Santa Monica Police Department officials are asking for the public’s help in locating a homeless man who sexually assaulted a young female at a store.
On June 14, 2011, at approximately 8 a.m., an adult male followed two 10-year-old females into the Pavilions Market located at 800 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. The male rubbed his body against the back and buttocks of one of the females. At the time of the encounter, the victim was in the checkout line. When the suspect was confronted, he quickly exited the store and fled in an unknown direction.
The suspect is described as a male, black, 55 to 65 years of age, 6 feet tall, with a heavy build and having grey afro-style hair. The suspect wore an unkempt beard. His clothing at the time of the incident is described as a dark blue zippered sweatshirt with “UCLA” on the front, blue jeans, black shoes, and a black baseball style cap.
Santa Monica police believe this suspect to be a Santa Monica homeless man. Santa Monica police officials said they would make either an artists rendering or some other type of photo available, but that rendering will not be made available until after this issue had gone to press. Check smmirror.com for the image.
Anyone having information regarding this incident or similar incidents are asked to contact Detective Gladden at the Santa Monica Police Department at 310.458.8931, or the Watch Commander at 310.458.8426.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WeTip at 1.800.78.CRIME (1.800.782.7463), or submit the tip online at wetip.com. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.
Anonymous tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers by calling 800.222.8477 or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive a $1,000 reward from Crime Stoppers.
