Community Tip Leads to Arrest in Brutal Santa Monica Assault Case

Santa Monica, CA – A collaborative effort between the community and law enforcement resulted in the arrest of a suspect in a brutal assault that occurred in September, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

On September 22, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of an assault in the 1400 block of Alley 5. They discovered a 25-year-old woman, new to the area and experiencing homelessness, who had suffered severe facial injuries and signs of strangulation. Witnesses reported that the suspect had viciously attacked the victim, punching and kicking her repeatedly as she lay on the ground. The assault, captured on surveillance footage, showed the attacker fleeing the scene.

Despite initial efforts to identify the suspect, investigators released the surveillance footage to the public on October 16. This led to a critical tip on November 3, identifying the suspect as Oscar Benn, a 27-year-old resident of Altadena, CA. Benn was apprehended by detectives on November 14 near the VA facility in West Los Angeles and was charged with attempted murder under California Penal Code 664/187(a).

Benn, who has a history of prior arrests for aggravated assault and burglary, is now in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“This case underscores the importance of community partnership in keeping our city safe,” said SMPD officials, thanking residents for their assistance in the investigation.

For additional information, contact Detective Sean Baker at (310) 458-8932 or Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931.

For video of the October 16 community appeal, click here.