SMPD detectives believe suspect is responsible for other thefts in the area
By Sam Catanzaro
Santa Monica police over the weekend arrested a man for having in his possession jewelry, electronics, credit cards and identification not belonging to him, and detectives believe he is responsible for other thefts in the area and are hoping to connect him to those incidents.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on August 13 around 4:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence on the 300 block Euclid to investigate a burglary.
“A citizen witnessed a suspicious person enter a property after grabbing and manipulating several other residential gates,” the SMPD.
SMPD officers arrive minutes later and set up a perimeter around the residence, according to police.
“Officers conducted a walkthrough of the property when they saw a male exit the second floor of a rear house (ADU). A foot pursuit ensued, and the suspect was taken into custody a short distance away,” the SMPD said.
The suspect was identified as Ramiro Martinez, a 38-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga.
Officers located several pieces of jewelry, electronics, credit cards and identification not belonging to Martinez, in his possession. Martinez also had a small amount of a crystalized substance believed to be methamphetamine, according to the SMPD.
Martinez was transported to the SMPD Jail and booked for burglary and possession of stolen property.
SMPD detectives believe Martinez is responsible for other thefts in the area and are hoping to connect him to those incidents. Anyone with any additional information pertaining to this incident, items recovered, or the suspect is encouraged to contact Detective H. Tavera at 310-458-8946 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8426.
