SANTA MONICA—On June 26, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) issued a new press release with details on the officer-involved shooting on June 25 that was connected to the WAYMO shooting on June 22.
The initial incident occurred on June 22, at approximately 11:38 p.m. when then unknown suspects approached a WAYMO vehicle on foot downtown and shot into the vehicle injuring two juvenile passengers.
The victims were transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
On June 25, at approximately 1:00 p.m., an SMPD observed an individual matching the description of the suspect. He was later identified as 31-year-old David John Hairston, who was reportedly from the homeless community.
When the officer attempted to approach Hairston, he ran, leading the officer on a foot chase. He then turned and fired multiple shots striking and injuring the officer. The officer was transported to an area hospital where he was listed in stable condition.
At 4:20 p.m. SMPD received an anonymous tip from a community member who found an individual in Palisades Park that matched the description of the suspect. Approximately a dozen agencies worked in a joint effort to capture the suspect.
Officers responding to the call were led on another foot pursuit that ended in the arrest of Hairston who was booked into the Santa Monica jail. Bail was set at $1,000,000.
According to SMPD, the case was presented Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office on June 27. The anticipated charges included but were not limited to: Attempted Murder of a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of attempted murder of the two juveniles in the WAYMO shooting on June 22, and firearms violation.
On June 27, LA County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman issued a press release, the full text of which is posted on his webpage.
“David Hairston (dob 6/18/94) is charged in case 25ARCF01201 with three counts of attempted murder, one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm upon a peace officer, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and one count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle”.
It also is alleged that Hairston committed the attempted murders willfully, deliberately and with premeditation, and that he personally and intentionally discharged a handgun.
At a scheduled arraignment hearing today, the defense declared doubt as to competency and criminal proceedings were suspended. A competency hearing is scheduled for July 14 in Dept. 203 of the Hollywood Courthouse. Bail was set by the court at $4 million.
If convicted as charged, Hairston faces a maximum sentence of 104 years to life in state prison. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Stephen Lonseth of LADA’s Crimes Against Peace Officers Division and investigated by the Santa Monica Police Department.
“Our hearts go out to Officer Palmeira and the two young victims and their families who were senselessly targeted during these attacks. Violence in our community, especially against our children and those who risk their lives to protect us, is unacceptable. We are committed to holding the suspect accountable.”
By Sharon