Dennis RomeroIn a crime that has shocked the community, a jogger was run down and sexually assaulted right on the sand on a Santa Monica beach early yesterday morning.
Police today released a sketch of the suspect (right) hoping that someone out there might recognize the scumbag.
Here's what cops say happened:
At about 4:50 a.m. yesterday the victim was jogging near lifeguard tower 8, which is near the 800 block of Palisades Beach Road, when the suspect ran right at her, chased her down as she fled, tackled her and “and wrestled her down to the sand,” says the SMPD:
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. The suspect was last seen walking away northbound from the area.
Here's what cops say they know about him: He's about 30, 5 foot, 6 inches, muscular, has a full beard and was wearing only blue jean shorts.
Think you know who it is? Call police at 310-458-8495.
[Update at 11:05 p.m. Oct. 22]: Police today said officers patrolling the same area on Oct. 17 came across a man fitting the description of the attacker and, after detaining him for questioning, arrested him.
They ID's the suspect as Brandon Cross, a 36-year-old from Chino.
Cross allegedly struggled with cops during the arrest. Charges filed by the District Attorney's office, according to SMPD, include …
… one count of attempted murder, two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by a foreign object, one count of assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and resisting officers.
He's due in court Nov. 12. Bail was set at 1.35 million.
Cops are still concerned that others might have been attacked. Anyone with info was asked to call the department at 310-458-8495.
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