Man Charged In Hate Crime In Assault Against Korean Woman

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 65-year-old man was charged Tuesday with attacking a Korean woman in Santa Monica, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced.

“A hate crime against one of us is truly a crime against all of us,” District Attorney Gascón said. “I am committed to stopping hate in our community.”

Melvin Taylor, 65, faces one felony count each of attempted second-degree robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, a car door, and assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, according to the district attorney's office.

Taylor is accused of attacking the victim July 23 while she parked at a meter on the 1500 block of 2nd Street. During the attack, the defendant is accused of yelling racial slurs and mentioning the virus while attempting to steal her purse.

"When the victim attempted to get back into her car, Taylor kicked the car door causing the victim to be pinned between the door and frame of the vehicle," Sgt. Rudy Flores of the Santa Monica Police Department told Patch. "Taylor continued to strike her while yelling racial slurs."

The victim used pepper spray on Taylor, but it did not affect him, police said. He took the victim's phone and threw it on the ground before attempting to take her purse. Nearby witnesses intervened to assist the victim before officers arrived.

The Santa Monica Police Department continues to investigate the attack.

Arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday at Department W30 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch.

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 5:00 p.m. with additional information about the arrest.

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