Santa Monica police have arrested two individuals in connection with the looting of an REI store during the May 31, 2020 unrest in downtown Santa Monica. Authorities say the arrests were made following a months-long investigation that relied heavily on surveillance footage and search warrants executed at two Los Angeles-area residences. Approximately $2,500 worth of stolen outdoor gear was recovered during the operation.
The case is part of a broader wave of property crimes reported during the unrest, which prompted extended investigative work by local law enforcement.
Investigation
According to police reports and local coverage, detectives reviewed surveillance video from the REI store located at 402 Santa Monica Boulevard. The footage was analyzed over several weeks as part of an effort to identify individuals involved in the break-in and theft.
Investigators later obtained search warrants based on their findings. These warrants were executed on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at two separate residences in Los Angeles. Officers reportedly recovered stolen merchandise during the searches and identified two suspects linked to the incident.
Arrests
Santa Monica police identified the suspects as Marques Miles and Misty Jones. Both individuals were arrested and booked on suspicion of burglary under California Penal Code 459, as well as burglary during a state of emergency under Penal Code 463(a).
Authorities set bail at $50,000 for each suspect. The charges reflect not only the alleged burglary itself but also the legal enhancement applied when property crimes occur during a declared emergency period.
Case
The burglary is tied to events that unfolded on May 31, 2020, when protests in Santa Monica escalated into widespread looting across parts of the downtown area. The REI store was among several businesses impacted during the unrest.
Following the incident, investigators continued reviewing digital evidence, including surveillance footage and publicly available social media posts, to identify those involved. This extended review process played a central role in developing leads in the case.
Law
California burglary laws define the offense under Penal Code 459 as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony. In cases where the crime occurs during a declared emergency, Penal Code 463(a) provides additional sentencing enhancements.
These legal provisions are often applied in situations involving looting during periods of civil unrest or natural disasters, where the circumstances of the offense are considered more severe under state law.
Evidence
The investigation relied heavily on video footage from inside and around the REI store, along with additional investigative work conducted by detectives. According to police, the combination of surveillance review and warrant-based searches helped establish links between the suspects and the stolen property.
Approximately $2,500 worth of outdoor equipment was recovered during the searches, though authorities have not specified whether all items taken during the original incident were accounted for.
Ongoing
Officials say the investigation remains active as detectives continue to follow leads connected to the May 31 unrest. Law enforcement has encouraged anyone with additional information to contact the Santa Monica Police Department or the assigned investigator.
Cases stemming from large-scale unrest often take extended periods to resolve due to the volume of incidents and the complexity of identifying individuals across multiple locations and timeframes.
Context
The REI store at 402 Santa Monica Boulevard remains one of several locations impacted during that night of unrest. The incident has been referenced in broader discussions about property crime response during emergency declarations and the challenges investigators face when reviewing large volumes of digital evidence after such events.
While these arrests mark a development in the case, authorities have indicated that related investigations continue.
The arrests in the Santa Monica REI looting case reflect the long investigative timeline often required in incidents tied to large-scale civil unrest. Through surveillance review, search warrants, and recovery of stolen goods, investigators were able to identify and charge two suspects months after the original break-in. The case remains part of an ongoing effort to address unresolved property crimes from that period.
FAQs
Where did the incident occur?
It occurred at the REI store located at 402 Santa Monica Boulevard.
How much property was recovered?
Police recovered approximately $2,500 worth of stolen outdoor gear.
Who was arrested?
Authorities arrested Marques Miles and Misty Jones in connection with the case.
What charges were filed?
Both suspects were booked on burglary and burglary during a state of emergency charges.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, police say the investigation remains active as they continue to pursue leads.
