New mugshots have been released by the Santa Monica Police Department of individuals arrested amid the ongoing Palisades fire, which has devastated the Los Angeles area.
In a statement on Monday, the department revealed that numerous arrests have been made in the evacuation zone for attempted vehicle theft, possession of narcotics, possession of burglary tools, and possession of stolen license plates.
Why It Matters
The Palisades fire, which began on January 7, has wreaked havoc on Los Angeles County, leaving thousands of homes and businesses destroyed.
The ongoing fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with 16 people missing, and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. More than 105,000 residents still under evacuation orders.
What To Know
Since the start of the Palisades fire on January 7, Santa Monica police have made over 40 arrests in evacuation zones.
Christensen Alexander Weithorn
On January 10th at 1:00 AM, local officers responded to a call from a UCLA Police Department sergeant who was conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of 4th Street and Alta Avenue.
The driver, later identified as Christensen Alexander Weithorn, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. During the stop, it was revealed that Weithorn was the registered owner of a handgun. When questioned, he confirmed he was in possession of the firearm.
Officers located the handgun, along with ammunition, concealed inside a black backpack in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle. This act of concealing the firearm and ammunition inside the vehicle constitutes a violation of the vehicle code regarding concealed firearms. The firearm was safely retrieved, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Markhi Toles, Joshua Charles, Fernando Garcia Jr and Khamari Toles
1 of 4
At approximately 4:20 AM, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle found within the evacuation zone during the ongoing curfew imposed in Santa Monica. The vehicle's license plates did not match its registered information.
Upon inspection, officers discovered several license plates within the vehicle, including one that was valid for the vehicle. Further investigation revealed multiple key fobs, a key fob programmer, a window breaker, a small saw, and gloves, all items typically associated with car theft.
All individuals inside the vehicle were found in possession of multiple key fobs, indicating a clear intention to commit vehicle theft.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Fernando Garcia Jr, 22, along with the passengers, were arrested under charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and attempted vehicle theft. Garcia was also charged with additional offenses, including possessing fraudulent license plates and misappropriating lost property.
Other individuals arrested in connection with the operation include Markhi Toles, 20; Joshua Charles, 19; and Khamari Toles, 18, who are all also facing charges related to the conspiracy and theft attempt.
Adrian Moreno Hernandez, Moises Becerra Garcia, Carmen Alicia Lopez
On January 11th, officers observed a vehicle in the 200 Block of 9th Street. As the sedan approached the intersection of 9th Street and San Vicente Boulevard, the officers noticed the vehicle's license plate appeared to be altered.
The plate was a crumpled white paper with handwritten markings, which violated state law for the falsification of a registration certificate or license plate.
The officers stopped the vehicle and initiated an investigation, which led to the discovery of several burglary tools, including a handsaw, bolt cutters, and pry tools, scattered inside the car. The driver, Adrian Moreno Hernandez, 49, was found to be unlicensed and in possession of narcotics and burglary tools.
Passenger Carmen Alicia Lopez, 56, was found to be carrying drug paraphernalia and burglary tools.
Moises Becerra Garcia, 49, provided false identification to officers and was found with methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a headlamp.
All three suspects were arrested and face charges related to burglary tools, narcotics possession, and providing false identification.
Timyan Exequiel Mujica
On Sunday evening, at approximately 7:20 p.m., officers conducting a routine traffic stop on the 600 block of Montana Avenue observed a vehicle driving eastbound without a front license plate.
During the stop, officers identified the driver as Timyan Exequiel Mujica, who was found to have an active felony warrant for grand theft out of San Bernardino County. The warrant was confirmed, and Mujica was taken into custody.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered a shoebox containing 24 pairs of glasses, including both sunglasses and prescription frames. The origins of the glasses are under investigation, as they may be linked to theft.
Phillip Michael Briones
On January 11th, at approximately 11:00 PM, SMPD officers conducted a pedestrian stop on Ocean Avenue near San Vicente Boulevard, leading to the arrest of Phillip Michael Briones. Briones, 32, who was found within the evacuation zone, was in violation of the city's curfew.
During the stop, officers discovered that Briones was in possession of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia. As a result, Briones was detained and will face charges related to the illegal possession of controlled substances.
What People Are Saying
SMPD Chief Ramon Batista said in a statement: "I am grateful for the unwavering dedication and professionalism of all the officers and professional staff in the SMPD.
"Over the past seven days, while the fires in Palisades tested the resilience of many, each of them stood strong, ensuring that the city of Santa Monica remained safe and secure.
"I am also grateful for the collaboration with our mutual aid partners who supported us on the front lines and the National Guard for helping us secure the evacuation zones and maintain entry and exit points to the closed areas."
What Happens Next
Investigations into the alleged criminal activity during the Los Angeles fires remain ongoing.
The suspects could face legal proceedings if authorities uncover sufficient evidence to bring charges.
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