If you've been around L.A. clubland you know that Zanzibar in Santa Monica is one of the more mellow, musically inclined venues around. You can leave aggro at the door.

One guy apparently missed that memo, however, and now Santa Monica cops want to talk to him regarding allegations of assault and causing serious bodily injury — all resulting from what police believe was a sucker punch on the dance floor. #Winning:

It happened Feb. 22 at 11:50 p.m. during a night called The Goods, which usually features KCRW's well-regarded Anthony Valadez on the turntables.

The Santa Monica Police Department's statement today has the play-by-play:


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… The victim, an active-duty United States Marine, was dancing on the dance floor when, without provocation, the suspect punched the victim in the face. The victim lost consciousness for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. When the victim's friend stepped between the suspect and the victim, the suspect assaulted him; the suspect then fled southbound on Fifth Street and out of sight.

So what? Just another night at the bar. Not so fast. The victim was hurt so bad he had to undergo “several surgeries,” police said. He sustained major injuries to his head and face, according to SMPD.

And so, here's the guy detectives would like to talk to:

Credit: SMPD

Credit: SMPD

Cops describe him as white or Latino, in his mid to late 30s, 6 feet, 1 inch, tall or so, 250 pounds, with a goatee and a shaved head. He was with a woman about 30 years old, 5 feet, 3 inches, or so, wearing a gold top. Police think she's Asian or Latina.

Do you know who the suspect is? SMPD would love to hear from you: 310-458-8495.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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