■ Employees of Bob’s Market on the 1600 block of Ocean Park Boulevard captured a man trying to steal a bottle of tequila on Wednesday, June 5.
An employee explained to Santa Monica Police that he watched the suspect leaving the store without any merchandise. He said that there has been a history of the suspect shoplifting, so he ran up to the suspect and asked him what he stole. The suspect lifted his jacket and revealed the tequila tucked into his waistband. When the employee tried to retrieve the bottle the suspect fled, but was caught by three other employees in the parking lot. A struggle ensued, but Bob’s employees detained the suspect.
Manuel Compos Franco, a 49-year-old male Hispanic, was arrested for strong armed robbery and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants totaling $12,000. His bail was set for $42,000.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 19, 2002. Read the original PDF.