Police searching for suspect who stabbed homeless man in Santa Monica

Authorities in Santa Monica are searching for a suspect who stabbed a homeless man Wednesday evening, officials announced.

The violence broke out at around 7 p.m. near the intersection of 5 ^th Court and Broadway, according to a news release from the Santa Monica Police Department.

Responding officers located the victim, who was suffering from a stab wound and in need of medical assistance. Medical personnel with the Santa Monica Fire Department rushed the man to the hospital where officials say he remains in stable but serious condition.

The stabbing suspect, described as a Black male between the ages of 20 and 25 with dreadlocks and “a very distinctive ‘FTP’ tattoo on his face” fled before police arrived.

“This incident marks another unacceptable crime in the City of Santa Monica that involves the intersection of complex societal issues of homelessness, substance abuse and dangerous weapons,” officials said.

Investigators continue to search for the suspect and are reviewing surrounding security camera footage of the incident. They are asking the public to contact the SMPD’s Watch Commander at 310-458-8426 if they have any information that can assist in identifying the suspect.

“We understand these incidents affect all of us,” officials added. “We ask that you continue to engage with us by reporting suspicious activities via our 24/7 Dispatcher (310-458-8491), working with our Neighborhood Resource Officers and Community Affairs Unit (310-458-8474), and looking out for each other as neighbors.”

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