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# Crime Watch: Shoplifting and pepper spray
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/crime-watch-shoplifting-and-pepper-spray/
- Published: 2024-03-07T14:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-12-04T15:20:17.000Z
- Author: Matthew Hall
- Tags: News, crimewatch, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-11-06 12:20

**On Friday, February 23, at approximately 9:08pm**

SMPD officers responded to a business on the 400 block of Broadway regarding an estes robbery in progress. According to the reporting party, the subject, identified as Sergio Hernandez, was concealing various merchandise in a duffle bag.

The victim, an employee of the business, confronted Hernandez before he was able to leave the store. When asked to return the merchandise, Hernandez began cursing staff while holding a baton in his hand.

The victim allowed Hernandez to leave in fear of staff getting hurt; however, Hernandez continued threatening employees, leading a security guard to pepper spray the subject. Hernandez was arrested and transported to the Santa Monica Jail for booking.

Officers recovered and returned $348.36 worth of stolen merchandise to the store.

*matt@smdp.com*