The Santa Monica Polioce Department has released a statemewnt and details on Wednesday aprehension of the suspect who shot a police officer in the mall parking lot.
"On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, a Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officer was shot while attempting to detain the suspect in a recent downtown shooting that injured two juveniles. The officer sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Following an extensive and coordinated response, the suspect was located and taken into custody later that afternoon.
The initial incident occurred on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at approximately 11:38 p.m. near 2nd Street and Broadway. Two juveniles were seated in an autonomous rideshare vehicle when the suspect approached on foot and opened fire before fleeing the area. The shooting followed a verbal altercation earlier that evening. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
SMPD detectives immediately launched a comprehensive investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and collecting witness statements. A departmental bulletin was distributed on June 23rd to assist officers in identifying and locating the suspect.
On June 25, at approximately 1:00 p.m., an SMPD officer observed an individual matching the suspect’s description near 2nd Street and Colorado Avenue. As the officer attempted to make contact, the suspect fled on foot. Following a foot pursuit spanning two block, the suspect ambushed the officer and fired multiple rounds, striking him. Responding officers rendered immediate aid, and the injured officer was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition. We are deeply grateful to the hospital staff for their outstanding care and professionalism.
At approximately 4:20 p.m., officers received a timely tip from a community member who saw someone matching the suspect’s description near Palisades Park. Officers responded immediately and took the suspect into custody following a short foot pursuit. The firearm used in the assault was recovered.
The suspect has been identified as David John Hairston II, 31 years old (DOB: June 18, 1994), who is believed to be homeless. He is currently being held at the Santa Monica Jail. Bail is set at $1,000,000, and his first court appearance is scheduled for June 27.
The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Anticipated charges include, but are not limited to:
· Attempted murder of a peace officer
· Assault with a deadly weapon
· (2) Counts of attempted murder (related to the June 22 incident)
· Firearms violations
The Santa Monica Police Department is grateful to the vigilant community members who provided critical assistance, and to the following law enforcement agencies for their support during this high-risk incident:
· Los Angeles Police Department
· California Highway Patrol
· Beverly Hills Police Department
· El Segundo Police Department
· Hawthorne Police Department
· Torrance Police Department
· Los Angeles District Attorney Bureau of Investigation
· Gardena Police Department
· Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
· Culver City Police Department
· UCLA Police Department
We also recognize and thank our officers, dispatchers, and support staff whose professionalism, courage, and swift action helped bring this dangerous suspect into custody."
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