Santa Monica Police Arrest Suspect in Stolen Electric Bike Case at the Beach

Santa Monica, CA – October 11, 2024: Santa Monica Police arrested a man at Santa Monica Beach on Friday following the recovery of a stolen electric bike. The incident unfolded after a surfer, who had ridden his electric bike to Venice Beach earlier in the day, discovered it was missing when he returned from the ocean. Luckily, the bike was equipped with a tracking device, which allowed the owner to trace it to Santa Monica. He promptly contacted local authorities for assistance. Santa Monica officers responded quickly, using the tracking data to pinpoint the bike’s location. Upon arrival, they detained a man near the stolen bike while conducting their investigation. The bike's owner confirmed the electric bike was his, and it was returned in the same condition as when it was taken. While the suspect did not confess to the theft, officers discovered he had an outstanding warrant. The man was arrested and transported to Santa Monica Jail. The police are continuing their investigation into the bike theft and possible additional charges.

Police Detain Teenagers at Santa Monica Pier After Confrontation with Arcade Employees

Santa Monica, CA – On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers detained a group of teenagers at the Santa Monica Pier following an incident at Playland Arcade. The teenagers had been asked to leave the arcade after allegedly displaying rowdy behavior.

According to witnesses, the situation escalated outside the arcade, where the teenagers engaged in a heated verbal confrontation with Playland Arcade employees, reportedly threatening them during the altercation.

Officers responded to the scene, investigated the situation, and ultimately released the teenagers without taking further action. No arrests were made.

Parolee Arrested at Santa Monica Beach After Smoking Violation Leads to Parole Breach Discovery

Santa Monica, CA – On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department’s Crime Impact Team (CIT) arrested a man at Santa Monica Beach following a stop for a municipal code violation. The individual was initially approached for smoking in a prohibited area, but upon further investigation, officers discovered the man was in violation of his parole and subsequently took him into custody.

The arrest stemmed from a violation of Santa Monica’s Smoking Ordinance, Section 4.44.020(a) of the Municipal Code, which prohibits smoking in public parks and other designated areas. Violators face fines ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense. The law also extends to vaping and marijuana use, with penalties increasing under specific conditions. Exceptions exist for designated smoking areas and some private residences.

The Crime Impact Team, a specialized unit of four officers and one sergeant, plays a proactive role in enhancing public safety in Santa Monica. Unlike routine patrol units, CIT members focus on targeted enforcement, surveillance, and community outreach. Their primary objective is to address crime hotspots across the city and implement strategies to reduce crime rates.

Santa Monica Police Issue Citations to Homeless Campers at Santa Monica Beach

On the morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers from the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) issued citations to two homeless individuals found camping in a tent at the Santa Monica Pier parking lot. The camping activity violated Santa Monica Municipal Code 4.08.095, which prohibits camping in public areas, including beaches, streets, parks, and government properties. The code strictly forbids such activities to maintain public safety and preserve these spaces for public use.

After receiving the citations, the campers asked if they could have some time to dismantle the tent and gather their belongings. The officers granted their request, allowing them additional time and indicating they would return in an hour to check on the situation.

This incident highlights the Santa Monica Police Department's ongoing efforts to address the complexities of homelessness in the city. The Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) plays a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals through outreach, relationship-building, and collaboration with various city and county agencies. HLP's focus is on prioritizing mental health services and offering alternatives to incarceration, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care and resources.

The program works closely with the Santa Monica Fire Department, Human Services Division, and the City Attorney’s Office to provide a holistic approach to homelessness, aiming to improve community well-being while upholding city regulations designed to maintain public safety and shared spaces.

Surviving Venice: Homeless Resident Chip Monk Shares Candid Thoughts on Life’s Struggles

On the morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup's photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz encountered Venice Beach local Chip Monk, a homeless resident known in the area. Monk, reflecting on his life and interactions with police, spoke candidly about his philosophy of "going with the flow." He explained how the police treat him amicably, respecting his non-confrontational approach. Monk elaborated on broader themes, including life’s authoritarian structures and the balance between good and bad, both in a spiritual and societal sense. He shared a deeply personal reflection, revealing that he has been clinically dead three times in the past seven years. According to Monk, these near-death experiences left him with the belief that in the end, “it’s just you and God," with each individual ultimately judging themselves. Chip also touched on topics ranging from his thoughts on societal expectations to homelessness and his struggles to maintain a positive mindset despite his circumstances. In a moment of humor and humility, he demonstrated his poor man’s didgeridoo, a vacuum hose, and mused about performing on the Venice Boardwalk. For Monk, life is about self-acceptance and understanding that everyone has their own journey. He emphasized the importance of creation, whether through art or personal growth, as a means of survival and fulfillment in a world that often feels overwhelming.

Multiple Arrests in Santa Monica After Routine Traffic Stop Uncovers Weapons and Contraband

On the morning of October 5, 2024, Santa Monica police officers conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation. During the stop, the front passenger informed officers of a rifle inside the vehicle, leading to the immediate detention of all five occupants. A subsequent search of the car revealed not only the rifle but also a loaded handgun and open alcohol containers.

All five individuals were arrested on various charges, including carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, and parole violation. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to maintain public safety.

Venice Beach Crackdown: LAPD Enforces Tent Ban, CIRCLE Team Assists Homeless

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were at Venice Beach to enforce Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits the erection of tents in city parks. Officers issued advisals to homeless individuals camping in tents along the beach, ensuring these public spaces remain safe and accessible to all visitors. In addition to the advisals, LAPD officers facilitated support for the unhoused by contacting the CIRCLE (Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement) team. The team was expected to arrive within the hour to offer services and assistance to those camping at the beach. CIRCLE is a 24/7 alternative response program designed to handle non-urgent 9-1-1 calls related to unhoused individuals. The program deploys trained crisis response teams, including licensed mental health clinicians and outreach workers with lived experience, to engage with individuals in need and provide access to essential services. The goal of CIRCLE is to improve interactions with unhoused Angelenos and allow LAPD to focus on traditional law enforcement efforts. Since its pilot launch in January 2022, the CIRCLE program has expanded beyond Hollywood and Venice to other parts of Los Angeles, with teams conducting proactive outreach and responding to calls for assistance. Their work is supplemented by outreach teams operating in areas of high need, offering resources such as water, snacks, and Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses.

The People’s Concern: Homeless Outreach Team Engages with Santa Monica Beach Campers

A homeless outreach team from The People Concern was spotted at Santa Monica Beach on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, engaging with individuals camping along the shoreline. The team, equipped with an all-terrain vehicle, approached the encampments offering services and assistance to those in need. The People's Concern, a trusted service provider in Los Angeles, has been working for over 60 years to provide comprehensive care to homeless individuals, offering solutions like interim housing, mental and medical health care, and substance abuse services. The team continues to support the homeless population with the goal of helping them rebuild their lives. 

Officer Involved Shooting Update: Suspect in Stabbing Identified, Possible Robbery Connection

Santa Monica, CA — The Santa Monica Police Department has provided an update regarding the officer-involved stabbing incident that occurred on October 5, 2024. The officer, who was the victim of an unprovoked attack in front of the police station, was stabbed multiple times by a male suspect before discharging his weapon. The suspect died at the scene.

The suspect has been identified as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, born on March 3, 1996, and a resident of New York State. His current housing status is unknown, and there are no prior records of criminal history or contacts with the Santa Monica Police Department in California.

New information suggests that Halaibeh was involved in a robbery at the Target store on 420 Broadway just minutes before the attack. According to store security, a male suspect had pushed an employee to the ground and stolen a box of kitchen knives, one of which was later used in the assault on the officer. The 8-inch chef's knife, taken from the box, was recovered at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional information about the suspect or the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Zamfirov at peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov or Detective Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov. The public can also reach the Watch Commander at any time by calling (310) 458-8427.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

For media inquiries, contact Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov.

CHILL OUT, EAT A PICKLE: Artist Sergio Maciel Paints New Mural for Grillo's Pickles on Windward Avenue in Venice

Venice, CA—Local artist Sergio Maciel (@sergmaciel) was seen hard at work on Windward Avenue, painting a vibrant new mural for Grillo's Pickles. The bold advertisement features the slogan "CHILL OUT EAT A PICKLE" in large white letters against a bright green background, making it a striking addition to the iconic Venice street. The mural showcases Grillo’s signature pickle jars, combining street art with product promotion in a creative and eye-catching way.

Grillo’s Pickles, widely loved for their fresh and flavorful pickles, has taken a unique approach to advertising by collaborating with local artists like Maciel. This mural adds both color and character to the Venice neighborhood, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the refreshing taste of Grillo’s Pickles while taking in the vibrant art scene on Windward Avenue.