May 29, 2026 – SANTA MONICA, CA – A 49-year-old man has been charged with battery and threatening to kill a stranger who had been enjoying an early evening stroll with his significant other along the Third Street Promenade.

“Our communities should be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy without fear,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Anyone making threats of violence should face swift and appropriate punishment, as this behavior often leads to further escalation. We thank the Santa Monica Police Department for their partnership and assistance in apprehending the individual responsible.”

Nay Min Tar (49) was charged in case 26ARCF01044 with one felony count of criminal threats and one count of misdemeanor battery. It is further alleged that the victim was reasonably in sustained fear for his safety or the safety of his immediate family.

On May 24, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Tar allegedly was driving on Broadway near the Third Street Promenade when he stopped in traffic and began yelling threats at pedestrians through his car window. He then allegedly exited the vehicle and began chasing, swinging his fists and threatening to kill the victim, who was walking with his girlfriend on the sidewalk. Tar’s dog, described as a male Cane Corso, allegedly chased and bit the victim at the defendant’s command, resulting in a battery.

The Santa Monica Fire Department treated the victim at the scene for a minor injury related to the dog bite. Santa Monica Animal Control Officers also responded and took custody of the dog, which was transported to a local shelter and remains in quarantine.

Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the emergency call and arrested the defendant a short distance away on Fourth Street.

The defendant was arraigned on Thursday and pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 15 in Department 31 of the Airport Courthouse. 

The prosecution requested the Court set bail at $50,000 pursuant to the Los Angeles County felony bail schedule. The Court cited In re Kowalczyk in reducing bail to $2,500 over the prosecution’s objection.  

If convicted as charged, Tar faces up to three years and six months in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by the Airport Branch Office and remains under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department.

The charges in these cases are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office