Overview
- Video and witness accounts show a motorist stopped near Third Street and Broadway on Sunday, brandished a baseball bat, chased a couple on foot and then unleashed a large Cane Corso that bit one victim on the thigh.
- Santa Monica police located and detained the suspect a short distance away on Fourth Street and animal control seized the dog, which was taken to a shelter and remains under quarantine.
- Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Nay Min Tar with one felony count of criminal threats and one misdemeanor count of battery, he pleaded not guilty and a court reduced a requested $50,000 bail to $2,500.
- Detectives collected body‑worn camera footage, social‑media video and witness statements and are reviewing that evidence to determine whether to add hate‑crime enhancements or other charges.
- The attack unfolded on the busy Third Street Promenade corridor and has prompted alarm from local leaders and community groups while officials note that California law requires corroborating evidence before charging hate‑motivated enhancements.