Police warn residents to keep windows closed at nighttime
PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY Police were on the hunt Tuesday for a man who broke into an apartment on 12th Street and attacked a woman with a knife.
Santa Monica Police Department’s Lt. Alex Padilla said the suspect entered the apartment in the 1200 block of 12th Street through an open window around 11:45 p.m. on Monday. A woman was home alone sleeping when she awoke to find the man standing over her.
The victim fought with the suspect and received several lacerations during the struggle. The suspect fled the scene on foot. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released, Padilla said.
Residents are reminded to be cognizant of leaving their windows and doors unsecured during upcoming warm summer nights. Police believe the suspect saw the open window and took advantage of the opportunity.
“We think this was a random act because we haven’t seen anything like this going on in the area,” Padilla said. “It appears to be an isolated incident.”
The suspect is described only as a male. No further information was made available by press time.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the SMPD at (310) 458-8451 or (310) 458-8427. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the WeTip hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (27463). Detectives are still investigating the deaths of two Santa Monica residents who were killed just days apart in their homes last month.
The first victim, Juliana Redding, 21, who took several courses at Santa Monica College, was found dead in her apartment on Centinela Avenue. The aspiring actress was the apparent victim of an assault.
Alexander Merman, 35, was found dead inside his apartment on Montana Avenue, believed to have been killed by blunt force trauma.
Both Merman and Redding lived alone and were discovered after their respective mothers had asked for someone to check in on them, concerned after having difficulty reaching their children.
Padilla said there is no connection between the two homicides or the attack Monday night.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 30, 2008. Read the original PDF.