SANTA MONICA—According to a press release from the Santa Monica Police Department, on December 11, 2013 at 10:15 p.m., police responded to an assault that took place in the 300 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. The victim and his friend were walking on the sidewalk when the subject approached. The subject cursed at the victim, attempting to start a fight.
The victim informed officers that he did not want to respond physically so he continued walking. The suspect then “sucker punched” the victim from behind. The victim sustained an injury above his right eye that was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Officers were not able to locate the assailant immediately following the incident, but located a suspect within three hours that matched the victim’s description on 4th Street and Wilshire Boulevard. He was apprehended under an outstanding warrant, but will not be charged with the assault until the victim gives a visual confirmation that he was the assailant. Sergeant Jay Moroso informed Canyon News that the visual confirmation was still in progress and video surveillance is being sought out for further evidence.
This assault has been wrongly associated with “The Knockout Game,” in which unaware victims are struck from behind, without provocation. This attack did not qualify as such, because words were exchanged from both parties before the assault took place.
Anyone with information regarding this assault is asked to contact Detective Soto at 310-458-8218 or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at 310-458-8495. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00, if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.
