SANTA MONICA : Ex-Convict Held in Robbery Spree on Main, Montana
Santa Monica police have arrested an ex-convict on suspicion of robbing nine small businesses on two popular shopping thoroughfares--Main Street and Montana Avenue.
George Lawrence Allen, 48, was initially booked on suspicion of committing six armed robberies during a two-week spree, police said. But the count was raised to nine after Allen reportedly confessed to three additional robberies.
All nine crimes, committed since March 26, took place in shops and hair salons with only a single person on duty, said Sgt. Gary Gallinot. No one was hurt in any holdup, he added.
“The shopkeepers have been extremely nervous,” Gallinot said. “I’ve received a tremendous number of calls from merchants worried about this guy.”
Police had increased patrols on Main Street, where most of the robberies occurred. Last week, an officer identified Allen from a witness’s description and followed him to a Santa Monica apartment complex.
Police kept the building under surveillance last Friday until they received a search warrant and arrested Allen.
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