A message from the Commanding Officer, Operations Valley Bureau Deputy Chief Jorge Villegas, regarding update of Hate Incident:
Juvenile subjects with parents/guardians are now with investigators. This case was investigated aggressively from the beginning. It is now readily apparent that this case was the result of the poor judgement of youthful subjects in an ill-advised prank.
The incident will be classified as a Hate Incident instead of a Hate Crime due to the lack of any prosecutable crime.
Captain Kris Pitcher will be available at Devonshire Station for about one hour for statements to the Media.
Original Message below:
Harming, threatening or harassing someone because of their actual or perceived race, national origin, disability, religion, sex, gender, or sexual orientation, is a HATE CRIME. Under California and Federal Law, crimes motivated by hatred or prejudice carry increased penalties.
Hate Crimes are not just a violation against an individual or group, but also an attack on the whole of society. As such, the LAPD places a very high priority on hate crimes.
I am assuring the community that the Los Angeles Police Department is aggressively investigating the incident that occurred recently in Devonshire Area. I am in direct communication with the Devonshire command staff. Devonshire Detectives are involved in a comprehensive criminal investigation. We are investigating some persons of interest. We hope to have a resolution to this incident soon
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call Devonshire Detective Division at 818-832-0609. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.
