Santa Monica, CA — A 31-year-old homeless man, Mario Alejandri, has been charged with multiple counts of assault following two separate incidents in Santa Monica. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed three felony charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon against Alejandri on September 3, 2024.
The first incident occurred on August 27, 2024, at Trader Joe’s on Broadway. Alejandri, who was recognized by store staff due to prior shoplifting incidents, became violent after being asked to leave the store. He allegedly struck an employee in the face, threw two potted plants, and attempted to hurl a sign before the store’s doors closed, preventing further escalation. The entire event was captured on the store’s surveillance cameras, and the employee did not sustain serious injuries.
The following day, at around 11:45 PM, a woman was assaulted on the 2700 block of Barnard Way. A good Samaritan riding by was flagged down by the woman, who was bleeding from cuts on her face and head. She reported that a man in an orange shirt had punched her repeatedly, struck her with a bottle, and attempted to shove sand into her mouth. Officers arrived promptly and began searching the area for the suspect.
Alejandri was located nearby and positively identified as the assailant. He was arrested at the scene and connected to both incidents through the investigation led by detectives, who recognized him from the previous day’s assault at Trader Joe’s.
Alejandri has a history of similar offenses, including prior arrests for battery, trespassing, assault with a deadly weapon, petty theft, resisting arrest, vandalism, brandishing, possession of methamphetamine, and contempt of court. He is currently on summary probation for battery.
Authorities urge anyone with information about Alejandri or the incidents to contact Detective Jenkins at Benjamin.Jenkins@santamonica.gov or the Santa Monica Police Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.
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