Vandalism Fails to Close Police Post

The new El Sereno police substation has been vandalized, hit by gunfire and firebombed since it opened last month, but will continue to operate with community support, officials say.

“The community doesn’t want us to leave,” said Capt. Norman Rouillier, commanding officer of the Hollenbeck patrol division.

The substation, at 5150 N. Huntington Drive, opened Oct. 3 at the behest of the El Sereno Chamber of Commerce and community leaders who raised money to help pay operating costs for the office. Another substation was opened in Boyle Heights in October with similar community contributions.

In addition to taking police calls, the substation officers also help residents with other problems, such as broken street lights, abandoned cars and graffiti. Two officers staff the substation in four-hour shifts.

Information: (213) 224-9721.

The office was firebombed shortly before its opening, and bullets have broken windows on at least three occasions, said Officer Bob Acosta. Residents held car washes and raised money to replace windows shattered by gunfire and the Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations paid for a $1,200 steel door to protect the office. The door, however, did not stop bullets from again shattering windows and piercing the walls.

“The sign has some bullets in it, the walls have a couple of bullets. It looks like a war,” Acosta said.

Residents, he said, have started to drive by the office when it is closed to check on it. Police have not made any arrests in the incidents.