CRIME TIME: December 14-20

DUI Checkpoint Nets Eight Arrests

A DUI checkpoint conducted at Bard Street and Pier Avenue during the late evening hours of December 19 and early morning of December 20 resulted in seven arrests for driving under the influence. An eighth DUI arrest was made at Pier Avenue and Monterey Boulevard during the same checkpoint operation. The arrests occurred between 9:21 p.m. on December 19 and 2:16 a.m. on December 20, demonstrating the effectiveness of the enforcement effort during peak holiday party season.

An additional DUI arrest was made on December 13 at Herondo Street and Valley Drive, where the subject was also cited for driving without a license.

E-Bike Enforcement

Officers cited two separate e-bike violations during the week, continuing the department's focus on e-bike safety and responsible riding.

On December 13, a subject was cited in the 500 block of Ardmore Avenue for riding an e-bike recklessly and performing a "wheelie." The citation came just one day before the reporting period but reflects ongoing enforcement efforts.

On December 11, two subjects were observed riding together on a single e-bike in the 800 block of 21st Street. One subject was not wearing a helmet, resulting in a citation for riding as a passenger without proper safety equipment.

These citations demonstrate continued police attention to e-bike violations following recent community discussions about e-bike safety and enforcement priorities.

Narcotics Enforcement

Officers made multiple narcotics-related arrests during the week. On December 13, subjects were contacted in a vehicle in the 00 block of 14th Street where an open beer was found in the center console and a nitrous oxide tank was actively being used. The passenger admitted to possession and was arrested for possession of alcohol in public and nitrous oxide.

On December 16, a traffic stop in the 00 block of 13th Court resulted in an arrest for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Another incident on December 17 involved a subject contacted in the 900 block of Hermosa who had outstanding warrants and was found in possession of paraphernalia.

Property Crime and Theft

A disturbing theft occurred on December 18 when brass or copper plaques were removed from memorials in the 1400 block of The Strand. Other thefts included a purse stolen from a shopping cart on Pacific Coast Highway, a bottle of wine stolen from a store on Manhattan Avenue, and license plates stolen from vehicles in the 700 block of Pier Avenue and 600 block of 5th Street.

A vehicle burglary was reported in the 2600 block of Valley Drive when the passenger side window was smashed and a backpack was stolen from inside.

Municipal Code Violations

Officers cited multiple individuals for camping in prohibited places and loitering, including incidents on Pier Avenue, 22nd Street and Hermosa Avenue, and Valley Drive in the early morning hours of December 15.

A noise complaint in the 100 block of 30th Street required three calls for service before a citation was issued to an uncooperative subject for unreasonable music.

Public Intoxication and Quality of Life

Two arrests were made for public intoxication during the week. A notable incident on December 14 at Longfellow Avenue and Hermosa Avenue resulted in arrests for public intoxication, resisting arrest, and child endangerment. Another arrest was made on December 16 on Pacific Coast Highway.

A public urination citation was issued in the early morning hours of December 14 on Pier Avenue.

Identity Theft

On December 18, a subject attempted to purchase a vehicle using false identity at a dealership in the 800 block of Pacific Coast Highway. The subject was arrested after admitting to the crime.

Vandalism and Vehicle Damage

A vehicle at Longfellow Avenue and Hermosa Avenue had its window smashed and tire slashed between December 10-15.

Other Notable Incidents

A subject reported believing they were drugged while at a Pier Avenue location on December 14-15.

Threatening messages via social media were reported by a victim in the 800 block of Bard Street beginning December 17.

A verbal argument between gym clients in the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway resulted in one subject threatening to strike the other.