On July 19 at about 11 a.m., Santa Monica police officers responded to the area of 2nd Street and Colorado Avenue regarding a fight in progress.
Upon officers' arrival, the fight was broken up and officers spoke with the victim. The victim stated he was at the McDonald's at 1540 2nd St., and placed his backpack on the floor. The suspect picked up the victim's backpack and exited the establishment. The victim gave chase.
The victim tackled the suspect and a struggle ensued at 2nd and Colorado. An uninvolved person intervened and pushed the suspect away. The victim was able to recover his property.
The suspect fled the area but was located at 4th Street and Colorado. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Phillip Christopher Distin, 29, homeless, was arrested for robbery, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and a Santa Monica warrant. He was denied bail.
Note: Crime Watch is 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.
