Suspect Sought In Assault Of U.S. Marine At Santa Monica Nightclub

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — The Santa Monica Police Department is seeking the public's help Tuesday in identifying a suspect who allegedly assaulted a United States Marine in February, causing major damage to his head and face.

Police responded to an assault call at Zanzibar nightclub, located at 1301 5th St., around 11:50 p.m. on February 22.

The victim is 22-year-old Ryan, a Camp Pendleton marine who asked that his last name not be used. The active duty marine, who has served multiple tours in the Middle East and Africa, was at the Santa Monica nightclub for a night out when he was attacked.

"For no apparent reason he was sucker-punched by another patron," said Detective Karen Thompson with the SMPD.

He was reportedly unconscious for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

"The last thing I remember is being on the dance floor and then I have a flash of waking up on the sidewalk, blood everywhere," Ryan said. "And the next thing I know I wake up in the hospital."

The marine was transported to a local hospital with major injuries, including 8 fractures to his face. He has undergone several surgeries since the February attack, and sustained what is likely to be permanent nerve damage to parts of his face.

Police were able to obtain a photo of the man they believe to be the attacker, described as "a mountain of a man" by one witness. The suspect is described as White or Hispanic, in his mid to late 30s. He is believed to be 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing between 230 to 270 pounds with a shaved head and a mustache and goatee. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved black and white striped shirt and dark jeans.

"When the victim's friend stepped between the suspect and the victim, the suspect assaulted him; the suspect then fled southbound on 5th Street and out of sight," Santa Monica police said in a statement.

Police believe the suspect was accompanied by an Asian or Hispanic woman who is 28 to 32 years old. She is 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall with a medium build. She was last seen wearing a gold shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Karen Thompson at (310)458-8946, Sgt. Darrick Jacob at (310)458-8460 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310)458-8495.