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By Jorge Casuso
November 15, 2023 -- A homeless man faces multiple charges after carjacking six victims, confiscating their cell phones and forcing them to drive him around the city, police said.
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Adrian Jose Dugas, a 24-year-old male from the Los Angeles area, was arrested last Tuesday after police responded at around 10:30 p.m. to the 400 block of Adelaide Drive.
The officers had received reports that a group of individuals was "holding down Dugas in the middle of the street," said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson.
The victims reported that they were returning to their vehicle in Parking Structure 8 when Dugas approached them "while simulating a handgun concealed within a duffel bag," Aklufi said. |
Dugas forced himself into the backseat and demanded the victims drive him around the city, she said.
"While in the car, he confiscated their cell phones, made multiple threats to shoot the victims if they did not comply, and physically assaulted the driver and a passenger."
They drove for more than an hour before Dugas ordered all passengers out of the vehicle, Aklufi said.
"Upon exiting, one of the victims was able to place the suspect in a chokehold. The victims held the suspect down until police arrived," she said.
The LA County District Attorney charged Dugas with six counts each of robbery and kidnapping during the commission of a carjacking, and one count each of attempted carjacking and aggravated assault, police said.
SMPD Detectives believe Dugas may have attempted an additional carjacking and are seeking other victims, Aklufi said.
He remains in police custody on $6.4 million bail and is awaiting a November 29th court appearance, she said.
Anyone with information related to the suspect or the investigation should email Detective Spencer at brian.spencer@santamonica.gov or Sergeant Gradle at ryan.gradle@santamonica.gov or call 310-458-8427. |
