Tuesday. Aug. 18, at 1:54 p.m.,
Santa Monica police officers responded to the 1900 block of Arizona Avenue regarding an attempted robbery. When officers arrived, they made contact with the alleged victim who told officers that he was walking to work when he was confronted by the suspect, who demanded $20. The victim, in fear for his safety, walked to a nearby fire station for help. As the victim walked to the station, the suspect reached into his backpack and acted as if he had a knife, police said. The suspect then chased the victim and threatened to stab him. As the victim attempted to get assistance inside the fire station, the suspect fled. Officers were able to locate the suspect a short time later. He was positively identified by the victim and placed under arrest for robbery. He was identified as Erik Selmanson, 30, of Downey. No bail was set.
Monday, Aug. 17, at 3:10 a.m.,
Officers conducted a traffic stop on a white Saturn for traveling 3 to 5 mph. During the traffic stop, officers noticed that the occupants of the vehicle were not wearing their seat belts. During the investigation, the officers believed that the driver was under the influence of a controlled substance. The driver, Rene Garcia, 31, of Santa Monica, was arrested for DUI and a parole violation. The other two occupants, Hector Castillo, 29, and Mayra Arroyo, 22, both of Santa Monica, were arrested for public intoxication.
Monday, Aug. 17, at 7:17 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 300 block of Colorado Avenue — Sears — regarding a shoplifting suspect in custody. When officers arrived, they made contact with store security who said they observed the suspect, 53-year-old transient Connie Phillips, walk into the store and grab a jacket for sale and place it into her purse. She then allegedly exited the store, failing to pay for the jacket, which was valued at $79.50. Security recovered the jacket and held Phillips until officers arrived. She was placed under arrest for burglary. Her bail was set at $20,000.
Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 2:08 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1900 block of Euclid Street regarding an assault. When officers arrived, they made contact with the victim who stated that her fiancé attacked her when they arrived at his home. The fiancé allegedly became upset when his significant other refused to take his nephew’s girlfriend home. The suspect, Eric Barnes, 47, of Santa Monica, allegedly struck the woman in the head. The victim then went outside to call the police. The suspect followed and proceeded to choke the victim, police said. The suspect let go of the victim prior to the arrival of officers. Barnes was booked for assault with a deadly weapon and a parole violation. He was not eligible for bail.
Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 3:50 a.m.,
Officers were patrolling in the area of the 1000 block of Alley Four when they observed a person walking in the alley. Officers started to drive toward the suspect, who then reversed direction and walked away very quickly. The man was wearing dark clothing, a beanie and a backpack. Because of an increase in burglaries in the area, the officers became suspicious and approached the suspect to see what he was up to. During their conversation with the suspect, officers discovered there was a warrant for his arrest. During a pre-booking search, officers located bolt cutters in the suspect’s backpack. The suspect, Ronald Smith, 58, a transient, was booked for the warrant, probably cause burglary and possession of burglary tools. Smith was not eligible for bail.
Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 4:21 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 300 block of Colorado Avenue — Sears — regarding a theft suspect in custody. When officers arrived, they made contact with store security who told them that they observed the suspect remove a pack of socks. The suspect then placed one pair in his pants pocket, police said. The suspect then exited the store, failing to pay for the socks, valued at $11. Officers placed the suspect, identified as Michael Herschman, 18, of Oak Park, Calif., under arrest for petty theft. His bail was set at $1,000.
Thursday, Aug. 20, at 3:50 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1300 block of Third Street Promenade regarding someone trying to pass a phony $100 bill. When officers arrived, they made contact with store employees who stated that the suspect paid for make-up with a $100 bill. The clerk was able to see that the bill had the security strip for a $5 bill. Other clerks notified police while the suspect paid, received change and left with merchandise. Officers detained the suspect outside the store. Further investigation revealed that the suspect, Beatriz Ramirez, 25, of Los Angeles, had in her possession two additional $100 bills that were actually $5 bills. The suspect was arrested for forgery. Her bail was set at $20,000.
Sunday, Aug. 23, at 8:56 a.m.,
Officers were patrolling the area of Lincoln and Pico boulevards when they observed a female striking a male companion in the chest. Officers made contact with the couple and determined that the two were romantically involved. After speaking with the female, police believed she was under the influence of heroin and methamphetamines. The female was placed under arrest and booked for being under the influence of a controlled substance. She was identified as Heidee Clark, 24, a transient. Her bail was set at $2,500.
