SAN DIEGO — The 27-year-old man accused of slashing a pregnant woman at an ATM in Mira Mesa over the weekend is a former baseball star who attended Torrey Pines High School.
The suspect, identified as Cole Klemke, played college baseball at the University of Nebraska. CBS 8 confirmed he played for the team in 2016 and 2017. A spokesperson for the athletic department declined to say what happened to his baseball career after 2017.
According to San Diego Police, Cole Klemke's listed address is Carmel Valley. However, police said he is homeless. SDPD said Klemke was contacted by police a week before the attack over a disturbance call in Mira Mesa.
Arrest records show Klemke was arrested by San Diego Harbor Police on June 1. Charges included methamphetamine possession, carjacking, resisting arrest and possession of a switchblade. According to Sgt. Jose Torres, Klemke was arrested for attempting to carjack a driver with a knife. He said Klemke was scratching up the hood, and ordered the driver out of the vehicle, but the driver refused.
However, the case never moved forward. A spokesperson for the San Diego District Attorney's Office said charges were never filed in that case.
When asked why, CBS 8 received the following statement:
"We can only file charges when we believe we can prove them beyond a reasonable doubt, which is our ethical standard."
CBS 8 has been in contact with Klemke's family. A relative said they have no statement to release and hope the media respects their privacy during this difficult time.
Saturday morning about 10:00 a.m., a 25-year-old pregnant woman was slashed three times at an ATM near the Target store on Mira Mesa Boulevard. Police obtained surveillance pictures from the store of the suspect.
Detective Sgt. Eric Drilling said police began receiving tips from the public, and by Sunday they had identified Klemke as the suspect. He was arrested Sunday in Carmel Valley.
Det. Sgt. Drilling said the victim is at home recovering.
The motive for the attack is unknown. Police said it doesn't appear the motive was robbery.
"Any time some type of crime like this occurs, it's very random in nature, it's very scary for the public and it's an immediate concern for the police department," said Det. Sgt. Drilling.