The Santa Monica Police Department is conducting an active search for a suspect following a shooting incident that left one officer injured this afternoon.
Santa Monica Place has been evacuated and streets are closed within two blocks of the mall as police from multiple agencies respond to the ongoing incident. The wounded officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to police. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and remains in stable condition.
The police department has issued a description of the suspect as "male, black, approximately aged in their 30s, wearing a dark-colored jacket and black pants."
"This was an officer-involved shooting and we can confirm that an officer was shot," said Mayor Lana Negrete. "I plan to visit the officer at UCLA as soon as the medical team allows it."
Negrete said that the armed suspect is also believed to be connected to the shooting of two teens who were riding in a driverless taxi over the weekend.
Negrete said an officer recognized an individual from a wanted bulletin and was shot while attempting to make contact. "Earlier today, an officer recognized an individual from a wanted bulletin. As the officer attempted to make contact, the suspect fired a shot and fled the area," Negrete said.
Negrete said the city is deploying all available resources to capture the suspect. "We're deploying every tool at our disposal, including new technology and all available personnel on the ground, to apprehend the suspect," she said. "Please respect the police perimeter and avoid the downtown area."
Police are asking the public to avoid the area near Santa Monica Place at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue to allow emergency personnel to respond safely and efficiently. The suspect remains at large as a coordinated search continues.
The mayor encouraged residents to stay informed by subscribing to the city's emergency alert system by texting SMAlerts to 888-777.
"This remains an evolving situation," the police department said in a statement. "Additional details will be shared as they are confirmed and when appropriate to do so."
The department said it appreciates the community's patience and cooperation as officers work to ensure public safety. Updates will be provided through official Santa Monica Police Department channels as the investigation continues.
A press conference is scheduled to start any minute with an emergency media staging area being set up at 333 Olympic Drive. We will continue to bring you updates from as soon as they are made available.
If you recognize this individual or see someone matching this description, do not approach, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Matthew Hall, Maaz Alin & Scott Snowden