CRIME TIME: April 19-25

Hermosa Beach police logged 26 reported incidents during the week of April 19-25, marked by an unprovoked random assault requiring medical treatment, a second weapons arrest involving a loaded handgun, and a vandalism spree that damaged multiple vehicles in the north end.

Unprovoked Random Assault

Wednesday evening brought a disturbing incident at Pacific Coast Highway and Artesia Boulevard when a victim crossing the street was approached from behind by an unknown subject who struck them in the head. The attack was completely unprovoked with no previous interaction between suspect and victim. The victim required multiple stitches. The attacker remains unidentified and at large.

Weapons Arrest

Thursday night, officers approached a parked vehicle at Hermosa Avenue and Longfellow Avenue where two subjects were sitting inside with alcohol containers in plain view. The driver had an outstanding warrant and when removed from the vehicle, admitted to having a loaded handgun on his person. The weapon was secured, the subject was arrested, and a high capacity magazine was found inside the vehicle. This marks the second significant weapons arrest in recent weeks.

Vehicle Break-In Nets Firearm

Saturday evening, a vehicle was entered on the 00 block of 15th Street and a handgun with ammunition was stolen. The theft of a firearm from a vehicle represents a serious public safety concern, and HBPD emphasizes the importance of never leaving firearms in unattended vehicles.

Vandalism Spree

Multiple vehicles were damaged overnight Monday on the 1600 block of Valley Drive. Windows were smashed, mirrors damaged, and other destruction occurred in what appears to be a vandalism spree rather than attempted theft.

Additional vandalism incidents included a driver's side mirror broken on the 700 block of 11th Place Wednesday evening, a vehicle door handle vandalized with part of it missing on the 2100 block of Hermosa Avenue Monday, and electrical wires to lighting and sprinklers cut with wire cutters on the 1700 block of Golden Avenue Wednesday afternoon.

Bike Thefts Continue

Two locked bikes were stolen during the week. Monday, a locked e-bike was stolen from a street sign on the 700 block of Gould Avenue after the chain was cut. Wednesday morning, a locked bicycle was stolen from Hermosa Avenue and 13th Street.

Rental Scam

A victim on the 100 block of Hermosa Avenue believed she was renting an apartment, filled out an application, and sent money between early April and Sunday. She later discovered it was a scam. The incident highlights ongoing rental fraud schemes targeting prospective tenants.

DUI Arrests

Two DUI arrests were made during the week. Saturday evening on the 1500 block of Manhattan Avenue, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence while on probation for DUI, driving with a license suspended for DUI, and possession of an open container.

Friday night, another arrest was made on the 2500 block of Pacific Coast Highway.

Quality of Life

Four public intoxication arrests were made during the week. Saturday afternoon, a subject was arrested on Palm Drive, with paraphernalia also found. Early Sunday morning, an arrest was made on Gould Avenue. Early Wednesday morning brought another arrest on Pier Avenue. Early Saturday morning, a subject was arrested on Pier Avenue.

Three public urination citations were issued early Saturday morning on 11th Street, early Monday morning at 13th Court and Hermosa Avenue, and early Saturday morning on the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue.

Traffic Enforcement

Two citations for driving on suspended or revoked license were issued during the week. Sunday afternoon, a subject was cited at 8th Street and Pacific Coast Highway, also for expired or no registration. Tuesday afternoon, another citation was issued at Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Place.

Community Crime Map

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