Carjacking Suspect Adrian Jose Dugas Arrested

November 16, 2023 ·

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department revealed to Canyon News via email on Wednesday, November 15 that a suspect has been arrested for a carjacking that transpired on November 7.

Lt. Erika Aklufi of the SMPD indicated that officers arrested Adrian Jose Dugas, 24, on November 7. Authorities noted that the suspect was experiencing homelessness from the Los Angeles area, and is responsible for a carjacking incident involving multiple people.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Adelaide Drive after receiving reports of a group of individuals holding down Dugas in the middle of the street.

The six victims reported they were returning to their vehicle in Parking Structure 8, when Dugas approached them while simulating a handgun concealed within a duffle bag. He forced his way into the backseat of the vehicle and demanded the victims drive him around the city.

While inside the car, Dugas confiscated their cell phones. He also made multiple threats to shoot the victims if they did not comply and physically assaulted the driver and a passenger in the car.

The victims drove for more than an hour before Dugas ordered all passengers out of the vehicle. Upon exiting, one of the victims was able to place the suspect in a chokehold and they held Dugas down until police arrived.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney charged Dugas with:

• (6) counts of robbery;
• (6) counts of kidnapping during the commission of a carjacking;
• (1) attempted carjacking; and
• (1) count of aggravated assault.

Dugas remains in police custody with bail set at $6.4 million. He is expected to appear in court on November 29.

SMPD Detectives believe the suspect may have attempted an additional carjacking and are seeking other victims. Anyone with information related to Dugas or this investigation is asked to contact Detective Spencer at brian.spencer@santamonica.gov or Sergeant Gradle atryan.gradle@santamonica.gov or call 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

Next Post

Vandal Shatters Window At Yogurt Stop

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 15, reports confirmed that the old Yogurt Stop storefront located at 8803 Santa Monica Blvd was vandalized. A witness first told WEHO Times that the vandal used a large wooden plantar left outside the building to shatter…
Read
Previous Post

WeHo Promotes Safer Cycling With Mobility Pop-up

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 14, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a press release that they will be hosting a WeHo Mobility Pop-up event along Santa Monica Boulevard at Hilldale Avenue (Westbound) and at N. San Vicente Boulevard (Eastbound). The…
Read
Random Post

Annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration November 16

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee revealed details for the upcoming annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration to take place on Thursday, November 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring a special live performance by…
Read
Random Post

Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested By SMPD

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department arrested two people in connection to an armed robbery that occurred on June 15. The SMPD reported on its Facebook page that they received a 911 call after 1 a.m. of an armed robbery…
Read
Random Post

Alexis Brown New Deputy City Manager

MALIBU—The City of Malibu announced on July 10, that Alexis Brown will be the city’s new Deputy City Manager. She’ll serve at the direction of the city manager and assistant city manager. Brown served a similar role in Imperial where…
Read
Random Post

City Council Votes To Allow Transformation Of ArcLight Cinema

SANTA MONICA—At a regular meeting held May 23, city council unanimously voted to cancel a development agreement with Santa Monica Place, which prevented a shuttered ArcLight Cinema from being repurposed. This decision was one of the last legal steps needed…
Read

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *