By Lookout Staff

August 16, 2022 -- Santa Monica police on Saturday afternoon arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for a string of thefts in a residential neighborhood north of Montana Avenue.

Ramiro Martinez, a 38-year-old male from Rancho Cucamonga, was booked in Santa Monica jail for burglary and possession of stolen property after he was caught exiting a home on the 300 block of Euclid Street, police said. The arrest came after police were dispatched to the residence to investigate a burglary at around 4:45 p.m., said Lt. Rudy Flores, the Police Department spokesman. "Officers arrived minutes later and set up a perimeter around the residence," Flores said.

They were conducting a walkthrough of the property "when they saw a male exit the second floor of a rear house (Auxiliary Dwelling Unit)."

"A foot pursuit ensued, and the suspect was taken into custody a short distance away," Flores said.

Officers found "several pieces of jewelry, electronics, credit cards and identification not belonging to Martinez, on his person," he said.

"Martinez also had a small amount of a crystallized substance believed to be methamphetamine."

According to Flores, "SMPD Detectives believe Martinez is responsible for other thefts in the area and are hoping to connect him to those incidents."

Anyone with any additional information pertaining to this incident, items recovered or the suspect should call Detective H. Tavera at 310-458-8946 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8426.