SANTA MONICA—Detectives from the Santa Monica Police Department filed charges with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office- Airport Division on Wednesday, February 7 against Lexis Monee Willis, 23, from Long Beach for her role in jewelry store theft that transpired in Santa Monica.

On January 5, at about 3:53 p.m., officers responded to a radio call for service at L’Oliphant Jewelry Store located at 1621 Montana Avenue about a strong-armed robbery that transpired. A preliminary investigation revealed that Willis entered the store posturing as a customer. She selected merchandise, two diamond jewelry pieces, from the display cases. At some point, the suspect ran out of the store with the merchandise; a total of $12,000 was taken in jewelry.

Willis ran towards the alley and entered the passenger side of a newer model grey 4-door Chrysler. A salesperson gave chase and followed her to the alley. The salesperson stood in front of the vehicle to prevent the car from fleeing. The vehicle accelerated forward causing the salesperson to move out of the way and to avoid being hit. The vehicle fled east on Montana Avenue. The driver of the getaway vehicle was described as an African-American male in his 30s.

Canyon News spoke to Lt. Saul Rodriguez from the SMPD via email about the case. When asked about the status of the getaway driver, Lt. Rodriguez responded, “Detectives are still working to try and identify him. He remains outstanding.”

The SMPD completed a thorough investigation, were detectives were able to identify Willis as the suspect that entered the store and stole the merchandise. Detectives entered a “Want” in the system for her arrest. On Monday, February 5, she was arrested in Gardena by the Gardena Police Department for her involvement in the theft.

Willis has been charged with 487(a) P.C. – Grand Theft; and 368(d) PC – Felony Theft from an Elder, Lexis remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on a bail of $145,000.00.

Anyone with information related to theft is asked to contact Detective Cooper at (310) 458-8478; Sergeant Skogh at (310) 458-8992; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.