Tag: Elder abuse

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—Lt. Erika Aklufi indicated in an email to Canyon News that two suspects have been arrested for felony battery, elder abuse and a robbery that transpired on October 31. The SMPD reported at about 9:50 p.m., officers responded to a call of a battery that just occurred in the 1200 block of Lincoln Boulevard. Officers located the victim of the battery, a 79-year-old female resident of the city suffering from a blow to the head and other injuries.

The suspects, four males in a Kia sedan and armed with a handgun, robbed the woman of her purse. A witness provided a description of the vehicle and license plate to authorities. The Kia had been reported stolen out of Long Beach.

Additional responding officers located the suspect vehicle on the south side of the city driving recklessly and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit commenced, which later ended at 11th and Wilshire when the driver of the suspect vehicle lost control of the car and crashed into a pickup.

Two of the suspects were located immediately and taken into custody. The third suspect was discovered hiding in a carport off a nearby alley and taken into custody without incident. The fourth suspect pushed his way into an occupied apartment in the 1200 block of 11th Street.

The resident was able to force the suspect out of the apartment. This suspect was located hiding on the roof of the building by an assisting LAPD helicopter where he was taken into custody. A firearm was also located in the region.

The elderly victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. The occupants of the other vehicle struck by the suspect vehicle were not seriously injured.

All four suspects were booked at Santa Monica County Jail on multiple felony charges. The suspects include:

Kejon Stevenson, 24, of Los Angeles; Jacob Pugh, 19, and two juvenile males, both 17 years old from Los Angeles.

Anyone with details about the incident is asked to contact Detective Tavera at Hector.Tavera@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Gradle at Ryan.Gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor