His record includes accusations of perjury, excessive force, illegal searches, and false arrest.
Tovar, a former partner of Rafael Perez in the LAPD Rampart Division’s CRASH unit was initially fired for planting drugs on suspects, but was reinstated after a disciplinary panel found procedural violations within the LAPD.
Decades ago, the then captain, Jim McDonnell, stated to Tovar, “Your actions and failure to act have made you a liability to the city.”
In 2013, Tovar was involved in a shooting incident outside the LAPD Wilshire station, where he alleged that he had been ambushed. However, an investigation by the LAPD Inspector General found no evidence that any suspect had fired a weapon at him.
Articles in newspapers detailing various controversies surrounding LAPD officer Humberto Tovar
On 9/9/23, LAPD officer Jamar Butler harassed a group of men who were conversing in a parking lot outside a gym, incorrectly accusing them of “loitering.” Despite others in the area also talking, Butler specifically targeted the gym-goers. He violated LAPD policy and the Constitution by using his flashlight to obstruct one man’s view of his nameplate, effectively hindering the ability to document the encounter, which constitutes a First Amendment violation.
Additionally, Butler referred to one individual as “little man,” displaying further disrespect. It’s important to note that loitering implies a lack of lawful purpose, but the men were simply on their way to the gym, which is a legitimate reason to be present. The officers had no grounds to interfere with them.
LAPD officer Jamar Butler harassing gymgoer
On August 26, 2021, LAPD officer Roy Agbanawag was observed sleeping at the front desk of the Hollywood Division station while on duty. On August 29, 2021 was, again, observed sleeping at the Hollywood Division station front desk while on duty. A complaint was filed for neglect of duty directly with the Chief of Police.
In March 2022, a complaint disposition confirmed that the allegations had been sustained.
Unfortunately, under California Penal Code § 837.5, officer disciplinary records are private. However, by analyzing the disciplinary report, I was able to determine that Officer Agbanawag received a 10-day suspension.
