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September 26, 2025 - October 2, October 31 - November 6, 2025 Volume CXXIII CXXIII Issue Issue 214 214
Two Killed, Two Injured AfterStolen Wrong-Way Thousands in Equipment FromDriver Hits Pedestrians in Santa Monica Filmmaker’s Santa Monica Home Known for his work across cinematography, directing, and editing, Ruiz-Healy returned home to find his house occupied by squatters
Indie filmmaker and award-winning cinematographer Fidel Ruiz-Healy is recovering from a devastating home robbery that left his Santa Monica residence uninhabitable and stripped of nearly all his professional equipment. Ruiz-Healy, known for his work across cinematography, directing, and editing, returned home on Sept. 16 from a work trip to find his house ransacked and reportedly occupied by squatters. According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by friends and collaborators, “every single crevice” of the home had been turned over. Alongside trash and discarded weapons left behind, extensive damage was done to the plumbing, including cut wires, rendering theTwo home unlivable. people were killed and two others Most concerning forafter the filmmaker is the injured Friday night a car traveling loss of virtually his camera equipment the wrong way all onofWilshire Boulevard in — theMonica tools that form the thecurb backbone of hisa Santa jumped and struck career andpedestrians, sole sourcepolice of income. group of said. The theft included high-end gear such9:15 as p.m. a RED The crash occurred around on Dragon camera Leica R and October 24 in thepackage, 1300 block of Wilshire Nikon AIS lenses, tripods, meters, Boulevard, according to thelighting Santa Monica hard and a MacBook Pro. arrived, Several Policedrives, Department. When officers they found four victims lying on the south sidewalk. Two of the victims were
Santa Monica Police Hunt Driver After Deadly Wilshire Boulevard Crash
pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was heading westbound in the eastbound items belonging to colleagues that Ruizlanes when it veered onto the sidewalk and Healy storing were also among the hit the was pedestrians. The driver reportedly stolen equipment. abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot Compounding the loss, insurance before officers arrived. coverage on the equipment had as lapsed just Police described the suspect a Black weeks earlier, on August 30. tall, last seen male, approximately 6 feet Ruiz-Healy, since wearing a red hat,who blackhas sweater, and found black temporary housing, is still taking on film shoes. work, friends say the loss Department’s of equipment The but Santa Monica Police presents a seriousResponse barrier toTeam his livelihood. Major Accident (MART) “Any filmmaker understands Authorities that your is leading the investigation. closed Wilshire Boulevard between 14th Street and Euclid Avenue for several
hours Friday night while investigators documented the scene. “We recognize the gravity of this tragedy and the impact it has on our community,” said Interim Chief Darrick Jacob in a statement. “Our investigators are working equipment is everything. Therefore, this tirelessly requires to identify and locate the situation immediate attention,” suspect responsible, and our hearts are organizers wrote on the fundraiser page. with of thethan victims who has are As the of families Friday, more $20,000 experiencing unimaginable loss.” been raised through over 250 donations on Anyone with information about the GoFundMe, putting the campaign within incident, witnesses saw the reach of including its $22,000 goal.who Supporters collision or the suspect fleeing, is urged to have continued to share the fundraiser, contact Investigator Lantz reputation Lewis at 310highlighting Ruiz-Healy’s as a 458-2201 collaborator ext. 5311 orand Sgt.“an Jason Olson generous all-around at 310-458-8367. The Watch Commander great guy.” can be reached 24 hours a day at 310-4588427.
When officers approached and attempted to detain man, heinbecame uncooperative man whothe worked childcare across the and reached Los repeatedly Angeles area was toward arrestedthe on center child console, police said. A brief struggle pornography charges. followed before fled onPolice foot. Detectives fromthethesuspect Los Angeles Officers apprehended a short distance Department’s Juvenilehim Division, Internet away. Crimes Against Children Unit, along with A search the vehicle revealed special agentsof from Homeland Securitya loaded handgun positionedtook between the Investigations–Ventura, Miguel driver’s seat and center console,on within the Adrian Gonzalez into custody October suspect’s reach. recovered 24, 2025, on oneAuthorities felony countalso of possession aofsignificant amountpornography. of cocaine, psilocybin child or youth Gonzalez mushrooms, and marijuana. remains jailed under booking number The suspect, whose arraignment. identity was not 7115226 while awaiting released, remains in custody pending Authorities say Gonzalez has worked at further police programs, said. No numerousinvestigation, schools, after-school additional detailsthroughout were Los immediately and youth camps Angeles available. County. At least one minor victim has been
identified, and investigators believe there may be others, particularly male minors who may have been under his supervision. Gonzalez is described as a Hispanic man, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Investigators have released his booking photo to help locate additional victims. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Gonzalez or has information related to the case is urged to contact LAPD’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at icac@lapd.online, or HSI–Ventura at HSIVenturaICAC@hsi. dhs.gov. For after-hours tips, call 1-877-LAPD24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anonymous
Santa Monica police have assigned a detective to the case, and neighbors have been alerted to report any leads. Organizers shared photos of the aftermath to show the scale of the damage and say they are continuing to adjust the fundraising goal to account for the full cost of replacing equipment and essential items. Those wishing to contribute can visit the GoFundMe page titled “Help Indie Film Legend After Home Robbery.”
SMPD Arrest Man with Drugs, Loaded Gun Police Urge Victims to Come Forward After After Traffic Stop Arrest of Former L.A. Childcare Employee Suspect Flees Briefly Investigators Before Police Recover Say Childcare Cocaine, Mushrooms, Worker, Accused and Marijuana
of Possessing Child Pornography, May Have Targeted Additional Minors
A traffic stop in Santa Monica led to the arrest of a man found with a loaded handgun and a significant quantity of drugs, police said Thursday. Santa Monica Police Department officers, patrolling the 00 block of Bay Street around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, observed a parked vehicle the driver’s Los Angeles police with and federal door open. The was investigators aredriver asking forseen the handling public’s suspected drug paraphernalia, to help in identifying potentialaccording additional avictims police statement. after a 28-year-old Las Vegas
information can also be submitted through L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), www.lacrimestoppers.org, or via the P3 Tips mobile app.