Tag: Aggravated Assault

WESTWOOD—On Monday, October 7, the UCLA Police Department reported they are investigating two aggravated assaults that transpired. One incident was reported on October 5 at 1:19 a.m. and the other was reported on October 6 at 1:22 a.m.

Two victims reported unrelated incidents of being drugged with unknown substance(s) while attending parties. On October 3, Victim One attended three parties at different locations on Gayley Avenue and developed symptoms which they did not believe were from alcohol.

On October 5, Victim Two attended a party on the 600 block of Gayley and, after being handed a drink, developed symptoms they did not believe were from alcohol/marijuana.

No suspect descriptions are available for each incident. The victims are UCLA Students. Victim Two sought medical treatment at the ER. No witnesses in any incident have come forward to authorities. The incidents are currently under investigation.

The UCLA Police Department would like to remind the campus community to:

• Dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
• For non-emergencies, program the UCLA PD 24-hour phone number into your cell phone – 310-825-1491.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.
• Do not leave doors to buildings propped open.
• Secure your residence by locking all windows and doors.
• Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas when walking at night.
• Utilize the UCLA Safe Ride Service and UCPD CSO evening escorts.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact the UCLA PD at 310-825-1491.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On September 25, the UCLA Police Department reported they were investigating an on campus aggravated assault and arson that unfolded near the 800 block of Westwood Plaza. The incident was reported at 3:37 a.m., where at approximately 3 a.m., the victim was sleeping in a sleeping bag near the fountain area south of Medical Plaza 300.

He awoke to the bottom of his sleeping bag on fire and observed a female subject whom he had previously argued with walking away from the area.

The suspect is described as Caucasian female standing 5 feet and 2 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. She was wearing a black sweater and light blue leggings with blue sandals. The victim is not affiliated with the UCLA campus. Authorities indicated there were no reports of any injuries and no vehicles were spotted.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the UCLA PD at (310) 825-1491.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, March 13, the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News that a suspect responsible for an aggravated assault was arrested.

The SMPD reported on March 6, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to the scene of a significant domestic violence incident that left the victim with severe injuries requiring hospitalization. The suspect was the victim’s boyfriend, who attacked the victim and brandished a replica firearm at the victim and her daughter before fleeing the location. SMPD detectives tracked the suspect, identified as Derrick Wright, 46, to an address in Long Beach and obtained a search and arrest warrant.

On March 7, SMPD SWAT Officers along with members of the Criminal Investigation Division, Crisis Negotiation Team, Drone and K9 Officers, took Wright into custody after he fled the first location and broke into a neighboring home in Long Beach.

He has been charged with felony domestic violence with an enhancement for Great Bodily Injury, misdemeanor child abuse for brandishing the weapon at the victim’s daughter, and misdemeanor aggravated trespassing for his actions during the arrest in Long Beach. Wright has a long criminal history, including a misdemeanor arrest by SMPD in July 2023 for domestic violence and a violation of parole.

Anyone with information on the incident or the suspect is asked to contact Detective Holloway at Jacob.Holloway@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor