Robbery Suspect Arrested For Alleged Cell Phone Snatching

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica Police Department officers announced Monday that they have arrested a robbery suspect in connection with a phone snatching incident. On June 17 at about 1:58 p.m., officers responded to the area of 7th St. and Palisades Avenue regarding a possible robbery. The person that called dispatch reported that several people were holding a male suspect – when officers arrived they detained the suspect for an investigation.

A woman was walking her dog in the 700 block of Alta Avenue, and as a male suspect walked past her, he forcibly grabbed the victim’s cell phone and began running away, police determined. Numerous passersby began chasing after the suspect, who pushed two people as he was fleeing, police said.

Eventually, a driver exited his car and restrained the suspect on the ground until officers arrived. The victim had a few scratches on her hand, but didn't require medical treatment, according to police.

The suspect is identified as Darnell Manuel, of Inglewood. He was booked for robbery and is being held at SMPD Jail on a bail of $50,000. SMPD Detectives will be presenting the case Tuesday to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office-Airport Division for filing consideration, police said.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Elias at (310) 458-8943; or SMPD at (310) 458-8491.

Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Police Department