Off-duty LAPD officer arrested for alleged assault with a deadly weapon
An off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer was arrested Tuesday morning for alleged assault with a deadly weapon in a residential neighborhood just outside Los Angeles International Airport.
Six-year veteran Richard Podkowski, 28, was arrested at 5:20 a.m. near the 8600 block of Belford Avenue, according to booking records. Los Angeles police were responding to a call from a community member when they took Podkowski into custody after investigators completed an initial inquiry.
For the record:
1:46 p.m. May 23, 2024An earlier version of this story said Richard Podkowski was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested on suspicion of committing that crime. He has yet to be charged.
An LAPD spokesperson said no one was hospitalized because of the incident and declined to discuss the type of weapon used or the circumstances of the assault.
California parole board revoked a decision to recommend release for Stephanie Lazarus after testimony saying the ex-detective ‘lied for decades’ to cover up 1986 slaying.
The department’s internal affairs division began its own investigation that day and Podkowski was placed on paid administrative leave, according to the spokesperson.
Podkowski had been assigned to the West Bureau, which covers the communities of Hollywood and West Los Angeles and the Pacific, Wilshire and Olympic areas.
He’s free after posting $30,000 bail, according to booking records.
Podkowski is next due in court June 11.
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