Santa Monica police seized more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition from a stalking suspect and arrested a man accused of damaging 298 city water meters during a week that saw officer-initiated activity jump 25%, according to the department's latest weekly report.
The Santa Monica Police Department, led by Chief Darrick Jacob, handled 2,413 calls for service and made 120 arrests during the week of July 26 through Aug. 1. Officer-initiated calls rose to 1,141, accounting for nearly half of all activity, while resident-initiated calls dropped 9% to 1,272.
Stalking suspect's arsenal
Members of the Crime Impact Team and Criminal Investigations Division arrested a suspect in a stalking case and served search warrants at his vehicle and a Brentwood residence. Police recovered a handgun, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, over 100 magazines (including about 40 high-capacity magazines), firearm parts, methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and electronic devices, according to the Santa Monica Mirror, which first reported the weekly data.
The suspect was barred from possessing firearms under a protective order, according to the department's report.
$200K in water-meter damage
Police also arrested a suspect accused of vandalizing approximately 298 city-owned water meters. Investigators said radio-transmitter wires had been cut from the meters, with estimated repair costs exceeding $200,000.
No motive or charging information was included in the report.
Promenade and park arrests
On the Third Street Promenade, officers arrested a man after reports he had been inappropriately touching women. A records check revealed he was violating sex-offender registration requirements, and city surveillance footage provided evidence in a sexual battery investigation.
Near the 1400 block of Palisades Park, bicycle officers contacted a man for an open-container violation and discovered he was wanted in Georgia on charges of rape and sodomy. Georgia authorities confirmed they would seek extradition.
Attempted burglary foiled
A resident's alarm and dog interrupted an attempted burglary in the 1000 block of Fourth Street. Two suspects had been trying to force open an apartment door before officers located them several blocks away. Police recovered burglary tools, a switchblade knife and narcotics. One suspect was on felony probation for burglary.
Year-to-date surge
Through Aug. 1, the department reported 3,113 arrests, a 68.5% increase over the 1,847 logged during the same period in 2025. Total calls for service reached 76,067, up 7.7% year over year, with officer-initiated activity climbing 26.7% even as resident-initiated calls fell 5.2%.
Traffic officers conducted 232 stops during the week, issuing 141 citations. Focused enforcement near Colorado Avenue and Yale Street produced 14 citations over two shifts, and pedestrian-safety operations along the Wilshire and Lincoln corridors resulted in 14 stops, 11 citations and one arrest.
A multi-agency beach livability operation yielded six arrests, 15 citations and removal of 2,680 pounds of trash. The department's Homeless Liaison Program recorded 131 radio calls, 112 referrals and 16 arrests during the week.
Residents can report non-emergency concerns to the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491 or submit tips anonymously through the department's online portal.
