Suspect Arrested In Violent Santa Monica Home Invasion Robbery

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica Police Department arrested a suspect Tuesday believed to be involved in a home invasion robbery. The suspect is identified as Rashad Devon Harris, a 25 year-old male. On Feb. 23 at about 3:30 a.m., SMPD responded to a radio call for service at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of 5th Street. Upon arrival, officers located a woman in an apartment unit suffering from multiple stab wounds and lacerations caused by the attack. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and remains hospitalized in stable condition. The suspect fled the residence.

SMPD Detectives conducted a preliminary investigation that revealed the male suspect forced his way into the victim's apartment while she was asleep, grabbed a knife from the kitchen and then demanded money and property from her. The suspect stabbed the victim in the arm and jumped on top of her; a struggle ensued and the victim was able to fight off the suspect, the press release said. The suspect fled the apartment through the front door.

SMPD Detectives have been working tirelessly on this investigation since the incident, the press release said. Detectives were able to link Harris to the crime based on evidence collected and forensic processing of the crime scene. Harris was identified as the primary suspect and efforts commenced towards finding him, the press release said. SMPD Officers were able to locate and arrest Harris without incident at the Van Nuys Probation Office in the San Fernando Valley.

Harris has been booked at the Santa Monica Police Department Jail for attempted rape, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, kidnapping, and probation violation. Harris is being held at SMPD Jail with no bail options pending court proceedings, according to SMPD. Detectives will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Airport Division for filing consideration later this week, the press release said.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Burciaga at (310) 458-8932; or Detective J. Rodriguez at (310) 458-2233; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.

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Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Police Department