Santa Monica Police Officer Injured in Stabbing, Suspect Fatally Shot | News

SANTA MONICA — A Santa Monica police officer was attacked and injured in an unprovoked knife attack outside the police station on Saturday, resulting in a fatal officer-involved shooting, authorities said.

The incident occurred at around 5:21 p.m. when the officer, who was on foot outside the station, was approached by a man in his 30s. According to a statement from the Santa Monica Police Department, the officer was talking to a resident about an unrelated matter when the man confronted him about it.

The officer asked the man to wait, but the person suddenly pulled out a knife and attacked the officer, slashing and stabbing him, police said. The officer retreated while drawing his weapon, but the man continued to pursue him, causing the officer to shoot around the corner of the building.

Officers provided medical care to the suspect until Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived and took over, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is handling the death investigation, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the incident according to standard procedure. The Santa Monica Police Department is also conducting an internal investigation to determine whether proper protocols were followed.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.