Suspect in Mira Mesa Stabbing of Pregnant Woman Ordered to Stand Trial

Cole Klemke, 29, accused of attacking a 4-month pregnant woman at a Mira Mesa ATM in 2024

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:19am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a knife blade against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence of a random stabbing attack.A chilling close-up of the weapon used in a random, unprovoked attack exposes the harsh reality of violent crime in this community.San Diego Today

A man accused of stabbing a pregnant woman multiple times at a drive-thru ATM in Mira Mesa was ordered Tuesday to stand trial on charges including attempted murder. Cole Klemke, 29, is accused of attacking the victim - who was four months pregnant - at around 10 a.m. on June 15, 2024, near the Target store on Mira Mesa Boulevard.

Why it matters

This random and violent attack on a pregnant woman has raised concerns about public safety in the Mira Mesa area, which has seen an increase in property crimes and assaults in recent years. The case also highlights the challenges of addressing mental health and substance abuse issues among suspects with a history of violent behavior.

The details

Prosecutors allege that without exchanging words with the victim, Klemke approached her and stabbed her in the face and neck. The attack sent her to the ground, at which point Klemke allegedly punched the woman and tried to stab her additional times. The woman was able to fight off her attacker by kicking him, causing him to flee. Some of the attack was captured on the ATM's camera, showing a man approaching the woman from behind and putting his arm around her neck before attacking her with a knife.

  • The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on June 15, 2024.
  • Klemke was arrested one day after the stabbing.

The players

Cole Klemke

A 29-year-old Carmel Valley resident who is accused of stabbing a pregnant woman at a Mira Mesa ATM in 2024. He has a history of drug and mental health problems, and was known to police prior to the attack.

Brenda Klemke

Cole Klemke's mother, who filed a request for a domestic violence restraining order against him in 2020 due to his drug use and violent behavior in the home.

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What they’re saying

“What is on video is horrific, hard to watch and that it was clear the victim did not know her attacker was behind her. He made no statements or demands prior to or during the attack, and no property was taken.”

— Erich Drilling, SDPD Detective Sergeant

What’s next

Klemke remains in custody without bail, and a judge will decide whether to allow him to stand trial on the charges of attempted murder, mayhem, and attempted robbery.

The takeaway

This random and violent attack on a pregnant woman in a public place has raised urgent concerns about public safety and the need for better mental health and substance abuse support services to prevent such tragedies. The case also highlights the challenges of the criminal justice system in addressing suspects with a history of violent behavior.