By By Daily Press Staff
Crime Watch is a weekly series culled from reports provided by the Santa Monica Police Department. These are arrests only. All parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 16, AT 10:15 A.M., Santa Monica police officers responded to the 1300 block of the Third Street Promenade — Coffee Bean — regarding an assault with a deadly weapon that just occurred. When officers arrived they spoke with store employees who said the suspect walked into the coffee shop and tried to take the tip jar. Employees struggled with the suspect and she dropped the tip jar, causing it to break into pieces. The suspect then allegedly picked up one piece with a serrated edge and threatened to stab one of the employees. Armed with a description of the suspect, officers located her near the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue. The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery and burglary. She was identified as Monique Felicia Williams, 36, of New York. Her bail was set at $50,000.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, AT 9:30 A.M., Officers responded to the 1700 block of Ocean Avenue regarding a report of vandalism. When officers arrived, they spoke with witnesses who said a woman was walking along Ocean Avenue when she started screaming and pounding on the hoods of two parked cars. The woman eventually broke the sideview mirror of one of the cars before walking off, witnesses told police. Armed with a description of the suspect, officers located her and arrested her in the 1600 block of Appian Way. The damage to the cars was estimated at over $400. The suspect, who was arrested for felony vandalism, was identified as Janine Jefferson, 31, a transient. Her bail was set at $20,000.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, AT 3:10 P.M., Officers responded to the 1600 block of Cloverfield Boulevard — Ralphs — regarding a report of an assault with a deadly weapon that just occurred. When officers arrived, they spoke with the alleged victim who said he was trying to leave the grocery store in his car when the suspect pulled up and parked in the middle of the exit lane, blocking the victim. After a few moments, the victim got out of his car to ask the suspect to move, at which time the suspect drove towards him, forcing the victim to jump out of the way, police said. The suspect hit the victim’s car door and then drove off. A warrant was issued and he was arrested two days later in Los Angeles by the LAPD after allegedly being involved in a traffic accident. The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. He was identified as Christopher Villablan Raja, 23, from L.A. No bail was set.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, AT 3:30 P.M., Officers one routine patrol near the corner of Fifth Street and Olympic Boulevard noticed a man riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in violation of the municipal code. Officers approached the suspect and learned that he had warrants for his arrest. Officer searched the suspect and discovered a glass pipe commonly used to smoke rock cocaine. The suspect was arrested for the warrants, possession of drug paraphernalia and for violation of the municipal code. He was identified as Henry Alexander Omelczuk, 62, a transient. His bail was set at $1,250.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20, AT 3:45 A.M., Officers on routine patrol near the corner of California Avenue and 20th Street observed a man riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in violation of the municipal code. Officers approached the suspect to issue him a citation and discovered he was on parole for narcotics related offenses. Officers searched the suspect and discovered he had a glass pipe commonly used to smoke rock cocaine. Officers placed the suspect under arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia. Once at the Santa Monica Jail officers searched the suspect further and found a small baggy containing what was later determined to be cocaine. The suspect was booked for possession of a controlled substance and for an outstanding warrant. He was identified as Gregory Albert Williams, 30, from the city of Bell. No bail was set.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20, AT 12:05 A.M., Officers on routine patrol saw a vehicle run a red light at Main and Marine streets. Officers conducted a traffic stop. During their interview with the driver and his passenger, officers could smell the distinct stench of marijuana. The officers searched the vehicle and found a plastic baggy that contained what was later determined to be cocaine. Marijuana was also recovered, police said. The driver was arrested for drug possession. He was identified as Christopher G. Bryant Bruce, 18, of Santa Monica. His bail was set at $15,000. The passenger was also arrested, but police could not release further information. Police said the juvenile was released to his parents.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 25, 2008. Read the original PDF.