Violent Crimes in the Bay City:

Santa Monica police this week reached out to the public for assistance in identifying and locating suspects in two violent crimes -– an April 4 sexual assault in the Santa Monica College library, and a March 26 fatal hit and run collision on Pacific Coast Highway.In the sexual assault case, police announced on Wednesday, April 8, that they arrested Chase Reynolds, 40, of Malibu on Tuesday afternoon, April 7. He has now been booked and charged with sexual battery, false imprisonment, and robbery; his bail has been set at $750,000. The assault occurred at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, when the suspect grabbed the victim as she exited the restroom, pinning her against a wall and sexually assaulting her, police said, adding that he fled the scene when he was startled by an announcement over the library intercom. During the investigation of the crime, the suspect Reynolds returned to the SMC campus and was detained by college police officers. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone having information relating to the assault is asked to contact SMPD Detective Lloyd Gladden (310.458.8931) or the watch commander (24 hours, 310.458.8427).In the fatal hit and run collision, police on Sunday, April 5, issued a bulletin seeking assistance in identifying and locating a black SUV whose driver fled the scene without rendering aid or identifying himself/herself.The collision occurred on Thursday, March 26, at about 9:05 p.m., when the black SUV was going northbound in the number two lane of the 500 to 600 blocks of Pacific Coast Highway, just south of the Annenberg Community Beach House (415 PCH). The SUV suddenly swerved to the left and hit a silver Lexus RX330 in the number one lane (closest to the center line). That caused the Lexus to lose control and cross into the southbound lanes of traffic, where it struck a Honda Accord head on. This then caused another collision with a separate southbound vehicle. As a result of injuries sustained in the multiple collisions, one person died at a local hospital and five other people sustained minor to moderate injuries.Anyone with information is asked to contact SMPD Investigator Chris Dawson (310.458.8954), Sgt. Larry Horn (310.458.8950), or the watch commander (24 hours, 310.458.8427).