Los Angeles has been struck by a spree of vandalism, with two separate incidents involving damage to high-rise buildings under construction. In the early hours of January 30, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a vandalism call at an unfinished building on South Figueroa Street. According to the LAPD Newsroom, a Tactical Flight Officer spotted over a dozen individuals engaging in what appeared to be graffiti at the site. Although most suspects escaped before backup units arrived, two were apprehended and received Release From Custody Citations for trespassing.
Both apprehended suspects, identified as Victor Daniel Ramirez, 35, and Roberto Perez, 25, are L.A. city residents. To quickly combat this type of disruptive activity, the LAPD issued them citations with Ramirez receiving Release From Custody Citation #K83263 and Perez, #K83262. However, this would not be the end of the vandalism streak.
Just days later, on February 1, a new vandalism call directed Central Area officers to West 11th Street and South Flower Street. Security personnel reported that the suspects had left the scene in a vehicle, prompting another police response. When officers located and attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to comply, leading to a citation for failing to yield to an officer.
The driver, who was not identified, received a citation for California Vehicle Code Section 21806. Central Division detectives are currently working to identify all individuals involved in these incidents in hopes of making additional arrests. Anyone with information regarding these acts of vandalism is asked to reach out to Central Area Burglary Detective Lee at (213) 833-3750 or contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers for those preferring to remain anonymous.
The city's unfinished edifices, standing tall yet incomplete, have become an accidental canvas for lawbreakers. The repeated incidents draw attention to the need for tighter security measures at construction sites, a concern for developers and city officials alike. The LAPD continues their investigation, urging the public to come forward with any details that could assist in bringing the vandals to justice.
