The man accused of assaulting three people on Santa Monica beach on Monday faces a range of charges, including assault with intent to commit rape, child abuse and attempted murder.
Prosecutors filed charges Tuesday against 32-year-old Jawann Dwayne Garnett, who police say is homeless, has a significant criminal history and is currently on formal probation for assault with intent to commit assault.
Garnett allegedly attacked three unrelated victims Monday morning on the beach just north of the Santa Monica Pier.
An elderly woman received medical treatment at the scene and a 17-year-old was treated at a hospital for serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police said. A bystander who intervened was also reportedly attacked.
Jenna Wilker said she was on the beach, near lifeguard Tower 13, when she heard the commotion.
“It was pretty violent, I ran over and made the guy let go of the woman. I pushed him off her and he hit me in the face pretty good,” Wilker said.
Before focusing on the teen, police said the suspect dragged the other victim, an elderly woman, into the water, where he allegedly tried to drown her. He was eventually restrained by family members and nearby lifeguards.
For Monday’s charges, Garnett faces the following charges: attempted murder, child molestation, assault with intent to rape and kidnapping.
Along with announcing the charges on Tuesday, the District Attorney’s Office also listed Garnett’s previous arrests, including assault with intent to commit rape, unlawful imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence (both a misdemeanor and a misdemeanor), trespassing and failure to register as a sex offender.
On June 9, Garnett was arrested by Santa Monica police for failing to register as a sex offender. While in custody, Garnett was registered as a sex offender with the city of Santa Monica and released with a summons and a promise to appear in court. This was the only encounter Santa Monica police had with Garnett prior to the beach attack.
Garnett is being held on $1 million bail.
