On June 25 at about 1:38 p.m., Santa Monica police officers were patrolling the 1400 block of 5th Street when they observed two subjects, a man (later identified as Joseph Grammatico, 44, of Santa Monica) and a woman (Jessica Tello, 24, of Santa Monica), smoking in front of a large apartment complex, a violation of Santa Monica's Municipal Code.
The pair were also blocking the entrance to the building with two bicycles. The officers contacted Grammatico and Tello. The officers conducted a routine criminal history check of both subjects and learned that Tello is currently on probation and had a no-bail warrant from Los Angeles police. Grammatico is also on probation.
During a compliance search, the officers found several tools in his backpack and a pair of cutting pliers in his jacket pocket.
While the subjects were being detained, the officers obtained access to the building's garage and located a cut lock next to a railing where bicycles were being stored. They were unable to locate a victim of a bicycle theft at that time, but based on the overall circumstances, they placed Grammatico and Tello under arrest. Both were transported to the Santa Monica Jail for booking.
Tello was issued a citation for possession of stolen property and the municipal code violation and released to LAPD for booking on the no-bail warrant.
Grammatico was cited for smoking and possession of burglary tools and released due to medical conditions.
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.
