Police say a Santa Monica police officer was stabbed multiple times in an unprovoked attack; Suspect killed in officer-involved shooting

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) — A Santa Monica police officer was stabbed multiple times in an unprovoked attack Saturday, police said.

It happened outside the Santa Monica Police Station on Olympic Drive around 5:21 p.m.

During an evening news conference, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista said the officer was outside the station getting information from a local resident about an ongoing case.

He said that’s when the suspect, described only as a man in his 30s, suddenly interrupted the conversation.

“At that moment, the man attacked the officer unexpectedly and without warning,” Batista said. “[He] He pulled a large knife from his clothing, attacked and stabbed
the officer.”

He said the officer then drew his gun and walked around the corner of the building. The suspect then followed him and “continued the attack.”

“There was an officer-involved shooting in that area, on the side of the building,” Batista said.

According to the police chief, the suspect died at the scene.

The officer was stabbed multiple times during the attack and was taken to a nearby hospital. Although Batista described the officer’s injuries as “very serious,” he is in stable condition and is expected to survive.

“I cannot tell you enough how disappointed I am that this unprovoked attack took place on our streets,” Batista said.

The area near the train station remained closed for most of the evening.

The officer was not identified, but Batista said he was in his 30s and had been with the department for less than 10 years.

“In Santa Monica, we take pride in keeping our city safe,” Batista said. “Unfortunately, a number of very serious events have occurred in our city since this summer. However, our officers will continue to be on site every day ensuring the public safety of our residents.”

The Santa Monica Police Department is conducting an internal investigation to ensure policies and procedures were followed in the officer-involved shooting. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will also investigate this incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Monica PD Watch Commander Desk at 310-458-8427.