Dealership thieves came for snacks
By
At 3:27 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, the Santa Monica police responded to the 800 block of Santa Monica Boulevard regarding a possible theft in progress at the auto dealership. When officers arrived to the scene, they observed several suspects in the parking lot crouched down behind several vehicles. Officers approached on foot and detained the four suspects. A preliminary investigation indicated the suspects were breaking into the vending machine on the parking lot. Aaron James Azzato, 21, of Cypress, Jeffrey Matthew Gray, 23, transient, John Lucky Knight, 19, transient and Tracy Lee Osborne, 27, transient, were arrested for vandalism and transported to Santa Monica jail. Bail was set at $20,000 each.
At 4:46 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, Santa Monica police responded to the 1700 block of Lincoln Boulevard regarding an assault investigation. When officers arrived to the scene, they spoke to the victim, who said that he was a mechanic working in the garage when he felt someone pulling on his pant leg. The victim looked at the subject, whom he had an earlier argument with. This time the suspect was armed with a knife and began swinging it and yelling at the victim. Other employees came to the victim’s aid and they used a plastic trash can to disarm the suspect. Shawn Lomant Taylor, 50, of Los Angeles, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and parole violation. Bail was set at $50,000.
At 10:54 a.m. on Monday, July 11, the Santa Monica Police responded to the 200 block of Palisades Beach Road regarding a burglary. When officers arrived to the scene, they contacted the reporting party, who said he was working at the beach club when he saw that two window panes had been broken through the rear door. The witness looked inside the rear door and saw the suspect lying on the couch. The police were notified and arriving officers contacted the suspect. Olga Jeanette Fuentes, 30, transient, was arrested for burglary. Bail was set at $50,000.
At 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, the Santa Monica police undercover officers went to the 2800 block of Pico Boulevard regarding a compliance check. When the officer entered the location, he spoke to an employee who asked if he wanted a massage. The undercover officer said ‘yes’ and the employee said it would cost $50. After paying the money, the undercover officer was taken to a room, and while waiting in the room, a masseuse entered. During the massage the masseuse, offered the undercover officer sex for an additional $50. The officer gave the pre-arranged signal to the other officers, who entered the location. Ilsun Choe Cervantes, 51, was arrested for prostitution. Bail was set at $2,000.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 22, 2005. Read the original PDF.