SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department revealed that on Friday, March 9 detectives filed charges against Carl Marcel Nelson, 33, from Los Angeles for his role in an attempted homicide/shooting that transpired in the region. The charges were filed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Airport Division Courthouse.

Lt. Saul Rodriguez from the SMPD spoke to Canyon News via email about the incident. On February 17, at 1:55 a.m., multiple calls were received regarding a shooting in the area of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue. Officers determined several male subjects were involved in a physical fight after exiting a nearby nightclub; which led to the suspect brandishing a firearm. Lt. Rodriguez indicated at the current time the Police Department would not be releasing the name of the victim.

Nelson shot at a male victim and fled the scene. The victim was struck multiple times in the lower leg, and was later found in a nearby car suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. When Canyon News asked about details of what led to the fight, Lt. Rodriguez replied, “Uncertain.  It started as verbal dispute in the nightclub which led to a physical fight and shooting outside of the club.”

SMPD Detectives and the Forensics Unit responded to the scene for a preliminary investigation and evidence collection. Following extensive investigative efforts, detectives were able to link Nelson to the attempted homicide. He was taken into police custody on Wednesday, March 7 in the 10000 block of East Flower Street in Los Angeles by SMPD Officers.

He was charged with 664/187(a) PC – Attempt Murder; 245(a)(2) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon and 29800(a)(1) PC – Previously Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Nelson remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on a $2.165 million bail pending future court proceedings.

Lt. Rodriguez indicated that authorities are unsure if the victim and the suspect knew each other before the shooting transpired. He noted there were no other reports of injuries during the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Cooper at (310) 458-8478; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.