Library Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — An unhoused man was arrested on Wednesday after police said he allegedly almost beat another man to death and attempted to assault officers.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers received a call from staff at the Santa Monica Public Library at about 8:09 a.m. about an unresponsive man lying on the ground near the library. The employee told authorities that they tried to wake up a homeless man who was at the front doors, but discovered he was badly injured.

The 41-year-old victim was discovered to be suffering from blunt force trauma to his face and a swollen forehead, SMPD said. The unconscious man was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, but health care professionals said he is expected to survive.

Just a few hours later at about 12:35 p.m., detectives investigating the incident said they located a person of interest near the library.

"Upon contact with the suspect, he became uncooperative and threatening in his behavior. Additional responding officers deployed a taser after the subject attempted to assault uniformed officers," SMPD said in a statement.

Officers found that the suspect was unhoused and identified him as 40-year-old Nathanael Roger Lavoie. Lavoie was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, felony battery on a police officer, giving a fake name to police and resisting arrest.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact the SMPD Investigations Division during business hours at 310-458-8451. After hours, calls can be directed to the 24-hour Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.