Man Killed In Santa Monica Fight

SANTA MONICA, CA — An investigation was underway Sunday into a fatal shooting that occurred near the Santa Monica Police Department.

The shooting occurred about 10:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Fourth Street and Olympic Drive, where the police department is located, according to Santa Monica Police Department Sgt. Richard Verbeck. The location is just steps away from the overpass of the transition of Pacific Coast Highway to the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, and around the corner from City Hall and Tongva Park.

"Preliminary information indicates the incident involved an altercation between occupants of two vehicles prior to the shooting," Verbeck said. "During the confrontation, a suspect produced a firearm and discharged at least one round, striking the victim. The suspect or suspects fled the area prior to officers' arrival." The nature of the altercation was not further explained.

Officers rendered aid to the wounded man until paramedics arrived to take him to a hospital, where he died, the sergeant said.

Neither a description nor enumeration of the fight participants was provided.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Criminal Investigations Division Sgt. Shaun Cooney at 310-458-8401, Shaun.Cooney@santamonica.gov or the watch commander at 310-458-8427.

— City News Service