Crime & Safety

Female Jogger Sexually Assaulted on Santa Monica Beach

Police ask for the public's help finding the assailant who reportedly grabbed a woman near Tower 8.

A woman running near the waterline was sexually assaulted early Wednesday morning north of the Santa Monica Pier, the police reported.

The attacker walked off after the woman freed herself and was sought by investigators.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the woman tried to run away from the man when she saw him run directly towards her as she passed Lifeguard Tower 8, but he wrestled her to the sand, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. 

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"The suspect physically and sexually assaulted the victim, who continued to fight and was able to free herself and run towards the Pacific Coast Highway," Lewis said. 

The attack was about 4:50 a.m. The woman was jogging between the waterline and the lifeguard towers.

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Her attacker was last seen walking northbound from the area.

The suspect was described as a white man about 30 years old; 5 feet, 06 inches tall; and with a thin muscular build, short dark brown hair and a full beard. He wore only blue jean shorts.  

The victim did not notice the suspect had any noticeable scars, marks or tattoos, Lewis said. 

Investigators sought help identifying and finding the man. Anyone with additional information was asked to contact detective Phillip DeRyck at (310) 458-8944, Sgt. Darrick Jacob at (310) 458-8460 or the Santa Monica Police Department's 24/7 line at (310) 458-8495.

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