SM BEACH — A woman who was jogging along the beach just south of Montana Avenue was physically and sexually assaulted Wednesday morning before fighting off her attacker, Santa Monica police said.
Officers were in search of the suspect, described as a white male, approximately 30 years old, 5 feet, 6 inches with a thin, muscular build, short dark-brown hair, a full beard, wearing only blue denim shorts, said SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis.
The alleged victim told police that she was running along the beach, between the waterline and the lifeguard towers, around 4:50 a.m. when she saw a man running directly toward her as she passed Tower 8, located on the 800 block of the beach.
The woman said she tried running away from the suspect, who chased her and wrestled her down to the sand.
The suspect physically and sexually assaulted her, Lewis said. She continued to fight and was able to free herself and run toward Pacific Coast Highway.
The suspect was last seen walking northbound from the area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (310) 458-8460 or the watch commander (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous, can call We-Tip at (800) 78-CRIME or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. Those who provide tips are eligible for a reward up to $1,000, police said. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Texting tips can also be done by visiting the website.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
