On July 12, 2006, at 4:26 pm, Santa Monica Police responded to Lincoln and Michigan Ave regarding a fight.  When officers arrived they spoke to the victim (Male, Black, 19 of Santa Monica) who said that he was at a local fast food restaurant when he was approached by the suspects.  Apparently, one of the suspects said something to the victim and then all of the suspects began to punch the victim.  The victim ran and while being chased by the suspects, one of the suspects pointed a handgun at the victim.  The police were notified and the suspects fled.

At 5:04 pm, police officers assigned to the Pico Neighborhood Task Force (Operation Safe Streets) responded to the 2600 block of Pico regarding a fight.  When officers arrived they detained several subjects.  During their investigation, a field show up was conducted and two subjects detained were identified as the suspects in the earlier assault with a deadly weapon at Lincoln and Michigan.  The two suspects arrested are identified as: Benjamin Andres Moreno, Male, Hispanic, 18 of Bellflower.  He was booked for attempted murder, participation in a criminal street gang, hate crime, and additional charges.  The second suspect is described as a Male, Juvenile, 17 years of age.  He was booked at a local juvenile detention facility for participation in a criminal street gang, and battery.

At 5:50 pm, police officers assigned to the Pico Neighborhood Task Force (Operation Safe Streets) patrolling the area saw two additional subjects in the 2400 block of Pico Blvd that were involved in the earlier assault with a deadly weapon at Lincoln and Michigan Ave.  A field show-up was conducted and the two suspects were positively identified and arrested.  Both suspects ages 16 and 17 are juveniles were transported to a local juvenile detention facility.  They were booked for attempted murder, criminal threats, participation in a street criminal gang, and additional related charges.

On July 13, 2006, at 12:10 pm, officers saw an outstanding suspect at Lincoln and Pine Street.  The suspect was arrested for his involvement in the assault with a deadly weapon that occurred on July 12, 2006, at Lincoln and Michigan Ave.  The suspect is a Male, Hispanic, 16 years of age was transported to a local juvenile detention facility and booked for attempted murder, criminal threats, participation in a street criminal gang, and additional related charges.

Anyone having additional information is encouraged to contact the Robbery‑Homicide Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310‑458‑8451.  Callers who wish to remain anonymous may also call the We‑Tip national hotline at       1‑800‑78‑CRIME (27463).