Crisis negotiators successfully de-escalated the situation at the shopping center.
Emergency responders safely resolved a standoff at the Santa Monica Place shopping center Monday evening, taking an individual experiencing a mental health crisis into custody without injury, authorities said.
The Santa Monica Police Department announced the resolution at 5:15 p.m. following a coordinated response involving patrol officers, the Santa Monica Fire Department, and specialized personnel from the Crisis Negotiation Team. The individual was transported to a local hospital to undergo a formal mental health evaluation.
The response prompted temporary street closures and pedestrian restrictions around the outdoor mall, including a complete shutdown of northbound 2nd Street between Colorado Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. Law enforcement officials had initially urged the public to bypass the area to give first responders adequate space to de-escalate the situation.
Local businesses and transit corridors returned to normal operations after the scene was contained. Police confirmed that at no point during the incident was there an active threat to the broader public.
Following the incident, police reminded the public that anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, 24/7 support.
