A suspect has been arrested stemming from a recent stabbing incident in Downtown Santa Monica.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), 23-year-old Damian Garcia was located and arrested on October 23, stemming from an attack on a homeless victim at 5th Court and Broadway on October 16. That night at about 7pm, SMPD officers responded to a call of a bleeding man lying on the sidewalk, and officers discovered the victim of a stabbing upon arrival.
The homeless victim, a recent arrival to Santa Monica from Kentucky per SMPD, provided a general description of the suspect along with a possible first name. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was in serious but stable condition.
Garcia, who is also homeless and recently moved to Santa Monica from Florida, was identified through surveillance video and follow-up investigation.
On October 25, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Great Bodily Injury. Garcia, who remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was also noted to be held on a fugitive warrant from Florida and will face extradition.
Garcia’s criminal history, per SMPD, includes assault with a deadly weapon, burglary to an inhabited dwelling, vehicle theft, armed robbery and resisting arrest with violence.
SMPD released a statement after the initial incident, calling the stabbing “another unacceptable crime in the City of Santa Monica that involves the intersection of complex societal issues of homelessness, substance abuse, and dangerous weapons.”
The department stated that anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Det. Ben Jenkins at (310) 458-4884, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931 or the Watch Commander (24 hours a day) at (310) 458-8427.
thomas@smdp.com
