Homeless Suspect Arrested, Accused Of Battery, Robbery In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — An unhoused man was arrested on Tuesday after an altercation with a man who filmed him while he was lying on the ground at Palisades Park, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Police received a report of a battery that occurred at Palisades Park near the intersection with Santa Monica Boulevard at about 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 19. When officers arrived at the park, they found a man lying on the ground with injuries to his face and head.

According to victim and witness statements, police said the victim was recording a video of Palisades Park on his cellphone when he turned his camera toward the suspect, who was lying on the ground in the park.

"The suspect was angry he was being filmed and stood up to confront the victim, demanding he stop recording. The suspect then struck the victim at least one time in the face, knocking him to the ground," SMPD said in a statement.

Following the altercation, the suspect allegedly took the victim's phone and fled the scene according to authorities. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

SMPD officers located the suspect, identified as Tyler Jordan Keating, nearby and took him into custody. Keating was arrested on suspicion of battery, robbery and elder abuse and is currently being held at Santa Monica Jail.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact Detective Stephanie Davis at stephanie.davis@santamonica.gov or Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin at chad.goodwin@santamonica.gov.

For after-hours calls, the SMPD Watch Commander is available 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.