Shots on Pico
This is not the name of a new bar in town.
Sunday, July 23, 9:42pm – 2100 block of Pico Blvd. – An officer on patrol as part of what the Police Department is calling “Operation Safe Streets” heard four shots fired in the area. As the officer broadcasted this information, police dispatch received telephone calls of “shots fired” from the area of Pico and 18th St. “An Operation Safe Streets supervisor saw a male wearing baggy clothing running westbound on Pico Blvd.,” said a department release. Preliminary investigation indicated that this person, an adult, had been walking when a suspect vehicle (possible white mid-90’s Toyota Corolla) pulled alongside; vehicle occupants said something to the pedestrian, and he then ran. As he ran, shots were fired. No one was injured.
SMPD reports: “The subject/witness was uncooperative and gave limited information. This incident appears to be gang related.” Anyone with information is encouraged to call Robbery/Homicide Unit, SMPD, 310.458.8451; Watch Commander’s Office, SMPD, 310.458.8426; or anonymous information (We-Tip hotline), 800.78.CRIME (27463). Possible reward.
Getting Testy Over Hi-Test
Tuesday, July 11, 12:55pm – 300 block of Pico Blvd. – Officers responded on a call regarding an argument that had gone to possible assault and battery. Police spoke to The Victim, who said that a “verbal argument” with The Suspect over a space at a gas station fuel island had escalated when The Suspect grabbed him by the shirt and slapped him in the face. The Victim desired prosecution, and The Suspect was arrested for assault and battery. [With gas prices soaring and the mercury climbing, can tempers rising be far behind?]
No Deadly Weapons Here
Wednesday, July 12, 2:52pm – 1300 block of Third Street Promenade – Police were called on an assault and battery investigation. It seems, The Victim reported, that The Suspect was a restaurant customer who got mad at The Victim, an employee, for [the ubiquitous] “unknown reason(s)” and proceeded to throw a plastic fork and plastic water bottle at The Victim. She (The Victim) was desirous of prosecution, and so she (The Suspect) was arrested for assault and battery and taken to jail. [Regular APB readers will note that there was no “deadly weapon” involved in the charges.]
Bay City Blues
Wednesday, July 19, high noon – 1300 block of 4th St. – Santa Monica police responded on an attempted armed robbery that had just occurred. “Apparently, the suspect [a 26-year-old homeless man] entered the bank and presented a demand note to the employee,” said SMPD spokesman Lt. Frank Fabrega. “The suspect left the bank without any money.” Officers saw the man on foot in the 1300 block of 5th St. and detained him; he was positively identified in a field show up and then arrested and jailed for attempted robbery and probation violation. [There is a country/western song here just waiting to be told/written/sung.]
