Suspect arrested for allegedly strangling fisherman at Santa Monica Beach

A suspect was arrested for allegedly strangling a man who was fishing at Santa Monica Beach.

The suspect was identified as John Broeksmit, 31, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

On Sept. 19, the victim, identified only as a 28-year-old West Hollywood man, was fishing at the waterline when he was suddenly attacked from behind.

Broeksmit allegedly strangled the man, leaving him with injuries to the neck, police said. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. Police canvassed the beach and based on the victim’s description, Broeksmit was located and taken into custody.

Authorities said the suspect is currently homeless and is originally from Illinois.

In 2024, he had multiple arrests in California for public intoxication, possession of a weapon on school grounds, and tampering with a fire alarm.

His most recent arrest was on Sept. 15 for alleged burglary and public intoxication.

On Sept. 23, Broeksmit was charged with one count of attempted murder by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

He remains in the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and is being held on $2 million bail.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Zamfirov at peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander’s desk at 310-458-8427.

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