
The Morrison Hotel, built in 1914, holds a special place in music history. Its image graced the cover of The Doors’ 1970 album, “Morrison Hotel,” solidifying its place in rock and roll lore.
The nearly 50,000 square foot, E-shaped building, already red-tagged by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) prior to the fire, sustained significant damage.
As firefighters were making their way through the building, they located and safely evacuated an additional three people from the third floor. After one hour and 37 minutes, under the command of Assistant Chief Melford Beard, firefighters extinguished the fire with no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS).
While anything can happen in downtown (and usually does), these days downtown has become a scapegoat for everything dangerous due to the daily news of random acts of violence they locals have little or no control over.
