Photo: Courtesy of Monterey Police Department
An arrest was made in an attempted murder of a homeless man
Monterey Police Officers responded to a report of an attack in the vicinity of Reeside Avenue and the Recreation Trail Tuesday, July 23.
The victim, who flagged down a passerby for assistance, reported being attacked by a man wielding a crowbar type weapon, according to law enforcement.
Upon arrival, MPD officers administered aid to the victim, who had sustained a severe hand injury and lacerations to his head, back, and leg. The victim was initially transported to Natividad Medical Center’s trauma unit and later moved to a Bay Area hospital for advanced care. Despite the severity of his injuries, they were not deemed life-threatening. Monterey Police Detectives subsequently interviewed the victim.
The victim, who is reportedly homeless, recounted walking near the Recreation Trail by the basketball court at the Coast Guard Pier when he was attacked without any clear provocation, according to law enforcement. He described the assailant as a black male, approximately 40 years old, bald, with a slim build and prescription glasses. The victim reportedly said that although he did not know the suspect, he had seen him previously in areas frequented by homeless individuals in Monterey.
Monterey Police Officers and Detectives identified the suspect as David Thomas, 65, and arrested him on July 25, 2024, at Alma Street and Washington Street in Monterey. Thomas was charged with 664/187 PC – attempted murder, and his bail was set at $1,000,000.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation, officials said. However, detectives noted that Thomas had a history of expressing anti-homeless sentiments. California State Parks Rangers were familiar with Thomas due to his past complaints about homeless individuals. On the day of the attack, Thomas had complained to a Parks Ranger about a homeless person allegedly selling drugs, expressing frustration with the police response to homeless issues.
Following the incident, officers canvassed the area for witnesses and evidence, speaking with several homeless individuals who reported hearing Thomas express a desire to remove homeless people from the area.
Thomas had a previous encounter with law enforcement on November 23, 2023, when he was arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon after striking a homeless individual with an expandable metal baton. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to 40 days in jail and one year of probation.
The Monterey Police Department continues to investigate the July 23 incident and encourages anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Ethan Andrews at (831) 646-3822 or to remain anonymous, call (831) 646-3840.
