The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is actively investigating multiple assaults committed on the morning of Monday, June 24, by a single individual in the 1300 block of Santa Monica beach. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and is being held in the Santa Monica Jail on multiple felony charges.
According to the SMPD, the three victims, all unrelated, were provided medical attention at the scene, including an elderly female who declined transportation and a bystander who attempted to intervene and was injured as a result. A 17-year-old was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
The arrest was captured on video by local resident and creator of the photo blog Santa Monica Close Up, Fabian Lewkowicz. "I was sitting on the beach and heard screaming coming from Lifeguard Tower 13," Lewkowicz said the victim told him. "I approached the situation and saw a man attacking a young woman, trying to rob her. I pushed him off, but he punched me in the face and attacked her again. I tackled him, and he turned his attention towards me, attempting to strangle me and biting my ear."
According to Lewkowicz, the ordeal escalated when the attacker moved towards another woman, dragging her into the water and attempting to drown her. A lifeguard intervened, and the police arrived shortly after, arresting the suspect.
SMPD has confirmed that they have the suspect "listed as homeless" and they've said that additional information will be provided once the case has been presented to the District Attorney.
Anyone with any information relating to this incident is asked to reach out to the Santa Monica Police Department by calling the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427 (available 24 hours).
+ + + UPDATE + + +
According to the SMPD's daily arrest log, the suspect is Jawann Dwayne Garnett (DOB July 23, 1992) and he's being held on the charges of attempted murder (664/187PC), assault with intent to commit a felony (220PC), assault with a deadly weapon (245PC), robbery (211PC) and elder abuse (368PC), arrest number PD 2024-466. He also a registered sex offender with a profile on California’s Megan’s Law website.
h/t KTLA
scott.snowden@smdp.com