Man arrested in Monterey for attacking individual with a weapon

MONTEREY >> A man was arrested and charged with attempted murder for attacking another person with a “crowbar-like” weapon.

The Monterey Police Department announced that David Thomas, 65, was booked into jail with a bail set at $1 million.

The Monterey Police responded last week to a report of a man being attacked and severely injured near Reeside Avenue and the Recreation Trail. The person reporting the incident was a passerby who the victim had flagged down for help police said. The victim said a man with a crowbar or similar weapon attacked him.

The victim had a “significant” injury to his hand and lacerations on the back of his head, back and leg, according to police. He was transported to the trauma unit at Natividad Medical Center. His injuries were not considered life-threatening and police were later able to interview him.

The victim said he is experiencing homelessness and was walking around the Rec Trail near the Coast Guard pier when he was attacked without provocation. The attacker struck him multiple times. He was described as a black man with a slim build and glasses. The victim did not know the suspect, but had seen him on several previous occasions in Monterey around areas where other people experiencing homelessness congregate.

Police investigated and identified Thomas as the suspect. Thomas told police officers he was also experiencing homelessness.

While Thomas’s motives are still under investigation, Monterey Police say Thomas has been involved in a number of incidents in the past where he expressed anti-homeless views.

California State Parks rangers were already familiar with Thomas because he had complained to them about people who are homeless before. At one time, Thomas stated if police did not do more to intervene, he would take action himself. Park rangers say they have discouraged Thomas to do anything illegal.

On the day of the attack, Thomas reported that a homeless person was selling drugs at Wharf 1. Police say Thomas was described as angry and believed the police were not taking him seriously. Park rangers arrived at the scene to investigate but found no evidence of drug dealing.

The Monterey police also interviewed several people in the area, with some saying Thomas has spoken about removing homeless people from the area before.

Thomas was also previously arrested in November for felony assault with a deadly weapon after he struck a person who was experiencing homelessness with an expandable metal baton. The victim in that incident was not seriously injured. A witness reported the November incident and said Thomas claimed the victim was drinking alcohol in public. Thomas said he was acting in self-defense after the victim called him a racial slur. Ultimately, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to 40 days in jail and a year of probation.