Street vendors attack and then assault beachgoers

Last week’s brawl near the pier resulted from a street vendor sexually harassing several women and then inciting other vendors to attack visitors who confronted him about his behavior.

In a press release, Santa Monica police said the June 29 altercation near Tower 14 involved multiple people and one victim was stabbed.

“The fight began when a vendor (identified as Efigenio Tacuba) approached a group of beachgoers and sexually assaulted several women. Others in the group confronted Tacuba, who then asked other vendors for help. Several vendors armed themselves with umbrella poles, belts and at least one knife,” the press release said.

Lt. Erika Aklufi said officers found one victim with a non-life-threatening stab wound. Another victim suffered what is believed to be a broken ankle during the altercation. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

According to SMPD, four people taken into custody were charged by the Los Angeles District Attorney with aggravated assault and one with multiple counts of sexual assault:

Tacuba, Efigenio. Date of birth: January 1, 1994. Three counts of sexual abuse and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Cruz Murcia, Jorge Luis. Date of birth: March 2, 1995. Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Manzanarez Hernandez, Samuel. Date of birth: July 19, 1984. Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Hernandez, Oscar Samuel. Date of birth: July 2, 1977. Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

The release states that more arrests are likely to follow. Anyone with information regarding this incident or individual, especially cell phone video footage of the incident, is asked to contact Detective Holloway at [email protected] or the 24/7 Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

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