A police officer in Santa Monica was “ambushed” on Wednesday afternoon after identifying a suspect wanted in a prior shooting, according to authorities. The incident occurred near the Santa Monica Place shopping mall, where the officer recognized the individual from a wanted bulletin tied to a separate shooting earlier this week that left two teenagers injured.
“After identifying himself as a police officer, a short foot pursuit ensued, where the officer was ambushed,” Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista said during a press briefing. “The suspect fired multiple rounds at the officer and fled the area on foot.”
Following an hours-long manhunt, police released the suspect’s photo and urged the public to call 911 with any sightings. A tip led officers to the suspect, who was arrested roughly three hours later. Batista confirmed that a handgun believed to have been used in the attack was found near him.
The officer suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was quickly aided by fellow officers before being taken to a local hospital. “He is in good spirits, and I feel hopeful that he will recover,” Batista said.
Authorities believe the suspect is connected to Sunday’s shooting involving two teens inside a Waymo autonomous taxi.
“We are almost 100% accurate in believing that it’s the same individual,” Batista stated.
Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the swift arrest.
“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,” she said.
The suspect’s name has not yet been released.
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