SMPD: On May 29, 2018, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) located and arrested Robert Art Abalov in West Los Angeles for his possible involvement in a jewelry store robbery.
On February 28, 2018 at about 5:36 p.m., the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to a radio call for service at 1603 Montana Avenue – ‘Curated Los Angeles’ regarding an armed robbery. Officers determined a male suspect entered the store holding a suspicious device and demanded merchandise from a store employee. The suspect fled the store with the suspicious device. The suspect entered a nearby vehicle and fled the area striking several parked cars including an occupied vehicle causing injury to the occupant. The suspect exited the car and fled the area.
Following a preliminary investigation and evidence collected at the crime scene, SMPD Detectives identified Abalov as the primary suspect involved in the robbery. Detectives filed the case with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office-Airport Division and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Ablalov has been charged with 664/211 PC – Attempt Robbery; 422(a) PC – Criminal Threats; 148.1(d) PC – Malicious Possession of a False Bomb with the Intent to Cause Fear; 236 PC – False Imprisonment; 20001(b)(1) CVC – Hit & Run Injury Collision; and 487(d)(1) – Grand Theft. Abalov remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on a $170,000 bail pending future court proceedings.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Cooper (310) 458-8478; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.
