SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, May 24, two Jewish people were attacked near 3rd Street and Broadway in downtown Santa Monica by Nay Min Tar, 49, of Illinois, who shouted antisemitic slurs at the couple, including the word genocide.
During the incident, one of the victims, a man, was chased by Tar’s dog, a Cane Corso, and bitten in the thigh. At 7:50 p.m. on May 28 Police Chief Darrick Jacob stated that hate is not tolerated in Santa Monica, that the SMPD understands the fear this incident has caused among victims and citizens, including the Jewish community, and that the department seeks to investigate such incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable through the legal process.
Nay Min Tar was detained on May 28 on 4th Street. He was arrested for one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Criminal Threats. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Tar with one count of Criminal Threats, a violation of California Penal Code section 422(a), and one count of Battery, a violation of California Penal Code section 242. Charges do not include any hate crime enhancements.
The SMPD is asking anyone with details about the incident to call 310-458-8427.
By Daniel Diquinzio