Jonathan Manuel Perez arrested in connection to February 16 incident
Last week one suspect was arrested for an armed carjacking that took place in a Santa Monica beach parking lot. Santa Monica police say, however, a second suspect remains at large wanted in connection to this incident.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, on February 16 around 7 p.m., officers were dispatched to the beach Parking Lot 1 North (1550 PCH) regarding an armed carjacking.
“SMPD Officers met with the victim who told them two male suspects approached her and demanded the keys to her vehicle while one brandished a handgun. The victim complied and the suspects fled in her vehicle, a gray Ford Focus,” the SMPD said in a press release.
The vehicle description was broadcasted to all assisting units and officers soon located the stolen Ford Focus on the eastbound I-10 Freeway.
“Officers witnessed the passenger jump out the vehicle before it continued east on the freeway. As the driver began to exit at Robertson, he collided into other vehicles,” the SMPD said.
The driver, 22-year old LA resident Jonathan Manuel Perez, was located in the Ford and taken into custody. A replica firearm was found in the vehicle, according to police.
Perez was transported to the Santa Monica Police Jail where he was booked for carjacking and other vehicle code sections. Officers also learned Perez was on active parole for a prior Armed Carjacking.
According to the SMPD, although a perimeter was set for the outstanding suspect with LAPD assisting via helicopter, this second suspect was not located. He remains outstanding and is described as a Hispanic male, unknown age, wearing a black jacket, black pants and a dark facemask over the mouth.
Anyone with any additional information pertaining to the outstanding or incident is encouraged to contact SMPD Detective Ismael Tavera at 310-458-2256 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8426.
