SIGNIFICANT ARREST
June 12, 2016 2:21 PM
Santa Monica, CA - On June 12, 2016 at approximately 4:59 a.m., the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to a radio call for service of “Suspicious Circumstances” at the 1700 block of 11th Street. The suspect was reportedly knocking on a resident’s door and window prompting the call to SMPD. SMPD Officers responded to the area and made contact with the suspect, James Wesley Howell. Howell was seated in a vehicle registered from Indiana.
Further investigation, led to the recovery of three assault rifles, high capacity magazines and ammunition. Additionally, officers discovered a 5 gallon bucket withchemicals capable of forming an improvised explosive device. All items were recovered from Howell’s vehicle.
SMPD notified the Los Angeles County Sheriffs’ Department (LASD) Bomb Squad to assist in rendering the vehicle and area safe. LASD was able to safely secure the vehicle and area. SMPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are collaborating on this investigation. The investigation is on-going.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please call Detective Dereck Leone (310) 458-8949, Sgt. Maury Sumlin (310) 458-8437 or FBI Spokesperson Laura Eimiller (310) 420-6441, during normal business hours. If suspicious activity is seen, the public should call the Santa Monica Police Communications Center at (310) 458-8491 or call 911 if the situation is an emergency.
The public is asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.
Media Contact
Saul Rodriguez
Captain -
Saul.Rodriguez@SMGOV.NET