On Nov. 24 at about 4:17 a.m., a Santa Monica police officer patrolling on the eastern side of the city observed a man acting suspiciously while riding his bicycle on the sidewalk, a municipal code violation, and with no light, in violation of the vehicle code.
The officer followed the man for a few blocks and observed he was wearing gloves and carrying a plastic bag and large duffle bag on the handlebars. The subject, later identified as 59-year-old Renard Keith Kirksey, of Inglewood, peered into several car windows as he rode by.
When Kirksey realized he was being followed, he started riding faster, making several turns as he entered into Los Angeles. The officer turned on his emergency lights and activated his siren to initiate a traffic stop on the subject. Kirksey didn’t stop, however, instead ditching the duffle bag in front of a house in the 1700 block of South Carmelina Avenue and continuing to try and evade the officer.
After a few blocks, Kirksey ditched his bicycle and fled from the officer on foot. The officer caught him about 50 feet away and detained the man until other officers could arrive to help. Kirksey was eventually handcuffed and the duffle bag, which contained several car radios and burglary tools, was recovered.
He was arrested on charges of burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, operating his bicycle without a light during hours of darkness, riding on the sidewalk, and resisting arrest. Bail was set at $20,000.
