Our regular weekly roundup of crime in Hermosa Beach. This week included a weapons arrest involving a loaded firearm in a traffic stop.
Hermosa Beach police responded to 37 reported incidents during the week of April 12-18, marked by a dramatic weapons arrest involving a loaded firearm and high-capacity magazine, a surge in e-bike thefts from locked racks, and a violent court order violation resulting in an officer drawing his weapon.
The week's most serious incident occurred Saturday night when officers approached a vehicle on the 00 block of 11th Street and saw an open container in the center console. When the subject attempted to exit and leave, officers pushed them back into the vehicle. The officer spotted a holster being worn by the suspect and secured a firearm. The subject was arrested for concealed weapon in vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in public, and possession of a large capacity magazine.
Early Sunday morning, a traffic stop at 21st Street and Pacific Coast Highway escalated dramatically when a passenger immediately exited the vehicle and approached the officer. The suspect refused orders and became non-compliant while the officer backed up and drew his weapon. The suspect finally complied and was arrested. Investigation revealed the suspect was intoxicated and was a restrained person relative to the driver of the vehicle. The driver and passengers took a rideshare home while the suspect was arrested.
Four locked e-bikes were stolen from bike racks during the week, representing a significant spike in this type of theft. Saturday evening saw a locked e-bike stolen from the 500 block of Pier Avenue. Sunday evening brought two separate thefts, both from Pier Avenue bike racks between 6:30-8:30 PM. Tuesday, another locked e-bike was stolen from the 100 block of 2nd Street.
The pattern suggests organized thieves targeting even secured bikes, prompting HBPD to recommend using multiple locks and parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
Tuesday, a suspect took an item that had been recovered by officers from a business on the 800 block of Hermosa Avenue. The subject then entered the employee area and was seen by an officer taking another item. The subject was arrested and transported for a mental health evaluation.
Monday, a subject took a wallet and cash from the bag of an employee working at a business on the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, then tossed the wallet. There was no loss to the victim and the suspect was located and arrested.
Three DUI arrests were made during the week. Tuesday night on the 200 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was arrested after a hit and run. While in custody, the subject pulled an item off the wall at the jail and vandalized it.
Early Thursday morning on the 2200 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a driver was arrested for DUI with a passenger arrested for public intoxication.
A Redondo Beach incident early Saturday morning on Artesia Boulevard resulted in a DUI arrest with enhancement for speed and reckless driving.
Thursday night, an officer attempted a traffic stop on two motorcycles at Artesia Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. One stopped while the other fled. The fleeing suspect was located after crashing the motorcycle. The rider was transported for medical care and cited.
Multiple municipal code violations were cited during the week. Saturday, a subject was cited for camping in public at 9th Street and Ardmore Avenue. Wednesday night, another subject who had been contacted numerous times and warned about camping in public place refused services and would not move along, leading to arrest on the 400 block of Ardmore Avenue.
Police were involved in a complaint against a person who posted a picture with the city seal while not doing official business with the city—a violation spanning from late March to mid-April. It is understood that the subject of the investigation is Hermosa Beach Councilmember Raymond Jackson.
Three vandalism incidents were reported. Tuesday morning, two toilets and a sink were vandalized at public restrooms on the 500 block of Valley Dr. Tuesday afternoon, a window to a residence was broken by unknown means on 4th Street. Sunday, graffiti appeared on the front door of a business on 14th Street.
Four public intoxication arrests were made at various downtown locations and residential areas. Two public urination citations were issued early Friday morning.
A paraphernalia possession case was reported Wednesday evening on Pier Avenue.
A stolen vehicle that had been parked illegally was recovered Saturday on the 800 block of Cypress Avenue.
Early Saturday morning, four subjects were in a physical altercation on Pier Avenue. A victim attempted to stop the altercation and was punched twice in the face.
Found property included multiple items in a parking space on Hermosa Avenue, a watch, and a bicycle.
A week overshadowed by one shocking event. A suspected homicide that led to a seven-hour police siege.
The police department is already running overtime patrols to assist with public safety concerns, including problems with e-bikes. Now council will decide whether to provide that effort with new resources.
By Hermosa, for Hermosa. Join The Review today.
