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.
Sunday, Dec. 13, at 11:35 a.m.,
Officers responded to the 300 block of Colorado Avenue — Sears — regarding shoplifting suspects in custody. When officers arrived, they made contact with store security who said the two suspects entered the store and removed cologne and jewelry from displays and then exited the store, failing to pay for the items. Store security confronted the suspects and held them until police arrived. The suspects were identified as Heriberto Valentin, 31, a transient; and Jaime Chavez, 42, of Los Angeles. They were arrested for petty theft. Bail was set at $1,000 for each.
Sunday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1400 block of the Third Street Promenade — Yankee Doodles — regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. When officers arrived, they made contact with the alleged victim who told police that he was emptying trash near the rear of the restaurant when he was confronted by two people who asked why gates were locked, preventing them from grabbing recyclables. The victim said he told the two that he was supposed to lock the gates. The suspects became agitated and left. The victim walked down the alley and was assaulted by the two suspects, police said. One suspect had a shovel in his hand and struck the victim numerous times. The victim called 911 and the suspects fled. The suspects were located a short distance away and placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. They were identified as Edgar Chacon, 37, and Oscar Manuel Romero-Garcia, 22; both of Los Angeles. Their bail was set at $30,000.
Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7:46 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 700 block of Broadway — Vons — regarding a theft suspect in custody. When officers arrived, they made contact with store security who told them that the suspect, identified as Kenneth Dale Warhurst, 22, of Willits, entered the store, removed a bottle of alcohol valued at $18.99 and left the store without paying. The suspect was stopped outside and brought back into the store by security. Officers placed the suspect under arrest for burglary. His bail was set at $20,000.
Friday, Dec. 11, at 4:30 a.m.,
Officers were patrolling the area of 100 Colorado Avenue when they saw a man urinating next to an electrical box. Officers made contact with the suspect and conducted a search. Officers said they found heroin, which was in a syringe the suspect had in his possession. The suspect, Randy Holmas, 59, a transient, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and urinating in public. His bail was set at $10,000.
Thursday, Dec. 10, at 10:19 a.m.,
Officers responded to the 200 block of the Santa Monica Pier regarding a report of vandalism. When officers arrived, they made contact with a city employee who said that a man entered the bathroom and spread feces throughout a stall, toilet, handles and outside of the stall. The suspect was located a short distance away and placed under arrest for vandalism and a probation violation. He was identified as Timothy Poyser, 35, a transient. He was not eligible for bail.
Thursday, Dec. 10, at 5:27 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 1800 block of Wilshire Boulevard — Rite-Aid — regarding a shoplifter in custody. When officers arrived, they made contact with store employees who said the suspect entered the store, removed eye care products from the shelves and left the store without paying for the items. The suspect was detained outside the store by security. The suspect was placed under arrest for petty theft. The suspect was identified as Natalie Nivron, 59, a transient. Her bail was set at $20,000.
Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 9:56 p.m.,
Officers responded to the 2300 block of the beach regarding an assault that just occurred. When officers arrived, they made contact with the alleged victim who said she was with two other people drinking on the beach. The victim said she and one of the other guys got into an argument and the third person jumped in. The victim told that guy to butt out. The argument became physical. The man allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened the victim. The other guy broke up the fight. The suspect apologized to the victim, police said. The victim left the location and contacted a passerby to call police. Officers located the suspect a short distance away and placed him under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. He was identified as Cory Houk, 23, of Long Beach. His bail was set at $30,000.
Thursday, Dec. 8, at 11:50 a.m.,
Officers responded to the 1400 block of Lincoln Boulevard — CVS pharmacy — regarding a robbery in progress. When officers arrived, they made contact with witnesses who said the suspect entered the store, removed a six pack of beer and left without paying for the item. Store employees confronted the suspect and a fight ensued. They employees were able to get the beer back. The suspect, Gem Brady Harrison, 36, a transient, was arrested and booked for robbery and interfering with an arrest. His bail was set at $50,000.
Editor-in-Chief Kevin Herrera compiled these reports.