Man Charged In Santa Monica Promenade Threats, Dog Bite Attack

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 49-year-old man accused of threatening pedestrians near the Third Street Promenade before chasing a stranger and having his dog bite him has been charged with criminal threats and battery, prosecutors said.

Nay Min Tar, 49, of Illinois, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of criminal threats and one misdemeanor count of battery, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

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The charges stem from a May 24 confrontation near Third Street and Broadway that sparked concern in the Jewish community after video of the incident circulated online.

“Our communities should be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy without fear,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. “Anyone making threats of violence should face swift and appropriate punishment, as this behavior often leads to further escalation.”

Police said Tar was driving on Broadway at about 5:20 p.m. when he stopped in traffic and began yelling threats at two people crossing the street.

Prosecutors said he then got out of the vehicle, chased one victim while swinging his fists and threatened to kill him.

During the confrontation, Tar’s dog, described as a Cane Corso, chased the victim and bit him on the thigh, officials said. The victim, who had been walking with his girlfriend, was treated at the scene by Santa Monica Fire Department personnel for a minor injury, authorities said.

Santa Monica Animal Control officers took custody of the dog, which was brought to a local shelter and remains in quarantine.

Witnesses reported offensive and threatening language during the incident, and detectives reviewed witness statements and video evidence, police said.

The couple previously told KTLA they believed they were targeted because they are Jewish and were in contact with the Anti-Defamation League.

“Hate has no place in Santa Monica,” Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob said in a statement. “We understand the fear and harm these incidents can create, not only for the victims, but for the broader community.”

Officers arrested Tar a short distance away on Fourth Street. Prosecutors said they asked that bail be set at $50,000 under the county’s felony bail schedule, but the court reduced bail to $2,500 over their objection.

Tar is due back in court June 15 for a preliminary hearing setting at the Airport Courthouse.

If convicted as charged, he faces up to three years and six months in state prison.