Sheriffs talk Barney’s Beanery assault, scooters and theft at WeHo Gateway

Sgts. Jason Duron and Evelio Galvez of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department on Monday presented their monthly report to the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission, providing in-depth data on crime statistics, enforcement efforts, ongoing investigations and community outreach programs. 

In August, the department handled a total of 1,846 calls for service, including 73 emergency responses. Deputies made 51 felony arrests and 80 misdemeanor arrests.

Part One crimes, which encompass serious offenses, totaled 185 incidents. Breaking down these incidents by district:

– West District: Accounted for 57% of the crimes, totaling 104 incidents.
– City Center: Represented 19% with 34 incidents.
– East District: Comprised 24% with 45 incidents.

A particular area of concern was the 41 reported pickpocketing incidents in the Rainbow District’s various businesses. These thefts highlight the need for increased vigilance and potential strategic deployment of resources in high-traffic areas.

The department received 64 SORTS (online) reports in August. However, not all incidents are eligible for online reporting, and deputies reminded the public that if their online reports were rejected, they must then contact the sheriff by phone or in person. 

The Sheriff’s Department’s Mental Evaluation Team (MET) responded to a total of 78 incidents, ranging from calls for service to proactive engagements. The MET team’s efforts are crucial in addressing mental health crises and connecting individuals to appropriate resources.

In response to a surge in retail thefts, the Sheriff’s Department conducted specialized operations at the West Hollywood Gateway. Detectives and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), including the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and Entertainment Policing Team (EPT), collaborated to conduct a retail theft operation resulting in several arrests.

“We place undercover deputies and detectives in and around those locations to have a quick response to thefts that are occurring or may occur,” the sergeants said. “The business owners and managers are extremely happy when we do that to try to curb some of that theft that’s striking that shopping center.”

The sergeants discussed the violent assault on a valet at Barney’s Beanery that occurred on September 14th. Surveillance cameras captured the suspect, believed to be homeless.The Sheriff’s Department has disseminated the suspect’s description and photo across various media outlets. Numerous tips have been received, and detectives are diligently following up on all leads. The department confirmed it is working with WeHo Cares and Healthcare in Action, two of the city’s homeless services contractors, to find the suspect. 

“That was one of the first things they did, reaching out to those teams that are on the streets making contact with our unhoused community, sharing those pictures to see if maybe they have had contact with them or recognize them,” the sergeants said.

The department introduced Jamie Araki, the newly assigned media production specialist and public information officer for the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. Araki brings experience from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, where she served in a similar capacity. Her goals include increasing the department’s social media presence, providing timely updates on incidents, road closures, and community events, and offering public service announcements on crime prevention.

“I’m super excited to be at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station,” Araki said. “I’m really happy to not be in administration. I like to be more hands-on and deal more with the community.”

Scooters

The commission grappled with the ongoing threat posed by electric rental scooters. 

Chair Adam Eramian initiated the conversation by referencing a tragic incident in Koreatown, where an elderly man was fatally struck by a scooter rider on the sidewalk.

Eramian expressed frustration over the daily occurrences of scooters being ridden on sidewalks, against traffic flow, and without adherence to traffic laws in West Hollywood.

“What’s it going to take to start enforcing these scooters, these riders who are riding illegally?” he asked.

He noted that despite visible signage prohibiting bicycle and scooter riding on sidewalks along Santa Monica Boulevard, violations are rampant and often overlooked.

The sergeants acknowledged the issue, noting that while their enforcement has increased due to public outcry, there are inherent challenges. The mobility of scooters allows riders to easily evade patrol cars stuck in traffic. He highlighted that motorcycle units have been more effective in enforcement but emphasized the need to balance scooter enforcement with other pressing traffic concerns.

“It’s one of those tough things where a deputy sitting in a patrol car is stuck in traffic, and that scooter will be blocks away before they can even attempt to catch up,” the sergeants said.

Commissioner Tod Hallman supported the Eramian’s concerns by sharing personal encounters with reckless scooter riders. He described how scooter riders often speed down sidewalks during morning hours, posing a significant hazard to pedestrians.

“They don’t seem to yield or slow down when they get to corners. I should not have to fear for my life walking on the sidewalk,” Hallman said.

Community members echoed the commissioners’ worries during the public comment session. Resident Kevin Burton, an avid bicyclist, admitted being startled by scooter riders on sidewalks multiple times. He suggested deploying deputies on electric bikes as a potential solution for better enforcement.

Stephanie Harker proposed that law enforcement officers might use scooters themselves to effectively pursue violators. She also highlighted the vulnerability of Block by Block ambassadors who currently lack protective equipment to deal with aggressive scooter riders. Resident Kathy Blaivas suggested that individuals who wish to ride scooters should be required to own them or rent them under stricter conditions, such as providing a driver’s license and proof of insurance. This could ensure greater accountability and adherence to traffic laws.

The issue of abandoned scooters cluttering sidewalks was also raised. Eramian shared a positive experience using the City of West Hollywood’s mobile app to report abandoned scooters, noting prompt action from Lime, the scooter company. He encouraged residents to utilize the app for quicker resolutions.

“Within five minutes, someone from Lime was there, and they removed all the scooters,” he Eramian.