Harold Dwayne Willis faces string of charges
By Sam Catanzaro
A man faces attempted murder charges in connection to a recent Main Street shooting.
On June 24 the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Harold Dwayne Willis, a 29-year-old man, for his involvement in a shooting.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on June 20 around 8 p.m. officers responded to investigate a shooting that occurred in the in the area of Main Street and Pico Boulevard. Officers arrived on scene and met with the victim, who said he was walking with his stepson in the area when he saw Willis, who was known to him.
“Willis followed the victim as they exchanged words,” said SMPD Lieutenant Rudy Flores. “The victim was attempting to express his displeasure of Willis having any contact with his stepson when Willis retrieved a handgun from his waistband and struck the victim on the top of the head with it. Willis then pointed the firearm at the victim and fired one round at him.”
According to the SMPD, the victim was not struck and ran into Star Liquor (1929 Main St), to call for help.
Willis fled eastbound on Pico Boulevard, police say.
“SMPD Officer observed Willis at 3rd and Pico. Willis failed to comply to the officer’s commands and ran into El Texate Restaurant (316 Pico Blvd). Officers quickly made entry into the establishment, and safely took him into custody,” Flores said.
SMPD officers made entry into the establishment, and safely took Willis into custody. Police recovered a loaded 9mm handgun on Willis with one spent casing lodged in the chamber.
On June 22, the Los Angeles County’s District Attorney’s Office charged Willis with the following: attempted murder with gun enhancement; assault with a deadly weapon with gun enhancement; felon in possession of a firearm; unlawful possession of ammo; concealed unregistered firearm; carrying unregistered firearm; and resisting arrest.
