Santa Monica Burglary Suspect Found Wearing Victim's Shirt

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 23-year-old homeless man was charged this week with burglary and providing false information to a police officer after he was allegedly found wearing the victim's shirt and hiding inside a Santa Monica home, officials said.

Officers reported a safe was stolen from inside a home on Jan. 6 in the 200 block of California Avenue, near 2nd Street, according to Lt. Rudy Flores of the Santa Monica Police Department.

An SMPD Forensics Specialist responded to take photos and lift latent prints, Flores said. When the Forensics Specialist was talking with the victim outside of the residence, the suspect walked by them and was allegedly wearing the victim's shirt.

"The victim and Forensics Specialist walked back to the unit and discovered his front door was now closed and locked," Flores said.

SMPD Officers, including a K9 officer and his partner, responded to investigate, Flores said. Officers searched the residence and located the suspect inside a bedroom.

Jose Manuel Rojas was taken into custody without incident, Flores said. He was allegedly carrying a backpack and holding property belonging to the victim. He also initially provided police officers with a fictitious name.

At the station, SMPD officers learned his identity and discovered that he had a no-bail warrant for Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Los Angeles. He was booked at the station on suspicion of burglary and providing false information.

Anyone with any additional information can contact SMPD Det. Zamfirov at 310-458-8398 or the watch commander at 310-458-8426.