On July 2, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of Lincoln Blvd and Wilshire Blvd.
Officers made contact with the occupants of a black 2012 Nissan Altima. Their investigation revealed the driver, later identified as Joe Martinez a 38-year-old male from Lennox, was on probation for weapons and narcotics violations. The passenger, later identified as Tony D. McClendon, a 44-year-old male from Inglewood, initially provided false identification. However, officers later determined he was on federal probation.
During the search of their vehicle, officers located a loaded 9mm Beretta handgun, a backpack containing a Halloween style mask, gloves, binoculars, and black clothing. Additionally, officers located narcotics, narcotics paraphernalia, an arrow key, miscellaneous mail, credit cards and identification in the name of other individuals.
Based on their investigation, officers believed both Martinez and McClendon were involved in felonious activity such as robberies and theft. They were taken into custody and booked at the Santa Monica Police Jail under the following charges:
Martinez – 11377(A) H&S – Possession of Methamphetamine, 11364(A) H&S – Possession of Paraphernalia, 182(A)(1) PC – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
McClendon – 29800(A) PC – Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun, 25850(C)(1) PC – Carry Loaded Firearm in Public, 529(A)(3) PC – False Personation,
25850(C )(6) PC – Carry Loaded Firearm, 530.5(E ) PC – Theft of Mail, 18USC 1704 – Steal Key Suited for Use by Postal Service. 21- 59737
Anyone with additional information pertaining to this incident or individuals is strongly encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 310-458-8451 or the Santa Monica Department’s Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.
Submitted by Lieutenant Rudy Flores