SANTA MONICA, CA – A parolee with a history of assault was apprehended by police after allegedly attacking a female jogger on a beach near Los Angeles, authorities reported. The incident, which took place during the early morning hours on Santa Monica’s Ocean Front Walk, involved the suspect pulling the woman to the ground by her ponytail.
According to witnesses, the woman, a resident of nearby Venice Beach, was jogging southbound on the beach path when she was assaulted. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Malcolm Jimmy Ward Jr., allegedly grabbed her from behind, causing her to fall.
Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the scene, locating both the victim and Ward near a public restroom facility. Bystanders who witnessed the attack intervened, aiding in the arrest of the suspect.
The victim, fortunately, did not sustain any injuries from the incident. At the time of the attack, Ward was on parole for a previous assault with a deadly weapon conviction.
Law enforcement officials believe Ward intended to sexually assault the woman. He now faces charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to commit rape, and parole violation. Ward is currently being held without bail.
In a similar incident, New York City police recently arrested 39-year-old Kashaan Parks, who is accused of attacking a 45-year-old woman in The Bronx. Surveillance footage captured Parks allegedly using a belt to choke the woman unconscious before dragging her away.