SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced that John Douglas Steuart, 57, of Huntington Beach for his involvement in an assault with a car.
The SMPD reported that on March 23 at approximately 9:18 a.m., officers responded to a radio call for service at the Bank of America located on 1301 4th Street, parking lot regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Officers were able to establish Steuart who was driving a white 4-door cross-over type vehicle was trying to exit the parking lot without paying the parking fee.
The victim who has been identified as the parking attendant confronted the Steuart about the payment owed. While the victim was in front of the car, the suspect accelerated the vehicle striking the victim causing her to fall to the ground. With the victim on the ground, Steuart continued to accelerate striking the victim a second time before driving off at a high rate of speed.
Paramedics from the Santa Monica Fire Department responded to the scene and treated the victim who was taken to a local hospital for further treatment. Lt. Saul Rodriguez with the SMPD informed Canyon News the victim suffered a broken leg and bruising.
Following a preliminary investigation, detectives found information leading to Steuart as the primary suspect involved in the incident. On Monday, April 1, officers located Steuart and the car in Pacific Palisades. Steuart was taken into police custody and booked for 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a deadly weapon. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Airport Branch for filing consideration.
Anyone with details related to the incident is asked to call Detective Haro at (310) 458-8432; Sgt. Skogh at (310) 458-8992; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.
