SANTA MONICA—26-year old, Gabriel Ivan Brunet was arrested on October 16 at 3:00a.m, according to Santa Monica Police Department officer, Richard Elias. The suspect allegedly broke into a vehicle and stole items that included a backpack containing a laptop, credit cards and other items.
The victims contacted the Santa Monica Police Department at around 1:30 a.m., when they discovered their vehicle was broken into and various items stolen. The incident occurred just after they left their vehicle in the downtown parking building #4, located at 1321 2nd Street around 7:30 p.m. the prior evening.
One of the victims reportedly received a call while speaking to the police about the incident. The call came from the credit card company, informing the victim that someone had used the card to check in at Hotel Carmel in Santa Monica.
Officers were then able to locate the assailant in his room, along with the stolen belongings. The suspect was then arrested and charged with credit card fraud, grand theft, identity theft and possession of stolen property. His bail is currently set at $50,000.
Canyon News reached out to Hotel Carmel but they declined comment.
The stolen items have been returned to the rightful owners.
