Felon Accused Of Stealing Scooters In Santa Monica: Police

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 38-year-old homeless man was arrested on suspicion of stealing four scooters at a Santa Monica residence this week, according to police.

Officers were called to the residential burglary Tuesday in 1000 block of 17th Street, near Washington Avenue, said Lt. Rudy Flores of the Santa Monica Police Department.

"The reporting party was able to see a suspect stealing four scooters through the security camera system," Flores said.

The witness chased the suspect out of the secured subterranean garage, he said.

Officers arrived at the location and found the suspect in the 1100 block of 16th Street in possession of two of the scooters, Flores said.

Samuel Elijah Hamilton, a 38-year-old man experiencing homelessness, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, resisting or delaying arrest and possession of ammunition when prohibited to have a firearm.

Hamilton apparently failed to obey the officer's order and attempted the flee the area, Flores said. The officers detained him and take him into custody. They allegedly located a live ammunition round in his possession and discovered that he is a convicted felon.

Anyone with any additional information is urged to contact SMPD Detective Diaz at 310-458-4408 or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8426.