Santa Monica Police Shooting Leaves Officer Injured
A Santa Monica police shooting left one officer seriously injured on Wednesday after he was ambushed while attempting to apprehend a suspect linked to a previous shooting involving two teenagers. The incident unfolded near the Santa Monica Place shopping mall, located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.
According to Police Chief Ramon Batista, the officer recognized the suspect from a bulletin related to a shooting earlier in the week and approached him. The suspect fled, prompting a short foot pursuit that ended in gunfire.
Officer Ambushed During Pursuit
“After identifying himself as a police officer, a short foot pursuit ensued, where the officer was ambushed,” Chief Batista said during a Wednesday evening press briefing. The suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds before fleeing on foot.
The officer was hit and sustained a serious but non-life-threatening injury. Fellow officers immediately rendered aid and rushed him to a nearby hospital. He is reportedly in stable condition and “in good spirits.”
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Suspect Arrested After Multi-Hour Manhunt
Following the Santa Monica police shooting, authorities launched an intensive manhunt. A photo of the suspect was quickly released to the public, with officials urging residents to call 911 if they spotted him.
Roughly three hours after the incident, officers received a tip about a person matching the suspect’s description. After another brief chase, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Chief Batista confirmed that a handgun believed to be used in the shooting was recovered near the suspect.
Connection to Teen Shooting in Waymo Taxi
Authorities believe the same suspect is connected to the shooting of two teenagers inside a Waymo autonomous vehicle on Sunday. That incident, also in Santa Monica, reportedly stemmed from an argument and resulted in non-life-threatening injuries for both victims.
“We are almost 100% accurate in believing that it’s the same individual,” Batista said.
The suspect’s identity has not yet been released.
Large Police Presence Near Santa Monica Place
Wednesday’s Santa Monica police shooting prompted a heavy law enforcement presence in the busy commercial district near the 3rd Street Promenade. Shoppers and bystanders were temporarily alarmed as police cordoned off sections of the area during the manhunt.
Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete expressed relief at the quick resolution: “We are fortunate that within a short amount of time, we were able to apprehend the individual and he is no longer on the street.”
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The officer’s recovery and the quick arrest of the suspect have drawn praise from local officials and residents. Police say the investigation is ongoing as they gather more details and evidence linking the suspect to both shootings.
The Santa Monica police shooting has renewed focus on officer safety and the growing concerns around gun violence in public spaces.
