Santa Monica Police Department Provides Update on Downtown Assault
May 28, 2026 3:48 PM
Santa Monica, CA – The Santa Monica Police Department is providing an update on the May 24, 2026 assault and dog bite investigation that occurred near 3rd Street and Broadway.
SMPD understands the concern this incident caused, particularly among members of the Jewish community and others who viewed the video or heard reports about the incident.
“Hate has no place in Santa Monica,” Chief Darrick Jacob said. “We understand the fear and harm these incidents can create, not only for the victims, but for the broader community. Our responsibility is to respond quickly, document the facts thoroughly, and pursue accountability through the legal process.”
On May 24, at approximately 5:20 p.m., officers assigned to the Downtown Services Unit responded to the area regarding a reported assault and criminal threats. Officers located and detained the suspect, identified as Nay Min Tar, 49, of Illinois, a short distance away on 4th Street.
The preliminary investigation indicates Tar was driving on Broadway when he stopped in traffic and began yelling threats at two people crossing the street. Tar then exited the vehicle and chased one of the victims while continuing to make threats. During the incident, Tar’s dog, described as a Cane Corso, chased the victim and bit him on the thigh.
The Santa Monica Fire Department treated the victim at the scene for a minor injury related to the dog bite. Santa Monica Animal Control Officers also responded and took custody of the dog, which was transported to a local shelter and remains in quarantine.
Witnesses reported offensive and threatening language during the incident, and SMPD documented those statements as part of the investigation. Detectives reviewed the available evidence, including witness statements and video evidence.
The case was submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. The District Attorney’s Office filed one count of criminal threats, 422(a) PC, and one count of battery, 242 PC.
The fact that the filed charges do not include a hate crime enhancement does not mean the reported language or conduct was acceptable, nor does it diminish the impact on the victims or the broader community. Criminal threats remains a serious charge and reflects the threatening conduct reported during the incident.
SMPD takes targeted threats, intimidation, violence, and hate motivated conduct seriously. The Department remains committed to thorough evidence-based investigations, careful documentation of reported bias indicators, coordination with prosecutors, and continued outreach to community members and partner organizations.
Community members can learn more about hate crimes, how to report hate related incidents, and available resources at www.santamonica.gov/hate-crimes.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8427.
Media Contact
Lewis Gilmour
Lieutenant
Lewis.Gilmour@santamonica.gov