By Lookout Staff

September 10, 2025 -- Police last Wednesday arrested a suspect in connection with a series of prowling and peeping incidents in Santa Monica's north side over the past four months.

The arrest comes after officers from the Department's Crime Impact Team (CIT) and the Directed Action Response Team (DART) conducted several focused operations over the past month aimed at locating the suspect, police officials said.

The search culminated when CIT officers conducting a crime suppression operation in Palisades Park "observed a subject matching the description of the individual sought in these cases," officials said.

"Officers contacted the subject as he entered a parked vehicle, confirmed his identity, and placed him under arrest," said Lt. Lewis Gilmour, the Police Department's spokesperson.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and a search of the vehicle "yielded clothing items believed to have been worn during several of the reported prowling incidents," Gilmour said.

The suspect -- identified as Calvin Otis Arnold, 58, -- was booked into the Santa Monica Jail on charges of "peeping while loitering" and prowling. He remained in police custody Tuesday.

SMPD met with leadership from the Northeast Neighbors Association "after a community member expressed concern about an individual involved in two incidents reported in May and July," Gilmour said.

"On both occasions, the individual was observed looking through the window of an apartment complex near the 1000 block of 20th Street."

"Two victims were targeted on more than one occasion," police Gilmour said.

There is no indication at this time "that the suspect attempted to enter any homes or make physical contact with residents."

Residents should promptly report any suspicious activity to SMPD’s non-emergency line at 310-458-8491 and to sign-up for a free home security assessment through the Community Engagement Team at 310-458-8474.