Blue Notebook Review: Stats, Stops & Steaks This week’s Blue Notebook Review has a little bit of everything: public safety updates, Route 66 celebrations, traffic enforcement, and… steak with the fire department. Because public safety partnerships come in many forms. Some are medium rare. This week, SMPD responded to 2,753 calls for service, made 108 arrests, and continues to see a 75% increase in year-to-date arrests compared to this time last year. We also celebrated 100 years of Route 66 on the Santa Monica Pier, joined community events across the city, connected with St. John’s personnel, supported animal shelter engagement, and took part in a memorial run. Officer Tago also shared updates from the HLP Team including: 📞 223 radio calls 👮 207 self-initiated contacts 🚔 31 arrests 📝 29 citations ⛺ 5 encampments addressed On the traffic side, officers conducted 279 stops, resulting in 163 citations. Watch the full Blue Notebook Review for the weekly rundown and community highlights. #Route66 #SantaMonicaPier

See you tomorrow! 🐾 The annual Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation Fundraiser is happening Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 12–3 p.m. at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Join us for a fun afternoon supporting the animals in our care. We hope to see you there! Learn more: smasf.org/events 📷!

Community Update: Mountain Lion Safely Tranquilized and Transported The mountain lion reported in a Santa Monica residential area has been safely tranquilized by a biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement supported the tranquilization and transportation of the animal. The mountain lion will be evaluated and safely relocated in coordination with wildlife experts, including the National Park Service’s Santa Monica Mountains study area team. We thank the community for its patience, cooperation, and care throughout this response.

SMPD understands the concern this incident caused, particularly among members of the Jewish community and others who viewed the video or heard reports about the incident. “Hate has no place in Santa Monica,” Chief Darrick Jacob said. “We understand the fear and harm these incidents can create, not only for the victims, but for the broader community. Our responsibility is to respond quickly, document the facts thoroughly, and pursue accountability through the legal process.” On May 24, at approximately 5:20 p.m., officers assigned to the Downtown Services Unit responded to the area regarding a reported assault and criminal threats. Officers located and detained the suspect, identified as Nay Min Tar, 49, of Illinois, a short distance away on 4th Street. The preliminary investigation indicates Tar was driving on Broadway when he stopped in traffic and began yelling threats at two people crossing the street. Tar then exited the vehicle and chased one of the victims while continuing to make threats. During the incident, Tar’s dog, described as a Cane Corso, chased the victim and bit him on the thigh. The Santa Monica Fire Department treated the victim at the scene for a minor injury related to the dog bite. Santa Monica Animal Control Officers also responded and took custody of the dog, which was transported to a local shelter and remains in quarantine. Witnesses reported offensive and threatening language during the incident, and SMPD documented those statements as part of the investigation. Detectives reviewed the available evidence, including witness statements and video evidence. The case was submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. The District Attorney’s Office filed one count of criminal threats, 422(a) PC, and one count of battery, 242 PC. The fact that the filed charges do not include a hate crime enhancement does not mean the reported language or conduct was acceptable, nor does it diminish the impact on the victims or the broader community. Criminal threats remains a serious charge and reflects the threatening conduct reported during the incident. SMPD takes targeted threats, intimidation, violence, and hate motivated conduct seriously. The Department remains committed to thorough evidence-based investigations, careful documentation of reported bias indicators, coordination with prosecutors, and continued outreach to community members and partner organizations. Community members can learn more about hate crimes, how to report hate related incidents, and available resources at santamonica.gov/hate-crimes. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8427.

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect following an assault and dog bite incident that occurred in the downtown area on Sunday evening. On May 24, 2026, at approximately 5:20 p.m., officers assigned to the Downtown Services Unit responded to the area of 3rd Street and Broadway regarding a reported assault with a deadly weapon. Preliminary information indicates the suspect, later identified as Tar Nay, was driving on Broadway when he stopped in traffic and began yelling threats at two people crossing the street. The suspect reportedly displayed a baseball bat from inside the vehicle before stopping in the intersection. The suspect then exited the vehicle and chased one of the victims while continuing to make threats. During the incident, the suspect’s dog, described as a male Cane Corso, chased the victim and bit him on the thigh. Responding officers located and detained Nay a short distance away on 4th Street. Multiple witnesses provided statements, and video evidence from the area was collected as part of the investigation. The Santa Monica Fire Department treated the victim at the scene for a minor injury related to the dog bite. No additional medical treatment was required. Nay was transported to the Santa Monica Jail and booked on the following charges: 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon 422(a) PC – Criminal Threats Santa Monica Animal Control Officers responded and took custody of the dog, which was transported to a local shelter. This remains an active investigation. Witnesses reported that the suspect used threatening and offensive language during the incident. Detectives are reviewing those statements, along with video evidence, to determine whether the facts support any additional charges or sentencing enhancements. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8427

Today, we pause to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, commitment, and selflessness will never be forgotten. From all of us at the Santa Monica Police Department, we wish our community a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

This week’s Blue Notebook: stats, safety, community, and just enough Sgt. Rick to keep things interesting. 🚔 2,528 calls for service 🚨 106 arrests 📝 305 citations 🍻 76 “Know Your Limits” DUI education demos 🤝 153 HLP calls 138 self-initiated contacts 📍 7 encampments addressed Plus: Cadet Alexis signs off, Cadet Naomi joins the team, Officer Angel gets some well-earned recognition, and the Downtown Substation ribbon cutting is coming up May 28 at noon. Watch the full episode, and remember: choose kindness.

On Friday, May 22, at approximately 9:46 a.m., the Santa Monica Police Department received a report of an altercation between two individuals on the beach. Preliminary information indicates the incident began as a reported theft of a cellphone while the victim was on the sand. A struggle followed, during which the victim was reportedly struck with a metal pole. The victim contacted SMPD and provide officers with an image of the suspect. Responding officers located a person matching the description inside a nearby restroom, and that individual was taken into custody. The victim was treated by the Santa Monica Fire Department for what appears to be a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

SMPD has arrested an armed kidnapping suspect following an investigation that began May 17 in Santa Monica. The adult victim was located safe before the suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit in Los Angeles. santamonica.gov/press/2026/0…

Santa Monica, CA — The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus that occurred Friday afternoon at Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard. On May 15, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., SMPD officers and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded to the area of Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard regarding a collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus. The pedestrian, an adult female, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators located security video from a nearby business, which provided a clearer view of the circumstances leading up to the collision. Preliminary investigation indicates the Metro bus was stopped when the pedestrian moved underneath the bus. As the bus pulled away from the stop, the pedestrian was struck and sustained fatal injuries. The Metro bus operator remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication of impairment or distraction on the part of the operator. A Big Blue Bus vehicle that arrived at the stop moments after the incident was temporarily held for documentation and released as soon as practical. Main Street was closed between Ocean Park Boulevard and Hollister Avenue during the investigation. Traffic on westbound Ocean Park Boulevard toward Main Street was also impacted. This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department Sergeant Jason Olson at 310-458-8367, Jason.Olson@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

Extended Street Closure. Santa Monica Police activity at Main St and Ocean Park Bl affecting North Bound Lanes. SMPD are on scene of a traffic collision investigation. North Bound Main from Hill St is closed until further notice. Please use alternate routes.

Are you ready to contribute to public safety and support the community? Apply now to become a vital part of our law enforcement team! We are looking for dedicated individuals to perform a variety of specialized clerical and technical duties that support our police officers and investigators. Become a part of a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining public safety and making a difference. Apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in supporting law enforcement! governmentjobs.com/careers/s…

From Mother’s Day well wishes to NRO Avila stealing the spotlight from Sgt. Rick, this week’s Blue Notebook Review has a little bit of everything. Catch the latest episode for updates, community highlights, and the moments that keep us smiling. And as always, stay tuned until the end for a special message. #SantaMonicaPD #BlueNotebookReview #CommunityPolicing #SantaMonica #MothersDay

Joint Statement: Santa Monica Police Department & @SMMUSD May 7, 2026 Reports of a potential threat at Santa Monica High School were thoroughly investigated today and determined to be unfounded. There is no credible threat to the campus, and no injuries have been reported. At approximately 11:53 a.m., the Santa Monica Police Department was notified of a potential threat reported to school officials at Santa Monica High School. School Resource Officers and additional personnel responded immediately and coordinated with school administrators who made the decision to implement a temporary shelter-in-place out of an abundance of caution. Officers conducted a systematic search of the campus and surrounding area while maintaining a high-visibility presence. The shelter-in-place was lifted at approximately 1:20 p.m., and normal school operations have resumed. Officers will remain on campus to provide continued reassurance and support. The investigation into the source of the calls remains ongoing. Threats involving schools are taken seriously, and individuals responsible for making false or threatening reports will be held accountable.

SMPD Seeking Additional Information in Child Abuse Investigation The Santa Monica Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance as detectives continue investigating a child abuse case involving a nanny accused of physically harming a child in her care. The suspect, Carolina Cobian, 65, of Simi Valley, was arrested by SMPD detectives on April 15, 2026. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed one felony count of child endangerment. Detectives are seeking to identify any additional families who may have hired Cobian as a nanny, childcare provider, or caregiver, or anyone who may have information relevant to this investigation.