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.
Thursday, May 6, at 3:40 p.m.,
Santa Monica police officers responded to the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade — Apple Store — regarding a possible theft. When officers arrived, store security told them that they recognized a suspect inside the store that had purchased a laptop at another store with a stolen credit card. The suspect attempted to purchase two laptops with a credit card. The card was declined. He allegedly tried to use another card with a different name on it. Security detained the suspect until officers arrived. He was placed under arrest for being in possession of 13 credit cards with a variety of names on them. He also allegedly had in his possession two drivers’ licenses with his name on it. The suspect said he had taken the bus into Santa Monica. But officers learned that he had a vehicle in the 1200 block of Second Street that contained fraudulent items. The suspect was booked for burglary, grand theft, forgery, theft of credit cards, obtaining credit cards in another person’s name, forgery and a probation violation. He was identified as Martin Choi, 25, of Los Angeles. He was not eligible for bail.
Sunday, May 9, at 2:30 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 told them that the suspect entered the store, removed a DVD player and portable music player (valued at $158.99). The suspect allegedly left the store, failing to pay for the items. Security detained the suspect and recovered the items. Police took the suspect into custody for burglary and a parole violation. The suspect was identified as Raleigh Irby, 65, a transient. He was not eligible for bail.
Sunday, May 9, at 12:52 a.m.,
Officers responded to the 1700 block of Appian Way regarding a report of vandalism in progress. When officers arrived, they made contact with a witness who told them he saw two individuals walking down the street. One of them was marking a fire hydrant and electrical box with what could have been a marker. Officers located the suspect, who was allegedly in possession of a green marker. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and vandalism. He was identified as Geovanni Pastor, 18, of Los Angeles. His bail was set at $20,000.
Saturday, May 8, at 1:30 a.m.,
Officers responded to the 1200 block of Sixth Street regarding a report of a suspect climbing over a fence to gain access to a secured office complex. When officers arrived, they observed a man in the stairwell of the building. Officers attempted to get the man to leave, but he refused and disappeared from the officers’ view. Officers continued to see the suspect in different parts of the building and every time they tried to get him to leave, he would disappear again. Eventually, officers said the suspect tried to leave through the front of the building. He was detained by officers, but not before he refused to comply with their directions. The suspect was placed under arrest for burglary and interfering with a police officer. He was identified as Willard Thomas, 54, a transient. His bail was set at $20,000.
Friday, May 7, at 10:47 a.m.,
Officers responded to the area of 11th and Hill streets regarding unknown trouble. When officers arrived, they were flagged down by the alleged victim of a road rage incident. The victim told officers that the suspect was upset because of traffic and the merging of vehicles. The victim said the suspect began to yell at him and followed him through traffic until they reached an intersection. At that time the suspect allegedly threatened to kill the victim. The victim asked another motorist for help, at which point the suspect broke the rear window of the victim’s vehicle, police said. The victim said the suspect had a knife in his hand. The victim sped away. Officers were able to locate the suspect a short distance away. He was arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon and for making criminal threats. He was identified as Jason Chase, 37, of Santa Monica. His bail was set at $30,000.
Friday, May 7, at 12:35 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 700 block of Broadway — Vons — regarding a robbery that just occurred. When officers arrived, they made contact with the alleged victim who told them he saw the suspect attempt to leave the store with a basket full of items that he had not paid for. The victim asked the suspect if he needed any help carrying the groceries and the suspect said “No.” The suspect allegedly lifted the basket over the security censors at the exit and left the store. The alarm went off anyway and the witness confronted the suspect. The suspect reached for his waistband and warned the victim to back off, police said. The victim, fearing for his safety, let the suspect walk away. The next day, officers located the suspect and he was arrested for robbery and possession of hypodermic needles. He was identified as Matthew Burke, 26, a transient. His bail was set at $50,000.
Wednesday, May 5, at 1:55 a.m.,
Officers were on routine patrol in the 2400 block of Main Street when they saw a vehicle swerving through lanes. They said they saw the driver make an unsafe turn and travel 20 mph in a 30 mph zone. Officers conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Officers had the driver perform a series of sobriety tests. Officers determined the driver was drunk and placed her under arrest for DUI. During a booking search, officers said they found a small amount of white powder that turned out to be cocaine. The suspect was booked for possession of a controlled substance, driving on a suspended license and DUI. She was identified as Keisha Payne, 36, of Culver City. Her bail was set at $15,000.
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Editor-in-Chief Kevin Herrera compiled these reports.
