Santa Monica man arrested in alleged murder plot

Police have arrested a Santa Monica man for allegedly soliciting the murder of a former business partner in the aftermath of a bitter court fight, according to authorities and court documents.

Paul Harwood, 54, was arrested Wednesday at his apartment, where investigators had served a search warrant and found evidence of the plot and a small amount of cocaine, authorities said.

Police declined to name the intended victim.

According to court documents, Harwood and a longtime friend had formed a trucking business in Fontana three years ago. The company made arrangements for trucking companies to park their rigs overnight in yards where the freight can be kept safe from theft during long hauls around the country.

However, the men had a falling out and Harwood was eventually fired. The suspect claimed in a lawsuit that the company owed him at least $150,000, and had engaged in a campaign to smear him.

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