Santa Monica Police Nab Armed Robbery Suspect Using High-Tech System

Real-time crime analysis system helps apprehend suspect after 7-Eleven incident.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Santa Monica police say their real-time crime analysis system, known as the SMART Center, helped them quickly identify and arrest a 26-year-old armed robbery suspect who targeted a 7-Eleven store on Monday. The suspect, David Ramirez, allegedly stole merchandise and then pulled a gun on store employees before fleeing the scene. Police were able to use security cameras, license plate readers, and drones to track down and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the incident.

Why it matters

The successful use of the SMART Center's advanced technology highlights how law enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on data-driven systems to combat retail theft and violent crime. Santa Monica's investment in this high-tech crime analysis platform, which received over $6 million in state funding in 2023, demonstrates the growing emphasis on leveraging digital tools to enhance public safety.

The details

According to police, the suspect entered the 7-Eleven store on Lincoln Boulevard around 4:15 pm on Monday and attempted to steal merchandise. When confronted by store employees, the suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it at the workers before fleeing the scene. The Santa Monica Police Department immediately utilized its SMART Center, a technology-based system that gathers data quickly to aid investigations. The SMART Center is equipped with security cameras, automated license plate readers, and drones, which helped officers track down and arrest the 26-year-old suspect, David Ramirez, in the area of 6th and Grant streets.

  • The incident occurred around 4:15 pm on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • Police arrested the suspect, David Ramirez, shortly after the incident in the area of 6th and Grant streets.

The players

Santa Monica Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that utilized its SMART Center, a real-time crime analysis system equipped with security cameras, license plate readers, and drones, to quickly identify and apprehend the armed robbery suspect.

David Ramirez

A 26-year-old man who allegedly entered a 7-Eleven store, stole merchandise, and then pulled a gun on store employees before fleeing the scene. He was later arrested by Santa Monica police.

7-Eleven

The convenience store where the armed robbery incident took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The suspect, David Ramirez, will be arraigned in court on Thursday, March 20, 2026 to face charges related to the armed robbery incident.

The takeaway

Santa Monica's investment in its high-tech SMART Center crime analysis platform demonstrates the growing emphasis on leveraging digital tools to enhance public safety and combat issues like retail theft and violent crime. The successful apprehension of the armed robbery suspect highlights the potential of such technology-driven approaches to policing.