Suspect charged in attempted murder of young woman in Long Beach

A 20-year-old man has been charged in connection with the brutal assault of a 19-year-old woman at an apartment complex in Long Beach, authorities said Monday.

Jonathan Britton was charged with attempted murder, battery with serious injury, assault by means of committing great bodily injury, and robbery, according to the Long Beach Police Department. They said Britton remains in Los Angeles County Jail.

Police officials said they arrested Britton and a 15-year-old boy last Wednesday after officers responded to a call about two suspicious people walking around an apartment complex.

Police said they determined that the pair had knowledge of an assault against a young woman.

The assault occurred around 11:30 p.m. on March 3, at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of Beverly Plaza. Police said the woman was walking and talking on her cellphone when a male began talking to her. During their brief conversation, another person began attacking her until she lost consciousness.

“The victim sustained significant facial injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment,” police said in a statement.

The assailants also took her cellphone, police said.

Witnesses said they saw two men walking around the complex before the attack. Authorities released a sketch of the two males last Friday.

The teen with the suspect at the time of the assault was released to his parents, police said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information may contact Long Beach Police Robbery Det. Mark Steenhausen at (562) 570-7465. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling (800) 222-8477

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