The Torrance Police Department is saddened to announce the loss of one of its members.  Officer Steve Kroesen lost his 3 year battle with cancer and passed away Tuesday morning, August 18, 2009.  With the passing of Steve, the Department lost a true warrior.  Steve was a man of passion, commitment and, above all, courage.  Steve spent the last 6 years as a member of the Torrance Police Department family and had been an Officer with the Long Beach Police Department prior.  Steve taught us about life, relationships, and police work.  He showed all of us what really matters in life by the way he lived.  His lasting gift to us is that we can now apply what we gained from him in both our personal and professional lives.  read more...

Fatal Traffic Collision Crenshaw north of Del Amo

On July 28, 2009, at approximately 2:44 p.m., officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to a call of a traffic collision with injury on Crenshaw Blvd north of Del Amo Blvd.  Upon arrival, officers discovered a 2006 Nissan Sentra that was traveling southbound on Crenshaw Blvd had struck a tree and the driver and sole occupant was trapped inside his vehicle. The driver sustained major injuries as a result of the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as a 34-year-old male with an address in Los Angeles.  His name is being withheld pending notification of family members.  read more...

Suspect Arrested in Commercial Vandalism Series

The Torrance Police Department has been investigating a series of vandalisms affecting commercial businesses in the City of Torrance. In these cases, the suspect has been breaking the windows of businesses along a number of major thoroughfares in the City, with heavy concentration on the businesses located on Hawthorne Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway and Sepulveda Boulevard. In these crimes, the suspect has used an air-rifle (pellet gun or similar type weapon) to damage the front windows of the locations. Several businesses have been the target of this vandalism on multiple occasions.  read more...

Result of Last Friday's Checkpoint Avoid 100 West

On Friday, June 19, 2009 the Torrance Police Department sponsored a DUI / Drivers License Checkpoint from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 am.  The location of the checkpoint was the eastbound lanes of the 5400 block of Torrance Boulevard.  This checkpoint was conducted in an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and / or injured due to alcohol-related collisions. read more...

Torrance Police Target Impaired Drivers with Checkpoint Avoid 100 West (updated)

The Torrance Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Drivers License checkpoint on June 19, 2009 from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at the intersection of Torrance and Henrietta.  In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol-related crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the streets, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. read more...

Assault with Deadly Weapon against TPD Officer

On June 13, 2009 the Torrance Police Department responded to the area of Pacific Coast Highway and Calle Mayor regarding a reckless driver.  The vehicle was located shortly before 10 am traveling east on Pacific Coast Highway near the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and a vehicle pursuit ensued.   The vehicle evaded officers by traversing commercial parking lots and crossing against the traffic controlled intersection.  The vehicle continued east on Pacific Coast Highway at a high rate of speed. read more...

Major Traffic Collision at Skypark and Garnier

On June 7, 2009 at approximately 3:14 p.m., officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to a call of a major traffic collision at Skypark and Garnier.  Preliminary investigation revealed a 2006 Ford Mustang was traveling south on Garnier and collided with a 2008 Volkswagen Golf that had been traveling west on Skypark.  The driver of the Mustang, 18-year-old Brian Otto of Rancho Palos Verdes, was transported to Harbor UCLA Medical Center in critical condition.  read more...

Torrance Police Target Impaired Drivers with Checkpoint Avoid 100 West

The Torrance Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Drivers License checkpoint on June 19, 2009 from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at the intersection of Sepulveda and Palos Verdes Blvd.  In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol-related crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the streets, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. read more...

Torrance Animal Control Offering Rabies Clinic

The City of Torrance's Animal Control Program, in cooperation with Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital, is hosting two vaccination clinics for dogs and cats in the City Torrance.  The clinics will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd and Wednesday June 17, 2009, at the Torrance Police Department Animal Control facility. read more...

Costa Mesa man arrested in a 30-year-old Torrance murder investigation

Today the Torrance Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit arrested a suspect for the 1979 murder of Torrance resident Lynn Knight.  read more...

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Fatal Traffic Collision at Palos Verdes and Sepulveda

On 10 May 2009, at approximately 4:40 p.m., officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to a call of a traffic collision with injury at Palos Verdes and Sepulveda Blvd.  Preliminary investigation revealed the driver of a 1997 Honda sedan had been traveling west on Sepulveda when he drifted into the eastbound lanes of traffic and struck a 2009 Honda sedan head on.  read more...

Fatal Traffic Collision at Guenser Park

On 5 May 2009, at approximately 10:56 p.m., officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to a call of a traffic collision with injury inside Guenser Park (17800 Gramercy Place).  Upon arrival, officers discovered a man trapped beneath an overturned 2004 Hummer H2, as well as evidence that the vehicle had been driven through the park resulting in damage to the grass area.  The driver sustained major injuries as a result of the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene.  read more...

Torrance Police Arrest Career Residential Burglary Suspect

In mid-February of 2009 a series of residential burglaries was identified in the City of Torrance.  Members of the Torrance Police Department Crime Impact Team identified a possible suspect, and initiated an investigation over the following two months. On April 20th 2009 at approximately 10:35 A.M., as members of the Crime Impact Team watched, a residential burglary occurred in the Orange County city of Rossmoor. Read more...

Torrance Police offer $5,000 reward for Vandalism Suspects

The Torrance Police Department is investigating a series of Vandalisms affecting numerous locations. In these cases, the suspects have been breaking the windows of commercial businesses along a number of major thoroughfares in the City of Torrance, with heavy concentration on businesses located on Hawthorne Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway and Sepulveda Boulevard. In a number of these crimes, the suspects have used a BB/pellet guns to damage the front windows of the business. Several businesses have been the target of this vandalism on multiple occasions.

A $5000 reward is now being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these vandalisms.  Read more...

Torrance Police Return Stolen Chihuahua

The Torrance Police Department has been investigating a series of auto burglaries.  The target of these burglaries has been valuables and specifically credit cards which were used to commit thefts from numerous South Bay department stores.  read more...

Upcoing DUI Checkpoint

The Torrance Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Drivers License checkpoint on March 14, 2009 from 8 pm to 3 am (March 15) in the 4300 block of Pacific Coast Hwy.  In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. read more...

On February 26, 2009 the Torrance Police Department responded to Jiffy Lube, located at 3209 190th Street regarding a sexual assault investigation.   The victim reported being at the location for vehicle repairs and being sexually assaulted by an employee on the premises.  read more...

Burglary Suspect Arrested
       

On February 22, 2009 at approximately 10:40 am, the Torrance Police Department responded to the 3000 Block of Lazy Meadow Drive regarding a possible residential burglary.  Upon the arrival of field units, it was determined that a burglary had occurred and that suspects may still be in the residence.  The area was contained and additional resources were deployed to ensure the containment of the suspects and also to ensure the safety of the surrounding residents. read more...

Vehicle Pursuit / Officer Involved Shooting

On February 10, 2009, at approximately 7:20 pm, Torrance Gang Investigators were patrolling the area of 173rd Street and Eastwood Avenue, in the City of Torrance.  A subject known to the investigators as Arturo Martin Samperio was observed in a vehicle.  This subject is a wanted Parole-at-Large and a traffic stop was initiated.   

read more...

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Fatal Armed Robbery Attempt at Torrance Business

On January 22, 2009, at approximately 1050 hours the Torrance Police Department responded to 2350 Sepulveda, A&A Builders, for a report of an armed robbery with shots being fired at the location.   read more...

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Fals Kidnapping Report Leasds to the Arrest of Parent

On December 12, 2008 at approximately 2:09 am, Torrance Police responded to a 911 call apartment in the 16900 block of Crenshaw Blvd regarding suspicious circumstances-possible kidnapping situation.  The caller, Gloria Moran, reported her 18 month old son was missing from their apartment and that she had received threats previously that someone was targeting her child for abduction.  read more...

Follow Home Robbery Suspect Arrested after Pursuit

On January 7, 2009, at approximately 0145 hours, Torrance Police Department Patrol Officers responded to the 4400 block of Pacific Coast Highway (Willow Tree Apartments parking lot) regarding a robbery that just occurred.  The robbery was a "follow-home" style from the Normandie Casino in Gardena, CA.  The suspect used bodily force to take the victim's purse and fled the area. read more...

Officer Involved Shooting

On December 23, 2008 at approximately 8:55 p.m., an Officer from the Torrance Police Department was participating in the South Bay Regional DUI Task Force and was working with an Officer from the El Segundo Police Department.  They were in the area of Rosecrans Boulevard and the 405 Freeway, in the City of Hawthorne, when they monitored a broadcast of an armed robbery in progress at the T-Mobile store located at 5035 Rosecrans.  They responded to the location and observed armed, masked gunmen in the location and further observed multiple victims lying on the floor. read more...

Fatal Traffic Collision

On December 22, 2008 at approximately 2310 hrs, Officers form the Torrance Police Department received a call of a major traffic accident in the 22800 block of Crenshaw. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a White Male Adult approximately 57 years of age, was crossing Crenshaw from west to east when he was struck by a south bound car.   He was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. read more...

DRIVER LICENSE / SAFETY CHECKPOINT

On September 24th, 2008 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Torrance Police will conduct a joint driver's license/safety checkpoint in the southbound lanes of the 22100 block of Western Ave.  The focus of the checkpoint will be to identify and remove unlicensed drivers from the roadway and to remind drivers to utilize safe driving habits by using their seatbelts. read more...

COYOTE SIGHTINGS IN SOUTH TORRANCE

During business hours on September 9, 2008, the Torrance Police Department's Animal Control received four phone calls regarding two coyotes being sighted in the area of Crest Road and Highcliff Road.  The animals were reportedly seen during the pre-dawn hours in the neighborhood. One caller reported that a cat had been attacked and killed. read more...

DUI Checkpoint

The Torrance Police Department in conjunction with California Office of Traffic and Safety, will be participating in the "Report Drunk Drivers - Call 911" and "Drunk Driving, over the Limit, Under Arrest" campaign during the Labor Day Holiday period. read more...

Fatal Traffic Collision

On 08 AUG 08 at approximately 1422 Hours, officers of the Torrance Police Department responded to an injury accident at the intersection of Maricopa and Alaska.  read more...

Bank Robbery Suspect in Custody

On Tuesday August 5, 2008, at approximately 4:15 pm, a bank robbery occurred at the Washington Mutual Bank, located at 2750 Pacific Coast Highway in the City of Torrance.  During the robbery the assailant was armed with a handgun, displayed a violent demeanor, and assaulted numerous employees / patrons during the crime.  The suspect was able to leave the location undetected.  The take in the bank robbery was approximately $4,000.00. read more...

Torrance Detectives Disrupt Southland Burglary Ring

The Torrance Police Department received information that three subjects were involved in residential burglaries in the South Bay, Beverly Hills and the West Valley area of the City of Los Angeles.   These subjects would drive in residential neighborhoods, during daytime hours, looking for houses where it appeared that no one was home.  When a potential house was located, one subject would approach the front door of the house and knock or ring the door bell.  If no one answered the door the subject would summon one of his crime partners and the two subjects would enter the back yard of the residence.  read more...

18-month Undercover Narcotics Investigation - Operation Accountability

On Friday July 11, 2008, the Torrance Police Department's Community Lead Officer Detail culminated an 18-month undercover operation aimed at targeting the narcotics sales in and surrounding the City of Torrance.  This investigation, dubbed "Operation Accountability", utilized the resources of the entire police department and involved a number of allied local and federal agencies.  The investigation targeted narcotics users, sellers and suppliers within the City of Torrance, as well as the suppliers bringing narcotics into the City.  read more...

Injury Incident

On June 7th, 2008 at 2:25 pm Torrance Police responded to an injured person lying in the street at Towers and Redbeam in the City of Torrance.  Officers learned that a 30 year old male named Teppei Nakano of Torrance was riding his skateboard in the area and lost control and fell to the street sustaining major head injuries.  Nakano was transported to Harbor General Hospital and was listed in critical condition.  read more...

Click it or Ticket Campaign 2008

The Torrance Police Department will be joining Police Departments throughout California and aggressively looking for drivers and passengers who don't buckle up during the 2008 "Click it or Ticket" seatbelt enforcement campaign, taking place May 12, 2008 through June 1, 2008. read more...

Torrance Animal Control Vaccination Clinics

The City of Torrance Animal Control Program, in cooperation with Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital, is hosting two vaccination clinics for dogs and cats in the City Torrance.  The clinics will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4th and Wednesday June 18, 2008, at the Torrance Police Department Animal Control facility. read more...

Kidnapping, Robbery, Attempt Rape Suspect

In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 27th, 2008, a female adult was walking in the area of Anza Avenue and Torrance Boulevard when a male pedestrian passed her walking in the opposite direction.  The male spoke a greeting to the woman as they passed, suddenly produced a handgun, tried to force the woman between some buildings, attempted to sexually assault her, and robbed her before fleeing the location. read more...

Fatal Traffic Collision

On April 29th, 2008 at 10:55 am, Torrance Police responded to a traffic collision involving a motorcyclist in the 400 block of Van Ness Avenue in the City of Torrance.  On arrival, officers learned that the operator of the motorcycle, identified as Mark Anthony Muramoto of Torrance, was south on Van Ness Avenue when he lost control striking the west curb and subsequently colliding with a power pole. read more...

Murder/Suicide

On April 28, 2008, at approximately 12:15 PM, Officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to 1921 230th St regarding a family disturbance.  Upon arrival Officers spoke to the involved parties, who are husband and wife.  During the investigation Officers issued the husband a restraining order, which his wife had earlier obtained.  The husband gathered his belongings and left the residence.

Later that evening at 8:20 PM, the Torrance Police Department received a second call to that location regarding a shooting.  Upon arrival, inside the residence Officers discovered four subjects who were the victims of gunshot wounds.  read more... 

Officer Involved Shooting

On April 19, 2008, at approximately 12:45 AM, Torrance Police Officers responded to the 2200 block of Torrance Blvd regarding a complaint of loud music.  Upon arrival Officers heard loud music coming from the south alley.  When the Officers exited their unit, the music was turned off and they were unable to locate where the original music was coming from.  Shortly after at 1:00 AM, Torrance Police Department received a second call of loud music in the area of the 2200 block of Torrance Blvd.  Officers arrived and identified the location where the complaint of loud music was coming from.  read more...

2 Adults and 2 Juveniles arrested for Residential Burglary

On April 10, 2008, at approximately 10:45 AM, Officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to the area of 235th Street and Maple Avenue regarding a residential burglary that had just occurred.  Officers received further information that the witness was following a possible suspect vehicle, described as a black Toyota Scion, which contained four subjects.   Officers located and stopped the vehicle in the 2300 block of 234th Street and detained the subjects.  read more...

Officer Involved Shooting

On Saturday, March 15, 2008 at approximately 9:44 PM, Officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to a 911 call, at 1820 Torrance Blvd #33.  Further information received was that there was a possible suicidal subject armed with a knife at that location.  Upon arrival Officers heard a verbal argument between two male subjects from inside the singlewide mobile home.  Officers entered the location to check on the welfare of the subject and to evacuate the residents, which included the mother, an adult male and a 17 year old female.  read more...

Major Injury Traffic Collision

On March 09, 2008 at approximately 11:52 AM, Officers from the Torrance Police Department received a call of a major traffic collision at the intersection of 220th and Martina. read more...

Fatal Traffic Collision

On March 08, 2008 at approximately 8:28 PM, Officers from the Torrance Police Department received a call of a major traffic collision on Crenshaw south of Skypark. read more...

Weapons Seized During Narcotic Search Warrant

On February 28, 2008, at approximately 3:00 PM Officers from the Community Lead Officer Detail served a narcotic search warrant at 19709 Tomlee Avenue.  During the search of the residence, Officers discovered military grade weapons including a Browning 30 caliber style machine gun and a grenade launcher, along with numerous handguns and high power rifles such as an SKS/AK47, Uzi and a Tech 9.  Officers further found methamphetamine and narcotic paraphernalia. Four subjects were arrested which included the owner of the residence. read more...

On February 15, 2008, at approximately 4:35 AM, Officers from the Torrance Police Department received a call of a major traffic collision at 175th Street and Atkinson.  read more...

On February 10, 2008 at approximately 4:30 PM, Officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to a robbery now call at the 99 Cent Store, located at 3007 Artesia.  Further information on the call was that three suspects entered the business, with one suspect armed with a handgun while one suspect stayed near a maroon colored vehicle.  Units arrived and observed a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description leaving the area northbound on Crenshaw Blvd.  read more...

Follow-up investigation resulting from the December 19, 2007, robbery of a Starbucks (2300 block Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance) led to the January 7, 2008 arrest of additional members of a crime team believed responsible for as many as a dozen armed robberies of South Bay businesses since October, 2007.  read more...

The Torrance Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on December 22, 2007 from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM, in the 4300 block of Pacific Coast Hwy.  In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.  read more (PDF) >>

On Friday, November 2, 2007, Recruit Class #365 from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs' Academy, will be honoring fallen Torrance Officer Thomas Keller with their class "Colors Run."  One hundred and fourteen police recruits and seven staff instructors will take part in this wonderful event honoring one of the Torrance Police Department's finest, who lost his life in the line of duty on April 17, 1986.  Participating in the run will be the Torrance SWAT Team joined by the Chief of Police and fellow Torrance Police Officers.  Many South Bay Law Enforcement Agencies will also take part in this event.  Officer Keller's parents, brother, and sister will be present to witness the 200 Officers as they run through the streets of Torrance on their way to Thomas Keller Memorial Park.  read more (PDF) >>

On Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 7:00 p.m., the Monthly Environmental Commission Hearing will take place at the Torrance City Hall, the West Annex located at 3031 Torrance Blvd.  The Environmental Commission will oversee the appeal process involving the owner of a dog named "Chucky", who was involved in the biting of a U.S. Postal Worker on August 20, 2007.  The appeal stems from the Vicious Dog Hearing which took place on September 10, 2007.  read more (PDF) >>

On Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at approximately 5:00 a.m., an attempted murder investigation culminated with the arrest of one adult and two juveniles.  The Torrance Police Department Gang Detail along with the assistance of S.W.A.T. teams from the Torrance Police Department, Redondo Beach Police Department, El Segundo Police Department and Hawthorne Police Department served four search warrants.  read more (PDF) >>