The suspect in an unprovoked attack on Santa Monica beach less than a week ago has been charged with attempted murder with a bail set at $2 million.
The victim was a 28-year-old male resident of West Hollywood, who reported being attacked from behind while fishing at the waterline near lifeguard tower 20 on the afternoon of September 19, 2024.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the suspect, identified as 31-year-old John Broeksmit, did not know the victim and attempted to strangle him. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his neck and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.
Utilizing the description provided by the victim and witnesses, officers canvassing the
beach located the suspect, later identified Broeksmit, and placed him under arrest. Broeksmit, from Illinois, is currently homeless. He has prior arrests in California (all in 2024) for public intoxication, possession of a weapon on school grounds, and tampering with a fire alarm.
He was most recently arrested 9/15/24 by by the Los Angeles Police Department for burglary and public intoxication. He has no prior felony convictions.
On September 23, the District Attorney’s Office charged Broeksmit with one count of attempted murder and his bail was set at $2 million. He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to email Detective
Zamfirov or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427, which is a 24-hour number.
scott.snowden@smdp.com
