WEST HOLLYWOOD—On May 20, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station released a public safety update announcing deputies responded to separate incidents at businesses in the 8800 block of Santa Monica Boulevard on May 13 and May 14 that resulted in multiple arrests.

On May 13, deputies arrived at a business in response to a complaint an individual slapped a person and made criminal threats against them.

Security tried to remove the individual, but the suspect is alleged to have thrown “glass and other items at patrons and later became involved in a fight with a pedestrian,” who was outside the business, the LASD West Hollywood Station stated.

The suspect was located and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats.

On May 14, deputies responded to a physical struggle between two people at a business. A bystander, “who intervened during the fight, sustained injuries and was transported”, to the hospital to be treated for injuries, authorities reported.

The victim’s name and condition are unknown, but the suspect was arrested. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges in both cases, but the names of the suspects have not been released.

On May 10, a brawl erupted between the owners of two hot dog carts at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. A series of brawls have occurred at night in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, including one at Trunks Bar on May 14.

According to the WeHo Times, a brawl occurred outside Micky’s West Hollywood on May 18, and Saturday, May 16, where deputies responded to a fight that occurred in the 8900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WESTWOOD/BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, May 20, seven people were charged with felonies the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced in connection with a of organized residential burglaries that has affected the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities over the past several months.

Christopher Sanchez, 26, Owen Rivera-Chacon, 24, and Edisson Fabian Boyacá, 27 are each charged with one felony count of first-degree residential burglary. Rivera-Chacon also faces allegations of a prior strike conviction for a serious or violent felony: a first-degree residential burglary.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 2 in Department G of the San Fernando Courthouse.

Rivera-Chacon’s bail was set at $125,000 and Boyaca’s bail was set at $50,000. Sanchez was released on his own recognizance subject to electronic monitoring over the prosecution’s objection. If convicted as charged, Sanchez and Boyaca each face 6 years in state prison, while Rivera-Chacon faces 17 years in state prison.

On May 1, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office tracked the suspected burglary crew into Santa Clarita, where a joint surveillance operation with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department led to the defendants’ arrests in connection with a residential burglary.

Deputies followed the suspects’ vehicle, conducted a traffic stop on the freeway and arrested Sanchez, the driver. Rivera-Chacon allegedly fled on foot and was stopped in a nearby dry streambed. Boyaca was stopped and arrested driving a different car approximately one mile away.

The defendants may be connected to additional burglaries in Los Angeles and Ventura counties where they allegedly stole jewelry, cash and a high-end handbag.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Blanca Martinez of the San Fernando Branch Office and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

“These arrests are the result of strong collaboration with our neighboring law enforcement partners and our shared commitment to protecting the communities we serve,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff.

Byron Gonzálo Sáez Sotomayor, also known as Kevin Diaz, 27, is charged with 15 counts of first-degree residential burglary, three counts of attempted first-degree residential burglary and one count of grand theft of a firearm. It is further alleged that on four occasions at least one resident was present during the commission of the burglary or attempted burglary.

Sotomayor pleaded not guilty to all charges. His preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 10 in Department H of the San Fernando Courthouse. He is being held on $1.4 million bail. If convicted as charged, he faces 26 years in state prison.

Between January 2025 and May 2026, Sáez Sotomayor allegedly burglarized or attempted to burglarize 18 single-family residences in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles, targeting multiple homes in a single night. Five occurred in Reseda, two in Van Nuys, two in Encino, one in Granada Hills and one in Sun Valley.

The remaining seven incidents transpired in Beverlywood, Westwood and other locations in Los Angeles County. He is suspected of additional burglaries in the San Fernando Valley. He allegedly stole jewelry, handbags, money and a firearm.

The defendant was arrested while allegedly fleeing from a burglary in the Beverlywood area on May 4.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth French of the Organized Crime Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Wilmar Santiago Castelblanco-Robles, 20, Alan Rolando Rodriguez-Pulido, 34, and Cristian Rios-Cuadros, 24, are each charged with one felony count of first-degree residential burglary.

Castelblanco-Robles and Rios-Cuadros pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 18 in Department J of the Pasadena Courthouse. Pulido’s next court date is a mental competency hearing on June 16.

Both Castelblanco-Robles and Rios-Cuadros were released on their own recognizance subject to electronic monitoring over the prosecution’s objection. Rodriguez Pulido is being held on $75,000 bail. Rios-Cuadros is being held on $170,000 bail on other matters.

If convicted as charged, each defendant faces six years in state prison.

On April 26, at approximately 7 p.m., neighbors allegedly witnessed Rios-Cuadros and Castelblanco-Robles breaking into a Burbank home and called police. The pair are accused of fleeing on foot when police arrived. With the help of a heat-detection device aboard a police helicopter, they were located hiding nearby and taken into custody.

Rodriguez-Pulido was apprehended by police while driving the suspected getaway vehicle. Inside the vehicle, police recovered wallets, high-end handbags, watches and jewelry believed to be stolen from other victims.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Head Deputy District Attorney Martin Bean of the Pasadena Branch Office and remains under investigation by the Burbank Police Department.

By Danny Jones

BRENTWOOD—On May 12, Mark Fuhrman, a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) died of throat cancer at his home in Kootenai County, Idaho. He was 74. Detective Fuhrman was best known as one of the first detectives to arrive at the Brentwood home and crime scene in 1995, where Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found dead at Nicole Simpson Brown’s condominium in Brentwood. Detective Fuhrman gained national attention during the O.J. Simpson trial. Being one of the first to lay eyes on the crime scene, made his testimony crucial to the case. He quickly became the Prosecution’s star witness. Star running back and Heisman trophy winner, O.J. Simpson, was accused of murdering the mother of his children, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her lover, Ronald Goldman. As the prosecution’s star witness, to becoming the focal point of the trial. Fuhrman was investigated in what was reportedly an effort to lesson his credibility on the witness stand. It was Fuhrman that led investigators to evidence found at Simpson’s estate on Rockingham Avenue in Brentwood, including the notorious bloody glove. Reports indicate that it was the alleged findings from investigation into Fuhrman that helped to get O.J. Simpson acquisition. Investigative attorney’s led jurors to question whether the detective was a racist. The prosecution accused Fuhrman of planting evidence. Fuhrman adamantly denied this claim telling ABC TV, “There was never a shred, never a hint, never a possibility, not a million, not a billion-to one, possibility I could have planted anything, nor would I have reason to. In 1995, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder. Detective Fuhrman retired from LAPD soon after. In 1996, the detective pleaded no contest to felony a single felony count of perjury. Detective Furman moved to Idaho where he hosted a radio show and authored true crime books including; Murder in Brentwood, Murder in Greenwich, The Murder Business, Murder in Spokane, Death and Justice, Silent Witness, and A Simple Act of Murder. Reports indicate that the family of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman don’t blame Detective Furman for O.J. Simpson’s acquittal. Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister, Tanya Brown, first spoke to TMZ regarding the death of Furhman. “It’s a big one and a huge loss. I think Mark’s legacy should not be based around our trial. I don’t wish death on anyone, and I think he did a lot of good in his life and people need to focus on the good he did.” By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On May 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) published reports warning the public of elevated bacteria levels in the waters at the beach at Santa Monica Pier and others. The LACDPH reports the bacteria levels exceed the state’s public health standards, which may increase risk of illness. Beach Warnings apply to the following areas with escalated bacteria levels due to run off and pollution following routine testing of water samples of Los Angeles County Beaches 100 yards up and down the pacific coast at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica. One-hundred yards up and down the pacific coast from the creek at Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach in Malibu. The entire swimming area of Mother’s Beach at Marina Del Rey. The entire swim area at Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. In addition to the beach warnings, the Heal the Bay, Beach Report Card is another resource to find clean water. Scoring an A+ El Porto Beach, Manhattan Beach A, Manhattan Beach, at the Pier Ormand Beach at J. St. and Arnold Rd., Oxnard Beach Park, at Starfish Drive, Falkirk, Outrigger, and 5th St., Port Huename Beach Park North of the Pier, Hollywood Beach at Los Robles and at Crescenta Streets, Silverstrand at Sawtelle Avenue, St. Nicholas Avenue, and Santa Paula Dr., C.I. Harbor Beach Park at Lakeshore Dr. and Victoria Avenue, Dockweiler State Beach, Hermosa Beach, projection of 26th Venice City Beach, Projection of Winward Avenue, Projection of Brooks Avenue, Projection of Rose Avenue, and 50 Yards from the Storm Drain, Venice State Beach, Projection of Imperial, Ocean Park Beach, Projection from Ashland Avenue. Scoring an A Manhattan Beach, 50 Yards from the Storm Drain, Ormand Beach at the Oxnard Storm Drain, Dockweiler State Beach, Projection of Imperial Highway, Projection of World Way, Dockweiler State Beach, 50 Yards South from Storm Drain, Mother’s Beach between the Tower and the Boat Launch. Marina del Ray Beach at the playground scored a B. Scoring a C Latigo Canyon Creek in Malibu, Surfsider Beach at Malibu Pier. Will Rogers State Beach at Bel Air Bay Club, Pulga Canyon, and the Chainlink Fence. Scoring a D Mother’s Beach at Marina Del Ray Harbor, Mother’s Beach Lifeguard Tower, This specific area has consistently kept D’s and Fs on their Heal the Bay Report Cards since September 5, 2025. Surfsider Beach at Malibu Lagoon Beach, East Beach at Mission Creek Scoring a F Castlerock Beach at the Storm Drain, Santa Monica Beach at the Pier, Topanga Beach at Topanga Creek, Escondido Beach at Escondido Creek. For the complete list of beaches see the Beach Report Card on the Heal the Bay website. By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, May 19, Robert J. Fenton Junior, the Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 9th Region, which includes Santa Monica, announced that FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help fight the Sandy Fire.

The fire started near Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley at 10:50 a.m. on May 18. The grant request was submitted to FEMA by the state of California. The fire threatened over 7, 461 properties near Simi Valley. Over 28,000 people already received mandatory evacuation orders.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are available to help fight fires that ignite and could become disasters. The grant can be used to cover “expenses for field camps, equipment uses, materials, supplies, and mobilization, and demobilization activities,” which covers 75 percent of the cost of fighting fires.

The status of the Sandy Fire can be tracked on the Cal Fire website, where evacuation information, a 3D map of the fire, and the latest news updates are available.

According to the latest update, the wildfire is 15 percent contained and has destroyed roughly 1,698 acres. It is limited to Ventura County. As of Wednesday, May 20, the Ventura County Fire Department continues working to contain the wildfire, which is under investigation.

Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued for the region affected by the wildfire, and the area is closed to the public.

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, May 19, the Santa Monica Police Department identified Jorge Luis Vega as the suspect responsible for a kidnapping and officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, May 17.

At approximately 12:14 a.m., on Sunday, officers responded to the Vons located at 1311 Wilshire Boulevard regarding a reported kidnapping involving an adult victim.

The preliminary investigation indicates Vega, 32, of Los Angeles, and the victim was known to one another and had been in a dating relationship, and it does not appear to be a random incident.

During the incident, Vega allegedly approached the victim in the parking lot and left
the area with her in a vehicle. He also allegedly threatened a witness who attempted to intervene.

Officers and detectives immediately began efforts to locate the victim and suspect. Later that day, the victim was located in the city of Beaumont. She was no longer with Vega and was contacted by law enforcement.

On May 18, at approximately 3:15 a.m., SMPD personnel located Vega in Los Angeles. Vega fled in a vehicle, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in the 900 block of West 85th Street in Los Angeles, where an officer involved shooting occurred.

He was taken into custody at the scene. No officers were injured, and no gunshot injuries were reported. The victim was not present during the pursuit or officer involved shooting.

Vega is currently in custody and was booked on suspicion of:
-Kidnapping
-Criminal Threats
-Brandishing a Firearm
-Rape
-Felon in Possession of a Firearm

The SMPD is coordinating with the appropriate investigative agencies and will provide additional information as it becomes available. The victim’s identity is not being released due to the nature of the investigation.

Anyone with details should contact Detective Hilda Lucero (hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov) 310-458-8939, Detective Esteban Hernandez (esteban.hernandez@santamonica.gov) 310-458-8946, Sgt. Alfonso Lozano (alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov) 310-458-8774 or the
Santa Monica Police Department Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, May 19, the city of Santa Monica announced that the Big Blue Bus will provide direct service to all eight World Cup matches from Downtown Santa Monica to Los Angeles Stadium.

MALIBU—The city of Malibu’s Summer 2026 Recreation Guide and City Newsletter are available online and were mailed to Malibu residents the week of May 4.

Summer recreation programs are designed to bring the community together and promote healthy lifestyles for residents of every age. Offerings range from youth camps and swim lessons to wellness classes and inclusive access programs for people of all abilities.

Programs running June through August include:

-CineMalibu Outdoor Movies in the Park
-Learn to Swim Lessons (group and private options)
-Summer Day Camps
-Complimentary Wellness Workshops with The Mindry
-Night Hikes at Charmlee Wilderness Park
-Teen Workshops in Comedy, Photography, Poetry, and Self-defense
-Senior Center Programs including Chair Yoga, Monthly Excursions, and Tech Help

The Guide introduces a new series of Inclusive Recreation programs designed to provide accessible and welcoming activities for people of all abilities. Summer offerings include coloring, film screenings, sensory swimming, and yoga.

Registration for Summer Programs opens Monday, May 11 at 8 a.m. To register visit: https://www.rec.us/organizations/city-of-malibu.

By Danny Jones

WESTWOOD—On May 18, the UCLA Police Department indicated it hosted a Cupcakes with K9s event. The UCLA PD indicated that the purpose of the event is to build trust with conversations and using K9s to do it.

At Cupcakes with K9s, the newest UCLA Police Department K9s got the opportunity to meet members of the UCLA community. Community engagement allows the Police Department the opportunity to answer questions, build relationships and create meaningful connections outside of emergency calls with the public.

K9s with the UCLA PD are an important part of our public safety team. They support campus safety, assist officers in the field and help strengthen the connection between UCPD and the community we serve.

“Thank you to everyone who stopped by, said hello and helped welcome Nova and Rocket to UCLA,” the UCLA PD said on its Facebook page.

Last week, the UCLA PD came together for Campus Safety Week.

By Danny Jones

 

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, May 16, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department pursued a suspect across West Hollywood that started at 2 p.m., and the suspect was arrested in Plummer Park, at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

According to WeHo Online, the LAPD was alerted to an incident involving the suspect east of West Hollywood’s city border, near Formosa Avenue and Fountain Avenue. Officers were dispatched and pursued him on foot as he traveled west along Fountain Avenue entering West Hollywood. Officers were aided by a police helicopter.

According to WeHo online, the suspect utilized a bicycle to travel south on Fuller Avenue.  During the chase, the Citizen app, which can be used to report medical emergencies, police actions, and 9-1-1 responses, was used to issue an alert. Officers learned the individual they were chasing was suspect of committing an attempted homicide, who was found near Fuller Avenue and Vista Street by Plummer Park and arrested.

No further details about the suspect have been released to the public. A woman who lives near North Vista Street by Plummer Park in the 1000 block was shot on April 9, while standing on the balcony of a building.

By Daniel Diquinzio