Man Arrested for Handgun

By Lookout Staff

May 18 -- A man was arrested in a violence-riddled corner of the Pico Neighborhood early Sunday morning for possessing a handgun.

Police patrolling the 1900 block of 17th Street spotted the subject at around 3 a.m. among a group drinking in public.

When the officers attempted to detain the suspect, he fled into a nearby residence, said police spokesman Lt. Frank Fabrega.

Upon further investigation, the officers arrested two suspects for possession of a loaded firearm.

One suspect is identified as Richard C. DeLaCruz, 31, of Santa Monica, police said. The other suspect is described only as a male juvenile.

DeLaCruz is currently being held at the Santa Monica jail for possession of a firearm and for a violation of probation with no bail, Fabrega said. The other suspect was transported to a juvenile detention facility.

Anyone having additional information is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310.458.8491.