Crime Report: Purse Grab and Chronic Tacos Heist

Redondo Beach police responded to several thefts and domestic disturbance calls during the week ended Nov. 21.

Galleria Purse Grab

On Nov. 17 around 8 p.m., three women were walking to their car in the Galleria parking lot when they were accosted by some other women, who squirted pepper spray in their faces and tried to take their purses. They got away with one purse, leaving in a black car.

Swiped Meter

On Nov. 19 around 12:15 p.m., police responded to a report of a stolen digital coin parking meter at 1800 S. Catalina Ave. The thief apparently used a pipe cutter at the base of the meter to remove it.

Chronic Tacos Theft

A worker arrived at Chronic Tacos around 5:15 a.m. Nov. 20 and noticed that the side door was unlocked and the door alarm had not been set. As he walked around the restaurant, located at 306 S. Pacific Coast Highway, he noticed that some display skateboards and cash from the register were missing.

Child Custody Dispute

At about 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20, officers received a call of a burglary in progress in the 2400 block of Ralston Lane. Police were advised that a man was trying to enter the home of his ex-father-in-law to pick up his daughter. After refusing to exit his car, he backed over a planter in the driveway. He drove down the street at a high speed and tried to drive around a parked patrol car at High Lane, where he lost control, colliding with the patrol vehicle and a street sign. He was eventually taken into custody and booked on suspicion of  burglary, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and resisting arrest.

Domestic Disturbance

At about 9:15 p.m. Nov. 21, police officers went to the 2200 block of Ripley Avenue in response to a 911 hang-up call. An officer waiting for backup observed a man yelling at a female who was against a wall and crying. The officers knocked on the door and talked with the occupants; at one point, the man became very angry and advanced toward one of the officers with a clenched fist. He fought with officers and was taken into custody and booked. 

Intoxicated Swimmer

A lifeguard requested police assistance with an intoxicated swimmer at the Ruby lifeguard tower around 3:40 p.m. Nov. 21. The lifeguard said that he had told the man not to go in the water because he appeared to be highly intoxicated. The man argued with the lifeguard and struck him. The man was arrested on suspicion of public drunkenness and assault.

Apartment Prowler Eludes Police

Around 10:30 p.m. Nov. 18, police investigated a report of a prowler in an apartment complex in the 2600 block of Aviation Boulevard, where there had recently been a burglary. A witness saw a man hiding below a window and attempted to confront him. He ran away, scaling a fence.

Pier Parking Lot Sleepers

At about 3:40 a.m. Nov. 18, an officer came across five people sleeping in the Pier Plaza parking structure. Three of them had outstanding warrants and were taken into custody.

Suspicious Activity

About an hour later  on the morning of Nov. 18, police responded to a report of suspicious people who might be entering a car illegally in the 100 block of Vista Del Mar. A patrol sergeant found two people on Playa De La Concha; there were outstanding warrants for each of them. During a booking search, police allegedly discovered ecstasy on one of them.