Public's Help Sought Finding Stabbing Suspect

Investigators are seeking the public’s help identifying the suspect in an attempted murder case.

Apparently unprovoked, the suspect stabbed a 19-year-old near on Aug. 13.

On Friday, the Santa Monica Police Department released an image of the suspect taken from surveillance footage.

Spokesman Sgt. Richard Lewis said the footage captured the suspect as he ran south through from the mall's entrance at Third and Broadway streets.

The stabbing occurred 6:20 p.m. Aug. 13 as the 19-year-old victim exited Hooter's with his girlfriend toward the bus stop at Fourth Street and Santa Monica Boulevard, the police department reported.

"The suspect, who had been walking in front of the victim, suddenly and without provocation attacked the victim," Lewis. "The victim attempted to flee across the street but was stabbed multiple times upon falling to the ground."

The suspect was described as an unshaven male Hispanic or dark-skinned white in his mid 30's; 5 feet, 8 inches tall; wearing a dark colored painters-type hat, dark t-shirt and shorts; and dirty white shoes.

Anyone with information was asked to contact detective Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8942, Sgt. Ira Rutan at (310) 458-8959 or the Santa Monica Police Department's 24/7 line at (310) 458-8495.

Stay connected with Santa Monica Patch throughout the day on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our free daily newsletter for email updates.