On Nov. 28 at about noon
The suspect, Jovani Bustamante, entered the Independence Restaurant , ordered food in excess of $50 and proceeded to exit without paying. Staff at the restaurant provided officers with a photo of Bustamante who was later located a few blocks away. Bustamante, 29 years old from Pomona was arrested and transported to the Santa Monica Jail.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 9, 2021. Read the original PDF.