Against the backdrop of downtown LA’s urban landscape, this week’s crime report offers insights into law enforcement’s efforts to stop crime in downtown Los Angeles, tackling incidents that range from armed standoffs to the disruption of street takeovers, to homicide outside of a local’s favorite spot, “The Escondite.”
Fatal Stabbing in Westlake
On Thursday, May 16th, Westlake, Los Angeles, was the scene of a fatal stabbing at 1550 W 2nd St. outside of the Westlake community. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, tragically died at the scene around 12:56 PM the same day. The suspect, a male with a shaved head, goatee, and a tattoo on his right bicep, is still at large as of Thursday, 1:30 PM. Law enforcement is actively scouring the Westlake area and surrounding downtown area in search of the suspect.
Police Chase Ends in Jefferson Park
On Tuesday, May 14th, a police chase occurred near Jefferson Park in Central City. At approximately 8:30 p.m., authorities responded to a 911 call reporting reckless endangerment involving a vehicle near the park. The suspect led police on a pursuit from Jefferson to Broadway & Main, eventually abandoning the vehicle and attempting to flee on foot down Broadway in a effort to access the freeway.
The pursuit, which lasted nearly an hour, saw law enforcement agencies coordinate traffic control measures to minimize risks to coming and going traffic. The suspect was later apprehended around 9:14 p.m. after entering the freeway.
Chinatown Street Takeover
Residents in the Chinatown area reported on Monday, May 13th, that a street takeover near Evans Community College on Alpine St. and N Broadway surfaced around 10:13 PM. Witnesses from nearby apartments recounted the sound of screeching tires as cars sped away from the college onto Alpine St., then turned right onto Figueroa. The call came from the apartment complex across from Evans College. Street takeovers are a form of illegal street racing.
Stand Off with LAPD
On the morning of May 13th, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) found themselves in a tense standoff with an armed suspect in downtown Los Angeles. The incident unfolded at the intersection of W Temple St and N Grand Ave at approximately 7:06 am.
According to reports, the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed at this time, was allegedly brandishing a weapon or firearm in a public place, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found themselves facing an armed individual, leading to a standoff situation.
Daredevil on a Tightrope
On May 12th, In a daring video, YouTuber Ben Schneider, known as “Reckless Ben,” walked a slackline between two skyscrapers of the abandoned Oceanwide Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. The $1 billion complex, notorious for attracting graffiti and thrill-seekers, became the stage for Schneider’s latest stunt, broadcast for all to see.
To bypass a police perimeter, Schneider and his team pretended to be a religious cult, using signs to block the police’s view and hopping the fence. After climbing 500 feet, Schneider crossed the one-inch nylon strap while filming with a selfie stick, calling it “moral graffiti” as it caused no structural damage. Although the police searched the building, Schneider evaded arrest by hiding in a bathtub covered with plywood.
Shooting at The Escondite
An investigation is underway following a shooting incident that occurred on May 9th. The incident took place in the Arts District, at 410 Boyd St., outside The Escondite, a local bar/restaurant also known as “The Hideout,” resulting in one fatality and leaving another injured.
According to sources from the local news outlet, the shooting occurred around 11:45 p.m. Investigators suggest that the two victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, were engaged in an altercation with two other men outside the bar premises. It is believed that during the confrontation, one of the suspects drew a handgun and fired shots at the victims.
One of the victims, identified as a 47-year-old man, passed away after being rushed to a nearby hospital due to his injuries. The second victim is reported to be at a local hospital.
LAPD has stated in a recent report that the incident was not related to gang violence.
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