Suspect Arrested For Santa Monica Jewelry Store Robbery

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested Robert Art Abalov in West Los Angeles Tuesday for his possible involvement in a jewelry store robbery, SMPD announced. On February 28, 2018 at about 5:36 p.m., SMPD received reports of an armed robbery at Curated Los Angeles, located at 1603 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

A male suspect entered the store holding a suspicious device and demanded merchandise from a store employee, police said. He then left the store with the device, hopped into a nearby vehicle and left, hitting several parked cars including one with a passenger, who was injured, in the process. He eventually got out of the car and left the area, police said.

Following a preliminary investigation and evidence collected at the crime scene, SMPD Detectives identified Abalov as the primary suspect involved in the robbery, SMPD said. Detectives filed the case with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office-Airport Division and a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to police.

Ablalov has been charged with attempted robbery, criminal threats, malicious possession of a false bomb with the intent to cause fear, false imprisonment, hit and run injury collision, and grand theft, police said. He remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on a $170,000 bail pending future court proceedings.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Cooper (310) 458-8478; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.

Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Police Department