SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department arrested two suspects in connection to a carjacking that occurred on October 15. According to a press release Canyon News received from Lt. Cobarrubias of the SMPD, Noel Tambriz, the primary suspect in the case was sentenced to three years in prison.

Noel Tambriz.
Photo courtesy of the SMPD.

Also arrested was Santos Alvarado, who is expected to appear in court in February 2020. A third suspect, a minor was arrested and transported to Eastlake Juvenile Hall. All three suspects pointed a handgun at the owner of a vehicle near Sunset Park. During the carjacking, the suspects stole the victim’s wallet and cell phone. According to Lt. Candice Cobarrubias the victim was not harmed during the carjacking.

One day after the carjacking, the Los Angeles School Police discovered the stolen vehicle with an individual sleeping inside. Authorities searched the vehicle and discovered a replica handgun. Officials placed the person inside the vehicle under arrest. Cobarrubias stated in an email to Canyon News that they cannot release the identity of the suspect found in the vehicle.

During questioning, detectives were able to trace the suspect back to the date and time the carjacking transpired. Officials were also able to collect surveillance video of the two other suspects involved.

Lt. Candice Cobarrubias stated that there is limited information SMPD can share because this is an ongoing court case. She did state that none of the suspects were transient including the juvenile. There also isn’t evidence that indicates any gang relation. They are also unsure how much time the juvenile will be doing for the magnitude of this crime, “that is completely up to the courts and we do not even begin to speculate on that,” said Cobarrubias.