Community Assistance Leads to Arrest in Assault
November 25, 2024 8:50 AM
General Information:
Date of Incident: Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 12:30 a.m.
Type of Incident: Attempted Murder 664/187 PC
Location: 1400 Block of Alley 5
Suspect: Oscar Benn, 27-year-old resident of Altadena, CA
October 16th Community Call for Assistance: https://fb.watch/w4pbNOaeVV/
On September 22, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of an assault on a woman in the 1400 block of Alley 5. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 25-year-old woman who was new to the area and experiencing homelessness. She sustained severe injuries, including facial trauma and signs consistent with strangulation.
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. Despite extensive investigative efforts, initial attempts to identify the suspect through the video were unsuccessful. In response, detectives released the surveillance footage to the public, seeking assistance in identifying the individual involved.
On November 3, 2024, detectives received a tip that led to the identification of the suspect, Oscar Benn, a 27-year-old resident of Altadena. On November 14, 2024, detectives successfully apprehended Benn near the VA facility in West Los Angeles. He was subsequently booked and charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney for attempted murder under Penal Code 664/187(a) PC. Benn is currently in the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Benn has a criminal history, including prior arrests for aggravated assault and burglary.
This arrest highlights the critical role of community partnership in ensuring public safety. The Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance, which was instrumental in bringing this suspect into custody.
For additional information, please contact Det. Sean Baker (Sean.Baker@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8932, Sgt. Chad Goodwin (Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8931, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.
Media Contact
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
Erika.Aklufi@santamonica.gov
