Assault with a Deadly Weapon Suspect Arrested NR24044dm

Los Angeles: On February 2, 2024, at 7:20 a.m., Newton Area patrol officers responded to a Vandalism radio call at a business on the 800 block of East Vernon Avenue. Officers met with victim-1 who advised the suspect (later identified as Lucerito Valenzuela) had fled prior to their arrival. The suspect was looking for her ex-boyfriend, who no longer was employed at the business. The suspect proceeded to damage victim-1’s vehicle with a Pogo stick.

Approximately four hours later, Newton Area patrol officers responded back to the same location for an Assault with a Deadly Weapon radio call. The suspect returned to the location with an axe, approached Victim-2, and held the axe over the victim’s head while he was working. Victim-2 moved away to avoid being struck. When the officers arrived, the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Prior to returning to the business a second time, the suspect had sustained a self-inflicted injury to her eyebrow, which required medical attention. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded, and the suspect was treated for her injury.

Lucerito Valenzuela was arrested and booked for 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon, booking number 6752889.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Newton Detectives at (323) 846-5363. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.