According to Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on February 29, 2024, at approximately 2:10am, a male subject entered a residence in the 2400 block of 2nd Street. The victim awoke to the subject standing by her bed and touching her face while he masturbated. The victim ordered the subject to leave and he complied, fleeing the area before officers arrived.
Responding officers obtained security footage of the suspect entering the victim’s house. The security video was immediately shared with detectives who, within hours, identified the suspect as Anthony Romero, 28 years old, currently experiencing homelessness.
On March 1, 2024, at 9:22am, officers on A Watch located Romero walking in the 400 block of Santa Monica Blvd. With the help of the UAS/Drone — which was on scene in minutes — and the assisting K9 officer who contacted the suspect, Romero was taken into custody without incident.
Romero was booked for burglary, indecent exposure, attempt to commit rape and a parole hold (out of San Bernardino County).
We encourage anyone with information related to this individual or incident to contact
Detective McCoy or Detective Sergeant Goodwin or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.
+ + + UPDATE + + +
According to SMPD, Romero is on parole for a weapons violation. He has been arrested twice before in Santa Monica, in January 2022 for shoplifting and in June 2023 for public intoxication, resisting arrest, battery on a police officer and violation of parole.
The DA filed two felony charges for burglary (459 PC) and indecent exposure (314(1) PC). Because he exposed himself during a burglary, it’s a felony; otherwise, indecent exposure is a misdemeanor.
scott.snowden@smdp.com