By Lookout Staff

Malcolm Ward (Courtesy SMPD)

Police officers responded to reports of the assault in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk at 7:14 a.m., police officials said Thursday. "Witnesses told dispatchers that a young woman was being dragged across the ground by her ponytail," said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson. "The victim, a Venice resident, was jogging southbound on the beach path when the suspect grabbed her ponytail from behind, knocking her to the ground," Aklufi said.

Several witnesses intervened and called police, Aklufi said.

Responding officers arrived "within minutes" and found both the victim and suspect near the Bicknell restrooms, Aklufi said.

The victim suffered minor physical injuries in the attack, she said.

The suspect -- identified as Malcolm Jimmy Ward, Jr., 48 -- was taken into custody without incident.

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Ward with felony counts of kidnapping, assault with intent to commit rape and violation of parole. He is being held without bail.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective James McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov or CrimeTips@santamonica.gov