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.
Women Shot at By LAPD Cops During Dorner Manhunt Don't Have a New Truck Yet
The Los Angeles Police Department called the shooting aimed at two Hispanic newspaper delivery women in a pickup truck during the hunt for fugitive ex-cop Christopher Dorner a case of "mistaken identity," and pledged to make things right for the injured ladies. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck promised them a new truck...but they haven't been given one yet, and getting them the new vehicle has been a bumpy ride.
The blue Toyota pickup truck occupied by 71-year-old Emma Hernandez, and her 47-year-old daughter Margie Carranza was spotted by officers from the LAPD's Hollywood Division the morning of February 7. The police were on protective detail on a residential street in Torrance, there to ensure the safety of an individual named in Dorner's "manifesto" against the LAPD, when they saw the vehicle slowly moving down the street with the lights off.
The officers opened fire on the truck, striking Hernandez and Carranza. The truck was riddled with bullet holes, the women both injured.
It was an ugly misstep for the LAPD, and Beck "promised to provide a truck from a donor regardless of potential litigation by the women," explains L.A. Now.
Support for LAist comes from
A month later, the women don't have a new truck, and they aren't exactly pleased with how much getting a replacement truck will cost them.
Glen Jonas, an attorney for the women says the truck on offer from the LAPD comes with pricy strings, namely that the women will need to pay taxes on the vehicle because it will be classified as a "prize."
Jonas says the LAPD first offered the women a used truck. Then they were offered a "non-four-wheel-drive Ford to replace their four-wheel-drive Toyota." Other conditions include having to agree not to sell the vehicle for a year. Then came the news they'd have to pay the taxes--a bit harder because the women have been unable to work for over a month now.
The LAPD's Commander Andrew Smith says they are "trying to work it out" with the dealership, the police, and the women. Smith says they were willing to cover the cost of the vehicle, including taxes and fees, but the dealership "has advised that the vehicle must be legally declared for tax purposes."
The shooting remains under investigation, and the seven officers involved are now on desk duty.
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. -
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. -
![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. -
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