Motorist Is Charged in Assault With Golf Club
A Santa Monica motorist faces misdemeanor assault charges after allegedly stalking a pedestrian he felt had crossed the street too slowly and then striking the man with a golf club.
Daniel Hall, 36, became impatient with 31-year-old Venice resident Mark Short, who “was apparently taking too long to cross Main Street,†said Santa Monica Police Sgt. Gary Gallinot.
Police told this story of Monday night’s incident:
The men exchanged words, and Short spit on Hall’s Mercedes. Hall then chased Short, who hid in an underground garage and called police.
Driving around the neighborhood, Hall later came upon Short walking home. Allegedly shouting, “This time, you’re not going to get away from me!†Hall climbed out of his car, opened his trunk and took out a five-iron. Hall swung and missed. Short sprayed Hall with tear gas, but missed his face. Infuriated, Hall chased Short around the block, swinging his club about two dozen times before striking Short on the back. A passerby called police.
Hall was released on $250 bail.
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