https://smmirror.com/2024/06/suspect-in-beach-attacks-held-on-1m-bail-has-criminal-history-involving-attempted-rape/SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) June 25, 2024 -- A homeless man accused of assaulting three people along the beach in Santa Monica was taken into custody, police said.
The attacks happened Monday morning on Ocean Front Walk, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. It's unclear what provoked the alleged attacks.
The victims include a woman and a 17-year-old girl who was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. One of the victims was hurt trying to intervene, police said.
"He turned his attention towards me tried to strangle me ... bit the heck out of my ear and tried to dislodge my pants from their original resting position," she said.
"He attacked a third victim who was a woman in her 70s and pulled her into the water and actually was holding her under the water when lifeguards arrived," said Santa Monica Police Lt. Erika Aklufi.
The homeless man was taken into custody shortly after and is now facing several felony charges. Monday's incident is just the latest attack along Ocean Front Walk.
Last month, a homeless man was arrested for trying to rape a young woman who was jogging on a beach path. Another homeless man was also arrested for assaulting a 73-year-old woman.
This is the suspect with sand still on his face in the SMPD mugshot. JAWANN DWAYNE GARNETT
Look him up