Famous victim freed himself and called police for help
Police released a drawing of an alleged robber that tied up famed author Michael Crichton in his Santa Monica home early Monday morning.
Crichton described the man to a sketch artist with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which released the portrait Thursday.
The suspect is described as a medium build black or Hispanic male, 5’ 8” to 5’ 9” in height, in his late 20s to early 30s with a bushy mustache and thick eyebrows. At the time of the robbery, he wore a ski mask with eyes and mouth openings and a long sleeve black or gray knit sweater and dark pants.
The second suspect is described as a medium build black or Hispanic male with a light complexion, 5’ 8” to 5’ 9” in height, in his late 20s to early 30s. He also wore a black ski mask with eyes and mouth openings and a dark colored shirt.
Santa Monica police said the crime was committed in a private home in the 400 block of 22nd Street, which is between Georgina and Marguerita avenues. Crichton’s publicist, Joseph Marich, confirmed the author was robbed at his home.
Santa Monica police responded to a call at 4:51 a.m. Monday regarding a home invasion robbery, SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega said.
The victim, believed to be Crichton, told police two men armed with handguns and dressed in ski masks broke into his home, tied him and an unidentified person up while the thieves ransacked the house.
Crichton was able to free himself after the thieves left, and called police. Both victims were uninjured, police said.
Police are providing little details regarding the incident because the investigation is ongoing. It is unknown how long Crichton was tied up, how much was stolen or how long the thieves were inside his home.
“There was a loss of personal property with an undetermined value,” Fabrega said, adding a car was heard leaving the area shortly after the incident.
Crichton, 59, is an acclaimed writer, movie producer and director. In addition to writing dozens of novels, he is responsible for movies such as “Congo,” “Sphere,” “Jurassic Park,” “Disclosure,” “Rising Sun” and “Twister.”
Fabrega said anyone with information regarding the crime should call SMPD’s robbery/homicide unit at (310) 458-8451.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 27, 2002. Read the original PDF.