LAPD Explains Mysterious ‘Help’ Messages Seen on Google Earth
Authorities have seemingly solved a mystery involving eerie messages seen spelled out in scrap building materials in an empty lot in downtown Los Angeles.
The satellite images showed the words "HELP," TRAFICO," and "LAPD," which can still be seen by plugging in the coordinates 34°03’18’N 118°13’30’W on Google Earth. The location is a lot owned by Union Pacific, situated near several major roads and freeways, and right next to the Cesar Chavez Bridge.
After the images went viral this week, concerned citizens feared that the messages could be a sign of human trafficking.
HELP, HELP, HELP, TRAFICO, HELP, TERRORISMO, HELP.
— Dr. Simon Goddek (@goddeketal) January 26, 2025
What’s going on in LA? ???? pic.twitter.com/Tl6KNpPTEx
Guys, This is fucking horrible.
— voRia (@voriaa) January 27, 2025
On Google Maps, you can spot a location near the shipping containers around Los Angeles, where the word "HELP" is written repeatedly on the ground.
This was likely done by victims of human trafficking.
Location: 34°03'18"N 118°13'30"W pic.twitter.com/q93nx4kkFh
However, ABC 7 News reports that the images were actually captured back in November 2023, and that the individual responsible for leaving them has been doing so for more than a year in empty lots in the area. And after investigating the location on Sunday morning, Los Angeles police said that they "found no evidence of criminal activity or threat in the area."
The LAPD Central Division also responded to a social media user who took it upon himself to investigate, assuring that there was no immediate cause for alarm.
"We’ve had several different contacts with the individual you speak of," the department wrote. "He has refused housing or a mental health evaluation. There is no evidence of human trafficking. He has been at the location for a few years."
We’ve had several different contacts with the individual you speak of. He has refused housing or a mental health evaluation. There is no evidence of Human Trafficking. He has been at the location for a few years.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) January 27, 2025
Union Pacific likewise reiterated that the viral images are from at least one year ago and no one is in danger. "A man trespassed on Union Pacific and other nearby properties to repeatedly create these misleading messages," the company said in a statement. "We do know the individual that creates these, does so on neighboring properties as well."