09/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2024 11:14
September 12, 2024 9:55 AM
On September 7, 2024, at approximately 4:10 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the 900 block of 7th Street for a call of a residential prowler.
Officers located and spoke to a victim who told them she was asleep inside her apartment when she was awakened by the suspect who was touching her leg while his penis was exposed. The victim was able to get away from the suspect and call police.
The suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Anthony Townson (currently homeless), fled from the apartment. Responding officers located him a short distance away and took him into custody. It was determined the suspect entered the apartment via an unlocked patio sliding door.
Townson was arraigned on September 10 and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed felony charges of 459 PC (Residential Burglary) and 314(1) PC (Indecent Exposure during Unlawful Entry). He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Townson's criminal history includes trespassing, loitering on private property, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, resist/obstruct police, battery on a peace officer, and carrying a concealed dirk/dagger.
Anyone with information about this individual or incident, please contact Det. Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931 or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
[email protected]