Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dorner Carjacking Victim Filing Lawsuit to Claim Full $1M Reward
Richard Heltebrake in Big Bear (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
()
The $1 million reward being offered for information received that led authorities to located former fugitive cop Christopher Dorner has been mired in controversy basically since it was announced. Now the attorney for the man carjacked by Dorner during his final hours says his client is filing a lawsuit seeking the entire reward.
Rick Heltebrake encountered alleged killer on the run Dorner when the onetime LAPD approached Heltebrake at gunpoint and demanded he turn over his Dodge Ram truck.
Heltebrake followed Dorner's directions and jumped out of the car and took his dog with him. Later Heltebrake called 9-1-1 from his cell phone, and not too long afterward San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies found Dorner hiding in a nearby cabin.
()
Support for LAist comes from
Handout picture of Christopher Dorner provided by Los Angeles Police Department (Photo by LAPD via Getty Images)
When it comes to the reward, because Dorner wasn't captured and prosecuted, but rather took his own life while the cabin in which he was hiding smoldered to the ground following the authorities' use of incendiary devices, many groups have since withdrawn their pledges to the reward fund.Although Dorner was located in Big Bear and the shootout that ended his life was handled by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the City of L.A. has taken the lead on wrangling the reward fund.
Friday, April 19 was the deadline for applicants to file for consideration for the reward or a portion thereof. The plan is to have a panel of three retired judges to assess the claims over a majority of the reward money, as orchestrated by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
However, "Alan Thomas, the attorney for Heltebrake, said they believe the proposed three-judge panel and procedures violate his rights and he would be seeking the full amount," according to the Daily Bulletin. Thomas "noted the process does not allow Heltebrake to present evidence or question witnesses and the proceedings would be private."
Thomas says the reward process leaves him and his client "no choice" but to pursue the matter in court, remarking in a written statement that Beck and Villaraigosa "arbitrarily and capriciously established an unfair, one-sided process that ignores Heltebrake's fundamental, due process rights."
This is the second time Thomas has announced a lawsuit on behalf of Heltebrake for the full reward amount.
The LAPD says eight people filed for the reward. The City of L.A.'s portion of the reward fund is just $100,000.
Related
Group Withdraws $50K Pledge to Dorner Reward Fund
Riverside Revokes $100,000 Dorner Reward Pledge
Dorner Reward Donors Now Don't Want to Give Their Money
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist