Tag: carjacking

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, November 14, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News via email that a suspect involved in a carjacking and hit-and-run has been arrested.

At approximately 7:06 p.m., the BHPD received a 911 call reporting a carjacking in the 400 block of North Bedford Drive. The victim stated that an unknown male suspect used force to steal her vehicle, a black BMW X3, before fleeing the area.

The BHPD Communications received a second 911 call regarding a vehicle-versus-pedestrian traffic accident. During the initial information gathering, it was discovered that the driver of the involved stolen vehicle lost control and crashed near Wilshire Boulevard and Camden Drive. The driver fled the scene on foot, leaving behind multiple injured victims.

Officers assigned to a nearby City event quickly detained the suspect in the 200 block of South Beverly Drive.

The traffic accident victims included two male adults, one female adult, and one male juvenile. The Beverly Hills Fire Department transported all victims to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. Their current conditions are unknown.

Taken into police custody was James Portul, 22, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was booked on PC 215 – Carjacking and VC280001(A) – Hit and Run with injury.

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