Tag: SMFD

SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, May 18, at approximately 9:30 p.m., The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to a call of assault with a deadly weapon in the 1300 block of the 3rd Street Promenade.

According to a SMPD press release, an after-hours business transaction was taking place between associates when the suspect, whom the business owner knew, entered the business and sprayed the business owner with a chemical irritant.

A struggle ensued, and the victim, who was reportedly in legal possession of a firearm shot the man who sprayed him. First responders from the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) transported the individual suffering from a gunshot wound to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The following information came directly from the SMPD press release, the full text which may be found here. Fatal Shooting During Attempted Robbery PR

“The associate, who coordinated the meeting, Karen Melikyan, was detained at the scene and later arrested in connection with the attempted robbery.

He has since been charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy. The victim (store owner) was not injured and is cooperating fully with investigators.

Based on the evidence gathered, detectives believe this was a targeted and isolated incident involving individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about this incident, is encouraged to contact Det. Jauregui (Martin.Jauregui@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Goodwin (Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.”

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Saturday, May 10, at approximately 8:22 p.m. Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to a call of an altercation between two individuals believed to be homeless.

Responding officers were dispatched to Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue. Upon their arrival they discovered one man who was suffering from stab pounds. SMFD paramedics transported the individual to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police identified the suspect nearby and took him into custody. The suspect’s name has not been released to the public as this is an active investigation. Officers continue their investigation and will attempt to speak to witnesses and bystanders.

Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact SMPD at (310)458-8427.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On April 21, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) arrested one of two suspects in connection to a stabbing that occurred on Ocean Avenue on April 19. Ivan Angel Plancarte, 20, of San Gabriel, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder (664/187 PC).

According to an SMPD press release, officers responded to a call on Saturday, April 19, at 2:26 a.m., of a stabbing in the 1700 block of Ocean Front Walk. Officers arriving at the scene discovered a male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to the upper torso.

SMPD Lieutenant, Lewis Gilmore provided Canyon News with the following press release:

4-19 Ocean Front Walk Stabbing – Arrest PR

SMPD officers initiated lifesaving first aid until the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) paramedics relieved them and continued to assist the struggling patient until they were able to transport him to an area hospital. As of April 21, SMPD reports that the victim was in “critical but stable condition.”

The second victim was a female. She too received multiple stab wounds to the upper torso. She was also transported to an area hospital, treated, and released.

Both suspects fled the scene of the crime on foot heading southbound. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Inmate locator, one suspect, Plancarte, was arrested on April 21, at 3:00 a.m. by SMPD officers. He is being held at the SMPD Jail. His total bail amount is $1,000,000.

Plancarte’s court date is scheduled for April 23, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at Lax Superior Court.

The second suspect was described as a thin, Hispanic male, wearing a grey sweater, and either a blue bandana or face mask. He is still at large.

Anyone with more information on this incident, the whereabouts, or the identity of the second suspect is encouraged to contact, Det. Zamfirov (Peter.Zamfirov@santamoncia.gov) at (310)458-8398, Det. Sgt. Lozano (Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov) at (310)458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, November 15, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a man was assaulted by the platform of the Expo Line at Bergamot Station on 26th Street and Olympic Boulevard.

The suspect fled the scene, reportedly running toward Michigan Avenue, and is still at large.

Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to a nearby trauma center for treatment. The victim’s name has not been released to the public.

Canyon News reached out to Lieutenant Erika Aklufithe Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD)for more information on the incident but did not hear back in time for print.

Anyone who has more information on the incident, or may aid police in identifying the suspect is encouraged to call SMPD Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427 or the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department at (213)229-1700

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, November 4, the city of Santa Monica reported that the Santa Monica Fire Department extinguished a blaze that happened on Bay Street.

The SMFD reported at 1:37 a.m. they responded to reports of multiple palm trees on fire that spread to one nearby structure on Bay Street.

An infant was assessed for smoke inhalation and not transported. Fire crews were able to extinguish the flames within 25 minutes of the first 911 call. All occupants in the nearby structure had self-evacuated prior to the Fire Department arriving.

Crews experienced high winds during the call and worked to prevent the fire from spreading. They remained on scene for over an hour to ensure the area was safe for residents to return. Residents were allowed back to their homes by 3 a.m.

There were no reports of any injuries during the fire. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department. Anyone with details about the incident can contact the police department at 310-458-8491.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On October 15, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) issued a press release confirming a shooting that took place at the Santa Monica College (SMC) Center for Media & Design (CMD) located at 1660 Stewart Street on Monday, October 14th at approximately 9:50 p.m. A SMC Custodial Manager was critically injured in the shooting.

SMPD, SMCPD, and the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) responded to a call of a shooting. They were able to render aid and secure the area expediently. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

The suspect, later identified as Davon Durrell Dean, 39, initially fled the scene and remained at large overnight. He was an SMC employee with an extensive criminal history including attempted murder in 2011, and assault with a deadly weapon in 2019, though he was never convicted of more than a misdemeanor.

The following came directly from the SMPD press release.

“Today, October 15th, at approximately 3:00 pm, officers with the Hawthorne Police Department, located the suspect’s vehicle near El Segundo Blvd. and Aviation Blvd.

After a short pursuit, a pursuit intervention technique was used to stop the suspect’s vehicle. Despite the efforts of the Hawthorne Police Department’s Crisis Negotiations Team, Durrell was found deceased inside his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Los Angeles County Coroner will be responding.

The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to determine the full sequence of events leading to this tragedy. There are no known additional suspects involved and there is no ongoing threat to the public. “

“I am so proud of our detectives who worked tirelessly throughout the night in collaboration with our partners at the Santa Monica College Police Department to identify and locate the suspect in this tragic incident. Our officers’ commitment to the safety of the Santa Monica community is evident and remains paramount,” said Police Chief Batista.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Fire Department reported on its Facebook page that they are celebrating National CPR and AED Awareness week June 1 through June 7.

The public is invited to join the SMFD for a Sidewalk CPR event on Wednesday, June 5, at the 3rd Street Farmers Market.

The event will transpire from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. There will also be an event on Thursday, June 6, at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

“CPR saves lives – come learn to save a life with SMFD,” the Santa Monica Fire Department noted on its Facebook page.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, May 6, the city of Santa Monica announced that the Santa Monica Fire Department will host a community celebration May 11 for Fire Service Day at Fire Station 1.

Open house activities for families and children include:

-Exploring fire engines and the ladder truck

-Fire station tours with firefighters

-Hands-only CPR and important emergency preparedness information with American Red Cross

-Stop the Bleed education in partnership with University of California, Los Angeles

The event will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1337 7th Street.

During the year, the SMFD offers outreach programs, including fire station tours, fire engine visits, and education on fire and life safety topics. The event offers an additional and unique opportunity to meet local firefighters and learn about what they do through a hands-on experience.

Fire Station 1 serves the downtown core and is Santa Monica’s most active station with 7,430 calls for service received in 2023. Fire Station 1 houses the department’s largest equipment, including its ladder truck, which will be on display for Fire Service Day.

By Trevor