A man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting an 84-year-old woman in Santa Monica. The incident took place earlier this month when the woman was heard screaming for help after being dragged into an alley.
On the evening of June 5, around 9:30 p.m., police responded to the woman’s cries near Wilshire Boulevard and 6th Street. Officers found her visibly distressed. She reported that a man had approached her from behind, grabbed her, and attempted to assault her in the alley.
Witnesses nearby confirmed her account and reported that the suspect fled the scene heading north. Thanks to their information, police were able to locate and detain the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Pape Tall from Long Beach, at the intersection of 5th Street and California Avenue.
Tall has been charged with serious offenses, including assault with intent to commit rape and kidnapping with intent to commit rape. He was charged on June 9 and is currently being held at Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles without bail. His next court appearance is set for July 9 at the Airport Courthouse, which is located near Los Angeles International Airport.
Santa Monica police are urging anyone with additional information about the case to reach out to Detective Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931, or the watch commander’s desk at (310) 458-8427.