By Ann K. Williams
Lookout Staff

May 25, 2011 – Santa Monica Police are asking the community to help identify a man wanted for a felony assault outside a Main Street bar that left his victim in a coma.

The victim, who had been drinking, bumped into the suspect's female friend as he left O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant at 1 a.m. earlier this month, Sgt. Richard Lewis told the Lookout Tuesday.

The suspect became upset and pushed the victim forcefully several times, knocking him down on the pavement where he struck his head, according to witnesses.

The victim, a 46-year-old white man, was taken to a local hospital. He remains in critical condition.

Lewis said that lots of people witnessed the attack, and police hope that someone will come forward to help identify the assailant and solve the case.

Witnesses described the suspect as a 25 to 30-year-old black man, five feet ten inches tall with a stocky, muscular build and short dark hair. He was wearing a white V-neck shirt and dark jeans. The suspect's friend was described as a blonde white woman.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone having information is asked to contact: Detective Michael Bambrick (310) 458-8932 or Sergeant Ira Rutan (310) 458-8959 or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000.00, if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.

Or, anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org.