SMC shooter, identified as school employee, dead after police chase

The victim, the university’s Custodial Operations Manager, remains in critical condition

Dave Durell Dean, a Santa Monica College employee, has been identified as the suspect who shot and critically injured a colleague Monday night at the college’s Center for Media & Design, SMPD announced.

Dean, 39, fled the scene after the attack but was later arrested after a police pursuit near El Segundo Blvd. found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. in Hawthorne. The victim, the college’s Custodial Operations Manager, remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

The college shooting occurred at 1660 Stewart Street around 9:50 p.m. and was an act of workplace violence. Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene, resulting in an extensive overnight search by SMPD, Santa Monica College Police Department (SMCPD), and other law enforcement agencies.

On Tuesday afternoon, SMPD located Dean’s vehicle near El Segundo Blvd. and Aviation Blvd. in Hawthorne. After a short chase, officers used pursuit technology to stop the vehicle. Despite the efforts of the Hawthorne Police Crisis Negotiation Team, Dean was found dead in the car from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities said Dean, who had previously been arrested for violent crimes including attempted murder in 2011, had only been convicted of property crimes. SMC officials said the college requires background checks and disclosure of prior convictions for all employees.

SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery expressed her sadness over the incident and announced that counseling services were available for students and staff. SMC locations will remain closed until October 20, 2024, with instruction and operations shifting to online courses.

“To help our community during this very difficult time, SMC will…offer counseling and mental/emotional support,” Dr. Jeffery in a message. “At this heartbreaking time, I urge all of us to come together in kindness and compassion as we navigate this unspeakable tragedy.”

The investigation is ongoing, but police believe there are no other suspects or threats to the public.