By Lookout Staff

Jalan James (Courtesy SMPD)

The attack took place Thursday morning near the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk when the suspect -- identified as 39-year-old Jalan Rodger James -- pushed the victim to the ground "The victim told officers that while on her morning walk, she saw James walking towards her, yelling incoherently," said Myesha Morrison, a Police Department spokesperson. "She tried to move out of his way to let him pass, but he intentionally pushed her to the ground."

Shortly after the incident took place, dispatchers received a second call "reporting the same suspect attempting to punch bystanders," Morrison said.

Within three minutes of receiving the call, the SMPD Drone Operator located James walking near 2nd and Colorado, she said.

Officers arrived and subsequently arrested the James for battery on an elder and resisting arrest, police officials said.

The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for official filing of charges "after detectives located video footage and gathered witness statements."

The charges include felony battery with serious bodily injury and felony elder/adult abuse, as well as two counts of resisting an executive officer.

The suspect faces additional charges in another Santa Monica assault case pending review by the District Attorney, police officials said.

“The safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents is a top priority for the SMPD," said Police Chief Ramon Batista. "Assaults on elderly individuals are taken very seriously, and we will continue to pursue felony charges in these situations.”

If you were harmed by or have relevant information related to this suspect, email Detective Holloway at Jacob.Holloway@santamonica.gov or call the Watch Commander (24/7) at 310-458-8427.