LAFD Knocks Down Boyle Heights Church Fire in Under 30 Minutes
Boyle Heights, CA — Firefighters swiftly contained a blaze at a Boyle Heights church Sunday afternoon, preventing serious damage to the historic structure.
The Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of a structure fire around 3:17 p.m. at 1339 E. Pleasant Avenue. When crews arrived, they found one room of the church actively burning. A greater-alarm fire was immediately requested to bring in additional resources.
Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack and successfully extinguished the flames within 28 minutes, with 45 firefighters on scene.
No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed that no religious artifacts were damaged during the incident.
The LAFD Arson Unit is now investigating the cause of the fire.
Deadly SWAT Standoff Unfolds in Jefferson Park
Los Angeles, CA — A deadly standoff in the Jefferson Park neighborhood ended Saturday evening after Los Angeles police SWAT teams took a barricaded gunman into custody following hours of tense negotiations and gunfire.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of 9th Avenue around 1:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire in the area. When they arrived, they discovered a man lying unresponsive in the front yard of a residence. Paramedics later confirmed the victim was dead at the scene.
As officers attempted to secure the property, the suspect allegedly fired shots from inside the home, forcing police to call in specialized SWAT units. The surrounding streets were quickly sealed off as tactical teams, crisis negotiators, and armored vehicles arrived on scene.
Neighbors reported hearing multiple rounds during the standoff.
“It was terrifying—we were told to stay inside, and we could hear the shots echoing down the block,” said one nearby resident. “There were police everywhere, even on rooftops.”
Police confirmed that the suspect continued to fire sporadically at officers but no law enforcement personnel were injured. After several hours, SWAT officers were able to breach the home and take the suspect into custody without further gunfire.
The suspect’s identity has not yet been released, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting. Homicide detectives are now leading the investigation.
“This was a dangerous and volatile situation that could have resulted in more loss of life,” an LAPD spokesperson said. “We are grateful that no officers or additional civilians were harmed.”
The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
“Butt-Sniffing Bandit” Arrested Again in Burbank
Burbank, CA — A 38-year-old registered sex offender known as the “Butt-Sniffing Bandit” has been arrested once again after allegedly targeting a woman inside a Walgreens store.
Police say Calese Carron Crowder, 38, was taken into custody on August 20 after a woman reported that he approached her and attempted to sniff her buttocks while she was shopping at the Burbank Walgreens. Witnesses immediately contacted store security, and officers quickly responded to the scene, where Crowder was arrested without incident.
This is not the first time Crowder has faced such allegations. In July 2025, he was arrested at a Nordstrom Rack in the Los Angeles area after reportedly engaging in similar behavior. Records show Crowder has a documented history of sexual offenses dating back to 2021, with multiple victims reporting comparable encounters
Authorities confirmed that Crowder is a registered sex offender, previously convicted of indecent conduct. His repeated arrests have raised questions about sentencing and monitoring of high-risk offenders.
““We take these incidents very seriously,” a Burbank police spokesperson said. “Our priority is ensuring the safety of the community and supporting victims who have been impacted by this individual’s behavior.””
The Burbank Police Department is urging anyone who may have had a similar encounter with Crowder to come forward.
Crowder remains in custody as prosecutors review charges. If convicted, he could face enhanced penalties given his prior criminal record.