Robber Threatens Resident with Knife in SM Burglary

Brendan Bunnell charged with burglary and criminal threats.

By Sam Catanzaro

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged a man for breaking into a Santa Monica house and threatening the tenant with a knife.

Earlier today the LA County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on Brendan Bunnell, a 23-year old male, for a residential robbery.

On April 2, 2019, at about 6:50 a.m. the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to a call for service regarding a residential burglary that had just occurred in the 1400 block of Grant Street near Santa Monica College.

“The lone resident woke up to Bunnell in his house. Bunnell displayed a knife while demanding property and money. The resident was able to run out of the house and call the police without injury,” said SMPD Sergeant Roberto Villegas.

According to Villegas, numerous officers responded to the area in search of the suspect. Due to the prompt response of the officers, Bunnell was located a short distance away hiding in a subterranean garage. Items belonging to the victim were located where Bunnell was taken into custody.

Bunnell has been charged with 211 PC – Robbery, and 422 PC – Criminal Threats. Bunnell remains in custody pending future court proceedings.

Anyone with additional information related to Bunnell is encouraged to call Detective Elias at (310) 458-8943; Sergeant Skogh at (310) 458-8992; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458- 8491.