The Santa Monica Police Department has announced the arrest of a homeless individual following two assaults. SMPD reports that a good Samaritan in the 2700 block of Barnard Way was flagged down by a distressed woman who needed help calling 911 around 11:45 p.m. on August 28, 2024.

The woman was bleeding from cuts to her face and head. Officers reached the scene within minutes. SMPD says the woman reported that a man in a distinctive orange shirt had punched her multiple times, hit her with a bottle, and tried to shove sand in her mouth.

Officers arranged medical transport and found the crime scene in the 2600 block of Ocean Front Walk. Authorities say 31-year-old Mario Alejandri was identified and arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

The detective handling the case recognized the suspect as the perpetrator in another Assault with a Deadly Weapon case at the Trader Joe’s on Broadway. Around 7:45 p.m. on August 27, Alejandri allegedly entered the store and was recognized by staff from prior shoplifting incidents.

When Alejandri was asked to leave, he allegedly became irate and hit the victim in the face. The suspect is also accused of throwing two potted plants on his way out of the store. The employee was not seriously hurt.

SMPD says the incident was captured on surveillance video. Alejandri is reportedly on summary probation for Battery. He also has prior arrests for Battery, Trespass to Injure Property, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Methamphetamine, and more.

On September 3, the LA County District Attorney’s Office filed three Assault with a Deadly Weapon charges against the suspect.