Some Updates From LAPD on Alatar Shooting on October 5, 2009

Yesterday I took the time to call up the LAPD’s Topanga Division (located in a brand spanking new facility in Canoga Park) and try to get a little more information about Monday morning’s shooting.  I was directed to Detective Bill Speer and had a pleasant conversation with him for a few minutes.  As he put it, he is “the supervisor of the detectives in the division working on the case.”

He tells me that the victim knew the assailant, and that they are waiting for the victim to recover from his wounds before questioning him further.   Detective Speer also confirmed that the man will recover. Names of the suspect and victim are not being released at this time.

Interestingly, I asked Speer about reports that someone was arrested at the scene, possibly in connection with a marijuana growing facility at the home.  He said that there was no marijuana growing facility at the location, and no arrest was made there either.  He also seemed to be unaware of these reports.

I will do my best to keep you informed on this case.

Extra fact, the Topanga Division LAPD station opened last year and services Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Winnetka, and West Hills.  I believe until then, these areas were also handled by the West Valley Division.  Which made filing reports very inconvenient for Woodland Hills residents being that  their station was way up in Northridge.

The official LAPD press release about the incident is after the jump. PS: I don’t necessarily believe everything the LAPD says on this one, they may be holding their cards close to the vest.  And check out that eco-friendly xeriscaping.

LAPD Press Release:

Armed Robbery Leads to Shooting, Victim Survives NR09488cj

Los Angeles: A man was shot inside of his home by two suspects inside of his residence in Woodland Hills.

On October 5, 2009 at around 12:30 a.m., the victim confronted two suspects inside of his home in the 4900 block of Alatar Drive and started arguing with them.  During the argument, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the upper torso.  The suspects then ran away from the scene.  The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he is expected to fully recover from his wounds.

Detectives are looking for two suspects described only as males in a white vehicle.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Area Robbery Homicide Detectives Jeff Briscoe and Pam Pitcher at 818-756-3523.  After hours or on weekends, calls may directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org.  All tips will remain anonymous.

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• Supplemental Link: LAPD Topanga Division, LAPD Press Release