SANTA MONICA – An Altadena man was in custody for allegedly attacking a woman in Santa Monica in September, authorities said Monday.
Oscar Benn, 27, was arrested on Nov. 14 in connection with a crime that occurred at about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 22 in the 1400 block of Alley 5, according to Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department.
Officers were sent to the scene on a report that a woman had been assaulted, Aklufi said.
“Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 25-year-old woman who was new to the area and experiencing homelessness,” Aklufi said in a statement.
“She sustained severe injuries, including facial trauma and signs consistent with strangulation,” Aklufi’s statement said. “According to a witness, the unprovoked attack involved the suspect repeatedly kicking and punching the woman as she lay on the ground. The incident was captured on surveillance footage, which also showed the suspect fleeing the scene.”
Detectives released the video and sought the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
On Nov. 3, detectives received a tip that led to the identification of the suspect, and on Nov. 14, detectives arrested Benn in West Los Angeles, Aklufi said.
“The Santa Monica Police Department is grateful for the community member who made it possible to get this dangerous individual off the street,” Aklufi’s statement said.
Benn was later charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with attempted murder, Aklufi said. Benn was being held on $2 million bail, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
`This arrest highlights the critical role of community partnership in ensuring public safety, Aklufi’s statement said. “The Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance, which was instrumental in bringing this suspect into custody.”
