The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has released the identities of nearly a dozen suspects arrested for attempted burglary in the evacuation zones of the Palisades Fire. None of the suspects reside in Santa Monica, police said.
Out of the 10 suspects, six were found in possession of burglary tools. All suspects had traveled to the disaster area from outside the town. SMPD has arrested 39 people in these evacuation zones since the fire started, with charges ranging from attempted burglary to curfew violations, drug possession, and probation violations.
Among those arrested were Joshua Kaliel Love, 29, who ran from officers and was found with a dagger, window-breaking tool, mask, gloves, and narcotics. He was on probation at the time of his arrest. Other suspects, including 18-year-old Dominic Pachecomanga and 22-year-old Miguel Angel Dorantes, were caught with gloves, burglary tools, and ski masks while traveling in a van without identification. Police also found the “Watch Duty” app, which tracks fire and evacuation zones, on their phones.
Another suspect, Gabriel Isaih Stokes, 27, was apprehended after his car was identified as stolen through a plate reader. He was found with a stolen ID, fake IDs, burglary tools, and ski masks. Stokes had a prior history of burglary, robbery, and grand theft charges.
None of the 39 individuals arrested were from Santa Monica, officials confirmed. Further investigations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow as the situation continues.
