Man Suspected Of Attacking Woman On Santa Cruz Street Arrested

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A man suspected of attacking a woman on a Santa Cruz street in broad daylight has been arrested. "Brave victim makes a positive ID," the Santa Cruz Police Department tweeted late Thursday night after the suspect, 38-year-old Justin Schreiber, was spotted in downtown Santa Cruz earlier that afternoon at Cedar and Locust streets.

Schreiber, who police say is a transient, was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, in addition to the felony assault and battery charge. "Good Work everyone! Now, let's rally behind the courageous victim and show her our support," the SCPD tweet continued.

The SCPD had called on the community to help find the attacker who punched the woman in the face at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Birch Lane. The April 27 afternoon attack was caught on video surveillance and showed the suspect walking up behind the victim, tapping her shoulder and, as she turned toward him, striking her in the face while calling her a derogatory name.

The victim sustained an injury to her nose and forehead, and was transported to a hospital by family members, according to police.