Man charged with attempted murder after unprovoked attack in Santa Monica

31-year-old suspect arrested after strangling West Hollywood fisherman

A 31-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following an unprovoked attack on a fisherman in Santa Monica on September 19th. Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault on the 2000 block of Beach.

The victim, a 28-year-old West Hollywood resident, told officers he was attacked from behind while fishing on the waterfront. The attacker, whom he did not know, tried to strangle him. The victim suffered non-life-threatening neck injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived.

Using descriptions from the victim and witnesses, officers located the suspect nearby. He was identified as John Broeksmit, a 31-year-old homeless man from Illinois. Broeksmit has a history of arrests in California this year, including for public intoxication, possession of a weapon on school grounds and tampering with a firearm. He was also arrested by the LAPD on September 15 for burglary and public intoxication, but has no criminal record.

On September 23, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office charged Broeksmit with attempted murder. His bail was set at $2 million and he remains in custody.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective Peter Zamfirov at [email protected] or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427, available 24 hours a day.