Multiple Arrested In Robbery, Stabbings At Tongva Park In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Multiple people were arrested following multiple robberies and stabbings at a Santa Monica park over the weekend, officials said.

A victim was laying on a park bench when he was confronted by a group of teen boys and girls at about 1:45 p.m. Friday at the park, 1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, according to Lt. Rudy Flores of the Santa Monica Police Department.

One of the teen suspects grabbed a cellphone out of the victim's hand and then ran away, Flores said. Another teen suspect then brandished a knife and made a threat before they all ran off.

A short time later, the victim saw one of the teen girls involved in the initial robbery sitting on the east end of the park and confronted her, taking her cellphone as leverage in attempt to get his phone back, Flores said.

The large group of teens returned to get the suspect's phone and started fighting with the victim, Flores said.

The victim and another man who was trying to intervene were both stabbed during the altercation, Flores said.

Santa Monica Fire Department responded and both victims were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Flores said.

Several teens were detained and interviewed, he added.

Multiple knives were recovered, Flores said.

The following arrests were made:

• 1 male teen booked for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon
• 1 male teen booked for robbery
• 1 female teen booked for robbery
• Joseph Zachariah Theus, 19 of Los Angeles, was booked for providing false ID to police, cited and released.

The other suspects' identities, who are under age 18, were not released.

Anyone with information is urged to contact SMPD Det. Haro at 310-458-8432 or the watch commander at 310-458-8426.