Crash on Angeles Crest Highway kills at least one [Updated]

A car plunged from the roadway on Angeles Crest Highway on Saturday afternoon, killing at least one person, the California Highway Patrol said.

It was at least the fourth fatality in a single-vehicle accident on the steep, winding mountain route since the highway reopened in late May. Three accidents occurred in June within a three-week period; CHP officers blamed excessive speed.

In Saturday's crash, reported to the CHP shortly after 2 p.m., the driver lost control of the vehicle and it crashed and overturned, said Officer Anthony Martin. The cause of the accident wasn't immediately determined.

CHP officers were still on the scene and hadn't yet reported back details of the person killed or whether there were passengers or injuries, Martin said.

[Updated at 9:45 p.m. The victim was an 18-year-old Bellflower man, who the CHP said was traveling at normal speed of about 45 mph when his car failed to make a turn, crashed into the side of the mountain, flipped onto the hood and slid 70 feet. He sustained major head injuries. His identity wasn't released. He was the only person in the car.] 

-- Carol J. Williams

San Diego police officer attacked; bystanders come to her aid

A San Diego police officer was attacked Saturday afternoon, and residents of the City Heights neighborhood rushed to her aid -- the second time bystanders have come to the assistance of a police officer in that neighborhood in a week.

Officer Kelly Doherty was attacked as she was trying to question a suspect on a bicycle a little after noon  Saturday. Two men ran to help her when they saw the suspect punching her. She and the two men suffered knife wounds before the suspect, Michael Gonzalez, was subdued.

Doherty was taken to the hospital, but her wounds were not considered life-threatening.

Gonzalez will be charged with three counts of attempted murder, police said. 

A week ago residents rushed to aid Officer Jeremy Henwood after an assailant shot him with a shotgun. He died hours later of his wounds.

Police credit one of the citizens with providing a description of the assailant's car.

ALSO:

Iraq vet gets kidney transplant from fellow Marine

Prehistoric flying creature lands on Cardiff surfer statue

Distraught man sets bathrobe ablaze at JW Marriott, police say

 

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Prehistoric flying creature lands on Cardiff surfer statue

 
 
The vandals/critics/guerrilla artists who do not like the official civic statue along Highway 101 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea are at it again.

Officially named “Magic Carpet Ride,” the statue has provoked controversy, mockery and late-night redesigns virtually from its installation in 2007.

The subject, a young boy on a surfboard, would seem perfect for this northern San Diego County suburb, known for its surfing breaks.  But surfers and artists say his dainty look is an insult to a macho sport.

The name “Cardiff Kook” has replaced “Magic Carpet Ride” in the public consciousness. Bumper stickers have proclaimed “Dump the Cardiff Kook,” but officialdom has been unmoved.

Under cover of darkness, various groups and individuals have bedecked the statue as Michael Jackson, Oprah, a British royal bride, a witch (at Halloween), Vincent Van Gogh (on his birthday) and more. It has worn a bridal dress, baggy shorts, a red bra and a military uniform.

The most spectacular of the redesigns was a year ago, when a canvas-and-cardboard shark was built around the statue, seemingly devouring the surfer -- like in the movie “Jaws.”

The joke has worn off at Encinitas City Hall. The city recently spent $2,000 to repair damage done to the statue. A stern letter was sent to one of the artists thought responsible for one of the pranks.

But on Saturday, early-morning joggers, surfers and power walkers spotted the most elaborate redesign yet: a huge prehistoric flying creature, a pterosaur maybe, swooping down over the surfer, with a painted backdrop of a volcanic eruption for context. Also, small palm trees and two velociraptors.

Crowds gathered within hours in amazement and bemusement, many people posing for pictures.

As always, no one has yet claimed credit.

-- Tony Perry in Encinitas

Photo: Cardiff statue with latest redesign. Credit: Mike Perry

Crash on Angeles Crest Highway kills at least one

A car plunged from the roadway on Angeles Crest Highway on Saturday afternoon, killing at least one person, the California Highway Patrol said.

It was at least the fourth fatality in a single-vehicle accident on the steep, winding mountain route since the highway reopened in late May. Three accidents occurred in June within a three-week period; CHP officers blamed excessive speed.

In Saturday's crash, reported to CHP shortly after 2 p.m., the driver lost control of the vehicle and it crashed and overturned, said Officer Anthony Martin. Cause of the accident wasn't immediately determined.

CHP officers were still on the scene and hadn't yet reported back details of the person killed or whether there were passengers or injuries, Martin said.

-- Carol J. Williams

Suspect arrested in string of Red Bull thefts

South Pasadena police have arrested a suspected Red Bull bandit who may be connected to thefts of the energy drink around the region.

On Thursday police arrested Eric Petrossian, 21, of Burbank, in connection with two South Pasadena incidents. The arrest came after a Glendale police officer viewed security camera footage of Petrossian at two supermarkets and said he believed Petrossian was connected to a previous incident, according to Det. Richard Lee of the South Pasadena Police Department.

Red Bull thefts also have occurred in La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta of late, with $1,200 worth of the drink stolen from a Ralphs supermarket in the 500 block of Foothill Boulevard on July 16. A total of $280 worth of Red Bull was stolen from the Ralphs in the 2600 block of Foothill Boulevard in incidents on July 3 and July 5.

“These Red Bull thefts are surprisingly becoming a huge thing, not just in the San Gabriel Valley, but you’re talking about in the Westside as well,” Lee told the Pasadena Sun. “For some strange reason, they’re just in demand.”

ALSO:

Alex Trebek suspect says punishment doesn't fit crime

Parolee arrested trying to break back into Sacramento prison

A boy's bones: With grisly discovery, an old mystery is unraveled

-- Daniel Siegel, Times Community News

Photo: Getty Images

Firefighters rescue residents from Hollywood apartment building

Firefighters used ladders to rescue residents of a Hollywood apartment building stranded on their balconies after smoke from a blaze in one unit filled the corridors, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

Fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the apartment on the third floor of the five-story structure, engulfing that unit and damaging others nearby before the flames were extinguished and all residents taken safely to the ground, said spokesman Erik Scott. He said about five people had to be assisted off balconies where they had fled and called 911.

None of those helped from the building needed transport for medical treatment, Scott said, and the fire was contained in less than half an hour. The building, at 1616 N. Serrano Ave., between Hollywood and Sunset boulevards, has three stories of apartments over two floors of parking, Scott said.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation, and damage assessment was still underway by some of the 53 firefighters dispatched to the scene, Scott said.

-- Carol J. Williams

Distraught man sets bathrobe ablaze at JW Marriott, police say

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of arson Saturday after locking himself in a downtown L.A. hotel room, setting fire to a bathrobe and threatening to kill himself, police said.

Officers arrived about 10:30 a.m. at the JW Marriott Los Angeles in the L.A. Live entertainment complex after security officers confronted a man who was not a hotel guest and chased him into a third-floor hotel room.

The man, described by police as distraught, started making “incoherent statements” and setting objects in the room on fire, said Los Angeles Police Sgt. David Lopez. At that point, officers forced their way into the room and detained the man, Lopez said.

Firefighters put out the small fire and took two people to the hospital, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott.

The suspect had consumed “an abnormal amount of pills,” LAPD Officer Gregory Baek said.

-- David Zahniser

Reader photos: Southern California Moments, Day 225

Endless walking: A man walks with a load of shopping bags in Ocean Park, Santa Monica in this June 28 photo by Matt M.

Every day of 2011, we're featuring reader-submitted photos of Southern California Moments. Follow us on Twitter and visit the Southern California Moments homepage for more on this series.

Two Simi Valley teens accused of threatening to bomb, extort Las Vegas hotels

Authorities have accused two Simi Valley males, one of whom is a juvenile, of making false bomb threats to Las Vegas hotels and casinos and attempting extortion.

Zachary Jackson, 18, and a 16-year-old boy allegedly phoned numerous Las Vegas establishments between July 28 and Aug. 8 and threatened to detonate bombs at the properties if their monetary demands were not met, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said.

The counter terrorism arm of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the calls, in which the person appeared to be disguising his voice, and traced them to a Ventura County home in the 1500 block of Patricia Avenue, the department said.

On Wednesday, detectives served a search warrant at the residence and recovered several pieces of evidence that may identify other incidents and victims.

Jackson was booked on suspicion of making false bomb threats and attempted extortion. Police did not say what action was taken against the juvenile.

ALSO:

Man sentenced in machete attack on roommates

Beverly Hills police blow up screenwriters' laptop

BART admits interrupting cellphone service during protest

-- Corina Knoll

Photo: Las Vegas hotels. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

Distraught man sets bathrobe ablaze at J.W. Mariott, police say

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of arson Saturday after locking himself in a downtown hotel room, setting fire to a bathrobe and threatening to kill himself, police said.

Officers responded at roughly 10:30 a.m. to the J.W. Mariott Los Angeles, located in the L.A. Live entertainment complex, after a man who was not a hotel guest was confronted by security officers and chased into a third-floor hotel room.

The man, described by police as distraught, started making “incoherent statements” and setting objects in the room on fire, said Los Angeles Police Sgt. David Lopez. At that point, officers forced their way into the room and detained the man, Lopez said.

Firefighters put out the small fire and took two people to the hospital, said L.A. Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott.

The suspect had consumed “an abnormal amount of pills,” L.A. Police Officer Gregory Baek said.

-- David Zahniser

Broken metal detector causes delays at John Wayne Airport

A terminal at John Wayne Airport in Orange County was evacuated late Friday and dozens of passengers were rescreened after security discovered that eight people had walked through an inoperable metal detector, officials said.

Officials noticed that the metal detector wasn’t working about 11 p.m., and, as a security precaution, had about 100 passengers in the area return to the screening area, TSA spokeswoman Jonella Culmer said.

“There were no negative findings,” she said.

As a result, two flights were delayed about 15 minutes each, a spokeswoman for the airport said.

-- Corina Knoll

In Afghanistan, troops run to honor Marine from Orange County

She was killed in Iraq in 2006 but the memory of this energetic Marine from Orange County continues to be honored and to inspire other U.S. military personnel deployed to war zones.

In Afghanistan this week, more than 500 Marines and other troops participated in a 5-kilometer run to honor the life and service of Major Megan McClung.

The run honoring McClung is an annual event and has been held in Iraq, at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., and now at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

"People around the world are running to honor her memory," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Rachel Oden, who graduated with McClung from the Naval Academy in 1995.

Born in Hawaii, McClung grew up in Orange County and graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 1990.

She was killed by a roadside bomb blast in Ramadi on Dec. 6, 2006, while serving as a public affairs officer helping journalists to understand the fight in Anbar province. She wanted the world to know that Anbar, once considered a lost cause for the U.S., was changing due to the work of the Marine Corps, U.S. Army and Sunni sheiks.

In the recently published "A Soldier's Dream: Captain Travis Patriquin and the Awakening of Iraq," author William Doyle quotes a Marine lieutenant colonel that McClung was "a fireball... she could charm anybody out of their socks."

Another officer says of McClung, "She could not simply enter a room. She bounced and bounded in, ready to meet anyone and anything with an optimistic tenacity that intimidated some, but inspired many."

She was a runner and competed in triathlons. She was 34 when she died -- the first female Marine officer to be killed in Iraq. While deployed, she organized a variant of the Marine Corps Marathon as a morale booster for troops.

At the run this week in Camp Leatherneck, dozens of Marines knew McClung. Many more had heard of her.

"To be able to say I knew her, and to be here doing something to honor her memory and all the good things she did, is an honor," said Oden.

Share a memory about McClung on The Times' California's War Dead database.

ALSO:

Man sentenced in machete attack on roommates

Beverly Hills police blow up screenwriters' laptop

BART admits interrupting cellphone service during protest

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Major Megan McClung. Credit: Marine Corps

Reward offered in Little Tokyo robbery case

The Los Angeles City Council is offering a $50,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of a suspect who robbed a woman in Little Tokyo.

On July 24, a man in a long white T-shirt approached a blind 68-year-old woman walking on 1st Street between Los Angeles Street and Central Avenue. The man ripped a gold necklace with jade pendant off her neck and fled, according to the reward proposal.

Councilwoman Jan Perry, who represents Little Tokyo, called the assault “an especially disturbing crime," and noted that it occurred around noontime. “No one should feel vulnerable walking the streets of our city in broad daylight,” she said in a statement.

The council voted unanimously on Friday to offer the reward.  Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Central Division at (213) 485-3294.

ALSO:

Man sentenced in machete attack on roommates

Beverly Hills police blow up screenwriters' laptop

BART admits interrupting cellphone service during protest

-- David Zahniser

Two bodies found inside Chatsworth home

Two bodies were found inside a Chatsworth home early Saturday by detectives serving a search warrant at the residence, authorities said.

The detectives discovered the bodies about 6 a.m. at a single-family dwelling in the 20400 block of Lassen Street, Los Angeles Police Sgt. Mark Pearce said.

The victims' names, ages and relationship were not given.

Pearce said he did not want to compromise the case by releasing additional information.

ALSO:

Man sentenced in machete attack on roommates

Beverly Hills police blow up screenwriters' laptop

BART admits interrupting cellphone service during protest

-- Corina Knoll

LAPD searches for Sylmar party attackers

Police were searching Saturday for two suspects believed to have carried out a late-night attack at a party in Sylmar, authorities said.

Two people were shot –- one in the knee and the other in the foot –- at a party in the 14600 block of Astoria Street. A third victim was stabbed in the stomach, Los Angeles police officer Gregory Baek said.

The attack occurred shortly before midnight Friday. Police offered little information on the suspects, describing them only as Hispanicmales. The incident may have been gang related, Baek said.

ALSO:

Man sentenced in machete attack on roommates

Beverly Hills police blow up screenwriters' laptop

BART admits interrupting cellphone service during protest

-- David Zahniser

The Game Tweet: Sender could face numerous criminal charges

Authorities probing a Tweet from rapper the Game's Twitter account said those found responsible for it could face a variety of criminal charges.

Los Angeles County sheriff's officials have opened a criminal investigation into whether the rapper sent out a Tweet containing a number for the Compton station, which resulted in jammed emergency phone lines for at least two hours Friday night.

Among the potential charges are annoying or harassing phone calls via electronic device or the Internet whether or not a conversation ensues; delaying or obstructing a peace officer in the performance of their duties; a person who disrupts or impedes communication over a public safety radio frequency.

It remains unclear who sent the Tweet from the Game's account.

After the Los Angeles Times published a blog article online, the Game sent a Tweet to the newspaper saying: "it wasn't me (shaggy voice)." He suggested that his Twitter account had been hacked by someone else. 

In another Tweet, he suggested it was an accident: "Yall can track a tweet down but cant solve murders ! Dat was an accident but maybe now yall can actually do yall job !!!! #iSpeak4ThePeople"

Although the Game's account has been verified by Twitter, it is unclear whether he was the person tweeting. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Sheriff's Department said the problems began after 5 p.m. when a Tweet was sent from the Game's account to his 580,000 followers telling them that if they wanted an internship with him, they should call the phone number, said sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker.

"This was beyond irresponsible," Parker said. "The deputies' ability to answer the phones and dispatch personnel to help these people in danger was significantly impeded."

Parker sent his own Tweet to the rapper telling him to delete the original tweet because it was compromising public safety.

ALSO:

Man sentenced in machete attack on roommates

Beverly Hills police blow up screenwriters' laptop

BART admits interrupting cellphone service during protest

-- Andrew Blankstein
twitter.com/anblanx

Photo: The Game. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Holy altar found in Mexican drug tunnel into California

The Mexican army on Friday announced that it had discovered an unfinished drug tunnel that was apparently meant to stretch from Tijuana into the United States.

The tunnel was 328 yards long and hidden beneath a house under construction.

In November, a 650-yard tunnel was discovered.

This time, the smugglers apparently were hoping for some saintly assistance. An altar to the Santa Muerte, an icon said to be worshiped by drug smugglers, was found in the house.

It didn't work. Ten people were arrested by Mexican authorities.

ALSO:

Alex Trebek suspect says punishment doesn't fit crime

Parolee arrested trying to break back into Sacramento prison

A boy's bones: With grisly discovery, an old mystery is unraveled

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Hookah lounges crackdown to begin in Glendale

Glendale officials have decided against legalizing hookah lounges in the city.

That means businesses that sell hookah — currently there are two that city officials say they are aware of — will be getting notices of violations.If they don’t nix their illegal hookah activities, the city can take them to court, which could lead to jail time or fines, Neighborhood Services Administrator Sam Engel told the Glendale News-Press.

In 2008, the city passed a fresh air ordinance restricting smoking to 25% of a restaurant’s outdoor space, a number city officials acknowledge was arbitrary. Currently, hookah isn’t explicitly banned in the zoning code, but businesses that offer it are violating the fresh air law. On top of that, businesses that serve hookah indoors are violating state indoor smoking prohibitions.

For several months, city committees have been discussing updates to a variety of rules, including those governing hookah use. The Zoning Code Advisory Group was split on permitting hookah, with some members describing it as a cultural activity, and others voicing concerns about the health effects of secondhand smoke.

ALSO:

Alex Trebek suspect says punishment doesn't fit crime

Parolee arrested trying to break back into Sacramento prison

A boy's bones: With grisly discovery, an old mystery is unraveled

--Brittany Levine, Times Community News

Photo: Hookah lounge. Credit: Getty Images

Bell asks CalPERS for more time to investigate police disability pensions

 
The city of Bell has asked the state retirement system for an additional three months to complete a probe on disability pensions of at least 10 police officers -- including four chiefs -- that were approved by former City Administrator Robert Rizzo.

CalPERS asked Bell to investigate the pensions back in May after The Times reported that the city used disability pensions and workers' compensation settlements to boost payments to police chiefs as they were forced from their jobs.

The city was supposed to complete the investigation two weeks ago, but a day before the July 29 deadline, attorneys for Bell requested more time. They now expect to finish by Sept. 30. The result of the investigation could bring significant savings to the city.

The agency asked the city to determine whether all disability pensions approved by Rizzo were based on competent medical opinion, and whether officials would seek "updated medical evaluations" to confirm whether the members remain disabled.

At least two former police chiefs told The Times the city wrapped unused vacation and sick pay into the workers' compensation settlements, which experts say violates tax codes. Workers' compensation settlements are tax free. Those who qualify for a disability pension do not have to pay taxes on half their earnings.

"If Rizzo wanted to get rid of you, he'd make some way to pay you off and make it beneficial for you financially," said former Police Chief Andreas Probst in a Times interview. "Too many people I can name retired on medical. Bob took care of them."

Aside from Probst, CalPERS wants the city to validate the disability pensions of other chiefs, including David Reed, Michael Chavez, and Dennis Tavernelli. Tavernelli received at least $400,000 in a workers' compensation settlement.

State law allows city councils to approve disability retirement when an on-the-job injury prevents an employee from performing normal duties. CalPERS has a 1990 resolution granting the city administrator authority over disability retirements.

The resolution predates Rizzo, and the agency has also asked the city to verify that it remains in effect.

ALSO:

Alex Trebek suspect says punishment doesn't fit crime

Parolee arrested trying to break back into Sacramento prison

A boy's bones: With grisly discovery, an old mystery is unraveled

-- Ruben Vives

Credit: Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times