Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Police Arrest Suspects Roaming Evacuation Zones: Burglary Tools, Fake Plates, and Drugs Seized

Santa Monica, CA – Over a seven-day period, Santa Monica Police Department officers made more than 40 arrests in the Palisades Fire evacuation zones, with charges ranging from burglary and possession of burglary tools to narcotics violations and outstanding warrants. Below is a brief account of key arrests made during the operation:

January 9, 4:39 PM – 10th Street/Carlyle:
Two individuals, Miguel Angel Dorantes and Dominic Pacheco Magana, were arrested after officers stopped a van without proper license plates. Police found burglary tools, gloves, and a ski mask in the vehicle. Authorities believe the suspects may have been planning residential burglaries.

January 10, 1:00 AM – 4th Street/Alta Ave:
Officers stopped Christensen Alexander Weithorn, who was allegedly carrying a concealed handgun and ammunition in violation of vehicle code regulations.

January 10, 4:20 AM – 4th Street/Alta Ave:
Four individuals—Markhi Toles, Joshua Charles, Fernando Garcia Jr., and Khamari Toles—were arrested after a traffic stop. Officers found key fobs, a key fob programmer, and burglary tools, leading to suspicion of vehicle theft and conspiracy to commit a felony.

January 11, 10:00 PM – 400 Block San Vicente:
Joshua Kaliel Love was arrested after being found in an apartment garage. Police allege he had burglary tools and methamphetamine in his possession.

January 11, 9:00 PM – 100 Block 10th Street:
Adrian Moreno Hernandez, Moises Becerra Garcia, and Carmen Alicia Lopez were detained during a traffic stop. Officers reported finding narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and burglary tools in their vehicle. Hernandez allegedly provided false identification.

January 11, 11:00 PM – Ocean Avenue/San Vicente Boulevard:
Phillip Michael Briones was detained for curfew violation. Police say he was also in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

January 12, 7:20 PM – Lincoln Boulevard/Montana Avenue:
Timyan Exequiel Mujica was arrested after officers discovered he had an outstanding felony warrant for grand theft. A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered over $3,000 in eyeglasses, suspected to be stolen.

January 13, 1:25 AM – 11th Street/San Vicente Boulevard:
Luis Alberto Perez and Tomas Feliciano Mateo were arrested during a traffic stop. Mateo was allegedly driving under the influence, and Perez had an outstanding warrant from Kern County.

Police Chief Batista commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that their proactive work significantly reduced crime in the affected neighborhoods. The department, supported by mutual aid partners and the National Guard, continues to enforce curfews and prevent unauthorized access to the evacuation zones.

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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