Chaos erupted on a beach path in Santa Monica, where a female jogger survived a harrowing assault Monday morning. The Santa Monica Police Department confirmed that the suspect, Malcolm Ward Jr., was arrested after witnesses intervened when a Venice woman was grabbed by her ponytail, knocked to the ground, and dragged towards nearby restrooms around 7:15 a.m. on Ocean Front Walk, according to FOX LA.
Forty-eight-year-old Ward, who is homeless and was out on parole for assault with a deadly weapon, now faces felony charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to commit rape, and violation of parole. Police took him into custody without incident, within minutes following the attack near the Bicknell restrooms. The victim suffered minor injuries during the ordeal, and while the exact intentions of the suspect are not confirmed, she believes Ward intended to sexually assault her, CBS News Los Angeles reported.
Several bystanders stepped in to halt, the attack, with the incident stirring alarm among the beachside community. "Responding officers were on scene within minutes and found both the victim and suspect near the Bicknell restrooms," the Santa Monica Police Department said, as noted by NBC Los Angeles. The heroic actions of these witnesses likely prevented further harm to the woman.
Anyone with more information on this case is urged to reach out to Detective James McCoy at the contact provided by local authorities.
