LBPD Chief Robert Luna announces bid for LA County Sheriff

Photo via LBPD

Soon-to-be former Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna announced Wednesday he will run for Los Angeles County Sheriff in 2022.

Why it matters: Luna's entry would make an already jam-packed race even more competitive by being a high-profile candidate with a legitimate shot to oust Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

• Luna dubbed himself an "outsider" at his press conference and said he wants to "change the culture," of LASD per LAist.

• As Luna spoke, members of Black Lives Matter assembled behind him, brandishing signs that read "Don't Let Luna Fail Up!" and "LUNA FAILD LONG BEACH HE Will FAIL ALL OF LA COUNTY."

• "Me, as the chief of police, I've been pushing vaccinations," and "that's the way we're going to end this pandemic and the city is moving toward mandates," Chief Luna said, per the Post.

Keep this in mind: California State Senator Lena Gonzalez endorsed LAX Police Chief Cecil Rhambo in October but was seen behind Luna during his press conference.

• Villanueva's tenure has been fought with criticism over his public clashes with the LA County Board of Supervisors, his refusal to enforce stay-at-home orders, and mask mandates, as well as the photo scandal over the death of Kobe Bryant.

• Even with all the controversy, Villanueva is still the favorite to remain in office just for being the incumbent and being a life-long member of the LA County Sheriff's Department.

• Luna is also competing with several current and former heads of police agencies.

LASD arrested four suspects linked to the 'flash mob' heist at the Home Depot in Lakewood

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced the apprehension of four suspects connected to a Black Friday night robbery at the Home Depot in Lakewood.

Details:

According to LASD, the suspects were arrested at 2:20 a.m. Saturday morning on the 400 block of North Rexford Boulevard in Beverly Hills after BHPD officers noticed a "red vehicle with front end collision damage" matching the description of the suspect's car.

• The BHPD officers conducted a traffic stop, discovering that all the occupants inside the vehicle were dressed in "dark clothing," and found tools.

• LASD detectives brought the suspects back to Lakewood and charged them with conspiracy to commit burglary.

All suspects are residents of Los Angeles and are due in a Bellflower Courthouse on November 30, 2021

• 20-year-old Los Angeles resident Bronz Jackson is being held on a $20,000 bail.

• 19-year-old Shawn Jones is being held on a $20,000 bail.

• 19-year-old Los Angeles resident Daniel DeHughes is currently receiving medical treatment before being charged.

• The Sheriff's Department says, "there are still several more suspects, and suspect vehicles, being sought in this flash mob burglary and many more like it."

LBFD: Car shears two fire hydrants in Rose Park

Photo courtesy of Reddit user u/nesdan

On Saturday, a car collided with two fire hydrants, causing a geyser-like burst that could rival any water-musical show at Disneyland.

Details:

LBFD spokesperson Jack Crabtree told the Modern Times that the crash occurred about 9:41 a.m. at 7th Street and St. Louis Avenue.

• The driver sheared off two hydrants flooding the street, but no one required medical attention and needed transportation to the hospital.

• Long Beach police assisted with traffic management of the area.