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.
Monday, June 21, at 9:27 a.m.
Santa Monica officers responded to the 1600 block of Ocean Park Boulevard (Bob’s Market) regarding a combative shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, officers were advised that the suspect, who has stolen items previously, entered the business, removed a can of beer from the freezer section and placed it in his pants. The suspect carried the beer around for a while then placed it back in the freezer. The suspect then started to leave the store and was detained by personnel. The suspect fought with personnel and attempted to flee, but employees were able to detain him. Once in custody, police searched him, discovering that he was in possession of marijuana. The suspect was identified as Jose Medina, 29, of Santa Monica. He was charged with burglary and possession of marijuana. His bail was set at $20,000.
Monday, June 21, at 7:30 a.m.
Officers responded to the 600 block of Navy Street regarding a family disturbance. The reporting party told officers that her son had been screaming and damaging the house since 3 a.m. He was said to have broken a window and damaged the home’s toilet. Officers arrested the suspect and charged him with vandalism. He was identified as Joseph Loporto, 58, of Santa Monica. His bail was set at $500.
Thursday, June 24, at 3:55 p.m.
Officers were on patrol in the area of 2300 Pico Boulevard when they observed a vehicle with occupants not wearing seat belts in violation of the California Vehicle Code. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and discovered that the driver did not possess a driver’s license. As officers attempted to search the driver prior to arresting him, the suspect would not remove his hands from his left pant pocket. The driver became resistive and was eventually placed under arrest. Officers located a small amount of cocaine in the pocket in question. The driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, obstruction of justice, driving without a license and not wearing a seatbelt. His bail was set at $10,000.
Friday, June 25, at 9:20 p.m.
Officers responded to the 1500 block of Ocean Avenue regarding a subject that was said to be in possession of a controlled substance. Upon arrival, officers were advised by a Community Service Officer that they saw a subject rolling a cigarette with what appeared to be marijuana. As the CSO’s approached the subject, they observed him throw a plastic bindle with white powder into the street. At that time, the subject ran away from the CSO’s. Officers detained the suspect in a nearby park. Further investigation of the white powder revealed that it was cocaine. The suspect was identified as Alberto Cortina, 49, of Santa Monica. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $10,000.
Saturday, June 25, at 5:35 p.m.
Officers were patrolling in the 2000 block of Lincoln Boulevard when they observed a female yelling and challenging another female to fight. As officers attempted to detain the suspect, she began pushing the officers and attempted to leave. Officers were able to detain the suspect and arrested her for challenging to fight in a public place. She was identified as Heidee Clark, 25, of Santa Monica. Her bail was set at $10,000.
Sunday, June 26, at 4:53 p.m.
Officers responded to the parking structure at Santa Monica Place regarding a suspect being detained by security for vandalism. Upon arrival, officers were advised by security that they observed the suspect writing on a fire hose box. The suspect was detained as security placed the suspect under arrest for vandalism. Officers took custody of the suspect and transported him to the Santa Monica Jail and booked him for vandalism. The suspect was identified as Obrian Robledo, 22, of Riverside. His bail was set at $500.00.
Managing Editor Daniel Archuleta compiled these reports.
