Arson Suspect Arrested
June 18, 2024 1:21 PM
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at about 11:30 PM, patrol officers responded to a commercial burglary call in the 2900 block of Lincoln Boulevard. The owner of the business received an alert from the alarm company that a single suspect entered the business by breaking through a skylight. Responding officers arrived while the suspect, later identified as Allen Francisco Contis (DOB: 01/25/1975) was still inside and were able to take him into custody without incident. Contis, who is currently homeless, was issued a citation and released per the LA County Bail Schedule.
On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, patrol officers responded to radio calls of multiple arsons in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Lincoln Boulevard and the alley east of Lincoln Boulevard. Multiple witnesses identified Contis as the individual responsible for setting fire to a discarded tire, a city-owned trash can, and a small garage located directly adjacent to a multi-unit apartment complex.
Responding officers located and arrested Contis without incident. Contis has been charged by the LA County District Attorney’s office with two counts of felony arson [451 (b) PC] and one misdemeanor count of giving false information to a police officer [148.9(a) PC].
The burglary case will be presented to the District Attorney separately.
Anyone with information related to this incident or this individual 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