Grand Theft Suspects Arrested
April 29, 2024 7:04 PM
Santa Monica, CA – Two suspects have been arrested and charged on suspicion of committing two counts each of burglary from a vehicle and grand theft. On April 24, 2024, at 12:24 pm, a dark colored Nissan Altima with three occupants pulled into the Chevron at 1344 Santa Monica Boulevard and stopped next to the open car door of a vehicle getting gas. One of the suspects took the victim’s purse from the front seat.
At about 12:30 pm, the same Altima pulled into the Sinclair gas station at 1944 Pico Boulevard and stopped in front of the second victim’s vehicle at the pumps. The rear passenger in the Altima opened the victim’s car door, took the victim’s purse, and fled with the other suspects. About 30 minutes later, the same suspects shattered the window of a vehicle parked at the Shell station at 1866 Lincoln Boulevard and stole a laptop, iPad, and other property.
The suspects were tracked and arrested with the assistance of the Hawthorne Police Department. Officers recovered several hundred dollars and most of the victims’ property.
On April 26th, the LA County District Attorney’s office filed felony burglary and grand theft charges (487a PC and 459 PC):
- Lopez, Raul Santino of Richmond, CA (DOB: 12/27/2003)
- Vega, Agustin Jesus of Richmond, CA (DOB: 02/23/2003)
None of the arrestees have a significant arrest history in California.
Anyone with information related to this incident or these individuals is encouraged to contact Detective Tavera at Hector.Tavera@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.
Media Contact
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
Erika.Aklufi@santamonica.gov