SANTA MONICA, Calif.—A man was in custody May 16 for allegedly assaulting a woman who was jogging on a beach path in Santa Monica, authorities said.
The crime occurred about 7:15 a.m. Monday in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
“Witnesses to the incident told dispatchers that a young woman was being dragged across the ground by her ponytail,” police said in a statement. “Responding officers were on scene within minutes and found both the victim and suspect near the Bicknell restrooms. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.”
Malcolm Ward, Jr., 48, who is homeless, was on parole when he was arrested, and he was being held without bail, police said.
According to police, Mr. Ward was charged on Wednesday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with felony counts of kidnapping, assault with intent to commit rape, and violation of parole.
“The victim, a Venice resident, was jogging southbound on the beach path when the suspect grabbed her ponytail from behind, knocking her to the ground,” police said in a statement. “He then pulled her several feet toward the restrooms. The victim believed that the suspect intended to sexually assault her. Several witnesses intervened in the attack and called police. The victim suffered minor physical injuries in the attack.”
Anyone with information on the case was urged to contact Detective James McCoy at [email protected].
