During the Palisades Fire evacuations, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) apprehended nearly a dozen individuals suspected of attempted burglary. None of the suspects are Santa Monica residents, and all appear to have travelled to the area from out of town. Six of the ten suspects were found with burglary tools. In total, SMPD has arrested 39 individuals in the evacuation zones since the fire began. Charges include attempted burglary, curfew violations, drug possession, outstanding warrants, and parole/probation violations.
One suspect, 29-year-old Joshua Kaliel Love, attempted to flee from officers and was found in possession of a dagger, a window-breaking tool, a mask, gloves, and narcotics. He was already on probation at the time. Two other suspects, 18-year-old Dominic Pachecomanga and 22-year-old Miguel Angel Dorantes, were found in a van without identification. They had gloves, burglary tools, dark clothing, ski masks, and large tote bags. Police also reported finding the Watch Duty app, which tracks fire and evacuation zones, open on their phones.
A third suspect, 27-year-old Gabriel Isaih Stokes, was apprehended after a plate reader flagged his vehicle as stolen. He was found with a stolen California ID, other fake identification documents, burglary tools, a black beanie, a ski mask, and large bags. Police records indicate prior charges against Stokes for burglary, robbery, and grand theft.
