Crime & Safety
Violent Crime on Rise in Chatsworth
Aggravated assault and murder are up in the Devonshire area, officer says.
There's been a rise in violent crime in Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, and Northridge, LAPD Senior Lead Officer Daniel Del Valle told Neighborhood Watch on Thursday night.
“Crime is down in most categories, but up in the violent,” said Del Valle, who explained there was a spike in aggravated assault and murder in the LAPD Devonshire Division area.
Del Valle recounted the death on Tuesday of a Northridge carpet store manager who had been shot at his workplace last Friday; the shooting death on July 23 of a man who broke into the home of a marijuana grower in the 9000 block of Aqueduct Avenue in North Hills; and a husband’s drowning after he attempted to murder his wife in the 20200 block of Lassen Avenue, also on July 23.
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“It was a love triangle,” Del Valle said of the attempted murder. “The woman had her throat slit. He was found dead in the pool,” he told the gathering at St. John Eudes Catholic Church, 9901 Mason Ave.
Del Valle, however, characterized these violent crimes as “isolated incidents.” There were no murders in the Devonshire area in June. He also noted that July appeared set to have fewer burglaries and auto thefts compared to June, decreasing to 11 from 12 and three from nine, respectively.
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“Call us up,” said Del Valle, who wore civilian clothing and indicated that residents play a critical role in informing police about criminal activity in their neighborhoods. “It helps us out when we have some direction.”
Del Valle also announced that a larger LAPD-hosted Town Hall meeting would be held 7 p.m., Aug. 25, at the Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., in Porter Ranch. Local restaurants will be providing food and door prizes will be awarded. JoAnn Inouye of S.O.L.I.D., supporters of law eforcement in Devonshire, announced that the Los Angeles Port Police will be hosting a free cruise of the Port on Aug. 15, bus transportation from Chatsworth included.
Additionally, city Councilman Mitch Englander will be hosting “Movies Under the Stars” on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. in Mason Park. The family event will feature free children’s activities, public safety booths, popcorn, soda, and hot dogs.
The 50-minute meeting ended with a free raffle of canvas bags, calendars, and other giveaways. With 10 prizes, the odds were good.
