LOS ANGELES, CA – A man accused of a violent, unprovoked attack on a homeless woman in September has been arrested by Santa Monica police.
Oscar Benn, 27, of Altadena, was taken into custody on Nov. 14 in connection with the assault, which left a 25-year-old woman with severe injuries from strangulation and facial trauma, the Santa Monica Police Department said.
The attack occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 22 in the 1400 block of Alley 5. The victim, new to the area and experiencing homelessness, was found by police after witnesses reported the incident.
According to investigators, the attack was unprovoked, with Benn allegedly kicking and punching the woman repeatedly while she was on the ground.
Surveillance footage captured the assault and showed the suspect fleeing the scene. Although the footage was released to the public, Benn was not immediately identified.
A tip received on Nov. 3 led investigators to identify Benn as the suspect. He was arrested on Nov. 14 near a Veterans Affairs facility in West Los Angeles.
Benn has a history of previous arrests for assault and burglary, authorities said.
Benn has been charged with attempted murder and is being held on $2.025 million bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 18, according to jail records.
“The arrest of this individual underscores the importance of community involvement in solving crimes,” the Santa Monica Police Department said in a statement. “The Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance, which was instrumental in bringing this suspect into custody.”
Police are urging anyone with additional information about the suspect or the attack to contact the SMPD watch commander at 310-458-8427.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to ensure justice for the victim.
