Attack at Bradford Beach that left a man dead was likely random, Milwaukee County sheriff says

A 46-year-old man died after an assault at the Northpoint parking lot of Bradford Beach on Sunday evening in what authorities believe to be a random attack, though few details were released Monday.

When Milwaukee County sheriff's deputies arrived at 9:22 p.m., the man did not have a pulse and was not breathing. Paramedics' lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, Sheriff Earnell Lucas said at a news conference Monday. The man was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.

The suspect fled from the crime scene but later returned on a bicycle and was spotted by a deputy. The suspect, who was identified by witness statements, was arrested.

The assault was likely random, Lucas said. The suspect and the victim did not have any familial relationship.

"There may be some impetus or motivation that led to it," Lucas said. "But it could have occurred on any city street in Milwaukee."

The sheriff's office is still investigating the case. Officials did not release the name of the victim or the age or gender of the suspect on Monday, and they do not yet know whether a weapon was used.

Despite this random act of violence, Lucas said he does not believe there is a danger to the public.

"I want to assure the people of Milwaukee County that Bradford Beach — and all along Lincoln Memorial Drive — is a safe place to go for people to enjoy themselves," he said.

Lucas called on any potential witnesses to notify the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office at 414-278-4766.

Further information, he said, "can help bring closure to a family of an individual who was doing nothing but sitting down at the beach enjoying himself."