SMPD Update On WAYMO And Officer Involved Shootings

SANTA MONICA—On June 25, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) issued the following update on the recent shooting of juveniles in a WAYMO vehicle, and the investigation led to an Officer Involved Shooting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

At approximately 1:00 p.m. today, a Santa Monica Police Department officer identified an individual believed to be the suspect in the June 22 Waymo shooting. As the officer attempted to detain him, the suspect fled on foot.

During the brief pursuit, the suspect ambushed the officer and fired multiple rounds, striking him before fleeing the area.

The officer sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and remains in stable condition. Responding officers provided immediate aid and he was transported to a local hospital. We extend our deepest gratitude to the hospital staff for their outstanding care and professionalism.

At approximately 4:20 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody near Palisades Park. A timely tip from a resident led officers to the suspect, who was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. The firearm used in the assault was recovered.

We sincerely thank our law enforcement partners for their crucial support, including the Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Beverly Hills Police Department, El Segundo Police Department, Hawthorne Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Los Angeles District Attorney Police, Gardena Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Culver City PD and UCLA PD. 

This marks the second time in eight months that a Santa Monica officer has been seriously injured in the line of duty—first by stabbing, now by gunfire. The officer injured in the earlier stabbing continues to recover. These incidents underscore the risks faced by officers in the line of duty and the continued need for collective commitment to public safety and community partnership.

We also thank our residents for their vigilance, patience, and support throughout today’s events. Further details will be provided in a formal press release as the investigation continues.”—Lt. Lewis Gilmour

On Sunday, June 22, SMPD officers responded to a call reporting shots fired. Two teens were injured while traveling in a Waymo self-driving vehicle. Both young people were shot. One  in the torso, the other in the arm. They were taken to an area hospital where they were listed in stable condition.

According to reports, the teens and the suspects had a verbal altercation that led to violence. The suspects who were on foot, shot multiple rounds into the vehicle at the teens and then fled the scene. 

The WAYMO company temporarily discontinued service in downtown Los Angeles and some other areas including Santa Monica after this and other targeted acts of vandalism against the WAYMO vehicles that were burned. at LA’s recent No Kings and Anti-Ice Protests-Riots Reports indicate that close to 1,500 WAYMO cars have been vandalized this year.

Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom reported, the No Kings demonstrations as, “Peaceful Protests.”

WAYMO vehicles are equipped with approximately 29 cameras.  The WAYMO company indicated that these self-driving vehicles are built for the safety of those traveling inside the vehicle.  There is no protection from vandals and gunfire.  Video footage captured by the cameras will help bring perpetrators to justice.

Anyone with more information is encouraged to call the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.