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, March 10, at 8:40 a.m.
Officers responded to 2401 Lincoln Blvd. — Livity — regarding a burglary report. Upon arrival, the manager advised that on March 5 he noticed that the business had been burglarized the previous night. A check of surveillance tapes revealed that an ex-employee had been in the business after hours and removed numerous items (clothing, merchandise and skateboards) and left the business. Officers located the suspect, arresting him for burglary. He was identified as Timothy Huffman, 44, a transient in Santa Monica. His bail was set at $20,000.
Saturday, March 12, at 1:55 p.m.
Officers were patrolling the 900 block of Montana Avenue when they observed two individuals cross the street outside of a crosswalk. When officers stopped the violators, one of the individuals was confrontational. Further investigation revealed that the confrontational individual had a warrant for his arrest. Upon booking the subject, officers observed symptoms of narcotic usage. Symptoms were similar to stimulant use. He was booked for being under the influence of a controlled substance and a warrant. He was identified as Mario Torres, 57, of Santa Monica. His bail was set at $3,500.
Friday, March 11, at 12:05 p.m.
Officers responded to the 3200 block of Pico Boulevard regarding a vandalism report. The witness said she saw the suspect write graffiti with a black and yellow pen on a trash bin and parking signs. Officers located the suspect and found the pens and stickers (known as slap tags with the suspected vandal’s moniker) on his person. He was booked for possession of graffiti tools. He was identified as Ryder Schinto, 23, of Pacific Palisades. His bail was set at $500.
Wednesday, March 9, at 7:07 a.m.
Officers responded to the 200 block of Ashland Avenue regarding vandalism that just occurred. Upon arrival, a witness said she looked outside and saw the suspect rummaging through a recycle bin. The witness came out and advised the suspect she would give the suspect some bottles. The suspect asked if it was OK to throw a bottle through the neighbor’s window. The witness told the suspect, “no.” The witness went back into the house. While inside, the witness heard tapping outside. The witness looked outside and saw the suspect throw a bottle threw the window of the building next door. Officers located the suspect a short distance away. He was booked for vandalism. He was identified as Harry Thomason, 44, a transient in Santa Monica. His bail was set at $20,000.
Thursday, March 10, at 8:54 a.m.
Officers responded to Rite Aid located at 1300 Wilshire Blvd. regarding a strong-arm robbery. Officers were advised by an employee that the suspect took two music CDs and placed them in a newspaper. The suspect exited the business without paying for the items. The employee contacted the suspect outside of the business and demanded the items back. The suspect charged the employee and attempted to strike him with a closed fist. The suspect was unsuccessful and fled the location. The employee then contacted the police. Officers were able to find the suspect a short time later. He was arrested for robbery. He was identified as Jeffrey Johnson, 45, of Santa Monica. His bail was set at $50,000.
Thursday, March 10, at 3 p.m.
Undercover officers were conducting a surveillance when they spotted a suspect involved in a hand-to-hand sale of narcotics. Officers contacted the suspect and located rock cocaine on him. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. He was identified as Richard Daniels, 52, of Santa Monica. His bail was set at $10,000.
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Editor-in-Chief Kevin Herrera compiled these reports.
