SANTA MONICA—A Brinks security guard who was working near the Third Street Promenade shot at a knife-brandishing suspect that attempted to rob his armored truck on Friday, August 16.
At approximately 11:15 a.m., a man approached a Brinks Armored truck brandishing a knife near Third Street and Arizona Avenue. As the suspect attempted to stab the security guard, the guard shot at him three times.
The Santa Monica Police Department responded to the scene about 10 minutes after the sound of gunshots were reported. Officials posted via Twitter at 11:24 a.m. that the suspect was not an “active shooter,” and no one was injured. Civilians directed police to the direction the suspect fled. As the perimeter was set up, authorities advised the public to avoid the areas of Third Street and Arizona Avenue during their investigation.
Several businesses were on lockdown upon police arrival. One man who was with workmates near the Promenade was in a business during lock down. He described the experience as “beyond sobering,” on his Twitter account. Another local who heard the gunshots posted, “What is this city coming to?”
The suspect was not struck by the gunfire. The SMPD located the suspect at approximately 12:10 p.m. in the area around Structure 4 at 1321 2nd Street. The SMPD reported in a press release that the suspect was found in possession of a knife, money, and money bag. The name of the suspect has not been disclosed to the public.
The security guard was not injured during the incident, and is not expected to face charges for firing his weapon at the suspect.
The investigation is ongoing and further information about the suspect will be released at a later time.
Anyone with information pertaining to the robbery is asked to contact Detective Cooper at 310-458-8478 or Sergeant Christopher Skogh at 310-458-8992.
