A man who attempted to save his girlfriend from a violent sexual assault in a downtown parking structure remains in stable condition, according to the most recent update from the Santa Monica Police Department.
“We have heard reports that he had died, but as of now, we do not believe that is the case,” an SMPD Watch Commander told The Sun at 12:40 p.m. today.
“I do know for sure he is still in the hospital… But he sustained pretty significant injuries.”
An update released at 2:00 PM by Lt. Rudy Flores reiterated that “at the time of this release (the victim) continues to be in stable condition.”
30 year-old Preston Bernard Rochon, a presumed transient from Texas, was arrested at 2:00 a.m. Friday morning and charged with carjacking, attempted homicide, and assault to commit rape.
He is being held on $2 million bail. Some sources are reporting that he is being charged with murder, which has led to confusion over the unidentified victim’s status.
The victim is believed to have been transported to UCLA Medical Center in Westwood.
He was admitted early Friday morning with a fractured skull and broken ribs after being run over multiple by his own Jeep, which was stolen during the altercation.
The incident began just after 1:00 a.m. in Parking Structure 8, near 2nd street and Colorado Avenue.
Social media reports describe a horrific scene in which the 6-foot-2-inch Rochon, attempted to remove the victim’s girlfriend from their vehicle and sexually assault her.
Per SMDP:
The male and female victims were exiting Downtown Parking Structure #8 when approached by Preston B. Rochon, a 30-year-old male originally from Texas. Rochon attempted to grab and made reference to sexually assaulting the female causing the male victim to intervene. During the physical altercation the victim’s vehicle was taken. When the male victim chased after the vehicle, Rochon reversed and ran him over before proceeding to crash into the barricade on the Pier. The male victim was transported to a local hospital with significant injuries…The female victim was later treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.
Rochon was located a short distance away by a SMPD officer and was taken into custody without further incident. Rochon was subsequently booked for the following:
664/187 (a) PC – Attempt Homicide
245 (a)(1) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon
215 (a) PC – Carjacking
220 PC – Assault to Commit a Sexual Act
This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
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