Woman sexually assaulted in broad daylight while sunbathing near Santa Monica Pier; suspect arrested

SANTA MONICA, California. – A homeless man in Santa Monica was arrested this week after allegedly sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman who was sunbathing on the beach.

“It's terrible for the community,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “I can't stop thinking about that girl and how she must feel.”

The 20-year-old woman was sunbathing face down on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier on Tuesday afternoon. According to police, a 25-year-old homeless man jumped on the woman and pushed her down by her shoulders.

“He practically rubbed her,” said SMPD Lieutenant Erika Aklufi. “Her friends noticed what was going on [so] She jumped up and he backed away. I would say within 15 minutes the person was in custody.”

Police arrested 25-year-old Alonzo Dickson and charged him with sexual abuse by force, a felony.

About two months ago, FOX 11 reported on a similar incident in which a homeless man attacked three women on the same stretch of beach near the Santa Monica Pier. In this case, one woman was dragged into the water by her hair.

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The suspect in this case was also arrested. He was a convicted sex offender.

Mayor Brock told Fox 11 that homelessness in the area is a contributing factor to recent crime.

“The concentration of homeless in our community makes us an extension of Skid Row,” Brock said. “All of these people are flocking to Santa Monica.”

Tuesday's attack occurred on Ocean Front Walk, a popular biking and running path near the beach. On Wednesday afternoon, FOX 11 found a syringe on the path.

“When you see [drug use] happens openly, then you know there will be trouble,” said
John Alle of the Santa Monica Coalition.

Alle is an anti-crime activist who documents homelessness and criminal activity on the Santa Monica Coalition Instagram page.

“There are residents who don’t come to City Hall, even if they live three blocks away, because they’re afraid of being attacked,” Alle said.

“The Los Angeles District Attorney must begin prosecuting,” said Mayor Brock. “The judges and courts of Los Angeles must stop demanding no bail.”

According to law enforcement, the 25-year-old arrested for Tuesday's attack faces at least one similar charge from Washington.

Mayor Brock told Fox 11 that he walks three to four miles through Santa Monica every day and feels safe doing so.

“We're safe,” Brock said. “You or I could walk down the boardwalk at 11 p.m. and feel good about it.”

“I don't think he believes that,” Alle said. “I wouldn't put my relatives in a hotel in Santa Monica, as much as I love the hotels here.”