Over 40 Arrested in Santa Monica Evacuation Zones, Including Kern County Resident

Over 40 people were arrested by the Santa Monica Police Department in the city’s evacuation zones between January 7 and January 13, including a resident from Kern County.

Santa Monica Police officers conducted hundreds of stops in the evacuation zones, leading to arrests for violations of emergency orders. Many of those arrested were also in violation of the city and county curfew orders.

According to a release, police emphasized that officers had the authority to detain and arrest individuals found in the evacuation zones at any time, especially during curfew hours, which run from sunset to sunrise.

Also Read – Gov. Gavin Newsom Rejects Trump’s Accusations Over California Wildfires

The arrests included ten people charged with burglary, six others found in possession of burglary tools, and various other violations such as curfew, drug possession, driving violations, and outstanding warrants. Two individuals were arrested for carrying concealed handguns.

None of the people arrested were local residents of Santa Monica. One of the individuals, Luis Alberto Perez, is from Kern County.

On January 13, at around 1:25 a.m., Tomas Feliciano Mateo was pulled over for driving within the evacuation zone during curfew hours. Police discovered that Mateo was under the influence and, during the stop on 11th Street and San Vicente Boulevard, learned that Perez, the vehicle’s owner and a passenger, had an outstanding warrant from Kern County. Perez was arrested.

Santa Monica Police Chief Batista expressed gratitude for the dedication of officers and staff during the challenging week. “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,” he said. He also praised the collaboration with mutual aid partners and the National Guard for their support in securing the evacuation zones and managing entry and exit points.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Lailyah Duncan

Lailyah Duncan is an insightful writer at The Chieftain Spear, where she explores themes of culture, resilience, and community through compelling storytelling. Passionate about bringing diverse perspectives to light, Lailyah's work reflects a deep commitment to empowering voices and fostering meaningful conversations. With a talent for weaving narrative and purpose, she continues to inspire her readers with thought-provoking articles that celebrate heritage and advocate for positive change.

Latest posts by Lailyah Duncan (see all)

• Ventura House Fire Forces Resident to Flee Through Window, Cat Dies - March 25, 2025
• Southern California Hiker and Dog Airlifted Off Treacherous Mt. Baldy Trail - March 25, 2025
• 24-Year-Old Woman Accused of Opening Fire in SoCal Road Rage Incident - March 25, 2025