Crime & Safety

Suspect Charged For Strong-Armed Robbery In Santa Monica

The suspect approached the victim from behind, pulled the victim's purse off of her shoulder and ran off, according to police.

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica Police Department filed robbery charges Thursday morning with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Airport Division on a subject believed to be involved in a robbery that occurred earlier this week, according to a SMPD press release.

On the morning of March 6, officers responded to a call for service at the 1200 block of Montana Avenue regarding a strong-armed robbery. The suspect approached the victim from behind, pulled the victim's purse off of her shoulder and ran off, the press release said. The victim flagged down a car nearby and asked the driver, who was also a witness, to call the police. The witness called the police and followed the suspect for a short distance providing updates to Public Safety Dispatch on the suspect’s whereabouts, the press release said.

Officers located the suspect in the 800 block of 7th Street – as they approached the suspect, he fled and a brief foot pursuit ensued. The suspect was arrested without incident in the 800 block of Alley 7. The victim was not injured and her purse was located, according to the press release.

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The suspect is identified as Warlys Ernesto Jimenez, a 19-year-old male, and he's been charged with robbery. Jimenez remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on a bail of $50,000 pending future court proceedings, according to the press release.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Goodwin at (310) 458-8942 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.

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