Homeless Man Assaults Elderly Woman Walking At SaMo Beach: Police

SANTA MONICA, CA — A homeless man is facing felony charges after he pushed down an elderly woman who was walking on the beach path, the Santa Monica Police Department said Wednesday.

The victim, a 73-year-old woman, was walking on Ocean Front Walk near the pier the morning of May 23 when the suspect walked toward her while "yelling incoherently," police said.

"She tried to move out of his way to let him pass, but he intentionally pushed her to the ground. She sustained a back injury in addition to abrasions on her hands as she tried to break her fall," police said in a release.

Dispatchers also received a second call reporting the same suspect attempted to punch bystanders, police said.

Within three minutes of receiving the call, a police drone operator located the suspect walking near 2nd Street and Colorado Avenue. Officers arrived on the scene and arrested him, police said.

Jalan Rodger James, 39, was charged with felony battery with serious bodily injury, felony elder/adult abuse and two counts of resisting an executive officers, police said.

James faces additional charges in another Santa Monica assault case, which is pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

“The safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents is a top priority for the SMPD. Assaults on elderly individuals are taken very seriously, and we will continue to pursue felony charges in these situations," Chief Ramon Batista said.