The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap April 20 - April 26, 2025

May 7, 2025 12:08 PM
by Lewis Gilmour

DEPARTMENT-WIDE STATS:

TRAFFIC EDUCATION & ENFORCEMENT - MOTORS

Weekly Stats:

OTS Grant Operation:

Patrol Traffic Enforcement

4/22/25, members of the Traffic Enforcement Unit assisted with the start of school for Pali High, at 302 Colorado Ave.  Despite the significant increase in traffic, pick-up and drop-off were very smooth.  Officers maintained vigilance around this area throughout the week. 

On 4/23/2025 Officers responded to 17th St. north of Olympic Blvd.  A vehicle struck multiple fixed objects and caught fire.  A subject was detained walking away from the scene of the collision approximately ½ block away. 

PATROL

1321 2nd St. (Structure 4) - Vandalism: A person was seen ripping an exit gate from a parking booth, was located, and positively identified. The damage was under $450.

148PC / 11377HS / $51K SM Warrant for 148PC (Resisting Arrest): Dispatch received a call regarding a man with a gun. The individual was located and was uncooperative. No firearm was found, but the person possessed a firearm-shaped lighter, narcotics, and had an outstanding SMPD warrant.

601 SM Blvd (Library) - Assault and Battery on a city employee: An officer responded to a report of an assault on a library employee. The employee stated that after escorting a disruptive individual out of the library, the individual spat on the employee's jacket and fled.

395 SM Place (Nike store) - Shoplift: A group of 8-10 male juveniles shoplifted from the Nike store and fled.  The total estimated loss from multiple incidents was approximately $1000.

5th St / Colorado Ave - Muni Code / 11377HS: Officers observed a subject riding on the sidewalk. The subject had drug paraphernalia and was later found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

211 PC Robbery Suspect In-Custody: The reporting party reported two subjects fighting with knives in the area. Officers responded and investigated, determining the call to be a criminal threats call. One subject matched the description of a 211 strongarm robbery in the area taken by a resident on April 20th. That subject was arrested for PC 211 and possession of a dirk/dagger.

Assault/Battery– City Employee / Woodlawn Cemetery A victim/caretaker contacted loitering transients on the cemetery grounds. One subject spat on the caretaker, while another struck him with a plastic camera, and a struggle ensued. The victim reported the incident, but the suspects were gone on arrival. 

17th St and Olympic Blvd - Hit & Run / DUI / CPI: Officers responded to a vehicle that crashed into a wall and caught fire. The unoccupied vehicle was found, and the injured male driver was located two blocks away. He was transported to the hospital for a possible head injury. The collision caused fire damage to a city tree and an elementary school wall.

2000 block of  La Mesa - Home Invasion Robbery: A suspect forced entry into a residence, stole $50,000 worth of jewelry at gunpoint, and fled in a vehicle. Follow-up by patrol officers led to the suspect being located at a motel in South LA. CID responded and, with the assistance of LASD, took the suspect into custody.

1500 block of  26th St - Juvenile on Juvenile Fight / Threats: A physical altercation occurred between two female juveniles at a large party over a boyfriend issue. The suspect struck the victim multiple times, pulled her hair, and fled. The victim received on-scene treatment from SMFD for her injuries but was not transported for further evaluation. The suspect was known to the victim.

1550 Lot - 69 PC Arrest: Officers contacted a group for open container violations. While being placed under arrest, a suspect headbutted an officer, causing a lacerated lip. The officer did not require medical attention, and the suspect was booked without further incident.

2200 Block Neilson Way - Traffic Collision Roll Over / Solo Vehicle: A driver traveling northbound on Neilson Way struck the corner of Strand St, causing her vehicle to roll over. SMFD rescued the driver and her dog. The driver, who has medical conditions causing her to black out, was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Seaview Terrace - Hot Prowl: A suspect climbed onto a second-floor balcony and attempted to enter a residence but was interrupted by the resident. A brief struggle ensued before the suspect fled. Responding officers located the suspect nearby, and after a short foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody.

1500 block of Bay St - Hot Prowl: A resident contacted police after observing a male transient suspect on their property via live surveillance while their daughter was home alone. Officers contacted a possible suspect nearby, who was positively identified and taken into custody. The suspect was in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arcadia Terrace & Appian Way - Traffic Stop / Firearms Arrest: During a traffic stop officers contacted an adult and two juveniles and found open alcohol containers and marijuana. One subject attempted to conceal items. Further investigation revealed an HK USP 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number and a replica Glock 17 BB gun. The adult suspect was arrested for all violations, and the juveniles were released to their legal guardian.

DIRECTED ACTION RESPONSE TEAM (DART)

Weekly Stats: 

2900 Block the Beach - SMPD Warrant Arrest: During a consensual encounter, a person recognized from prior arrests was found to have a $51,000 SMPD warrant for a narcotics violation and was in possession of a meth pipe. The person was arrested.

1550 Block The Beach - SMPD Warrant Cite Out: A consensual encounter with a suspect revealed a $30,000 warrant. The suspect was cited out in the field.

301 Santa Monica Pier Bubba Gumps – Petty Theft w/Priors Arrest: DART officers investigated a recent theft and arrested an individual for petty theft with prior convictions.

1500 Block of the Beach - Violation of Stay away order: DART officers contacted a known subject who was in violation of a stay-away order.

1500 Block of the Beach - Narcotics Arrest: A person was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

300 Block Santa Monica Blvd. - Felony Arrest: A known suspect was observed in violation of a stay-away order in the downtown district. A search incident to arrest revealed drug paraphernalia. The suspect made threats to injure officers and was arrested for making threats, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of a court order.

829 Pico Blvd. - Narcotics Arrest: Officers responded to a suspicious person call and observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. A citation was issued, and the subject was advised regarding trespassing.

2000 Block of the beach - SMPD Warrant Arrest: Two individuals were observed on the beach with an open container of alcohol. A record check revealed one of them had two $51,000 SMPD warrants for public order crimes. This individual was arrested.

1100 Block of the Beach - Municipal Code Violation: A person was observed urinating on a fire station wall and was issued a citation for the violation.

Tower 25 - SMPD Warrant Arrest: A known transient individual with an encampment under Tower 25 was found to have a $51,000 SMPD warrant for public camping and was arrested.

In front of 503 Olympic - Drug Sales Investigation / Arrest: Officers contacted two individuals known to have outstanding SMPD warrants. One individual was arrested and found to be in possession of narcotics and marijuana for sales. The second individual had a $30,000 SMPD warrant for public camping and was cited out in the field  

CRIME IMPACT TEAM (CIT)

Weekly Stats:

Wilshire Corridor Livability Operation:

Two traffic stops and three pedestrian stops were conducted. A person was arrested on an outstanding $50K felony warrant for grand theft. Another  person was arrested for felony narcotics violations after a bike stop revealed possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia, along with suspicious activity suggesting casing the area. Due to previous charges, this narcotics arrest was elevated to felony status.

Pico Neighborhood Crime Suppression / Intel Operation:

Four traffic stops, five pedestrian stops, and three field interviews were conducted. Officers responded to a suspicious circumstance call regarding an occupied vehicle with no plates. The vehicle's ignition was punched, suggesting it might be stolen. The passenger was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested. The male subject who exited the vehicle was not located. An investigative hold was placed on the vehicle.

There has been an observed increase in gang graffiti in the Pico neighborhood, including graffiti from gangs outside the city. Officers are collaborating with gang units from LAPD, LASD, and Culver City to gather more intelligence.

1500 Block of Santa Monica Blvd. A person was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine following a consent search during a traffic stop.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM (CET)

Beat 1

NRO Hollowell coordinated with City Communications, Traffic Services, and Palisades High South staff to implement a new traffic plan and provide on-site support for safe student drop-off and pick-up.

NRO Hollowell responded to community concerns including:

He began collaborating with SMPD units and city departments to address these quality-of-life issues.

NROs Hollowell, Tago, and CPC Aguilar attended a virtual meeting with St. John’s staff to discuss 5150 protocols, collaboration updates, and ongoing outreach efforts.

NROs Hollowell, Tago, and CPC Aguilar responded to Virginia Park regarding complaints about unhoused individuals near a new classroom trailer and coordinated with the site project manager to plan for fencing and enhanced site security.

Beat 2

NROs Avila, Tago, and Hollowell attended the Cosetta Restaurant grand opening in the 3100 block of Ocean Park Blvd.

NROs Avila, Wang, and Sergeant Verbeck represented SMPD at the Belmar Park community event.

NRO Wang (Beat 4) referred a mental health-related community concern to NRO Avila for follow-up.

Beat 3

NROs Tago, Hollowell, and CPC Aguilar attended the Virginia Avenue Park Advisory Board meeting to present crime stats, promote the Coffee with a Cop event, and suggest decentralizing Community Academy sessions citywide.

NROs Tago, Hollowell, and CPC Aguilar participated in a Zoom meeting with St. John’s staff to strengthen collaboration and clarify mental health response procedures.

NRO Tago assisted patrol with calls for service and periodic beat checks.

NRO Tago provided a security assessment in the 1400 block of Princeton Street for a resident dealing with a chronic trespasser.

NRO Tago followed up in the 3200 block of Urban Avenue after a reported catalytic converter theft attempt; conducted a security assessment and provided crime prevention tips.

NRO Tago participated in the Arts and Literacy Festival at Virginia Park and conducted a walkthrough of the Farmer’s Market, engaging vendors and residents.

CPC Aguilar promoted the upcoming Spanish-language Community Academy during the Virginia Avenue Park Advisory Board meeting.

Beat 4

NRO Wang and the HLP team addressed a concern about a transient individual living in a legally parked trailer at Douglas Park; outreach and coordination efforts are ongoing.

NRO Wang addressed a chronic trespassing issue in the 1100 block of California Avenue and provided CPTED recommendations.

NRO Wang and CPC Aguilar participated in planning meetings with the Department of Transportation for the upcoming Bicycle Pit Stop event and “Coffee on the Corridor” initiative.

NRO Wang facilitated a Community Academy session and worked with Code Enforcement on American Motel-related data.

NRO Wang is handling a persistent noise complaint near 11th Street and California Avenue; no rule violations confirmed, but follow-up continues.

HOMELESS LIAISON  PROGRAM (HLP)

Weekly Stats:

On 04/25/25, HLP Team Officers contacted a male subject (R.F) in the 1600 block of Alley 19 regarding an encampment. R.F frequents this area and has been previously contacted (advised and cited) for municipal code violations. R.F was ultimately arrested and booked in the Santa Monica Jail in violation of public camping. R.F was referred to the Alternative to Incarceration Program and is working with Exodus staff on housing. R.F was also referred to HSD to obtain SMPP status.

HLP responded to Douglas Park related to a chronic camper. A report was written requesting misdemeanor charges be filed by the CA’s office. 

The HLP Team, in collaboration with the HOST Team, identified and removed abandoned encampments/property located throughout the city.

ANIMAL CONTROL

On 04/23/2025 at approximately 12:30 pm, Animal Control Officers (ACOs) responded to the 2400 block of Ocean Front Walk regarding a dog bite. ACOs arrived on scene and determined the incident was a PC 245 on a person, weapon used was a pitbull, grey or black in color. The victim sustained severe injuries to his legs, arms, and hands. The victim was transported by McCormack ambulance to the hospital ER for treatment of his injuries. An SMPD officer handled the PC 245 report and the assigned ACO submitted a Los Angeles County Health Department bite report. 

On 04/25/25 at approximately 10:40 am SMPD officers  along with Animal Control Officers responded to 101 Ocean Ave regarding a report of a mountain lion sighting on the property. Officers cleared the location without locating the mountain lion.

Animal Control continues to receive an influx of calls on the beach due to the toxic algal bloom and dogs on the beach.

Animal Control Officers impounded (1) injured baby elephant seal in the 1600 block of the beach and transported the elephant seal to the Marine Mammal Rescue Center in San Pedro for treatment of its injuries.

(2) injured Sea Lions were transported to the Marine Mammal Rescue Center in San Pedro for treatment of its injuries.

Animal Control Officers transported (1) Dolphin to Dockweiler State Beach for a necropsy to be performed by O.A.R.R.A.

Deceased animal pick-up:

Enforcement Activity:

HARBOR CONTROL 

Weekly Stats:

Medical Aid – 1615 Ocean Front Walk HSOs responded for an injury from an assault. They assessed a female for a laceration to the head. Fire Engine 7 arrived on scene, and patient care was transferred to medics who transported the patient to the hospital.

PD Assist - 647f Arrest West End HSOs responded to the west end for a male standing on top of the railing at the southwest corner of the pier. The suspect was semi-compliant until PD units arrived. HSOs treated a minor laceration to his hand. Later, PD units detained and arrested him for drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

PD Assist 487 Bubba Gump’s HSOs were flagged down. A suspect was seen taking items and putting them into his backpack. Officers stopped the suspect at the 1500 block of Pal Park, and the suspect was arrested.

Fire - West End HSOs were flagged for smoke coming from the stairs next to Marisols. HSOs observed smoke no flames. A water can extinguisher was used.

Additional Activities:

Authored By

Lewis Gilmour
Lieutenant