Santa Monica Police Arrest Suspect in Connection with Prowling Incidents

September 9, 2025 4:32 PM

On the evening of September 3, 2025, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department's Crime Impact Team (CIT) arrested a suspect in connection with a series of prowling and peeping incidents reported over the last several months in Beat 4.

While conducting a crime suppression operation in Palisades Park, CIT officers observed a subject matching the description of the individual sought in these cases. Officers contacted the subject as he entered a parked vehicle, confirmed his identity, and placed him under arrest. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded clothing items believed to have been worn during several of the reported prowling incidents.

The suspect has been identified as Calvin Otis Arnold, date of birth July 12, 1967. He was booked into the Santa Monica Jail on charges of 647(i) PC - Peeking While Loitering and 647(h) PC - Prowling. At the time of this press release, the suspect remains in police custody.

Investigators have linked Arnold to multiple incidents in which he was reportedly observed looking through the window of an apartment complex. Two victims were targeted on more than one occasion. Over the past month, officers from CIT and the Directed Action Response Team (DART) conducted several focused operations aimed at locating the suspect, culminating in Wednesday evening's arrest.

At this time, there is no indication that the suspect attempted to enter any homes or make physical contact with residents.

Residents are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activity to SMPD's non-emergency line at 310-458-8491 and to sign-up for a free home security assessment through the Community Engagement Team at 310-458-8474.

Media Contact

Lewis Gilmour Lieutenant [email protected]

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