Crime Watch is a weekly series culled from reports provided by the Santa Monica Police Department. These are arrests only. All parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sunday, Oct. 17, at 9:08 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1400 block of Yale Street regarding a suspicious person who had stolen a motor scooter. When officers arrived, they saw two people with tools working on a scooter. As officers approached, the two men stood up and started walking away. One of the men dropped a small plastic baggy that officers later learned contained methamphetamines. Officers made contact with the men who said they found the scooter in an alley. Further investigation revealed the ignition of the scooter had been punched and one of the suspects was in possession of meth and tar heroin. One suspect, Jason Shore, 34, a transient, was booked for possession of a controlled substance, grand theft auto and a probation violation. He was not eligible for bail. The other suspect, Edward Valencia, 51, of Santa Monica, was booked for possession of a controlled substance and grand theft auto. His bail was set at $35,000.
Saturday, Oct. 16, at 1:20 p.m.,
Officers responded to Christine Reed Park regarding an assault. Upon arrival, officers were advised by a park ranger that he advised a suspect he could not smoke a cigarette and have an open container of alcohol in the park. The suspect allegedly became belligerent and grabbed the park ranger’s arm and poked at his chest. Officers arrested the suspect, Duffy James, 60, a transient for assault and battery on emergency personnel, possession of an open container and violation of a city ordinance. His bail was set at $20,000.
Friday, Oct. 15, at 10 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1500 block of 12th Street regarding a subject that was possibly intoxicated. Upon arrival, officers saw the suspect standing on the sidewalk. The suspect was seen mumbling incoherently. Officers believed the suspect was under the influence of a stimulant and he was arrested and booked for being under the influence of a controlled substance. The suspect, Elias Solis, had bail set at $2,500.
Friday, Oct. 15, at 5:42 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1400 block of the Third Street Promenade regarding a female fighting with security as she was trying to leave the store without paying. Upon arrival, officers were contacted by security. Security advised that the suspect entered the store wearing a pair of shoes but exited wearing a different pair. Security brought the suspect back into the business. While in the store, the suspect allegedly removed a key from her purse and attempted to strike the security guard. The suspect attempted to flee, but the exit was blocked by another employee. The original security guard caught the suspect and a physical altercation ensued. Security held the suspect until the police arrived. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had taken some lotion. Total loss was valued at $148. Officers arrested the suspect, Susan Brownstein, 43, of Venice. She was booked for robbery and a warrant. She was not eligible for bail.
Friday, Oct. 15, at 11:15 a.m.,
Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had tint on the passenger side window. Upon contacting the driver of the vehicle, officers said they could smell marijuana emitting from the interior of the vehicle. When officers attempted to obtain identification of the occupants, the passenger had identification but gave officers a date of birth that was different than what was printed on the ID. Officers also located marijuana within the passenger’s backpack. In addition, officers said they located concentrated cannabis and other controlled substances (Valium, Adderall and Ativan). Officers utilized a fingerprint device that gave the true identity of the passenger. The identity that came back was the same last name, but different first name. Further investigation revealed that the passenger used his brother’s identity to avoid being arrested. Officers arrested the suspect, Courtland Converse III, 25, of Topanga, for false impersonation to avoid prosecution, possession of concentrated cannabis, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and a warrant. His bail was set at $55,105.00
Monday, Oct. 11, at 9:35 a.m.,
Officers responded to the 2800 block of Santa Monica Boulevard regarding a commercial burglary report. Upon arrival, officers were advised that unknown suspects had entered the business and removed desktop and laptop computers. Further investigation revealed that there was forced entry into the business. No suspects were seen or heard. Officers obtained evidence at the scene. Officers conducted search warrants and arrested Jose Vasquez, 26, and Ernesto Hernandez, 37; both from Los Angeles. Vasquez was booked for burglary. His bail was set at $20,000. Hernandez was booked for burglary, a probation violation and warrants. He was not eligible for bail.
Monday, Oct. 11, at 7:25 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1500 block of Wilshire Boulevard (Mac Mall) regarding an individual attempting to use a fraudulent check to purchase a computer. Upon arrival, employees told officers that the suspect attempted to purchase $4,798.98 worth of computer equipment. The suspect had exited the store prior to officers arriving. The suspect was waiting for his purchase to be put together. Officers went outside and contacted the suspect. When officers asked him his name, he allegedly could not pronounce the last name on the fraudulent driver’s license. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was in possession of other identification, including his real identification. Officers arrested the suspect, Charles Freeman, 46, of Century City. He was booked burglary, forgery and passing a false check. His bail was set at $20,000.
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Editor-in-Chief Kevin Herrera compiled these reports.