Knife-Wielding Man Shot, Killed By Police In Santa Monica, Police Say

SANTA MONICA, CA — A man who was shot and killed by police Saturday charged at them with a knife while officers were investigating a domestic violence incident on Saturday, Santa Monica’s police chief said.

The identity of the man, who was in his mid-40s, would be released by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office after his identity has been confirmed and his next of kin has been notified, Police Chief Darrick Jacob said at a news conference Saturday evening.

Jacob said the shooting remains under investigation and authorities were collecting video from both body-worn cameras and other cameras in the area of the shooting, on the 1400 block of Palisades Park, where police were called at 12:49 p.m. regarding the domestic violence incident.

He said the man who was shot was not involved in the domestic violence call but charged at officers with the knife and ignored repeated commands to drop it, instead continuing to move toward the officers.

One officer fired, hitting the man, and officers immediately started lifesaving measures, Jacob said.

Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and continued providing emergency medical care, and the man was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead at 1:49 p.m., he said.

A knife was recovered at the scene, Jacob said.

There were no other injuries.

“Any incident resulting in the loss of life is significant,” Jacob said. “We recognize the impact this has on the deceased’s family and those who knew him, our community and the personnel who responded.”

He said investigators were preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing all available information, including body-worn camera footage and other video from the area.

Portions of Palisades Park will remain closed while the investigation and data-gathering continue.

He said the information released Saturday was preliminary and “may change as investigators collect and review additional evidence.”

“We are committed to a careful and thorough review of the facts,” Jacob said.

Jacob thanked the law enforcement agencies that assisted and said, “This incident is also a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change for the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department who serve our community. Officers respond every day to situations that are unpredictable, complex and potentially dangerous.”

“I want our personnel to know they have my full support,” he said.