Suspected Serial Groper Arrested In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a man on suspicion of groping multiple people on the Pier Saturday night, authorities said.

According to SMPD, patrolling officers were flagged down at the Santa Monica Pier at about 7:30 p.m. by a Spanish-speaking tourist from Mexico. The woman told officers that a man approached her and grabbed her breast before walking away.

Police said the suspect, 25-year-old Jonathan James Peck, remained in the area after walking past the woman.

"When the victim told her friend what happened the friend approached Peck and confronted him about the sexual assault. Peck responded by using a large, sharpened stick to stab the friend (victim 2) in the face and neck," SMPD said in a statement.

After the confrontation, Peck attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by additional officers on the Pier, SMPD said.

While investigating further, officers said they found another woman who said Peck also grabbed her breasts shortly before the other incident. Police said at that time Peck also stabbed a male victim with the stick.

Two of the victims were transported to a local hospital and were treated for minor injuries, SMPD said.