Crime Watch – Smoke ’em if you stole ’em

Officers responded to the intersection of 20th Street and Pico Boulevard regarding a request for assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who was searching for an outstanding suspect in the area. As the officers held their post, they heard a burglary alarm emanating from a gas station across from their location, near the 1900 Block of Pico Blvd. Officers observed a male suspect entering and exiting the convenience store at the gas station that appeared to be closed for business. The subject, later identified as Shahriar Moshtaelkashani, was taken into custody for 459 PC – Burglary. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Moshtaelkashani entered the building by prying open the store’s door lock and had stolen multiple tobacco products. Moshtaelkashani was subsequently arrested and transported to the Santa Monica Jail and issued a citation as required by Covid-19 booking restrictions.