The Suspect Was Taken Into Custody After a Targeted Operation in Palisades Park
Santa Monica police have arrested a man suspected of repeatedly prowling and peeping at residences in recent months, following a targeted crime suppression operation in Palisades Park, authorities announced Thursday.
Officers with the Santa Monica Police Department’s Crime Impact Team (CIT) spotted a man matching the description of the suspect on the evening of Sept. 3, 2025, and approached him as he was getting into a parked vehicle. The man, identified as Calvin Otis Arnold, 58, was taken into custody without incident after officers confirmed his identity.
A search of the vehicle uncovered clothing items believed to have been worn during several of the reported incidents, police said.
Arnold was booked into the Santa Monica Jail on suspicion of peeking while loitering and prowling, violations of California Penal Code Sections 647(i) and 647(h). As of Thursday, he remained in custody.
Investigators linked Arnold to multiple incidents in which he was reportedly seen looking through apartment windows in Beat 4, a designated area of Santa Monica. Police said two victims were targeted on more than one occasion.
Over the past month, officers from both CIT and the Directed Action Response Team (DART) carried out several operations focused on locating the suspect, which ultimately led to Wednesday night’s arrest.
At this time, there is no evidence that Arnold attempted to break into homes or make physical contact with any residents, according to police.
The investigation remains active, and police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Maricela Orta at Maricela.Orta@santamonica.gov or call the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
Residents are urged to promptly report suspicious activity to the department’s non-emergency line at 310-458-8491. The Community Engagement Team also offers free home security assessments, which can be scheduled by calling 310-458-8474
