𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗗: Police Arrest Trio in Deadly Downtown Santa Monica Stabbing, Charged with Homicide

Santa Monica, CA – Santa Monica police have arrested three suspects in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred early Saturday morning in downtown Santa Monica.

Officers responded to a report of a stabbing around 1:50 a.m. on February 15 in the 100 block of Wilshire Boulevard following a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, authorities found two adult male victims suffering from stab wounds. Paramedics provided immediate medical aid before transporting both victims to a local hospital.

One of the victims, identified as 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez of Santa Maria, succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening wounds.

Following a detailed investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on February 17, with a third taken into custody on February 19. The suspects, identified as brothers Alfredo Quinteros, 41, and Ricardo Quintero Jr., 42, of South Gate, along with 32-year-old Rogelio Arenas of Los Angeles, all have extensive criminal histories.

Quinteros and Arenas have been charged with homicide under California Penal Code 187 PC, while Quintero Jr. faces charges as an accessory under Penal Code 32 PC. All three suspects are being held without bail.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with information to contact Detective Hilda Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the 24-hour Watch Commander at (310) 458-842

Santa Monica Police Arrest Homicide Suspect in January 15 Broadway Shooting

SANTA MONICA – Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in the early hours of January 15, 2025, in the 200 block of Broadway.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Fabian Mendez of Inglewood, allegedly pursued the victim into the middle of the street before shooting him in the back. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 1:30 a.m. and attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim did not survive.

Following an extensive investigation, SMPD officers took Mendez into custody on February 11. He has been charged with homicide under Penal Code 187, with bail set at $3 million.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at (310) 458-8774, or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.

Fatal Stabbing Outside The Bungalow in Santa Monica Under Investigation

Santa Monica police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred early Saturday morning outside The Bungalow at 101 Wilshire Blvd.

Officers responded to reports of a stabbing at approximately 1:50 a.m. and arrived to find two adult male victims suffering from stab wounds. Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics provided medical aid and transported both men to a nearby hospital.

One of the victims, a 31-year-old man from Anaheim, later succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The second victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and remains under medical care.

According to detectives, the incident took place outside the hotel in the 100 block of Wilshire Boulevard. Authorities believe it was an isolated altercation rather than a random act of violence.

No arrests have been made at this time. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The Santa Monica Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact Detective Hilda Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Shaun Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

Santa Monica Police Arrest Suspect in Citywide Arson Spree

Santa Monica Police Arrest Suspect in Citywide Arson Spree

Santa Monica, CA – A 36-year-old man was arrested Saturday in connection with a series of arson fires set across Santa Monica, authorities announced.

Between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on February 8, Santa Monica police and fire personnel responded to four separate fires at multiple locations, where discarded items, a parked vehicle, and public property were intentionally set ablaze.

The suspect, identified as Marco Antonio Rubio, was apprehended following a coordinated response by law enforcement, which included the use of aerial drone technology. At the time of his arrest, Rubio was found in possession of a lighter and an aerosol can.

The fires occurred at:

• 1000 block of Colorado Avenue – A discarded pillow and cardboard were set on fire.
• 16th Street & Michigan Avenue – A discarded mattress was set on fire.
• Memorial Park – Netting on a Little League batting cage was set on fire.
• 1500 block of 18th Street – A parked vehicle was set on fire.

According to police, Rubio has a history of arrests in both California and Texas, including charges for resisting arrest, domestic violence, and assault-related offenses, though no prior arson-related charges are on record.

“This swift and coordinated response underscores our commitment to public safety,” said Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista. “Through teamwork and advanced technology, we were able to quickly identify and apprehend the suspect before more harm was done.”

Authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact Detective McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.

LIGHTS OUT: Copper Wire Theft Suspect Arrested in Santa Monic

Santa Monica, CA – Santa Monica Police arrested a man early Wednesday morning in connection with the theft of more than 300 pounds of copper wire from underground electrical pull boxes along Colorado Avenue.

Officers encountered Juan Carlos Gonzalez Alvarado, 43, near the 1500 block of Colorado Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m. on February 5, pushing a city-owned trash container filled with the stolen material. Further investigation linked the loose wire to recent thefts at nine locations in the area.

Gonzalez Alvarado was booked on multiple charges, including grand theft, vandalism, possession of burglar tools, and possession of a controlled substance.

Santa Monica maintains a network of over 6,000 streetlights, which city officials say are crucial for public safety. The theft of copper wiring not only leads to costly repairs but also leaves streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks in darkness, creating potential hazards for residents and motorists.

Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Michael Castruita at michael.castruita@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov, or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.

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.

Santa Monica Police Nab Suspect in Deadly Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Incident

Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has announced the arrest of Rod Sharif, a 30-year-old Los Angeles resident, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a Vietnam War veteran on December 22, 2024. The incident occurred at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and Chelsea Ave., where the victim was fatally struck by a white Toyota Rav4 while crossing southbound on Wilshire.

Eyewitnesses reported the suspect vehicle fleeing eastbound at a high speed immediately after the incident. The victim, a long-standing resident of Santa Monica, was pronounced deceased at the scene. In a determined effort to solve the case, SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team and Traffic Investigations Unit were quick to gather video evidence leading to the identification of Sharif.

On December 27, 2024, SMPD’s Traffic Unit, supported by SWAT and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, executed search and arrest warrants at Sharif's residence in Santa Monica Canyon. Officers recovered several pieces of crucial evidence, including the damaged vehicle involved in the collision. Sharif faces charges of murder and felony hit-and-run, along with previous charges of reckless and impaired driving.

SMPD encourages anyone with additional information about the incident to contact their team. This tragic event has deeply impacted the community, reminding residents of the critical need for road safety awareness​

Santa Monica Police Arrest Piano Teacher for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Student

Santa Monica, CA (December 12, 2024) - On November 19, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department detectives received a report of suspected child abuse of a 14-year-old by her 41-year-old piano teacher.

Youth and Family Services (YSD) detectives immediately started investigating and learned the piano teacher and student were engaged in sexual activities since July 2024, when the student was 13 years old. The incidents took place at the student's home, the teacher's vehicle, and the teacher's studio, the French Conservatory of Music, in Beverly Hills. 

On December 12, 2024, SMPD Detectives, with the assistance of uniformed and undercover officers, served arrest and search warrants and took the teacher into custody in Encino. The teacher has been identified as Hovanes John Jihanyan of Van Nuys. 

Jihanyan was booked for lewd acts on a minor 13 years or younger, continuous sex abuse of a minor 13 years or younger, sexual assault on a minor 13 years or younger with the perpetrator being 10 years older, possession of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a minor. The case will be filed with the LA County District Attorney's Office on Monday, December 16, 2024. 

Jihanyan remains in the custody of the Santa Monica Police Department. Jihanyan has no prior criminal history. 

If anyone has additional information about this individual or has been the victim of abuse by this teacher, they are asked to contact Det. Lizette Hardgrave at (310) 458-2256, Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

Deadly Confrontation: Santa Monica Police Release Video of Officer Stabbing and Fatal Shooting

 Santa Monica Police Release Video Detailing Violent Attack on Officer

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has released a Critical Incident Video documenting the October 5, 2024, attack on an officer and subsequent officer-involved shooting. The video provides a comprehensive overview of the events that unfolded in front of the department's headquarters, showcasing the dangerous split-second decisions officers face.

Key Events Leading to the Attack

The incident began at approximately 5:07 PM when the suspect, later identified as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, entered a Target store on Broadway and stole a set of kitchen knives after assaulting an employee. Surveillance footage shows the suspect fleeing the scene with one knife concealed under his jacket.

Minutes later, Halaibeh arrived at the Santa Monica Police Station, where he summoned an officer by ringing the call button. Body-worn camera footage captured the officer’s attempt to de-escalate the situation before being violently attacked with the stolen 8-inch knife. Despite the officer’s efforts to evade, he was stabbed multiple times in the neck and shoulder before using his firearm to neutralize the threat.

Aftermath and Investigation

Responding officers and Santa Monica Harbor Guards provided immediate medical aid, but the suspect succumbed to his injuries. The wounded officer was rushed to a trauma center for treatment of severe injuries, and forensic evidence later revealed the extent of the attack, including damage to the officer’s protective vest from additional knife strikes.

Investigations are ongoing, with two parallel reviews underway:

1. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review to assess the legality of the officer’s use of deadly force.
2. The SMPD’s Internal Affairs Division is performing a thorough administrative review to ensure departmental policies and procedures were followed.

Authorities are also examining the suspect’s background, including his mental health history and potential motives for targeting law enforcement.

Transparency and Community Engagement

The SMPD emphasized the need for transparency, releasing graphic footage and forensic evidence to provide context for the incident. Viewer discretion is strongly advised due to the violent nature of the content.

For more information, contact the SMPD or visit their official website. Updates will be shared as investigations continue. Anyone with additional details about the suspect or the events leading up to the attack is encouraged to reach out to SMPD detectives.

Santa Monica Police Apprehend Suspect in September 6th Fatal Stabbing

SANTA MONICA — A 36-year-old Los Angeles resident, identified as Sebastian Emil Gaston, has been arrested in connection with a homicide that occurred on September 6, 2024. The incident took place in an alley off the 1100 Block of 6th Street, where Santa Monica Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program officers initially responded to a report of an individual lying on the ground.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in his 30s with a fatal stab wound to the upper chest. The Criminal Investigations Division promptly launched an investigation, gathering evidence, reviewing video footage, and interviewing witnesses.

Detectives ultimately identified Gaston, a security guard working at a nearby building, as the suspect. Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, and Gaston was taken into custody at the Santa Monica police station on November 7. During interrogation, Gaston allegedly confessed to both the homicide and a previous assault in July. He is currently held by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department awaiting trial.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to reach out to Detective Kayondo at lawrence.kayondo@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24/7.

Santa Monica Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Potential Victims of Indecent Exposure

Santa Monica, CA (November 14, 2024) – The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is asking for the public's help in identifying potential victims of a man who allegedly exposed himself to children near the Santa Monica Pier.

According to SMPD, on September 18th, 2024, 46-year-old Benjamin Bush of Rosamond, California displayed a nude photograph of himself to three separate 9-year-old victims while outside Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Investigators believe there may have been an additional unidentified juvenile victim inside Playland Arcade who also witnessed the inappropriate behavior.

Following an investigation, Bush was arrested on October 29th, 2024, on charges of child annoyance and distributing harmful matter to a minor. While Bush has no prior criminal history, police suspect there may be other incidents involving him.

The SMPD is urging anyone with information about this case or who may have been a victim of similar behavior by Bush to contact Detective Baker (Sean.Baker@santamonica.gov), Detective Sergeant Haro (David.Haro@santamonica.gov), or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427 (24 hours a day).

Stabbing Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica: Homeless Man Charged with Assault on Fellow Homeless Individual

Santa Monica, CA – On October 23, 2024, Santa Monica Police arrested Damian Garcia, 23, in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on October 16th. The victim, a recently arrived homeless individual from Kentucky, was found bleeding on the sidewalk at the 500 block of Broadway around 7 p.m. SMPD officers responded promptly to the scene.

Through surveillance video and further investigation, detectives identified Garcia, who is also homeless and recently arrived in Santa Monica from Florida, as the suspect. At his arraignment on October 25th, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony charge against Garcia for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Great Bodily Injury.

Garcia is currently being held in custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and faces extradition to Florida for a separate fugitive warrant. His criminal history includes charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Vehicle Theft, Armed Robbery, and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact Detective Ben Jenkins at (310) 458-4884 or Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931.

LAPD Arrest Stolen Cadillac Suspects in Santa Monica Following High-Speed Chase and PIT Maneuver

 

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Los Angeles Police officers, with the assistance of an overhead helicopter, pursued suspects in a stolen Cadillac Escalade through multiple neighborhoods, ending the chase in Santa Monica. The incident began in Pacific Palisades, near Sunset Avenue, when officers ran the plates of the SUV and discovered it had been reported stolen.

When police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspects fled, prompting a high-speed pursuit that drew aerial support from an LAPD helicopter. The chase continued through several areas before concluding on Barnard Way in Santa Monica, where officers performed a PIT maneuver, forcing the SUV to a stop. 

Two suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot into nearby condominiums. Officers, aided by the helicopter, quickly located and arrested the suspects after a brief foot chase.

Following standard protocol, Santa Monica Fire Paramedics were called to the scene due to the collision caused by the PIT maneuver. Both suspects were transported to a hospital for evaluation before being booked.

LAPD noted that the stolen Cadillac is part of a recent string of black SUV thefts linked to home burglaries in the area. The vehicle was towed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Knife Attack at Santa Monica Pier Parking Lot Ends in First-Degree Murder Conviction

Santa Monica, CA – On November 2, 2022, Santa Monica Police officers responded to a suspicious circumstances call at Lot 1 North, a beach parking lot just north of the Pier. A parking attendant had discovered a man motionless in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, appearing to be bleeding. Officers arriving on the scene found the man had suffered fatal injuries from a knife attack, and he was declared deceased by firefighters. Initially identified as a John Doe, the victim was later confirmed to be a resident of Dearborn, Michigan, who had recently purchased the vehicle in Southern California.

Following an extensive forensic investigation, authorities identified Mohamed Abou-Arabi, also of Dearborn, as the suspect. In January 2023, Santa Monica detectives, with assistance from the Dearborn Police Department, located and arrested Abou-Arabi in Michigan. He was charged with first-degree murder with an enhancement for the use of a knife.

After standing trial in September 2024, Abou-Arabi was convicted of first-degree murder. His sentencing is scheduled for December. Abou-Arabi, who has two prior arrests for misdemeanor weapons offenses in Michigan, did not provide a motive during the investigation or trial.

For further information, media inquiries can be directed to Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at Erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov.