CIVIC CENTER A veteran Santa Monica fire-fighter was arrested this week for masturbating while seated on a bench inside the amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier, authorities said.
Fernando Padilla, a paramedic captain assigned to Santa Monica Fire Station No. 5, was detained by Pacific Park security guards on Wednesday after witnesses reported seeing him exposing himself and “manipulating his genitalia,” SMPD Sgt. Renaldi Thruston said.
When officers arrived, they recognized the suspect as Padilla, who has served as a fire-fighter for 19 years. Padilla was off duty and not in uniform during the alleged incident.
Padilla was transported to the Santa Monica jail where he was booked for indecent exposure and lewd conduct. Padilla has been placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation. Padilla served as president of the Santa Monica Pony League at Los Amigos Park from 2001 to 2005, according to the league’s Web site. Representatives with the firefighters union could not be reached for comment.
SMFD Chief Jim Hone said Padilla was placed on paid leave Thursday but could not comment further on the incident because it is still under investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete, Hone will evaluate the outcome to determine if any personnel action needs to be taken. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the SMPD at (310) 458-8427. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the WeTip hot-line at (800) 78-CRIME (27463).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 2, 2008. Read the original PDF.