Man arrested after officer pursuing suspect 'ambushed' at Santa Monica mall
June 25 (UPI) -- Police in Santa Monica, Calif., captured a suspect wanted in shooting two teens in a vehicle on Sunday and an officer injured while pursuing him at an outdoor shopping mall in Southern California on Wednesday.
Police said the unnamed man was arrested about three hours after the incident at the shopping mall.
UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
The suspect involved in today's shooting of an SMPD officer has been arrested. He has also been confirmed as the individual wanted in connection with the recent Waymo vehicle shooting.
We're grateful for the support of our regional partners and the... pic.twitter.com/TjutaMatLw— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) June 26, 2025
The officer recognized the alleged shooter from a wanted bulletin for a shooting incident involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle, police said.
"After identifying himself as a police officer, a short foot pursuit ensued, where the officer was ambushed," Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista said at a news briefing about the incident that occurred at 1:10 p.m. PDT. "The suspect fired multiple rounds at the officer and fled the area on foot."
Fellow officers "quickly rendered aid" and he was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police released photos of the suspect in his 30s, who was last seen wearing a dark-colored jacket and black pants. They asked anyone who recognizes or sees him to call 911.
✅ Santa Monica Place has been cleared.
The suspect remains at large. See photo below.
Description: Male, Black, Approximate age: 30s
Wearing a dark-colored jacket and black pants
If you recognize this individual or see someone matching this description, do not... pic.twitter.com/0DGFvZukRz— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) June 25, 2025
They received a tip from someone who reported seeing a person matching the suspect's description.
After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was arrested at 4:20 p.m. at Palisades Park about 6 miles from the mall, the chief said.
Officers recovered the handgun near the suspect, according to Batista.
The police chief said he has been linked to both incidents.
"We are almost 100% accurate in believing that it's the same individual," Batista said.
The teens suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting, which occurred after an argument, police said.
The suspect was considered armed and dangerous.
"We are fortunate that within a short amount of time, we were able to apprehend the individual and he is no longer on the street," Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete said at the briefing.
The 3rd Street Promenade, which is near the pier, was cleared around 3 p.m. The mall is 16 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The public was being asked to avoid the area during the ongoing investigation.
The shopping, dining and entertainment complex, which is three blocks in the downtown area, opened in 1965. It includes the upscale Santa Monica Place, which is home to more than 80 retailers, according to the city's visitation website.
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