PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY — Police have arrested a homeless man with a lengthy criminal record for allegedly rubbing his body up against a 10-year-old girl, it was announced on Thursday.
SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said Thursday that Anthony Eugene Evans, 51, was positively identified by the victim after she pointed him out in a photo line-up, commonly referred to as a “six pack,” because it includes six photos of potential suspects.
The girl was allegedly assaulted on Tuesday morning around 8 a.m. while she and a friend were on their way to school. The girls were walking in the 800 block of Montana Avenue when they noticed Evans following them, Lewis said. They went to a nearby Pavilions market to elude him.
While in the checkout line, Evans allegedly “rubbed” his body against the victim. When he was confronted, Evans quickly left the store, Lewis said.
The two girls left, went to school and notified administrators, who called police. Officers were able to get a good look at the suspect using the grocery store’s surveillance camera footage.
Evans was booked Thursday for committing a lewd and lascivious act on a child under the age of 14 and for petty theft. Lewis said he did not have information on the theft charge.
Evans is said to have an extensive criminal record, but police did not elaborate.
Detectives want to know if there are any other victims.
Anyone having information regarding this incident or similar lewd acts are asked to contact Santa Monica detectives at (310) 458-8931 or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8426.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463, or visit www.wetip.com, or call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or go to wwwlacrimestoppers.org.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
