SANTA MONICA—On August 22, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to reports of a domestic violence incident in Palisades Park, near the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue. As a witness was being interviewed, a shooting occurred involving an officer and a man who was not connected to the incident. On August 23, around 7:49 p.m., a shooting occurred near the ramp leading to the Santa Monica Pier. On August 25, the SMPD announced starting this week, it will increase its presence in the city following the incidents. There will be more patrols at the Santa Monica Pier, the downtown area, Palisades Park, and Santa Monica Beach.
Over the next few days, the city will also conduct outreach so business owners on the Pier and in the downtown area can express their concerns and learn about public safety resources.
Residents can share public safety concerns by attending Coffee with a Cop. On Thursday, August 27, an event will be held at the SMPD Downtown Station, located at 395 Santa Monica Place, and will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The investigations into the two shootings are ongoing.
On August 24, the SMPD announced a suspect who is a juvenile was arrested in relation to the shooting that occurred near the Santa Monica Pier ramp. Other suspects are being sought. In the future, footage from the body cameras worn during the officer-involved shooting will be released to the public.
By Daniel Diquinzio