Officers Apprehended Suspect Near Santa Monica High School
Santa Monica Police responded to a call at the Hilton Santa Monica on 4th Street and Civic Center Drive around noon on Monday, where a suspect was reportedly threatening hotel staff with a hammer, according to a press statement on the SMPD’s social media.
The suspect fled the scene and headed toward the 4th Street Breezeway near Santa Monica High School. Although the suspect did not enter the campus, no students were nearby during the incident.
Despite multiple commands from officers, the suspect refused to drop the hammer and continued making threats. Officers deployed a taser and 40mm projectiles, successfully taking the suspect into custody without further incident.
The Santa Monica Fire Department evaluated the suspect on-site, and, following department policy, he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Charges of assault with a deadly weapon are pending.
The Santa Monica Police Department remains in contact with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Officials confirmed that the gate to Santa Monica High School remains locked during school hours.