This past weekend, once again rumors were rampant in town as one version of a crime was compounded with what “someone thought they heard” and “then other crime tales were added to the narrative.”

When in doubt, go to the source before repeating what you may have heard from someone who supposedly heard it “someplace.”

A brazen burglary occurred at Towne by Elyse Walker on July 9. None of the other stores in the Caruso complex were targeted. CTN contacted Captain Jonathan Tom, who even though he was on vacation, still responded.

“In that incident, four male Black suspects wearing hoodies and masks went into the store and took several high-end handbags,” Tom said. “There was no reported force used by the suspects. They were in and out in a matter of a minute or less.”

A second story revolved around Beech Street restaurant, whose owner Bobby Mackston posted on Nextdoor, “Beech Street Cafe was broken into two nights ago. This is the third time this past year. I’m thinking of closing.”

CTN asked LAPD if a report had been filed. No, but LAPD called Beech Street on July 10. They reported to CTN that “the manager said someone tried to break into their restaurant when they were closed. He said he hasn’t been able to file a police report yet.”

LAPD told the manager they would be happy to take a report.

Captain Tom explained that an attempt to break into Beach Street was not a robbery but an attempted burglary at most and a vandalism at the least.

“Many people get missed up on the terminology but for the media and law enforcement, words have meaning,” Tom said.

“A Robbery occurs when someone uses force or fear to take the property of another. A Burglary occurs when someone enters a structure with the intent to commit any theft or felony.

“The terminology matters because they are legal terms, and because a Robbery is categorized as a violent crime while a Burglary is categorized as a property crime,” Tom said.

Yet, another rumor was started that LAPD was not reporting crimes. They are and those reports are being sent to local news publications and interested parties.

Weekly, CTN has received the crime report from senior Lead Office Brian Espin. (See below).

JUNE  6 to 11

ASSAULT

June 6, 2:30 p.m. at Temescal Canyon and PCH. The suspect pepper sprayed victim during verbal altercation and then fled.

June 7, 8 to 9 a.m. in the 1000 block of Tellem. The case involved family violence and elder abuse. The suspect is an unemployed son who demanded money from the victim. The suspect wrapped pants around victim’s neck and tried to strangle victim. The suspect threw the victim to the ground causing injury to her head, shoulder and ankle. The victim called for help, and a neighbor called for an ambulance.

BURGLARY

June 9, 4:10 p.m. in the 100 block of Entrada Drive.  The suspects smashed two windows entered the restaurant location and ransacked it.  Suspects smashed cash registers.  They fled when they encountered cleaning service workers. No property was taken.

ROBBERY

June 10, 10:20 a.m., in the 15000 block of Sunset Boulevard at the Shell gas station.  The suspect, armed with a handgun, entered the store, demanded money, took currency and fled. The suspect, a male Hispanic with brown eyes is described as 5’5” tall, 120 pounds, 26 to 35 years old, wearing a black sweater and blue jeans.

THEFT

June 5, 3:05 p.m., in the 1000 block of Swarthmore. Unknown suspects concealed store merchandise and exited store without paying.

JUNE 12 TO JUNE 18

ASSAULT

June 12, 7:30 p.m., in the 1000 block of Will Rogers State Park Road. This case involved family violence and a minor. The minor went missing for several days and the victim, the mother, became aware of narcotic usage. She tried to stop the suspect from leaving and he hit her multiple times. They fell to the ground fighting and the suspect got an empty glass bottle and struck the female on the head, stating “I’m gunna kill you bitch.” Another person intervened and wrapped a piece of rope around the suspect’s legs, while the victim called the police.

BURGLARY

June 15, 9:27 p.m., in the 1000 block of Vista Grande Drive. The Suspect used an unknown tool to smash rear glass door. The suspect entered the residence, ransacked it and fled with unknown property.

BURGLARY THEFT FROM VEHICLE

June 14, 4:30 to 7:50 a.m. in the 500 block of Spoleto Drive. The victim left vehicle in driveway and forgot to lock car. Victim’s Ring Camera captured suspect entering car.

June 15, 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the 15000 block of Pacific Coast Highway. Victim parked vehicle in an area for a commercial shoot. The victim had a prop in a trunk and was filming nearby. Victim returned to trunk and noticed prop was missing.

June 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the 500 block of Marquette Street. Property taken from vehicle.

GRAND THEFT AUTO

June 16, 1:50 to 4 p.m. in the 15000 block of Sunset Boulevard. The vehicle was taken from the street or driveway and was recovered.

 

JUNE 26 TO JULY 2

BURGLARY THEFT FROM VEHICLE

June 29, 5 to 5:48 a.m. in the 400 block of Los Liones Drive. The victim parked vehicle and went for a hike. When victim returned, property was missing.

July 1, 3 a.m., in the 500 block of Almar Avenue. The victim discovered the credit card was stolen from the victim’s vehicle.

July 2, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., at Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon. The Victim parked vehicle and left a key on rear driver side tire. When victim returned, property had been stolen from vehicle.

GRAND THEFT AUTO

June 26, 10:05 a.m., in the 14800 block of Pacific Coast Highway. Vehicle taken from highway, later recovered.

RAPE

June 28 to 29, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. in the 1700 block of Pacific Coast Highway. The suspect and victims knew each other. All consumed alcohol and were under the influence. The suspect had nonconsensual sexual contact with both victims.

THEFT

June 29, 4:43 to 6:50 p.m. in the 1400 block of Allenford Avenue. The suspect took package from the porch.

June 30, 11:15 a.m., in the 15600 block of Sunset Boulevard. Victim said wallet was knocked out of vehicle into parking lot.

 

If you are a victim of crime, remember to file a report. Many reports can be done online. Pacific Palisades Senior Lead Officer is Brian Espin and his contact information is 37430@lapd.online or (310) 444-0737.

 Residents can also check crimemapping.com  for daily information of crime in the area.