A Santa Monica police officer was shot and injured on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, near Santa Monica Place, an upscale outdoor shopping mall in Los Angeles County. The incident has triggered a large-scale manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities have also revealed that the individual is suspected of involvement in a separate shooting incident that occurred just days prior.
The shooting unfolded Wednesday afternoon, around 2:30 PM PT, near the intersection of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, close to the city’s famed Third Street Promenade. According to Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) spokesperson Lt. Lewis Gilmour, an officer recognized the suspect from a wanted bulletin related to an alleged previous crime. As the officer approached to make contact, the individual produced a handgun and fired a single round, striking the officer, before fleeing the scene. ABC News reported on the details provided by Lt. Gilmour.
The injured officer sustained a non-life-threatening wound and was promptly transported to a local hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition. No other injuries were reported during the incident at Santa Monica Place. USA Today confirmed the officer’s injury and the ongoing search.
A significant development in the investigation, as reported by CBS News Los Angeles, is the suspect’s alleged connection to a shooting on Sunday night that wounded two juveniles riding in a self-driving Waymo car. Investigators believe the man who opened fire on the officer is the same individual involved in that earlier incident. The SMPD has released a photo of the suspect, describing him as a Black male in his 30s, last seen wearing a dark-colored jacket and black pants. The public has been urged to call 911 immediately if they recognize or see him, but cautioned not to approach, as he is still considered armed and dangerous. Hindustan Times also provided details on the suspect’s description and the public advisory.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Santa Monica Place was evacuated and cleared by police. Shelter-in-place orders that were issued for the downtown area were lifted around 3:00 PM PT. A massive police presence, including officers in tactical gear and a helicopter, converged on the area as a coordinated search involving multiple agencies commenced. Streets within two blocks of the mall were closed, and the downtown Santa Monica train station was temporarily shut down, with LA Metro arranging bus shuttles for commuters. Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete confirmed the officer-involved shooting and stated that authorities are deploying every tool at their disposal, including new technology, to apprehend the suspect.
The Santa Monica Police Department continues its active investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements. Officials have stated that this remains an evolving situation and have expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and cooperation as they work to ensure public safety. The ongoing manhunt underscores the seriousness of the incident and the commitment of law enforcement to bring the suspect to justice.
