February 16, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Homeless Man Sleeping in Venice-Adjacent Park Set on Fire

Suspect at large in October 16 incident

By Sam Catanzaro

Santa Monica police are searching for a suspect wanted for inflicting serious burns on a person sleeping in a park bordering Venice over the weekend.

According to Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Lieutenant Rudy Flores, the incident occurred on October 16 around 11:35 p.m.

“A homeless male was asleep in Ozone Park when he was doused with an unknown liquid then set on fire,” Flores said in a press release.

The victim, whose identity was not released by police, was transported to a local hospital to be treated for his burns.

In addition, according to the SMPD, he had a two-inch laceration on top of his head from possible blunt force trauma.

“He suffered burns to approximately fifty percent of his body,” Flores said.

He currently is in stable condition and recovering at the hospital, according to Flores.

SMPD Detectives are attempting to identify the suspect wanted for this incident, who was last seen in the area of the crime.

“He is described as a male 5’6” – 5’8”, medium build, wearing a hat, long-sleeved white shirt, and dark shorts,” the SMPD said.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Detective Tavera at 310-458-2256 or the Watch Commander at 310- 458-8427.

in Crime, News
Related Posts

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

22nd Annual Venice Film Fest to Feature Documentaries on Art and Counterculture Legacy

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The event will take place at Beyond Baroque The 22nd annual Venice Film Fest will take place at Beyond Baroque...

THIS WEEKEND: Fundraiser Concert in Marina del Rey to Aid Wildfire Victims

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Attendees who donate online will receive raffle tickets A local fundraiser aims to support two individuals impacted by the recent...

Venice Shorts: Time to Reform the LA Neighborhood Council Voting System

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Zero In-Person Voting Diminishes Participation, Interest, Credibility, & Confidence in This Badly Flawed Process By Nick Antonicello Could you imagine...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Venice Restaurant Raises $10K for Wildfire Relief at Community Block Party

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The Fire Fundraiser Block Party, held near the Venice Pier, drew a large crowd who gathered for live music and...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Dog Dies in Mar Vista House Fire Over Weekend

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The flames were knocked down by 38 firefighters Firefighters swiftly extinguished a blaze in a Mar Vista home Saturday evening,...

 (Video) Beaten Dead Body Found on Santa Monica Shore

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene. pic.twitter.com/RvyjOa3eY5 — Yo! Venice!...

Worker Relief Fund Launched for Those Impacted by Palisades Fire

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

In addition to direct relief, the county is seeking donations for the fund Los Angeles County has launched the LA...