PACIFIC PALISADES—Brian Thomas Cruz, 44, a transient man who allegedly went on a violent crime spree in Pacific Palisades was charged on January 28 with 19 different criminal counts.
The spree, including numerous carjackings and crashes, resulted in multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, carjacking, burglary, robbery, criminal threats, reckless driving causing injury, kidnapping, and false imprisonment against Cruz.
The suspect who has prior convictions for forcible rape, burglary, and robbery, allegedly broke into a woman’s home and forced her to drive him at knifepoint. According to authorities, the woman crashed the vehicle in an escape attempt, prompting Cruz to carjack a teacher near Palisades High School.
After Cruz crashed the stolen vehicle, he reportedly broke into another home, forcing the resident to surrender her car keys before intentionally crashing close to Web Way in Malibu.
Following the crash, local authorities were able to apprehend Cruz and end the crime spree. Cruz’s bail has been set at a recommended $2.85 million.
If convicted of all charges levied against him, Cruz could face a life sentence in prison.
