Suspect arrested after Santa Monica beach attacks – NBC Los Angeles

A homeless man accused of three assaults on Santa Monica Beach has been arrested.

The suspect was arrested at around 9:45 a.m. Monday on the beach in the area of ​​the 1300 block of Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica police said. Lt. Erika Aklufi said three victims were given medical aid at the scene, including an elderly woman and a 17-year-old who was taken to a hospital.

Police say a witness was attacked as she rushed to help the 17-year-old girl. Jenna Wilker, who lives on the beach, said the man attacked the teen around 9:30 a.m. Monday near a lifeguard tower north of the Santa Monica Pier.

“It was like watching a predator hunt its prey,” Wilker said. “He started choking me. A couple of times I thought I wasn’t going to survive. He bit my ear and tried to pull down my boxer shorts. I think it was sexually motivated.”

A lifeguard came and the man ran, but then attacked a woman, Wilker said.

“He grabbed her clothes, threw her into the water and held her by her hair,” Wilker said.

The 17-year-old was taken to hospital with serious injuries. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.