The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday presented its October report to the Public Safety Commission, providing detailed updates on crime statistics, significant incidents and ongoing investigations.
Sgt. Jason Duron from the West Hollywood Station noted that deputies handled 1,923 calls for service during the month, including 96 emergencies. Law enforcement activity resulted in 39 felony arrests and 81 misdemeanor arrests. Part One crimes, which include serious offenses such as assault and burglary, totaled 168 incidents, with the majority—59 percent—occurring in the city’s West District. The City Center accounted for 23 percent of crimes, while 28 percent occurred in the East area.
Halloween festivities were a major focus of the report, with Duron describing the city’s signature event as a success, noting minimal incidents despite a turnout of hundreds of thousands of people. Sheriff Robert Luna attended the celebration, engaging with attendees and commending deputies on duty. Pre-Halloween enforcement efforts targeting street vendors, particularly unlicensed hot dog vendors, resulted in several citations and confiscation of food items. These operations were conducted in partnership with the city’s Code Enforcement and Block by Block teams.
Duron highlighted the arrest of a suspect in an attempted murder case linked to the assault of a valet at Barney’s Beanery. The suspect, identified by deputies during a patrol on October 15, was detained and now faces attempted murder charges. The case has progressed to court.
The report also detailed 39 pickpocketing incidents in the Rainbow District, including those reported during Halloween. Assaults remained a major concern, with 74 incidents logged in October. Additionally, the Mental Evaluation Team (MET) responded to 69 incidents during the month, reflecting continued efforts to address mental health-related issues in the community.
Duron provided updates on other pressing matters, including a fatal vehicle collision at Spaulding and Fountain on October 10. The incident remains under active investigation, with toxicology reports pending and video footage under review. He also addressed a series of burglaries concentrated around Doheny and Hammond, noting that another incident was reported after an initial cluster of three to four break-ins. The method of entry suggests a similar pattern, and detectives are working closely with Beverly Hills Police, where comparable burglaries occurred.
Concerns about public safety in specific areas, including Vaseline Alley near La Jolla Avenue, were also discussed. Duron acknowledged an uptick in activity involving homeless individuals and mental health-related cases. He assured the commission that nighttime patrols have been increased in these areas and emphasized the impact of the Block by Block kiosk placement in improving daytime safety. However, he admitted that challenges remain.
A troubling incident on October 24 involving a group of juveniles aged 11 to 14 was highlighted. The group, reportedly from Hollywood, engaged in disruptive behavior in the Norton Avenue area after leaving Plummer Park. Their actions included firing a projectile device, damaging property and using slurs. One juvenile was arrested for assault, while others were detained and released to their parents, who were reportedly taking disciplinary action.
Questions were raised about cannabis retail thefts, including a recent smash-and-grab at The Woods WeHo. Duron confirmed that no arrests had been made in that case but noted that cannabis-related thefts have decreased in recent months. Commissioners also raised questions about the potential impact of Proposition 36 on retail crime enforcement, to which Duron responded that the department is still evaluating the implications of the new legislation.
The Community Safety Division introduced the city’s upcoming public safety technology initiatives, which include the use of drones, fixed real-time cameras, and a Real-Time Watch Center. While the program is still in development, it is expected to roll out by early 2025. The city plans to host both in-person and virtual town hall meetings to inform residents and gather feedback.
Community engagement efforts were also highlighted. City officials announced an active shooter training workshop open to all city residents and businesses, scheduled for December 7. Additionally, a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) alumni meeting was held in October to reconnect trained residents and encourage collaboration on emergency preparedness. New Block by Block kiosks, wrapped in bright blue for visibility, have been installed throughout the city to improve public safety access, including a recent addition at the La Jolla and Havenhurst parking lot.
The commissioners expressed support for these initiatives and urged the city to expand outreach efforts, particularly by scheduling multiple town hall meetings to ensure accessibility for all residents.
Your article leaves one with the impression that Sheriff’s deputies conducted the hot dog cart enforcement on Halloween. In fact, the enforcement was done by the city’s Code Enforcement staff; deputies only provided backup to the code officers at the request of city hall management. Also, the manner in which you wrote about “Vaseline Alley” downplays the Council’s belief that Block by Block is an effective deterrent to issues caused by our mentally-ill/homeless population. Your writing implies that the Sheriff’s personnel oversee the Block-by-Block staff – which is entirely inaccurate. Block-by-Block is operated by a private company, their personnel would… Read more »