Couple Riding Scooters Assaulted, Robbed At Gunpoint, Police Say

Santa Monica CA

02 April, 2021

12:26 AM

Description

SANTA MONICA, CA — A couple riding scooters was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint this week in Santa Monica by two suspects from Wisconsin, police said. The men are now in custody and facing multiple charges. The couple reported the assault and robbery in the 1700 block of Ocean Avenue, near Olympic Drive, about 10:53 p.m. March 28, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. "During their encounter, one of the males lifted his shirt and displayed what appeared to be a handgun in his waistband," police said in a statement Thursday. "Two of the suspects began to physically assault the male victim and at one point one of the suspects snatched the cellphone from the female victim and threw it to the ground, preventing her from calling for help," police said. Then both suspects ran away. Police later found them and the victims identified the suspects. Both were taken without incident. Lavonn Shawn Johnson, 21, of Wisconsin, was arrested on suspicion of carrying a loaded handgun, assault to commit great bodily injury and preventing someone from reporting a crime. Officers found out Johnson had a no-bail warrant from Wisconsin, police said. He was held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for April 22 at LAX Superior Court. Treyton Thomas Halfmann, 21, of Wisconsin was arrested on suspicion of assault to commit great bodily injury, police said. His bail was set at $50,000 bail and he was released on bail March 29. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has filed charges against the assault suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact Santa Police Detective Larios with the Criminal Investigations Division 310-458-8937 or Santa Monica Police Department's Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.