By Jorge Casuso

March 2, 2023 -- Santa Monica detectives accompanied by SWAT officers arrested a man at his Compton home Thursday for an assault with a deadly weapon and robbery that took place during a road rage incident last summer, according to police.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office – Airport Branch had issued a search warrant after detectives identified the suspect as Anthony Harris Jr. and subsequently confirmed it through DNA.

The incident took place July 24 at around 5:35 p.m. near the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Centinela Avenue where "a large group of motorcyclists" had stopped at a red light.

That's when the driver and passenger of a vehicle traveling eastbound on Pico stopped behind them, said Lt. Rudy Flores, the Police Department spokesman.

"The signal turned green, however the motorcyclists refused to proceed forward," Flores said.

"This caused a dispute between the occupants of the vehicle and group of motorcyclists which further escalated after the motorcyclists approached and crowded the vehicle.

"One of the motorcyclists began grabbing the victim’s steering wheel and attempted to open the driver’s door before striking the victim in the face."

The victim tried to drive away but the suspect got into the backseat of the car, which crashed into a parked car, Flores said.

"The suspect then produced a handgun as he continued to attempt to remove the victim from his car and take his wallet. The suspect and other motorcyclists fled before police arrived."

While serving the search and arrest warrant on Thursday, detectives located Harris at his residence, "along with the clothing and a loaded 9mm handgun believed to be used during the commission of the crime."

Harris was arrested and taken to Santa Monica Jail where he was booked for his charges.

Anyone with any additional information pertaining to this subject or incident should call SMPD Detective Tavera at 310-458-8946 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8426.