Suspect Faces Multiple Charges After Incidents
Patrol officers responded to a commercial burglary call on Saturday, May 25, at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of Lincoln Boulevard. The business owner had received an alert from the alarm company indicating a break-in through a skylight. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, identified as Allen Francisco Contis, 49, still inside the premises. Contis, who is currently homeless, was taken into custody without incident. He was issued a citation and released per the Los Angeles County Bail Schedule.
On Wednesday, May 29, officers responded to multiple arson reports in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Lincoln Boulevard and the alley east of Lincoln Boulevard. Witnesses identified Contis as the individual responsible for setting fire to a discarded tire, a city-owned trash can, and a small garage adjacent to a multi-unit apartment complex.
Officers located and arrested Contis without incident. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has charged him with two counts of felony arson and one misdemeanor count of giving false information to a police officer.
The burglary case will be presented separately to the District Attorney.
Anyone with information about these incidents or Contis is encouraged to contact Detective Tavera at Hector.Tavera@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
