Tag: battery

WESTWOOD—On Saturday, October 19, the UCLA Police Department reported they are investigating a hate crime and battery that transpired off campus.

At approximately 12:45 a.m., five UCLA students were seated on a bus bench outside of Chick Fil-A. As a dark colored SUV with three occupants drove past them, the driver yelled an ethnic slur, and the front passenger threw an open water bottle which struck one of the victims.

The driver was described as a Caucasian male in his 20s with blond hair. The front passenger in the vehicle was a Caucasian or Asian male in his 20s. He had dark hair and was wearing a white t-shirt. In the rear seat, there was a Caucasian or Asian male.

The victims are UCLA students. 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.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, May 29, Lt. Myesha Morrison, Public Information Officer with the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that a suspect who battered an elderly victim was arrested.

The SMPD reported that on May 23, near the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk, a 73-year-old woman was walking when a male pushed her to the ground. The suspect, later identified as Jalan Rodger James, 39, who is experiencing homelessness, was located shortly thereafter and arrested for battery on an elder and resisting arrest.

The victim informed officers that while on her morning walk, she saw James walking towards her, yelling incoherently. She tried to move out of his way, but he intentionally pushed her to the ground. She sustained a back injury in addition to abrasions on her hands as she tried to halt her fall.

Dispatchers received a second call reporting the same suspect attempting to punch bystanders. Within three minutes of receiving the call, the SMPD Drone Operator located James walking near 2nd and Colorado. Officers arrived on scene, and he was arrested.

The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for official filing of charges after detectives located footage and gathered witness statements.  He is being charged with Felony Battery with serious bodily injury – 243(d) PC; Felony Elder/Adult Abuse – 368(b)(1) PC and two counts of Resisting an Executive Officer – 69PC.

James faces additional charges in another Santa Monica assault case pending review by the LA District Attorney.

“The safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents is a top priority for the SMPD. Assaults on elderly individuals are taken very seriously, and we will continue to pursue felony charges in these situations”, said Police Chief Ramon Batista.

Anyone who may have been harmed or has information related to the suspect is asked to contact Detective Holloway (Jacob.Holloway@santamonica.gov) or the Watch Commander (24/7) at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department indicated in an email to Canyon News that a suspect has been arrested connected to felony battery and a strong-arm robbery that transpired on Tuesday, September 19.

Authorities indicated at about 3:30 p.m., officers responded to a call of a battery that just occurred in Palisades Park near the intersection with Santa Monica Boulevard. Officers located the victim of the battery down on the ground and suffering from injuries to his face and head. A suspect description and direction of travel were broadcasted to other responding officers.

According to statements from the victim and witnesses, the victim was recording video of Palisades Park on his cell phone when he focused the camera on the suspect. According to the SMPD, the suspect was currently experiencing homelessness and laying on the ground in the park. The suspect did not want to be filmed and stood up to confront the victim, demanding he stop recording. The suspect struck the victim at least one time in the face, knocking him to the ground and took the victim’s phone, which fell to the ground before fleeing the scene.

Officers located the suspect, identified as Tyler Jordan Keating, 35, and the victim’s nearby. He was arrested for felony battery, robbery, and elder abuse and booked into the Santa Monica Jail where he is being held. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney for filing.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Anyone with details on the incident is asked to contact Detective Davis at stephanie.davis@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at chad.goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor