November 25, 2024 -- Following an anonymous tip, Santa Monica police this month arrested an Altadena man with a criminal history for the attempted murder of a homeless woman two months ago.
The arrest of Oscar Benn, 27, on November 14 comes after police reached a dead end investigating an assault that took place shortly after midnight on September 22 in a Downtown alley, police said.
Officers responding to the scene found the victim, "a 25-year-old woman who was new to the area and experiencing homelessness," said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson.
"She sustained severe injuries, including facial trauma and signs consistent with strangulation," Aklufi said.
One witness said the "unprovoked attack involved the suspect repeatedly kicking and punching the woman as she lay on the ground."
The victim refused medical attention and declined to share information with the officers about herself, the suspect or the attack, according to Aklufi.
Detectives launched an extensive investigation, but "initial attempts to identify the suspect through the video were unsuccessful," Aklufi said.
On October 16, police released surveillance video showing the suspect, a Black male or "other," fleeing the scene.
The footage shows a young man with bleach blond hair and beard, tattoos on both biceps and forarms and wearing shorts, running barefoot toward the camera.
On November 3, police received a tip that led to the suspect's identification.
Detectives arrested Benn on November 14 near the VA facility in West Los Angeles. He was subsequently booked and charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney for attempted murder.
Benn -- who has a criminal history, including prior arrests for aggravated assault and burglary -- is currently in the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
"This arrest highlights the critical role of community partnership in ensuring public safety," Aklufi said.
"The Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance, which was instrumental in bringing this suspect into custody."