Authorities are searching for an unidentified suspect following a Tuesday morning attack.
The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating an unprovoked attack on a Santa Monica College student that occurred Tuesday morning near the school’s Center for Media and Design (CMD) campus, according to a Santa Monica College Police Department alert.
The incident took place at approximately 8:25 a.m. at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street. According to a crime alert issued by SMC Police Chief Johnnie Adams, the student was targeted while using a crosswalk.
Santa Monica police and fire personnel responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for precautionary treatment. The student reported only minor injuries. The suspect, described by witnesses as a person experiencing homelessness, fled the scene and remains unidentified. No further physical description was available at the time of the alert.
The Santa Monica Police Department has taken the lead on the investigation. Officials are urging anyone with information regarding the assault to contact SMPD at 310-458-8495.
In response to the off-campus assault, the Santa Monica College Police Department reminded the campus community to remain vigilant. Safety recommendations include utilizing the “Walk with SMCPD” escort feature on the Corsair Alert safety app, avoiding deserted areas at night, and immediately reporting suspicious activity to dispatchers at 310-434-4300.
