May 5, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Arraignment Today For Man Accused Of Pacific Palisades Crime Spree, Kidnapping:

A transient accused of going on a Pacific Palisades crime spree that included a kidnapping, assaults and multiple carjackings is scheduled to be arraigned today on more than a dozen felony charges.

Brian Thomas Cruz, 44, was charged Wednesday with four felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon; three counts of carjacking; two counts each of first-degree burglary, second-degree robbery, criminal threats and reckless driving causing injury; and one count each of kidnapping and false imprisonment by violence.

Cruz was also charged with two misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

According to the criminal complaint, Cruz has prior convictions for burglary, robbery and forcible rape between 1989 and 1995.

Cruz allegedly broke into a home around 7:40 a.m. Monday in the 100 block of Marquez Place and forced a woman at knifepoint to drive him toward the San Fernando Valley, police said. The woman intentionally crashed her car near Palisades High School, but Cruz allegedly carjacked another woman, a teacher, and crashed that vehicle a short distance away, according to police and prosecutors.

He then allegedly broke into another home and forced another woman to surrender her car keys. Cruz drove north on Pacific Coast Highway and ultimately reached Malibu before hitting several vehicles and eventually crashing again and being taken into custody.

A woman and her son were flown to hospitals after being injured in the crash in Malibu, officials said.

Cruz faces a possible life sentence if convicted of all charges, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

He has been jailed in lieu of $1 million bail, but prosecutors plan to ask that his bail be increased to $2.85 million.

in News
Related Posts

Wise & Healthy Aging Goes Gray on Denim Day

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

In observance of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nonprofit that advances the dignity and quality of life for older...

Beck to Perform at Venice Family Clinic’s Inaugural HEART Gala

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

Among the expected talent attendees are Anjelica Huston, Chuck Lorre, Elisabeth Shue, Richard Chamberlain, Robby Krieger, Tom Morello Venice Family...

Santa Monica Mayor Joins Karen Bass in Urgent Talks on Homelessness Crisis

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

City Leaders Lobby Federal Lawmakers for Solutions During Washington DC Visit Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock joined Los Angeles Mayor...

UCLA Faculty Group Demands Amnesty for Palestine Protesters, Issues Statement of Support

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

Faculty Calls for Legal Protection After Violent Crackdown on Campus Demonstration A group of UCLA faculty members have issued a...

(Video) New Interactive Kiosk Gives Downtown Passerby Details on Local Attractions, Public Transit

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

The Kiosk Will Reportedly Give the City of Santa Monica 50% of Revenue @smmirrornews The Kiosks are a new fun...

Police Seek Suspect Who Burglarized Downtown Santa Monica Office Building

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

The Building Houses the Offices of a Legal Services Company and a Local Newspaper By Zach Armstrong An investigation is...

Human Rights Play Center Stage with Two Award-Winning Films Opening this Weekend at Laemmle Monica Film Center

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Cinema Libre Studio, a Burbank-based independent distribution company with a focus on social issue films, has two powerful films opening...

UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment Dismantled After Night of Counter Protesters’ Violence

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

LAPD and Other Agencies Sent in For “Student Safety”, Students Arrested  The UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment was removed during the...

UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment Attacked by Counter-Protesters During the Night/Early Morning Hours

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Violence Erupts as Demonstrators Face Aggression During Tense Overnight Attacks On the night and early morning of April 30 into...

(Video) Footage of the Violent Counter Protesters at UCLA. TW: For Language and Violence

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

This reporter was grabbed and cursed at the end of the video. @smmirrornews Footage of the Violent Counter Protesters at...

Reactions From Local Authorities About the Violent Attacks April 30 at UCLA

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Condemnation for the Incident and How it Was Handled Pour In After the terrifying events on the night and early...

Cinco de Mayo Festival Coming to Oakwood Park This Weekend

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

Revelers Can Expect to Be Entertained by Aztec Dancers, Grupo la Rosa Folklorico Dancers, and Charro (Mexican Dancing Horses) The...

These Bike-Centric Events Are Coming to Santa Monica This Month

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

The Festivities Extend Beyond May, With the Aids/Lifecycle Finish Line Festival on June 8 As Bike Month kicks off, the...

Hotel Labor Disputes End in Santa Monica

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

Key Highlights of the Agreement Include $5 per Hour Raise in the First Year, and Wage Increases of up to...

“Days Like These” Art Exhibition Coming to Bruce Lurie Gallery

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

Featured Artists Hail From the Florida Panhandle and Cleveland, Ohio “Days Like These,” an exhibition showcasing the latest paintings from...