CRIME TIME: June 28-July 4

Hermosa Beach police logged 35 reportable incidents during the week of June 28-July 4, marked by a brazen e-motorcycle pursuit ending in a reckless escape at 40-50 mph, multiple DUI arrests over the July 4th holiday weekend, and a continuing spike in e-bike thefts targeting unsecured bikes in parking structures.

E-Motorcycle Pursuit

Wednesday morning on Bard Street and Pier Avenue, an officer observed a suspect riding an e-motorcycle pop a wheelie directly in front of a patrol vehicle. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect fled the scene in a reckless manner, running multiple stop signs at speeds of approximately 40-50 mph. The pursuit was not maintained, and the suspect escaped.

DUI Crackdown Over Holiday Weekend

Three DUI arrests were made during the July 4th holiday period. Early Wednesday morning on the 500 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence. Wednesday evening at Artesia Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, another DUI arrest was made—this subject had a suspended license for DUI and was on DUI probation, escalating the severity of the charges. Saturday morning on Hermosa Avenue and Longfellow Avenue, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, hit and run, and driving with a suspended/revoked license, representing a particularly serious multi-violation incident.

E-Bike Theft Pattern Continues

Four e-bike thefts were reported during the week. Early Monday morning on the 600 block of Longfellow Avenue, two unlocked e-bikes were stolen from the side of a residence—one was recovered later that day. Friday afternoon on the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, an unlocked e-bike was stolen from a bike rack in a parking structure. Thursday afternoon on the 700 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was observed stealing a bicycle and was located and arrested by police.

Bicycle Recovery from Found Property

Wednesday morning on the 400 block of 28th Street, a bicycle and backpack were found and booked as found property. Later that same day, officers received a report of a stolen bicycle—it was the bicycle that had been recently taken as found property, indicating either a theft from the recovery location or a reporting inconsistency.

Attempted Residential Entry

Saturday evening on the 00 block of 2nd Street, a victim observed two unknown male subjects attempting to gain entry to a residence. No further details on the outcome were provided in the report, though the incident warrants attention as potential burglary reconnaissance.

Holiday Fireworks Enforcement

Saturday evening on the 1300 block of Hermosa Ave, officers located a vehicle involved in setting off fireworks. The subject was in possession of multiple fireworks and a second subject was in possession of alcohol. Both were cited and items were confiscated, demonstrating holiday weekend enforcement during the July 4th period.

Retail Theft & Shoplifting

Monday afternoon on the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a subject entered a store and stole items. The subject was located and arrested.

Fraud & Financial Crime

A long-running IRS check fraud case spanning from April 2025 through May 2026 was reported from the 2400 block of Park Avenue. An IRS check was intercepted, washed, and cashed, highlighting the persistent threat of mail theft and check fraud.

Wednesday on the 1400 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a victim hired a company to do work that was never completed. The victim issued a refund check that was not processed due to insufficient funds, documenting contractor fraud and financial misrepresentation.

Illegal Kratom Sales

Wednesday evening on the 900 block of Pacific Coast Highway, officers discovered that a local gas station was selling 7-Hydroxymitragynine products, which are highly addictive and illegal in California. The business was cooperative and removed the items from sale, indicating successful voluntary compliance with officers' notification.

Narcotics & Paraphernalia

Early Monday morning on the 2700 block of Hermosa Avenue, subjects in a parked vehicle were contacted and a passenger was found in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Quality of Life

Three public intoxication arrests were made during the week at various locations.

A subject using a disabled placard not belonging to them was cited early Sunday morning on 11th Street.

Traffic Enforcement

Multiple traffic citations and tows were issued for expired registration, suspended or revoked licenses, and unauthorized disabled person placards.

An officer conducted a traffic stop on Pacific Coast Highway when the driver was found to be a victim of identity theft. The driver's name returned with a warrant, but upon further research it was determined to be a different person with the same name.

Vandalism

A business on the 1100 block of Aviation Boulevard experienced vandalism when approximately 10 BB-sized craters appeared in the front glass door. None of the impacts penetrated the glass and the door remained intact.

A red-painted curb on the 1200 block of Bonnie Brae Street was repainted silver by an unknown person.

Other Incidents

A bicycle taken for safekeeping was returned over the weekend.

A subject fell from a standing position backward and struck their head on 10th Street and Hermosa Avenue on Saturday evening. The subject was transported for medical care.

HBPD reminds residents to secure bicycles and e-bikes with quality locks, never leave bikes in unsecured parking areas, remove valuables from vehicles, secure mail delivery against theft, and report suspicious activity including attempted break-ins immediately.