Two men have been arrested in connection with the looting of downtown businesses on May 31.
The Santa Monica Police Department announced the arrest of Sebastian Martinez and Christopher Gutierrez on Tuesday following reviews of video evidence and help from the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
Martinez, from El Segundo has been charged with looting and burglary. He was released from custody due to COVID restrictions on the jail population. Gutierrez was arrested for looting and assault with a deadly weapon. He remains in custody.
According to SMPD, detectives identified a vehicle related to the REI looting through social media posts that showed two suspects loading merchandise into the car. REI security video also showed the suspects inside the store removing thousands of dollars worth of items. During the investigation one of individuals was also identified as the suspect of an assault on a police officer.
The Manhattan Beach Police Department stopped the wanted vehicle and notified Santa Monica Police Department detectives. The occupants of the vehicle were determined to be the two outstanding suspects and were subsequently arrested.
If you have any information related to this crime please contact Detective Buus or Detective Burciaga at (310) 458-8491.