INSIDE Westside Businesses Transform Into Distribution Hubs and Shelters Amid Devastating Fire smmirror.com
January 17 - January 23, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 8
Seven More Suspects Arrested in Santa Monica for Burglary During Wildfire Evacuations Suspects Accused of Targeting Homes, Vehicles Amid Mandatory Evacuation Zones The Santa Monica Police Department officers have arrested 7 individuals in connection with a series of burglary and attempted burglary incidents that occurred last week, including multiple violations of evacuation orders and curfews during the ongoing wildfire crisis. The arrests were made in four separate incidents across Santa Monica. Traffic Stop Leads to Three Arrests Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7:50 p.m. Location: 200 block of 18th Street Officers responded to a report of a prowler at a residence under construction. They stopped a 2017 Dodge Journey near the scene and arrested three individuals: • Sergio Antonio Navarro, 28: Drug possession, burglary, and conspiracy. • Erick Daniel Montoya, 29: Burglary, conspiracy, and an outstanding petty theft warrant. • David Fabian Alarcon, 27: Drug
paraphernalia possession, burglary, and conspiracy. Stolen IDs and bank cards found in the vehicle were linked to prior burglaries. Curfew Violation Yields Four Arrests Date/Time: Thursday, Jan. 9, Evening Location: 200 block of Euclid Street Officers stopped a Toyota Camry violating curfew orders. A search revealed ski masks, airsoft pistols, and burglary
tools. Arrested were: • David Michael Ortiz, 18: Burglary and conspiracy. • Jose Alberto Segura, 17: Burglary and conspiracy. • Yancarlos Jr. Valdez Ponce, 18: Burglary and conspiracy. • Junior Abades Montesinos, 18: Burglary and conspiracy. Residents are reminded to secure their
homes and comply with evacuation and curfew orders. The Santa Monica Police Department offers free disaster readiness guides at its headquarters at 4040 Duquesne Avenue. For additional information, contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.
Possible Homeless Man Murdered on Broadway, SMPD Seek Suspect Authorities Investigate Early Morning Shooting, Suspect Still at Large
Santa Monica Police Department spokesperson confirmed that a man was fatally shot early Wednesday morning on the 200 block of Broadway. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Witnesses reported that an unidentified woman had been arguing with the victim, a man believed to be homeless, shortly before the shooting. A male suspect, described as white or Hispanic, then approached the victim and pursued him into the street, where he shot the man in the back. The suspect was last seen running
northbound in Alley 2 before disappearing from sight. Officers responded to the scene and performed lifesaving efforts. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet identified the victim. Detectives are reviewing witness statements and surveillance footage to identify the suspect and others involved in the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at (310) 458-4852 or via email at Isaac.Reyes@ santamonica.gov. Detective Sergeant Alfonso Lozano can also be reached at (310) 458-8774 or Alfonso.Lozano@ santamonica.gov. The Santa Monica Police Department’s Watch Commander is available 24/7 at (310) 458-8427.