LA HABRA : Reward Fund Set Up to Help Police Solve Crimes

City Council members have established a $50,000 reward fund to offer incentives to people who may help police solve crimes.

City Manager Lee Risner said unsolved crimes threaten the community’s sense of security and “gnaw at our Police Department.”

Officials cited a homicide four years ago in which a homeless man was killed by blunt force. Police have yet to solve that case and a number of others, although they regularly review such cases.

The case of drive-by shootings by unknown culprits over the years at Councilwoman Dorothy May Rush’s home also is unsolved. Residents have asked the city to establish a reward to find the people who have been shooting at Rush’s home.

Risner said he doesn’t expect the city will spend the entire $50,000 in the reward fund.

In addition to the fund, the council created a Reward Fund Board of Directors to select the cases eligible for rewards, and how much to offer. The board will consist of two council members, two residents, a department head and a city employee.