Breakfast Blaze: Homeless Cooking Fire Extinguished by Santa Monica Firefighters

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Santa Monica Police Community Service Officers quickly responded to a fire at the Santa Monica Beach parking lot. Using fire extinguishers, the officers managed to control the flames before Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived to fully extinguish the fire by dousing it with water. The fire reportedly originated from a cooking setup involving charcoal briquettes, used by a homeless individual preparing breakfast. Several burnt pans were found at the scene, and the fire appeared to have grown out of control. Police detained an individual for further investigation. No injuries were reported, and the incident remains under review.

Private Security Engages with Street Resident Outside Apple Store in Downtown Santa Monica

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, private security personnel engaged with a homeless individual, referred to as a "Street Resident" (S.R.), outside the Apple Store on the Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. The individual, known to the security team, was approached after standing in front of the storefront. Following a brief conversation, the individual moved on without further incident.

The interaction was handled by Legion Corporation, a private security company contracted by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. to provide supplemental safety services in the area. Legion's safety team operates daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., responding to non-emergency calls related to:

• Anti-social behavior
• Aggressive panhandling
• Sleeping or lying on streets, sidewalks, or alleys
• Disturbing the peace
• Suspicious activity

These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, businesses, and residents in Downtown Santa Monica.

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.

Live and In Style: Outlandish Unveils the Future of Shopping on the Promenade

Santa Monica, Calif. – Outlandish, a trailblazer in live shopping and social commerce, unveiled its first U.S. flagship store today on Santa Monica's bustling Third Street Promenade. The grand opening marked a pivotal moment in retail innovation, blending the tactile experience of traditional shopping with the interactivity of live-streamed social media commerce.

The store features cutting-edge live-streaming studios, enabling influencers to host real-time shopping events directly from the floor. Customers can interact with influencers in person or virtually through the Outlandish platform, which is already a certified TikTok partner.

“When I founded Outlandish, my vision was to combine the excitement of live, interactive shopping with the personal connection of in-store visits,” said William August, CEO of Outlandish. “This flagship store bridges those worlds, letting customers experience the best of both.”

Outlandish has quickly become a disruptor in the retail space, driving at least 10% of partner brands’ revenues through live shopping sales. Since its founding in 2018, the company has partnered with major global brands, leveraging platforms like TikTok to captivate audiences worldwide.

The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by company leadership, local officials, and influencers, followed by a guided tour of the state-of-the-art space. Attendees witnessed live-streamed events featuring popular products, connecting local shoppers with global audiences.

“We’re thrilled to bring this innovative hybrid model to the U.S.,” said Michael Dodo, CEO of the Dodo Group. “This initiative redefines the retail experience by merging immersive, in-person shopping with the dynamic reach of digital technology.”

In addition to revolutionizing retail, the Santa Monica location will serve as a hub for education. Outlandish plans to host classes designed to empower creators, focusing on live shopping, social media marketing, and content creation.

Looking ahead, Outlandish aims to expand globally, with locations in Mexico and Spain slated for 2025 and beyond.

With its groundbreaking approach, Outlandish is setting a bold new standard for the future of commerce, merging tradition with technology to create a seamless, interactive shopping experience.

For more information about Outlandish, visit outlandishdigital.us.

Homeless Man Killed While Riding Bike in Tragic Collision on Lincoln Boulevard

Santa Monica, CA — A fatal traffic collision claimed the life of a bicyclist early Sunday morning on November 17, 2024, in the 1800 block of Lincoln Boulevard. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. as a male cyclist, believed to be 41 years old and experiencing homelessness, was traveling southbound on Lincoln Boulevard. 

The cyclist was struck by a vehicle and subsequently hit by a second vehicle. Both drivers remained at the scene and are fully cooperating with the investigation. Authorities confirmed that neither driver exhibited signs of impairment. Tragically, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Santa Monica Police Department is actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Lantz Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov or the department's Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24 hours a day.

This heartbreaking event underscores the continued need for vigilance and safety for all roadway users.

CRACKDOWN ON DOG VIOLATIONS: Animal Control, with LAPD Support, Issues Citations at Venice Beach

Venice Beach saw a coordinated enforcement effort on Wednesday, November 20, 2027, as Los Angeles Animal Control officers, accompanied by LAPD officers, issued citations to individuals violating pet-related ordinances. Violations included unlicensed animals, dogs off-leash, and bringing dogs onto the beach, all prohibited under city and state laws. Animal Control Officers play a vital role in enforcing regulations related to the care, treatment, licensing, and impounding of animals. In addition to addressing violations, they are responsible for picking up sick, injured, stray, vicious, or unwanted animals, conducting humane investigations, and performing permit inspections. Officers also issue citations, make arrests, collect fees such as animal licensing costs, and maintain records and reports, which can be used as legal evidence. The enforcement effort focused on key ordinances, including SEC. 53.06.2, which requires dog owners to keep their pets confined to their premises or under control on a leash, and SEC. 17.12.280 and SEC. 17.12.290, which prohibit animals, including dogs and cats, on beaches or in the adjacent waters of the Pacific Ocean. These actions are part of an ongoing effort to ensure public safety, protect the environment, and promote responsible pet ownership at Venice Beach.

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.