𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧: LAPD Arrests Homeless Man After Refusal to Vacate Encampment in Venice

VENICE, CA — Wednesday, December 31, 2025 — Less than 24 hours after a prior cleanup at the same location, a coordinated multi-agency operation returned Wednesday morning to Third Street between Rose Avenue and Sunset Avenue as the City of Los Angeles continued enforcement of sanitation, public safety, and accessibility regulations.

Advance cleanup notices had been posted under Los Angeles Municipal Code §56.11, identifying the corridor as part of a designated cleanup zone and requiring individuals to temporarily vacate so crews could conduct sanitation work. Environmental Compliance Inspectors distributed 60-gallon bags and explained the posted requirements while documenting conditions with before-and-after photographs.

During the operation, one unhoused man camping inside a tent along the sidewalk repeatedly declined requests to temporarily relocate. He told inspectors and officers that the area around his tent had already been cleaned the previous day and that there was no visible trash requiring removal. He described the repeated cleanups as unnecessary and characterized the enforcement as harassment, stating that his campsite was orderly and that he was not engaged in criminal activity.

At one point, inspectors discussed the possibility of temporarily moving a tent across the street so documentation could be completed, after which it could be returned. The unhoused man who was later taken into custody consistently refused to relocate, stating that he was physically unwell, exhausted from repeated displacements, and unwilling to move again with rain forecast for several days.

When sanitation crews were unable to proceed, police assistance was requested. Los Angeles Police officers arrived and advised the individual that the block was within a posted cleanup zone that had been noticed for at least 72 hours. Officers explained that compliance required vacating the area, regardless of the amount of visible debris. The man questioned the purpose of the cleanup, repeatedly asking what would change if he moved, and stated that relocating did not address the underlying issue of homelessness.

During extended conversations with officers and a supervising sergeant, the man said he had previously contacted multiple outreach organizations, including homeless service providers and nonprofit groups, but had not received lasting assistance. He emphasized that he was not a drug user or thief and described himself as poor, ill, and without a stable place to go. He asked officers where he was supposed to relocate and expressed frustration that no specific destination or solution could be provided.

Officers explained that they were enforcing a city ordinance and did not have authority to determine housing placement. A supervising sergeant told the man that policy required the area to be cleared and that continued refusal would result in arrest. After multiple warnings and time extensions, officers informed the individual that he would be taken into custody if he did not comply.

After a final countdown, officers entered the tent and took the man into custody. No injuries were observed during the arrest.

Following the arrest, officers and sanitation personnel inventoried the man’s belongings. His tent and personal items were placed into a 60-gallon bag and loaded into a police vehicle. His bicycle was transported separately by sanitation crews and later delivered to a police station for safekeeping.

Once the individual was removed, the cleanup resumed. Environmental Compliance Inspectors and Clean Harbors personnel separated and removed hazardous materials, including batteries and aerosols, while Department of Public Works crews collected trash, bulky items, and other debris along the corridor. Light rain began as crews concluded the operation and moved on to their next assignment.

The operation was led by the Department of Public Works in coordination with the Los Angeles Police Department, Environmental Compliance Inspectors, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a homeless coordinator from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office. LAHSA outreach workers were present and offered information on shelter, housing referrals, and supportive services to individuals in the area.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance across the Westside, including homelessness outreach efforts, sanitation operations, and law-enforcement activity.
—
⚠️ 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘
This video is protected by copyright and provided for personal viewing only. Any copying, downloading, re-uploading, reproduction, distribution, sampling, or other use, including commercial or editorial use, without prior written authorization from Santa Monica Closeup is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

© 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇 / 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱.