Santa Monica police take suspect into custody following Wednesday morning altercation
By Sam Catanzaro
Santa Monica police took a knife-brandishing suspect into custody following an altercation this week.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on April 7 around 7:55 a.m. officers responded to 1905 Pico, The Manor, state-licensed facility that has provided room, board, care and supervision for people with mental illnesses.
“A former resident of the Manor has had an on-going dispute with a current resident. That subject showed up today and an argument ensued. At one point the subject pulled out a small pocket knife and brandished it at the resident,” the SMPD said.
Police were called and the suspect immediately fled. According to the SMPD, officers made contact with the suspect on the street, however he was uncooperative. Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Crisis Negotiation Team Representatives were on scene, and made several attempts to convince the suspect comply, the SMPD says.
“After some time, he was taken into custody without further incident,” the SMPD said.
The suspect, 36-year-old James Latham was booked for making criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and resisting arrest. He is being held on a $50,000 bail and will appear in court Friday morning.
