A guy who is homeless and has a criminal record is accused of attacking a woman on Santa Monica Beach and trying to drag her into a public bathroom.
It is said that the attack happened in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk, just south of the Santa Monica Pier, just after 7 a.m. on Monday.
According to police, the victim, who lived in Venice, was running south on the beach path when the suspect grabbed her ponytail from behind and threw her to the ground. “After that, he pulled her a few feet toward the bathroom.”
According to the police, the suspect, 48-year-old Malcolm Ward, planned to sexually attack the woman in the Bicknell restrooms.
Police say that several people saw what was going on and called 911. When police arrived “within minutes,” they found both the victim and Ward near the bathrooms and arrested him. Police say the victim only had minor injuries.
Ward was accused by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office of kidnapping, attack with intent to rape, and violating his parole. He wasn’t allowed to release bail.
Authorities said Ward was on parole for a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.
A homeless person was caught in San Diego in April for beating and sexually assaulting two women along the famous Venice Canals. This was about two miles from where Monday’s attack happened.