Broadway traffic dispute ends in canine attack and felony charges for Santa Monica driver.
Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed felony charges against a motorist accused of shouting death threats at a pedestrian and commanding his dog to attack the man near the Third Street Promenade last weekend.
Nay Min Tar, 49, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Thursday to one felony count of criminal threats and a misdemeanor count of battery. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office alleged the encounter left the pedestrian in sustained fear for his personal safety. The District Attorney did not file a hate crime enhancement in addition to the two charges.
The incident unfolded around 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, when Tar stopped his vehicle in traffic on Broadway, according to police reports. Authorities said Tar began shouting at pedestrians through his open window before exiting the vehicle to chase a man who was walking with his girlfriend on the sidewalk. Tar then allegedly swung his fists at the victim and ordered his dog, a male Cane Corso, to attack. The animal pursued and bit the pedestrian, investigators said.
The confrontation drew widespread attention online and within the neighborhood. Acknowledging the public fallout, Santa Monica Police Department officials stated they understand the deep concern the incident caused, particularly among members of the Jewish community and others who viewed video footage or heard reports of the clash. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing offensive and threatening language, which responding officers documented as part of the initial response. Detectives have since reviewed all available evidence, including the witness statements and the video recordings.
Emergency medical personnel from the Santa Monica Fire Department treated the victim at the scene for a minor bite wound. Santa Monica Animal Control officers seized the animal, which remains held in quarantine at a local shelter.
Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested Tar a short distance from the scene on Fourth Street.
During the court appearance, prosecutors requested that bail be set at $50,000 in accordance with the county’s felony bail schedule. Citing the In re Kowalczyk precedent, the judge reduced the bail amount to $2,500 over the state’s objections.
Tar faces a maximum sentence of three years and six months in state prison if convicted on all counts. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 15 in Department 31 of the Airport Courthouse.
