A 31-year-old homeless man suspected of attempting to strangle a victim in an unprovoked attack at Santa Monica Beach was taken into custody, police announced Wednesday.
Officers were sent to the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk on Thursday regarding a 28-year-old West Hollywood resident being attacked from behind while fishing, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
The motive for the assault was unclear, and the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening neck injuries.
The suspect, later identified as Illinois native John Broeksmit, allegedly fled the scene before officers arrived. He was eventually taken into custody after investigators searched the area based on descriptions provided by the victim and witnesses, police said.
Broeksmit has previously been arrested in California on suspicion of possession of a weapon on school grounds and tampering with a firearm, police said. He was also arrested Sept. 15 by the Los Angeles Police Department on suspicion of burglary and public intoxication.
Police said Broeksmit was being charged with attempted murder for Thursday’s attack and was being held on $2 million bail.
Anyone with information regarding the attack was urged to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov at peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov, or the watch commander’s 24-hour hotline at 310-458-8427. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.