Homeless Strangling Victim Pleads For Help From Santa Monica Officers

SANTA MONICA, CA — A homeless man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to strangle another homeless man to death at Palisades Park, authorities announced Tuesday.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers received a report of the attack at about 8:55 a.m. on Friday in the 200 block of Palisades Park. Officers said when they arrived they witnessed the suspect, 31-year-old Tamarquis Burke, strangling another man.

"During the investigation, several witnesses told officers that the attack appeared to be unprovoked," SMPD said in a statement.

The victim, who was also experiencing homelessness, was heard pleading for help as officers ran to break up the fight, SMPD said. Officers said Burke immediately complied with their commands to release the victim and he was handcuffed without further incident.

Burke was booked into the Santa Monica Jail on suspicion of attempted homicide and is being held on $2,025,000 bail.

Anyone who may have additional information was urged to contact Detective James McCoy, Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin or the 24-hour Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.