Santa Monica Police Shooting Near Promenade: Officer Ambushed, Suspect Arrested, Linked to Waymo Incident

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Officer Ambushed While Approaching Suspect Near Santa Monica Place

A Santa Monica police officer was ambushed and shot near the 3rd Street Promenade on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after approaching a suspect believed to be connected to a prior criminal incident. According to authorities, the officer identified himself before the suspect fled on foot, prompting a short chase that ended with the suspect firing multiple rounds.

The officer, a newer recruit to the department, was seriously injured and transported to UCLA Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition. He was reportedly shot in the hand.

Suspect Captured After Extensive Search

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. near the intersection of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue. Following an extensive manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies, the suspect was apprehended around 4:20 p.m. near Idaho and Ocean Avenue, thanks to a tip from a nearby resident. A firearm believed to be used in the attack was recovered at the scene.

AIR7 captured the arrest live from above, showing officers taking the man into custody after another short foot pursuit.

Suspect Tied to Earlier Waymo Vehicle Shooting

Authorities later confirmed that the suspect is also believed to be the same person involved in a shooting earlier this week that left two juveniles injured inside a Waymo self-driving vehicle. While his name has not yet been released, police say they are “almost 100% sure” of the connection.

Officials noted that the suspect may be homeless.

A Dangerous Pattern: Second Officer Attacked in 8 Months

This is the second serious injury of a Santa Monica officer within the last eight months. A previous incident involved an officer being stabbed in the line of duty—he is still recovering.

Mayor Lana Negrete expressed gratitude for the swift interagency response and emphasized the importance of officer safety.

Eyewitness Accounts Describe the Chaos

Witnesses near the scene reported hearing what sounded like multiple gunshots. “It was like, ‘pop, pop, pop, pop,’” said James Heaney, who works nearby. “It happened so fast. Within 30 seconds, there were cops speeding down the street with their doors open.”

The community remains on edge as investigations continue into both the police shooting and the earlier Waymo-related incident.