Traffic incidents dominate sheriff’s September report

Lieutenant Fanny Lapkin of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station presented September’s crime data to the city’s Public Safety Commission at their meeting Monday night.

The department field 1,796 calls for service throughout the month, 77 of which were emergency responses. Deputies made 39 felony arrests and 64 misdemeanor arrests. She noted a significant 11.78 percent decrease in crime compared to the previous year.

The breakdown of calls for Part One crimes showed 59 percent of incidents occurred on the west side of the city, 21 percent in the City Center, and 20 percent on the east side.

Addressing a fatal traffic collision that happened this week on Fountain Avenue and Spaulding Avenue, Lapkin said investigators were still determining the cause of the crash. She noted that speed and alcohol were yet to be ruled out and added.

“There are many questions, but nothing concrete yet,” Lapkin said.

Lapkin explained that no arrests had been made, as they were waiting for toxicology reports and other evidence before presenting the case to the District Attorney.

Vice Chair Bill Harrison inquired about a noticeable increase in the Sheriff’s presence on Fountain Avenue following the recent traffic incident. Lapkin explained that the Traffic Division rotated patrols based on collision data, and while the increased presence was partially coincidental, it was also requested.

Commissioner Brandon Blau sought clarification on traffic citations. Lapkin emphasized the challenge of categorizing reckless driving, as deputies must witness at least three violations for a citation.

“We’re not waiting for something to happen, but reckless driving requires a set of criteria,” she said.

Blau suggested that increasing penalties or focusing on reckless driving might help curb traffic issues. Lapkin pointed out that legislative changes would be necessary to alter penalties but affirmed that deputies take immediate action when witnessing unsafe driving behavior.

Lapkin reported that the suspect in the recent assault on a valet at Barney’s Beanery is now believed to be in the Hollywood area.

“Our Major Crimes team is assisting with the investigation, but so far, we’ve been inundated with calls that turned out not to be the individual,” she said.

She also addressed burglaries in the Norma Triangle, suggesting the crimes were related to similar incidents in neighboring cities. 

Lapkin noted there were no injuries in the recent crash between one of the city’s trolleys and a Tesla, and alcohol was not involved.

“It appears to have been a tragic but avoidable collision,” she said. 

Turning to a recent crash at Fairfax and Fountain, Lapkin said both drivers involved claimed to have had the green light. Investigators were reviewing camera footage to determine fault.

Further discussion touched on another solo traffic collision on Sunset Boulevard at Gardner.

“Alcohol or drugs might have been involved, but it hasn’t been confirmed,” Lapkin said, adding that the investigation was still ongoing.

Recent burglaries in the Norma Triangle appear to be part of a pattern, Lapkin said. 

“West Beverly Hills experienced similar incidents, and we’re looking into whether they are connected to our cases,” she said.

Commissioner Joy Freiberg asked about pickpocketing arrests, noting that six arrests had been made since January. Lapkin explained that tracking repeat offenders was challenging without specific case numbers but offered to follow up with more information at the next meeting.

Harrison inquired about sting operations to combat pickpocketing, particularly with Halloween approaching. Lapkin confirmed they were planning to increase awareness and patrols, anticipating a rise in incidents. Harrison pointed out that many reports were filed after the fact, making it difficult to track down suspects. Lapkin agreed, explaining that late reports often hinder investigations.

He also asked about the timeline for the recently approved drone and camera program; Lapkin indicated that the drone program would likely be operational by the end of the year, but camera installations were still in the early planning stages.