The Victim Believes the Man Intended to Sexually Assault Her
A homeless man who dragged a woman several feet by the ponytail, possibly with an intention to sexually assault her, was arrested by Santa Monica police officers and charged with multiple felonies.
On Monday, May 13, at 7:14 a.m., officers responded to assault reports happening at the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk where they found the suspect and victim near the Bicknell restrooms. According to SMPD, a young female Venice resident was jogging southbound on the beach path when the suspect grabbed her ponytail from behind and knocked her to the ground.
The man then pulled her several feet toward the bathrooms. The victim believes the man intended to sexually assault her, according to SMPD.
Witnesses on scene intervened in the attack and contacted authorities. The victim suffered minor physical injuries. The man was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect has been identified as Malcolm Jimmy Ward, Jr., a 48-year-old man experiencing homelessness and is on parole for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He is being held without bail.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Ward with felony counts of Kidnapping, Assault with Intent to Commit Rape and Violation of Parole.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective James McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov or CrimeTips@santamonica.gov.