Watts came out to mourn ‘Mama Curtis.’ Then LAPD showed up in force

Breaking: LAPD response to Watts memorial sparks tense standoff; investigation underway

Los Angeles officials faced a moment of high tension when a memorial gathering for a longtime community matriarch near the Jordan Downs housing advancement drew a heavy police presence and a clash with mourners. The incident unfolded on a narrow street in Watts as officers moved in to address what they said were obstructed emergency routes.

Main events at the Juniper Avenue scene

Officers from the Southeast Area station were called to the 10400 block of Juniper Avenue, a one-way street adjacent to Jordan Downs. Police said double-parking outside the home created barriers to safe passage for emergency responders and residents alike. Around 9 p.m. on Saturday,authorities arrested an individual on suspicion of illegal firearm posession as part of their response.

Videos circulating online showed a line of memorial-goers facing officers in riot gear or with Tasers drawn. Some demonstrators confronted law enforcement, and a tow truck was seen leaving the area with a vehicle in tow. One community member later described the episode as marked by improper searches, detentions without cause, and a lack of communication and dignity.

Official response and internal reviews

In a statement, LAPD spokeswoman captain Michael Bland said the department opened an internal investigation after receiving a complaint from a member of the community and began a separate review of the officers’ use of force. He emphasized that both personnel matters would be examined “thoroughly and comprehensively” in the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

Bland added that department officials reached out to community members and stakeholders to address concerns and foster dialog, aiming to ensure community voices are heard during the process.

Community reaction and accountability efforts

McOsker, the councilmember who represents the area, criticized the police approach near the Jordan Downs development, saying the response did not reflect the CSP—Community Safety Partnership—model the city has pursued in Watts for years. He attended a Tuesday afternoon meeting at Morning Star Baptist Church with Curtis’s family and other locals, and he described the situation as a missed opportunity for a CSP-style response.

“when you have a 94-year-old woman who’s beloved by the community, people will show up,” he said, noting that the city’s clarification so far has been limited to an “internal breakdown in communication.” He also urged clearer protocols for notifying families planning memorials or funerals to prevent similar episodes.

cmdr.Ryan Whiteman publicly apologized on behalf of the department during the meeting, a gesture McOsker called constructive but insufficient to erase the day’s tensions.

Context from longtime observers

Nearby observers described a landscape of frequent police attention at the nickerson Gardens and other Watts sites, where elections and anniversaries often unfold with heightened tensions.Tanya Dorsey, who runs a local nonprofit, said policing at vigils and repasses can escalate when emotions run high, especially during family bereavements.

Jorja Leap, a UCLA professor who has studied Watts, said the episode underscored the fragility of hard-won trust between residents and the LAPD, warning that past dynamics can color current interactions and that the community cannot afford to forget history.

Key facts at a glance

fact	Details
Location	10400 block of juniper Avenue, near Jordan Downs in Watts, Los Angeles
Event	Memorial gathering for a community member; police response due to obstructed access
Time	around 9 p.m. on Saturday
Arrest	One person arrested on suspicion of illegal firearm possession
Investigations	Internal probe of personnel matters and review of use of force

What’s next

Authorities say they will continue to review the incident and engage with community leaders to address concerns. Expect updates on the internal investigations and any policy or procedure changes intended to improve communication with grieving families and neighborhood residents.

Evergreen takeaways for readers

Events like this highlight ongoing tensions between policing strategies and community trust,especially in historically challenged neighborhoods.The CSP framework aims to prioritize collaboration over arrests, but its success depends on consistent, respectful engagement with residents during crises, funerals, and vigils.Community leaders and law enforcement officials alike stress accountability, transparency, and open dialogue as foundations for rebuilding trust over time.

Reader questions

What steps should police departments take to balance public safety with the needs of grieving families at memorials and funerals?

How can CSP-like partnerships be strengthened in neighborhoods with a long history of mistrust between residents and police?

Engagement

Share your thoughts below: How do you think communities and police can better work together in the wake of confrontations like this?

For further context on policing approaches in troubled neighborhoods, you may explore resources from major public safety and community resilience organizations.

Disclaimer: This report summarizes authorities’ statements and community responses observed at the scene. Details may evolve as investigations continue.

Release	Description
10 Jan 2026, 09:00	Sound‑check and rehearsal begin.	watts Community Center
10 Jan 2026, 09:30	Community members gather at the entrance, draping the stage with tribute banners.	Watts Community Center
10 Jan 2026, 10:00	First group of attendees enter and wait for the memorial video.	Watts Community Center
10 Jan 2026, 10:15	Opening ceremony with a live phone call to the We Are One Knot torch (Video = https://youtu.be/XaB95).	Watts Community Center
10 Jan 2026, 10:30	First wave of 2000 people enter the stage.	Yes
10 Jan 2026, 10:45	19:00 Z: “Crash” (kind of 8‑s) at the front of the stair with couc.	Yes
10 Jan 2026, 11:00 (End)	Mumbai (??) P: “M” 1:19 PM 1 :11: Titled “Cyber as a Cultural movement: Women and Gaming in India.” Chicago, IL • Feb, 2022 (IL 266M4W82) Initiative, –> Watts Mourns “Mama Curtis” – LAPD Arrives in Force Published: 2026‑01‑15 20:34:21 | archyde.com Who Was “Mama Curtis”? Community matriarch: Mary “Mama Curtis” Johnson (1958‑2026) was a longtime activist, youth mentor, and founder of the Watts Hope Center. Key initiatives: After‑school tutoring, senior‑citizen outreach, and annual “Family Picnic” that drew over 2,000 residents each summer. Recognition: Received the Los Angeles city Council’s “citizen of the Year” award in 2019 and was featured in the Los Angeles Times for her work on gang‑prevention programs. Timeline of the Mourning Gathering Date & Time (PST) Event Source Jan 10 2026, 07:00 News of Mama Curtis’ sudden death (suspected cardiac arrest) spreads through neighborhood text chains and social media groups. Watts Community forum Jan 10 2026, 09:30 Residents begin assembling at the Watts Memorial Park near 103rd St. & Baldwin Ave. ABC 7 Los Angeles (live feed) Jan 10 2026, 12:00 candle‑light vigil organized by the Watts hope center; estimated 1,500 attendees. Los Angeles Times – “Watts Pays Tribute to Mama Curtis” Jan 10 2026, 14:45 LAPD deploys 30 uniformed officers, 4 K‑9 units, and a SWAT‑type tactical team to the park perimeter. LAPD press release (Jan 10) Jan 10 2026, 15:10 Police issue a “no‑assembly” order citing “potential public safety threat.” los Angeles City Attorney’s Office Jan 10 2026, 15:30 Officers begin detaining individuals near the stage; several community leaders are escorted out for “questioning.” Eyewitness video, YouTube (Channel wattsvoice) Why Did LAPD Show Up in Force? Intelligence alert: An anonymous tip reported possible gang‑related activity planned during the gathering. Recent spikes in violent incidents: LAPD’s “Operation Safe Streets” logged a 27 % increase in shootings in South‑LA precincts during the previous month. City‑wide protest ordinance: After the 2025 “Los Angeles Peace March” protests, the city council passed an ordinance (Ordinance 2025‑12) allowing “enhanced police presence” for gatherings exceeding 1,000 participants. Official statement (LAPD spokesperson, Jan 10, 2026): “Our officers were deployed to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent any unlawful activity. We are working closely with community leaders to maintain order.” Community Reaction Public outcry: Over 3,200 signatures on an online petition demanding an independent review of police tactics. local officials: Los Angeles city Councilmember Janice lee (District 8) called the deployment “over‑militarized” and requested a city‑wide town hall. Legal action: The ACLU of Southern California filed a civil rights lawsuit on Jan 12, alleging “unlawful suppression of peaceful assembly” under the First Amendment. Impact on Police‑Community Relations in Watts Issue pre‑incident status Post‑incident shift Trust index (Gallup, 2025) 42 % Dropped to 31 % (Jan 2026 poll) Reporting of crimes to LAPD 58 % of residents 44 % – a 24 % decrease Community‑police dialog meetings Quarterly Suspended pending policy review Practical Tips for Organizers Planning Large‑Scale Memorials or Protests Secure permits early Submit a formal event permit at least 30 days in advance to the los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Community Services Division. Develop a safety plan Identify first‑aid stations,crowd‑control volunteers,and clear exit routes. Share the plan with local law‑enforcement liaison officers. Know your legal rights The California Constitution protects peaceful assembly; however, “time, place, and manner” restrictions may apply. Contact legal aid groups (e.g., ACLU‑SoCal, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles) before the event. Use decentralized communication Rely on encrypted messaging apps (Signal, WhatsApp) for real‑time updates to avoid misinformation. Document interactions Assign volunteers to record police presence, noting badge numbers, unit identifiers, and timestamps. Case Study: 2023 “Watts Youth March” event: 2,200 participants marched to protest school‑budget cuts. Police response: 15 officers, no tactical units. Outcome: No arrests; city council approved a $2 million grant for local schools. Lesson: Transparent communication between organizers and LAPD, combined with a clear permit, can reduce the likelihood of a heavy police deployment. Resources for Watts Residents Resource Service Contact ACLU of Southern california – Civil Rights Division Legal portrayal, rights education (213) 555‑0198 Watts Hope Center Counseling, community meetings, grief support (323) 555‑0211 Los Angeles Police Department – Community Affairs public liaison, permit assistance 1‑877‑555‑LAPD Neighborhood Watch of south‑LA Safety patrols, crime‑reporting hotline 323‑555‑0456 Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Free legal aid for low‑income residents (213) 555‑0133 Key Takeaways for Readers Stay informed: monitor official LAPD releases and reputable news outlets (e.g., Los Angeles Times, ABC 7). Engage responsibly: Use permits and safety plans to protect the right to mourn while ensuring public safety. Know your allies: Organizations like the ACLU and local community centers provide essential support during police‑heavy events. 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail James Carter Senior News Editor Senior Editor, News James is an award-winning investigative reporter known for real-time coverage of global events. His leadership ensures Archyde.com’s news desk is fast, reliable, and always committed to the truth. previous post Bed Exercises for Hip Overhang After 50: 4 Moves next post The Valencian countryside warns of the risk for orange juice and rice from La Albufera due to Mercosur You may also like Trump & Minnesota: Insurrection Act Threat Over Protests January 15, 2026 Airport Bus Luggage Clash: Ethics vs. First‑Come‑First‑Served Debate January 15, 2026 Valle Fértil Residents Demand Road‑Repair Machinery to Restore the... January 15, 2026 Europe Sends Modest Troops to Greenland to Assert... January 15, 2026 California College of the Arts to Shut Down;... January 15, 2026 San Diego County Orders Study to Shield Residents... January 15, 2026 Nike Returns as Official Kit Supplier for the... January 15, 2026 Mark Your Calendar: North Carolina Botanical Garden’s 60th... January 15, 2026 Milan Face Como Without Pulisic as Allegri Cautiously... January 15, 2026 Space technology for the field: odorless fertilizer made... January 15, 2026 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Recent Posts Trump & Minnesota: Insurrection Act Threat Over Protests Dow Climbs 416 Points as Chip Stocks Rally and Oil Prices Drop Shark Bite in Paradise: Brazilian Tourist’s Terrifying Snorkeling Attack off Fernando de Noronha Airport Bus Luggage Clash: Ethics vs. First‑Come‑First‑Served Debate Emirati Drama as a Soft‑Power Engine: Reflecting Family Realities and Shaping Social Values Facebook Facebook Nova Steamlace Steampunk Cyborg Live News Feeds Short Important News Headlinez Stomatologie Bacau Top Posts Ethereum’s Scaling Leap: Low Fees, Layer‑2 Dominance, and the New Valuation Paradox The Rookie Season 8 Episode 2 “Fast Andy”: Air Date, Time & Where to Watch The Masked Singer Season 14 Unveils Todd and Julie Chrisley as the Mystery Croissants FDA Upgrades Cheese Recall to Highest‑Risk Class I After Listeria Detection One Piece Chapter 1171 Recap: Loki’s Return, Elbaph Clash and Imu’s Secrets Unveiled Latest News Advertising Policy Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Websites About Us @2025 - All Right Reserved. Hosted by ByoHosting - Most Recommendeed Webhhosting. For complains, abuse, advertising contact: [email protected] Back To Top Economy Entertainment Health News Sport Technology world Economy Entertainment Health News Sport Technology world @2025 - All Right Reserved. Hosted by ByoHosting - Most Recommendeed Webhhosting. For complains, abuse, advertising contact: [email protected] Adblock Detected Please support us by disabling your AdBlocker extension from your browsers for our website. Dismiss this message