The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap March 23 - 29, 2025

April 8, 2025 7:41 PM
by Lewis Gilmour

DEPARTMENTWIDE STATS:

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT (SPECIAL OPERATION)*

Citywide Focus:

* Please note that the statistics provided do not represent the entirety of the traffic enforcement carried out by the department.

PATROL OPERATIONS

Strong Arm Robbery/Elder Abuse- 1400 Block of Wilshire Blvd  Officers responded to a Strong-Arm Robbery where the victim (80-years-old) withdrew money from the bank and was walking in the 1400 block of Wilshire Blvd when the suspect grabbed the envelope the victim was carrying with his money. A struggle occurred over the envelope and the suspect fled westbound on Wilshire Blvd. This investigation remains ongoing.

Medical Assist/CPR – 11th Street and Broadway Officers were dispatched to assist with a cardiac arrest at 11th Street and Colorado Ave. Officers arrived on scene and discovered the subject with no pulse in a vehicle. They removed the subject from the vehicle and administered CPR for one to two minutes stopping once the subject began breathing on his own. The subject was placed in the recovery position until McCormick EMT's arrived on scene. The victim was stabilized and transported to a local area hospital where he ultimately regained consciousness and began breathing and talking.

Prowling – Resist Delay Arrest / 1400 16th St. The suspect is seen by the victim prowling on private property. The suspect was located nearby and taken into custody after resisting arrest.

Critical Missing – Silver Alert / 1260 16th St. (Santa Monica UCLA Hospital) A 91-year-old male went to hospital to visit his wife. He subsequently became a patient in the ER. When he was released, he did not return home. A Silver Alert was issued. The missing man was later located by LAPD and taken to St. John’s hospital.

Domestic Violence (Dual Arrest) – 1600 block of Ocean Ave (Commercial Hotel) A radio call was received of a female screaming, sounding in distress. Initial door knocks were conducted with no response. Officers observed a male and female subject inside the room and a broken security door latch. When Officers made announcements, the female subject opened the door. Due to evidence of a physical altercation, injuries on both parties, inconsistent statements and lack of cooperation, both subjects were arrested for Domestic Violence and Felony Vandalism.

Hit & Run X2 / DUI SMC Campus SMC PD Officers responded to a vehicle that collided on the SMC campus and detained the driver. SMPD arrived and conducted a DUI investigation. Further investigation revealed the driver was also responsible for 2 H&R's within the City minutes prior to the final collision on campus. The driver was arrested for DUI and felony H&R.

Firearm / Drugs Possession – Appian Way / Seaside Terrace  Officers conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation. Officers noticed multiple open containers in the vehicle. As the front passenger (suspect) was removed, officers located a handgun on the floorboard. Suspect admitted to ownership of the gun. The gun was a loaded 9mm ghost gun. Suspect was also in possession of cocaine. 

Vandalism – Santa Monica Public Safety Facility, 333 Olympic Dr  A female suspect walked up to the SMPD front lobby doors and began to strike and kick the glass windows before fleeing. Officers detained the  suspect in front of the SM Courthouse. Damage tentatively totaled over $1,200. Suspect also had a $51K warrant. 

Attempt Homicide – 1700 Lincoln Blvd The victim exited at I-10 West freeway towards southbound Lincoln Blvd. when the suspect vehicle shot at his vehicle through his glass window. The victim advised he observed a firearm and muzzle flash but could not describe a suspect. The victim described the suspect’s car as a dark SUV. The victim sustained minor injuries from the glass, but did not appear to be grazed or struck by the bullet. The victim did not have any prior conflict with the suspect vehicle prior to the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.

Prowling Suspect / Use Of Force – 1400 Blk Santa Monica Blvd A prowling suspect was detained by officers. While conducting their investigation, the suspect suddenly stood up and tried to walk away. The suspect pulled away from officers and became uncooperative. Officers conducted a take down and took him into custody. No injuries. 

Swat / K-9 Outside Agency Assist K9 Officers assisted SMPD SWAT with conducting a Search Warrant in conjunction with BHPD in the City of LA. Officers deployed their K-9 partners on leash (on standby) during the warrant service. Occupants of the location were detained without incident. 

DTSM Officers monitored Tesla protest. There were approximately 75-100 protesters, all cooperative.

5th and Arizona Officers responded to a call for service regarding a grand theft of a laptop. The victim was able to track it and Officers located the suspect near the 900 block of Colorado. When officers approached, the suspect took a fighting stance and struck both officers. A taser was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody. The suspect was in possession of a stolen bike at the time of arrest. Utilizing local video footage the theft of the bike was recorded. Using the serial number of the bike, it was returned to its rightful owner. 

No Bail–1200 Alley 8 Officers conducted a pedestrian stop for a municipal code violation. It was determined the suspect had a no bail warrant and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. 

No Bail – 2nd/Arizona Officers contacted a pedestrian at 2nd/Arizona Avenue. A warrants check revealed he had a no bail warrant.

DIRECTED ACTION RESPONSE (DART)

Weekly Stats:

Code Enforcement Stats:

1000 Block of the Beach. The suspect was cited for 4.08.095(A)SMMC-Public Camping after multiple contacts.

1600 Ocean Front Walk. 211 P.C, 148, 602 WIC. DART officers were flagged down on a possible theft with the victim chasing after the suspect. Officers engaged in foot pursuit and detained the suspect who was accused of pulling a gold necklace from the elderly victim. The gold necklace was recovered and returned. The suspect was a 15-year-old minor that was transported to Los Padrinos Juvenile hall. 

400 Santa Monica Pier. 3056 P.C- Parole Violation, 11550H.S The suspect was determined to be under the influence and in possession of a drug pipe. Pier performers alerted DART to the individual who was taken into custody and a  Parole hold granted. 

1550 Block of the Beach. DART contacted a suspect with a $200k felony LAPD warrant for a sex offense. The suspect was temporarily held at the SM Jail awaiting LAPD pickup. A field LACRIS fingerprinter used to identify the suspect.

Code Enforcement monitored an unlicensed event at 1600 block of the beach (free music concert). One event organizer was provided copies of SMMC 13.06.050 - public nuisance, 4.68.040 - permit required, and 3.12.360 - obstructing public right of way. The group did not surpass 150 people. When advised to provide access for LA County Lifeguard access to Tower 16 the group cooperated. No other issues or violations observed.

CRIME IMPACT  TEAM (CIT)

Weekly Stats:

CIT conducted a crime suppression operation in the DTSM footprint, and the following was the activity in addition to working with the Downtown Services Unit with a traffic operation. 

DTSM Operation

Traffic Operation

Officers conducted a pedestrian stop at 3rd St. and Arizona. A want/ warrant check revealed the suspect had $71K in outstanding SM warrants.

CIT assisted CID with a search / arrest warrant for a suspect who committed a grand theft. The team responded to the suspect’s residence in the city of Beverly Hills. The suspect was arrested and a warrant was served at his residence. 

CIT SWAT operators and Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) personnel assisted with a Beverly Hills PD warrant for a suspect of an armed robbery. The warrant was successfully served and the suspect was taken into custody.

CIT observed an influx of Gang graffiti in the Pico neighborhood. Officers gathered photographs and documented the incidents. The graffiti has been reported to graffiti removal. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM (CET)

Beat 1 

NRO Hollowell along with CET staff conducted a focused outreach event at the Target store located at 420 Broadway, aimed at reducing crime and building stronger community connections. The team provided a visible police presence while engaging with store staff, patrons, and local residents to address ongoing concerns and support a safer shopping environment. The event reinforced the newly implemented Target store strategy, which has already shown promising results. Since its rollout, there has been a noticeable reduction in both calls for service and arrests at the location. Continued collaboration between CET, Target staff, and the community remains a priority to sustain these positive outcomes and further enhance safety efforts at this key retail site.

NRO Hollowell responded to a community complaint received via voicemail regarding a catering vehicle double parking and blocking the crosswalk. NRO Hollowell visited the location, provided traffic education to those involved, and consulted with Traffic Services to address the concern. A few days later, the complainant followed up and reported that the issue appeared to have been resolved, indicating a successful response to the community's concern.

Beat 2

CPC Barreto conducted a security assessment of a Pico business applying to the Pico Business Grant Program. 

After receiving safety concerns from a neighborhood watch group, CPC Barreto arranged for a vacant property inspection with Code Enforcement. The owner of the property had previously received a security assessment from CPC Barreto and has now begun the process of implementing the suggestions, along with Code Enforcement’s requirements.

CPC Barreto met with a Senior Development Analyst in Economic Development to drive down Pico Blvd and determine lighting needs and highlight concerns from the businesses. Additionally, several recent issues with some of the Pico businesses were also discussed. CPC’s Barreto and Aguilar met with the Crime Impact Team to discuss some of the concerns on Pico and ideas to increase safety in the area. CPC Barreto also discussed concerns regarding the 2900 block of Ocean Park Blvd.

Beat 3

NRO Tago and CPC Aguilar meet with two businesses who have a shared parking structure underneath their property. The Community Engagement Team received complaints from local residents who stated the parking structure was not safe and homeless individuals utilize it at night.  

NRO Tago and NRO Hollowell conducted an area check and contacted a resident concerned about an eviction scheduled in their building. They connected with the property management team at the location to address the concerns. 

NRO Tago was contacted by a property manager who explained one of her residents was having a problem with homeless individuals blocking access to her garage in the alley. NRO Tago responded to the location and conducted an area check, but was unable to locate a suspect. NRO Tago advised the property manager to contact the non-emergency dispatcher at 310-458-8491 whenever there are individuals blocking the garage or sleeping on her property. NRO Tago also provided the property manager with his contact information.

Beat 4

NRO Wang has been working with a local business regarding a chronic issue related to transients sleeping, littering and defecating on their property. NRO Wang went to the location prior to the business opening and spoke with the manager. The manager said the problem had been corrected and has been very pleased with the successful outcome. The next step is to collaborate on a Coffee with a Cop at the business. 

HOMELESS LIAISON TEAM (HLP)

Weekly Stats:

HLP Team officers assisted with a clean up operation of the Salvation Army (1533 4th). Officers contacted and helped to move several individuals which allowed DTSM personnel to power wash the front entrance to the facility.

On 3/26, the HLP Team delivered a presentation to the current Community Academy class. The class was engaged, asked many questions relating to homeless enforcement, and appreciated the presentation. 

ANIMAL SERVICES

Weekly Stats:

Animal control received an influx of calls on the beach due to the toxic algal bloom. There continues to be a high number of marine mammal strandings and an increase of deceased marine mammals and birds on the beach.

This week:

Notable Animal Shelter Incident:

On 03/27/25 one of the female pit bulls brought in stray on 3/21/25 gave birth to 8 healthy male pit bull puppies remain with mom.

Reports: (1) dog bite

HARBOR CONTROL

Weekly Stats:

Medical Aid Patient had debris in his eye. HSOs and SMFD on scene. HSOs assisted patient in flushing his eye.

PD Assist HSOs were dispatched to Ocean Front Walk to look for a missing intoxicated subject. The reporting party was friends with the subject and tracked his phone to the area. HSOs located the subject near Lot 1 South. 

Arrest Lifeguards reported a person in Tower 20 refusing to leave.  One lifeguard was approached by a female that pushed her way into the tower. The suspect then began throwing equipment out of the tower. 

PD Assist  HSOs were flagged down regarding a subject that was bothering a group of break dance performers. The suspect removed and used the water extinguisher from the Harbor Truck without permission. SMPD Officers responded and detained the suspect. The suspect was arrested for drug paraphernalia and being intoxicated. 

Medical Aid The subject tripped and fell off the yellow curb in front of the Albright . The individual had a minor 1-inch laceration above their left eye but refused  transport and all treatment other than an ice pack. 

Additional Activities:


Authored By

Lewis Gilmour
Lieutenant

Categories

Safety