LAPD Oversees Homeless Encampment Cleanup on Venice Streets

Venice, Los Angeles – September 4, 2024 — A coordinated cleanup operation was conducted on Main Street and Speedway in Venice by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., focusing on the removal of a homeless encampment. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were on-site to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly and safely. The effort, which involved workers in protective gear, focused on separating hazardous from non-hazardous waste to ensure a comprehensive and safe cleanup. This initiative is part of the city's ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness while improving public health and sanitation in high-traffic areas. The operation underscores the city’s focus on maintaining cleanliness and public safety while balancing compassionate responses to homelessness.

Tensions Flare at Venice Beach: Police Intervene After Altercation Between Street Performer and Resident

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Los Angeles Police officers responded to an altercation on the Venice Beach Boardwalk involving a street performer and a local resident. The incident occurred during a live comedy routine, where the resident allegedly took offense to remarks made by the comedian, leading to a physical confrontation. According to the resident, tensions escalated after a previous interaction in which he helped the comedian by purchasing batteries and complimented his performance. However, during a later encounter, the comedian allegedly made offensive comments about the resident's wife during a routine, which led to a verbal exchange. On the morning of the incident, the resident said he approached the performer to mention the batteries, at which point the situation quickly spiraled. The resident admits to reaching for the comedian's microphone, after which the comedian struck him in the mouth, sparking a scuffle. The comedian, however, provided a different perspective. He stated that he never spoke to the resident during the altercation and expressed concern for his safety, citing that Venice Beach has become increasingly unsafe. The comedian claimed that he felt threatened and only hit the resident in self-defense, particularly given his medical condition—he disclosed that he suffers from epilepsy and was worried that the confrontation could trigger a seizure. The comedian felt that the incident was not "mutual combat," as the police concluded, and argued that his actions were purely in defense of his well-being. The comedian also voiced frustration that the resident was not handcuffed or arrested, citing what he perceived as bias on the part of the officers. He believed the resident, who is white, was given preferential treatment. Despite his desire to press charges for assault and battery, the police decided not to file any charges, as the altercation was determined to be mutual combat. The resident sustained a cut on his lip during the altercation, and officers administered first aid at the scene before both parties went their separate ways.

 

Santa Monica Police Intervene in Beach Confrontation, Issue Warning to Homeless Man

 

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers responded to an altercation at Santa Monica Beach involving two men. According to witnesses, a homeless man allegedly confronted a person hosting an event at the beach. The event host defended himself, and officers quickly arrived on the scene.

Police conducted an investigation and identified the homeless man, whom they were familiar with due to prior incidents in the area. Officers issued a warning to the man, instructing him to leave the vicinity. They informed him that if a similar situation occurs in the future, he will face arrest.

No arrests were made at the time, and the event proceeded without further disruption.

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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.

Santa Monica Maintenance Crews Repair Damage After Car Plows Into Palisades Park

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Santa Monica park maintenance employees were on-site cleaning up after a vehicle crashed through a section of the fence at Palisades Park. Early this morning, a car traveling down Wilshire Boulevard lost control and plowed into the park’s fence, coming to a precarious stop with part of the vehicle dangling over the cliff.

There are no confirmed reports of injuries, and authorities are investigating whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.

The maintenance crew responded quickly, installing a temporary chain-link fence to secure the area and reinforce the damaged section. In addition to repairing the fence, they also replanted vegetation that had been torn out during the impact, working to restore the park’s landscape.

Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.

Venice Beach Camp Chronicles: A Night with Daisy the Healer and the Reverend White

Santa Monica Closeup caught up with Daisy, known as the Venice Healer, and Reverend White during an eventful night at Venice Beach. Their candid conversation offered a mix of humor, reflections, and a glimpse into the unique Venice culture.

In a lighthearted exchange, Daisy recounted the previous night's camping adventure on the sand, where she playfully said to Reverend White, "I tapped you on the nose last night!" to which he replied, "You did last night." The two spent the night camping together, with Daisy recalling their makeshift campsite: "My temple was next to his setup, we were sleeping like 4 feet apart. I could hear you! Did you hear me make a noise?" she joked, setting the tone for the playful interaction. As the night unfolded, they found themselves surrounded by a crowd of local beach-goers and drum circle participants, all while trying to catch some rest. "I was woken up at 1:00 in the morning," Daisy explained, "My bedtime is 8:00, so I was in deep sleep. I’m like, 'Reverend White, take care of it!'” Reverend White, with his signature charm, responded, "It's going to get interesting," before everyone, including the crowd, broke into laughter. Despite the challenges, Daisy remained in good spirits, even as officers arrived the following morning. "They let me sleep until 8, which is late! They were really sweet, like, 'Hey Daisy, do you mind opening your walls?'" Daisy shared, showing her appreciation for the officers’ respectful approach. The conversation took a philosophical turn as Reverend White introduced his vision of "America 2.0" and “Big Mama 3.0,” while Daisy hinted at a mysterious "secret" they share. The playful banter continued, with Reverend White musing about futuristic technology, while Daisy emphasized the importance of love and community. "We’re the ones we’ve been waiting for. We’re all divine love," Daisy said, summing up the spiritual undertones of the conversation. "The joke is, we’ve been waiting for some savior — but we’re the ones." As the sun set over Venice Beach, the duo continued to entertain and inspire those around them, blending humor, spirituality, and the unique vibe of Venice’s free-spirited culture.