A woman sunbathing in Santa Monica, Californiawas sexually assaulted by a homeless man in broad daylight this week, drawing the city’s attention, police say.
Alonzo Dickson, a 25-year-old homeless man, walked up to the 20-year-old woman Tuesday morning at the Santa Monica Pier, climbed on top of her and held her down, according to police.
Dickson then allegedly began “grinding” on the woman before the attention was drawn to the woman’s friends and they intervened. Police arrested Dickson on a felony charge of sexual abuse with restraint.
The attack took place near the Ocean Front Walk, a popular bike and running path near the beach, according to Fox 11.
Beachgoers walk on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. A range of crimes and disturbances related to homeless men and vagrants have been reported in the area, including widespread outdoor drug use. (Photo: Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“He was basically grinding on her,” said Santa Monica Police Lt. Erika Aklufi. “Her friends realized what was going on [so] she jumped up and he backed away. Within 15 minutes, I would say, this person was in custody.”
HOMELESS PERSON ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPING 4-YEAR-OLD AT CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT AGAINST CRIME DEVELOPMENT
Tuesday’s alleged assault is just the latest incident in which homeless men attacked women in the area, which has been plagued by outdoor drug use and vagrants suffering from mental illness on the streets.
Alonzo Dickson, 25, was arrested on a felony charge of sexual assault with restraint after pinning a woman by her shoulders on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier and “grinding on her.” (Santa Monica Police Department)
“It’s terrible for society,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “I can’t stop thinking about that girl and how she must be feeling.”
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“We’re safe,” Brock told local outlet Fox 11. “You or I can take a walk down the boardwalk at 11 o’clock at night and feel like we’re in good shape.”
Police told Fox 11 that Dickson was found to have a similar charge state of washington after his arrest.