Homicide suspect wounded in Santa Monica officer-involved shooting

Jory Rand Image
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Homicide suspect wounded in Santa Monica police shooting
A homicide suspect was critically wounded in an officer-involved shooting in Santa Monica Friday evening.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) -- A homicide suspect was wounded in an officer-involved shooting in Santa Monica Friday evening.

Authorities said a shooting was reported in the 2300 block of Main Street around 6:30 p.m. A man was found shot to death in the area and authorities quickly located the suspect.

When authorities found the suspect near Main Street and Hollister Avenue by 3rd Street, the suspect pulled out a gun, leading to a shootout with police.

"I just heard like kind of these firework sounds go off," witness Lucas Yancey said. "The cops go, 'Why'd you do it? Why'd you do it?' to the guy and he's just (silent), bleeding and not moving."

The suspect was shot once, according to police, and taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

Footage from AIR7 HD captured police interviewing witnesses, a white sedan with the driver's side window shot out and areas with debris scattered on the road.

No officers were injured in the shooting and a gun was recovered at the scene. It was also next to a knife, bullets and the glass shot out from the car.

Residents said they recognized the gunman as a local homeless person who had begun seeing a woman who used to date another local homeless man.

Authorities said they suspect the two men knew each other, but it was too early in the investigation.

AIR7 HD also captured a distraught woman over one of the crime scenes, trying to get past police tape before they stopped her.

This has been the second incident within the last week in a relatively quiet neighborhood.

The suspect faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder on the police officers.

The area of Main Street, Hollister Avenue and 3rd Street was closed while authorities interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence.

The investigation was ongoing.