SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department arrested Rashad Devon Harris, 25, on Tuesday, February 27, in connection to a home invasion robbery that transpired on Friday, February 23. At 3:30 a.m., the SMPD responded to a radio call for service about an “Unknown Trouble” at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of 5th Street. After arriving on the scene, officers found a female resident inside the unit suffering from significant injuries that included multiple stab wounds and lacerations from the attack. Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics responded and treated the victim at the scene that was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
Detectives from the SMPD arrived on the scene, and a preliminary investigation revealed the male suspect forced his way into the victim’s apartment while she was sleeping. The suspect grabbed a knife from the kitchen and demanded money and property from the victim. The suspect stabbed the victim in the arm and jumped on top of her, where a struggle ensued and the victim fought off the suspect. The suspect fled the apartment through the front door.
Canyon News spoke to Lt. Saul Rodriguez of the SMPD via email about the incident. When asked rather the suspect stole any valuables from the victim, Lt. Rodriguez responded, “No. I am not aware of anything being taken.”
SMPD Detectives were able to link Harris to the crime based on evidence collected and forensic processing of the crime scene. Harris was identified as the primary suspect and SMPD Officers were able to locate and arrest Harris without incident at the Van Nuys Probation Office in the San Fernando Valley.
Harris was booked at the Santa Monica Police Department Jail for 664 PC / 261 PC – Attempt Rape; 245(a) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon; 211 PC – Robbery; 207 PC – Kidnapping; and 1203.2 PC – Probation Violation. Harris is being held at SMPD Jail with no bail options pending court proceedings. Detectives will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Airport Division for filing consideration later in the week.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Burciaga at (310) 458-8932; or Detective J. Rodriguez at (310) 458-2233; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.
