Jalan Rodger James : “Santa Monica Elderly Woman Attacked: Suspect Arrested”

A suspect has been apprehended by the Santa Monica Police Department for allegedly assaulting a 73-year-old woman in Santa Monica. The suspect has been identified as Jalan Rodger James, 39 years old.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk while the elderly woman was out for a morning walk. Witnesses reported that James started approaching the woman while shouting incoherently. Despite her attempts to avoid him, James proceeded to shove her to the ground, causing injuries including abrasions to her hands and a back injury.

After the assault, James was seen by bystanders attempting to punch individuals in the surrounding area, prompting a second call to the police.

Law enforcement officers and a police drone unit swiftly responded to the scene, where they located James near 2nd Street and Colorado Avenue. He was subsequently taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including felony battery with serious bodily injury, felony elder/adult abuse, and two counts of resisting an executive officer.

Authorities have disclosed that James is believed to be homeless and is also under investigation for additional charges related to another assault case in Santa Monica, which is currently being reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista expressed the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety of vulnerable residents, stating, “Assaults on elderly individuals are taken very seriously, and we will continue to pursue felony charges in these situations.”

Individuals who may have been victims of similar incidents or possess relevant information are urged to contact Detective Holloway at Jacob.Holloway@santamonica.gov or reach out to the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.