A call of Shots Fired brought police to the 1700 block of Ocean Front Walk south of the Pier on Monday, September 10, at 3:45 in the afternoon. Responding officers interviewed witnesses who said that the suspects and the victims had fled the location on foot. SMPD officers secured the possible crime scene and processed it for evidence.
The police reported that preliminary investigation revealed that two male Hispanics had been involved in an argument with a black man. When one of the Hispanics brandished a knife, the black man pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the other two. A gunshot was heard.
“It is unknown how many gunshots were fired or if any of the male Hispanics were injured, as they fled the scene walking southbound on Ocean Front Walk,” said police spokesman Lt. Alex Padilla. “After the gunshot was fired, the male black fled the scene,” he added. Police say that it is not known what type of handgun was used, and no vehicle was seen.
The person with the gun is described as a black man, 26 years old, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, with short dreadlocks, wearing no shirt and black and white plaid shorts.
“The local hospitals have been notified and this investigation is ongoing,” said Padilla. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Santa Monica Police Department at 310.458.8427 (24 hours) or Detectives at 310.458.8451 (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the WeTip hotline at 800.78.CRIME (72463).
