Woman sexually assaulted while waiting for ride in Santa Monica; suspect sought

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Police in Santa Monica are searching for the suspect who sexually assaulted a woman who was waiting for a ride.

The incident happened March 1 around 8:15 p.m. on the 1700 block of Ocean Park Blvd. 

Police say the man approached the victim as he was pulling down his pants and made lewd statements. The victim tried to leave the area but the suspect grabbed her from behind and began touching her inappropriately over her clothes.

SUGGESTED: Homeless man assaults 6-year-old girl eating ice cream with parents in Santa Monica

She struggled with the suspect but was ultimately able to get free and run away. 

The suspect was caught on surveillance video leaving the location.

Just days ago, a 6-year-old girl was assaulted by a homeless man while walking on Main Street and Marine Avenue and eating ice cream with her parents. 

Also in Santa Monica, investigators arrested a homeless man for burglary and the attempted rape of an 80-year-old woman who was sleeping inside her home on Second Street. 

In January, police arrested a 27-year-old homeless woman for the murder of a music producer who was just sitting in his car in the morning on 29th and Ocean Park.

Anyone with information is urged to call Santa Monica Police Department Detective Tavera at Ismael.Tavera@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Gradle at
Ryan.Gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.