Beach Sunbather Sexually Assaulted By Homeless Man: Police

SANTA MONICA, CA — A homeless man is in police custody after climbing on top of an unsuspecting sunbather and sexually assaulting her on the beach in Santa Monica, according to police.

The alleged attack happened at about in the 1300 block of Ocean Front Walk Tuesday afternoon. Shortly afterward, police located and arrested 25-year-old Alonzo Dickson on suspicion of sexual battery with restraint.

"The victim reported that at about 1:30 PM, while she was sunbathing, an unknown male climbed on top of her and started thrusting against her," the Santa Monica Police Department said in a written statement. "She quickly got up, and her sister helped push the suspect away."

Los Angeles County lifeguards flagged down police officers, who located Dickson heading southbound on the beach

"Dickson has no known arrest record in California," according to police. "However, he has at least one pending criminal case in Washington State. Detectives are looking into the details of that incident as part of this investigation."

Anyone with information about Dickson or the assault is encouraged to contact Santa Monica Police Department Detective Murphy at Nicole.Murphy@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at (310) 458-8427.