Police Continue Search for Santa Monica Stabbing Suspect

Lookout Staff

August 27, 2012 -- Police have released the image of the suspect who stabbed a teenager on August 13 in Downtown Santa Monica in the hopes the public can help to identify him.

Suspect. Photo from SMPD

The victim, a 19-year-old African American, was stabbed multiple times in the hip area but did not sustain any life-threatening injuries, police said.

The incident took place at about 6:20 p.m. near the corner of Fourth Street and Santa Monica Boulevard, where the victim was walking with his girlfriend towards the bus stop after exiting a restaurant, police said.

"The suspect, who had been walking in front of the victim, suddenly and without provocation attacked the victim," said Sgt. Richard Lewis, the police department spokesman.

"The victim attempted to flee across the street but was stabbed multiple times upon falling to the ground."

The suspect fled southbound on 4th Street towards Broadway, Lewis said

"Video surveillance shows the suspect running southbound through the Santa Monica Place Mall, from the entrance at 3rd Street and Broadway," he said.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic or dark-skinned white man in his mid thirties, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds.

At the time of the attack, he was unshaven with black hair and was wearing a dark-colored painters type cap, dark t-shirt, dark shorts and dirty white shoes.

The victim was treated at the scene by Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics and transported to a local trauma center where he received medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries, Lewis said.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Chad Goodwin at 310.458.8942 or Sergeant Ira Rutan at 310.458.8959 or the Santa Monica Police Department 24 hours at 310.458.8495.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com.

Those offering information “will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00,” if the information leads to an arrest and conviction, officials said.