Los Angeles Crime Reports

LAFD Arson Counter Terrorism Arrests Suspect

On May 14, about 10 p.m. a brush fire occurred in the 1800 block of Michael Lane in Los Angeles. When the first responding engines from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived, crews encountered multiple, separate, slow-moving fires in steep and remote terrain with thick underbrush.

The Department launched an all-out attack – deploying dozens of engines, helicopters, bulldozers, water tenders, and more than 100 firefighters.

Just after midnight, LAFD arson investigators were dispatched to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Due to the inaccessible terrain and darkness, investigators gathered preliminary information and returned the next day.

On Saturday morning, LAFD helicopter pilots observed an adult male moving around in the brush along a steep hillside near the fire. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) air patrol was dispatched to monitor the individual. Officers from the West Los Angeles Community Police Station kept watch on the ground while the Air Support Division provided eyes in the sky. During an aerial observation, the Tactical Flight Officer witnessed the individual ignite multiple additional fires.

Arson investigators from LAFD requested the assistance of specialized deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Services Detail to locate and apprehend the alleged suspect within the rugged terrain.

On Sunday morning May 16th, the individual emerged from the brush in the 1200 block of Palisades Drive.

A private security officer in the area recognized the person as a possible suspect and notified LAPD and LAFD. Police officers arrived and detained the suspect, who was transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

Arson investigators determined that the fire was incendiary in violation of section 451(c) of the California Penal Code Arson of Forest Land.

On May 18, arson investigators presented this case to the Target Crimes Division Arson & Explosives Section of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for felony filing considerations.

Arrests Made in Venice Beach Shooting

Venice: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Area detectives have made arrests in connection with the shooting and attempted murder of a homeless man on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

On April 28, 2021, around 4:27 a.m., a shooting occurred near the 600 block of Ocean Front Walk. The suspect approached the victim, a homeless man, then aimed a semi-automatic handgun and shot at the victim three times. As the victim crawled away, the suspect shot at the victim for a 4th time. After shooting the victim, the suspect and two female accomplices entered a 2020 Jeep Compass and fled southbound on Speedway Avenue. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Detectives believe the shooting was gang related.

Around 4:46 a.m., residents near the 1200 block of Palms Avenue called 9-1-1 to report a vehicle fire in the rear alley. Around 4:56 a.m., the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the scene and discovered a 2020 Jeep Compass fully engulfed in flames. The suspects in the shooting were seen fleeing from the fire. Pacific Area detectives sought the assistance of LAFD Arson investigators who subsequently determined that the Jeep Compass was intentionally set on fire.

Pacific Area detectives identified Nichalous Reynolds, a male 33-years-old of Los Angeles, Blanca Marcela Lopez, a female 31-years-old of Inglewood, and Amber Manchel, a female 27-years-old of Los Angeles, as suspects in the shooting and attempted murder of the homeless man.

On May 17, 2021, and May 18, 2021, Pacific Area detectives and investigators from LAPD’s Gang and Narcotics Division, arrested Manchel in Venice, CA and Reynolds and Lopez in Inglewood, CA. During Reynolds’ arrest, detectives discovered a Rifle, ammunition, and other evidence.

On May 20, 2021, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Reynolds with one count of 187 (a)PC- Attempt Murder, one count of 245(b)PC – Assault with a Semi-Automatic Firearm, one count of 451 PC – Arson, one count 18740 PC – Ignition of a Destructive Device, and one count of 10851 PC – Driving Without the Owners Consent. The District Attorney’s Office also charged Lopez and Manchel with one count each of 32 PC- Accessory to Attempt Murder.