Unlike the LAPD who is refusing to release information on the Venice Canals rapist, the Santa Monica Police Department releases information and mugshots of crinimals.

On Monday, May 13th, at 7:14 am, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to reports of an assault occurring in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk. Witnesses to the incident told dispatchers that a young woman was being dragged across the ground by her ponytail.

Responding officers were on scene within minutes and found both the victim and suspect near the Bicknell restrooms. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The victim, a Venice resident, was jogging southbound on the beach path when the suspect grabbed her ponytail from behind, knocking her to the ground. He then pulled her several feet toward the restrooms. The victim believed that the suspect intended to sexually assault her. Several witnesses intervened in the attack and called police. The victim suffered minor physical injuries in the attack.

The suspect was identified as Malcolm Jimmy Ward, Jr. (DOB: 01/13/1976). Ward is on parole for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He is currently homeless and is being held without bail. On May 15th, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Ward with felony counts of:

• Kidnapping

• Assault with Intent to Commit Rape

• Violation of Parole

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective James McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov or CrimeTips@santamonica.gov.

Hop on the free BEACH SHUTTLE to major points of interest around Marina del Rey, such as Playa Vista, Fisherman’s Village, Mother’s Beach, and Venice Beach – and all your favorite restaurants and shops in between!

Ride the free BEACH SHUTTLE and enjoy all that the Westside offers in a hassle-free and relaxing way.

MAY 25 – SEPTEMBER 29 | Weekends & Holidays

Saturdays: 10 AM – 10 PM
Sundays: 10 AM – 8 PM
Holidays: 10 AM – 8 PM
Memorial Day – Mon, May 27, 2024
Independence Day – Thurs, July 4, 2024
Labor Day – Mon, September 2, 2024

For more info, Click Here.

Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, appeared in court on Wednesday morning for a pre-trial hearing. He was charged with two counts of forcible rape and one count each of sexual penetration by use of force, mayhem, torture, attempted murder and sodomy by use of force, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

Other than that, the DA, the LAPD, Traci Park, etc...no one will release any other info on this person. They even refuse to release his mugshot.

Jones is being held on $3.25 million bail. His preliminary hearing was pushed to June 11.

On Tuesday morning, a lifeless body was discovered on the beach in Santa Monica south of the Pier by Tower 22. Witness stated it was a homeless man, who appeared to be white or Hispanic, with tattoos on his chest and shoulders. He was found with his bicycle and some belongs.

Pacific Coast Highway was closed in both directions from Paradise Cove to Winding Way on Tuesday afternoon due to a fatal car accident.

According to Sgt. James Arens, one driver was transported to a nearby hospital to be evaluated. The other driver was pronounced deceased when paramedics arrived. The incident is still under investigation

May 13, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

Inaugural Fly Without Limits 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at Venice Beach. Competing teams will vie for a grand prize of $15,000.

On the morning of Monday, May 13, 2024, a notable confrontation occurred on the Venice Beach Boardwalk between Daisy the Venice Healer and Kenny, a local regulator. The argument quickly intensified as Daisy voiced her concerns regarding the behavior of a man named Elijah, labeling him as overly violent. She urged Kenny to intervene, but her pleas were met with staunch opposition and counter-accusations.

Kenny rebuffed Daisy's appeals, accusing her of causing disruptions and questioning her sincerity and motives. He shared his feelings of being misunderstood and unfairly judged by others in their community. As the disagreement continued, both parties blamed each other for a lack of support and respect. Daisy advocated for resolving issues through love and understanding, contrasting sharply with Kenny’s criticisms of her associations with individuals he considered negatively influential.

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

According to city records, a dead body was found floating off the Ballona Creek Jetty in Marina Del Rey on Saturday, May 4th. The body appeared to be a Hispanic or White male and possibly homeless. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has brown hair, brown eyes, an unkempt beard/mustache, and all natural straight teeth. Weight is 174lb, and 69in tall.

He has tattoos that consist of a sacred heart with tribal design on his right upper arm, on his left upper arm is a portrait of a man and a boy with "Charon", and on his upper back is a rose with a banner.

No other information avialble at this time.