The Santa Monica Police Department on Monday released a surveillance image of a man they say is tied to an active sexual-battery investigation and is turning to the public for help. Investigators describe the suspect as a Hispanic male between about 20 and 30 years old with dark, curly hair, wearing the clothing seen in the released photo. Detectives say they are also working to find out whether there are additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sean Baker at 310-458-8932, by email at [email protected], or the SMPD watch commander at 310-458-8491.
What police released
Police shared the surveillance image and called for tips as part of the investigation, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. The outlet reports that the department is accepting anonymous tips and lists the detective’s contact information. Investigators also said the man’s clothing matches what appears in the photo police distributed and urged anyone who recognizes him, or who believes they had contact with him, to reach out.
Context and recent reports
The call for help lands amid other recent sex-related calls in Santa Monica. Police call-for-service logs show battery and lewd-conduct entries near the pier and beachfront in recent weeks, according to the SMPD call-for-service report. Local outlets also reported an arrest in late February after a woman escaped an attack on the sand, underscoring why detectives are canvassing for additional victims and witnesses, according to the alleged beach assault arrest coverage notes.
How to help
Anyone who recognizes the man in the image, believes they had contact with him, or has security video or other potential leads is urged to contact Detective Sean Baker at 310-458-8932 or email [email protected]. Tips can also be given to the SMPD watch commander at 310-458-8491, and authorities say anonymous tips are accepted. Police ask that the public avoid reposting the surveillance images in ways that could interfere with the investigation and instead send any possible evidence or information directly to detectives.
