Local Briefs

ABC Toys Burns in Downtown LA

Part of the ABC Toys building's roof collapsed during the fire.

2/18/22—Firefighters battled a fire early Friday at a two-story commercial building in downtown Los Angeles.

The fire was in the 600 block of South San Pedro Street. Signage on the building identified it as ABC Toys.

Part of the roof appeared to collapse as flames tore through the building. The fire extended from the first floor into the building's upper floor and attic.

A fire outside the building might have spread to the interior, firefighters said.

"Crews quickly encountered fire on the first floor and knocked it back," the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a statement. "However, the blaze was already on the 2nd floor so they continued up to search out the seat of the fire.

"With heavy fire burning through the ventilation holes cut into the roof, firefighters knew there was a well-established attic fire. Interior fire attack continued to make their way up through the 2nd floor, battling back flames as they accessed the attic and made a direct attack on the blaze."

The aggressive attack prevented a total loss, the LAFD said. More than 100 firefighters were at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Jury Trials Resume

The Los Angeles Superior Court resumed jury trials on 2/14/22. The order from the presiding judge covers both Civil and Criminal jury trials. Jurors will be expected to wear face masks.

"I remain in close contact with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to assess any emerging virus threats. However, while virus spread and hospitalizations are declining, it is time to restore full trial operations," the official press release quotes Judge Eric C. Taylor.

The official press release notes that masks are mandatory. In part, it says:

Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor today announced the full resumption of Civil jury trials and Criminal trials and preliminary hearings beginning Monday, February 14 as the Omicron surge continues to subside in Los Angeles County. The Court's longstanding mandatory face mask Order remains in effect.

"The Court is working with its justice partners and members of the Civil bar to resume full trial operations now that COVID trends are improving in LA County after the Omicron surge," Presiding Judge Taylor said. "Throughout the pandemic, we have prioritized safe access to justice – and will continue to do so. I remain in close contact with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to assess any emerging virus threats. However, while virus spread and hospitalizations are declining, it is time to restore full trial operations."

The nations largest State Court system, the LA Superior Courts operate 25 courthouses in Los Angeles County.

SMPD Catch Felony Hit-and-Run Suspect

2/15/22: It took Santa Monica Police less than two days to identify and locate a suspect who allegedly downed a female bicyclist at Chelsea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard during a nighttime crash.

At about 2:08 am on February 13, police were called to help a 16-year-old female bicyclist who'd been hit by a car. The reporting party told officers the vehicle had fled the scene via 23rd Street, traveling north. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel took the victim to a local hospital where she is currently listed in critical condition. The SMPD press release did not discuss why a 16-year-old female was on the street at two in the morning.

The Major Accident and Response Team (MART) investigated the site and the next day, February 14, they and Detectives took into custody Ramos Santiago, 29, from his residence in Los Angeles. Santiago was transported to the SMPD jail, where he was booked for 20001(b)(1) CVC – _Felony Hit and Run and 12500(a) CVC – _Driving without a License. Investigators also towed his vehicle, a black Chevrolet sedan, to be processed for evidence.

Anyone with any additional information pertaining to this incident is strongly encouraged to contact Investigator Evan Raleigh at 310-458-8954 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8426.