A homeless man on parole for assault was arrested for allegedly dragging a woman jogger by her hair on a beach near Los Angeles and attempting to rape her, police said. Witnesses intervened in the attack.
On a sunny morning along the Ocean Front Walk in Santa Monica, California, a jogger's peaceful run turned into a horrifying ordeal when a homeless man on parole allegedly attacked her, dragging her by her hair and attempting to rape her.
The incident, which occurred around 7:15 a.m., left the victim shaken but uninjured. However, it has raised concerns about the safety of women in public spaces and the challenges faced by the homeless population.
According to police, the suspect, identified as Malcolm Jimmy Ward, Jr., 48, grabbed the victim's ponytail from behind, knocking her to the ground. He then allegedly dragged her on the ground by her hair towards some restrooms.
Witnesses, who had been alerted to the attack, intervened and prevented Ward from further harming the victim. The police were called, and Ward was arrested near the restrooms.
Investigators believe that Ward, who was on parole for assault with a deadly weapon, was attempting to sexually assault the woman. He has been charged with kidnapping, assault with intent to commit rape, and violating his parole. He is being held with no bail.
The attack on the jogger is a reminder of the dangers that women face in public spaces, even in seemingly safe areas. It also highlights the challenges faced by the homeless population, who often struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse.
In a statement, Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud praised the witnesses for their bravery in intervening in the attack. She also urged women to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
The Santa Monica Police Department is working with the Santa Monica City Council to implement strategies to address homelessness and public safety concerns. These strategies include increasing outreach services to the homeless population and providing more resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The attack on the jogger is a tragic reminder of the need for a compassionate and comprehensive approach to homelessness and public safety. By providing support to the homeless population and empowering women to be safe in public spaces, we can create a more just and equitable community for all.
