Identified Suspect in Santa Monica Mall Officer's Alleged Ambush Shooting Incident, Linked to Waymo
Hoodlum Hairston's Havoc in Santa Monica
In a shocking turn of events, the culprit responsible for the chaotic shootout at the upscale Santa Monica Place mall and a Waymo in downtown Santa Monica over the past week has been pinpointed. David John Hairston II, a 31-year-old suspect thought to be homeless, is the alleged perpetrator.
Hairston faced off against a police officer at the Santa Monica Place mall on Wednesday afternoon, following a prolonged manhunt after the initial shooting incident on Sunday that left two juveniles injured in a Waymo self-driving taxi. Hairston, being held in lieu of $1 million, is set to appear in court on Friday.
The Santa Monica Police Department is pursuing multiple felony charges against Hairston, including attempted murder of a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of attempted murder in connection to the Waymo shooting. His case will be presented to the L.A. County district attorney's office for further examination.
The dramatic unfolding at Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade on Wednesday forced nearby establishments to close, and the police urged people to steer clear of the popular tourist destination. The ordeal began around 1 p.m., as an officer attempted to detain a suspect linked to the Sunday shooting, but the suspect, in a cowardly move, attacked the officer, discharging numerous bullets, striking the officer, and then scampering off on foot.
The search for the gunman continued for hours, involving the cooperation of 12 law enforcement agencies. Many businesses in the area went into lockdown, including the Clayton Children's Museum inside the mall, who, after safely sheltering 112 guests, praised the swift and calm response of their staff during the incident.
Hairston was captured in Palisades Park at 4:20 p.m., thanks to a helpful local resident who recognized the suspect from photos released by the police. The weapon believed to have been used in the assault was also recovered at the scene.
The injured officer was transported to a nearby hospital and is believed to be making a full recovery following his non-fatal hand wound. This incident marks the second time a Santa Monica officer has suffered a severe injury in the line of duty—after being stabbed in a separate incident—reiterating the inherent perils law enforcement personnel confront regularly and underlining the perpetual necessity for community safety and unity.
- Further Reading:
- Third Street Promenade shopkeeper fatally shoots man during attempted robbery, police say
- L.A. County sheriff's deputy shoots man in West Hollywood
- Suspect in Target shooting taken into custody after hours-long standoff with police
- Enrichment Data:
- The shooting incidents involving David John Hairston II at Santa Monica Place mall and downtown Santa Monica unfolded as follows:
- On Sunday, June 23, 2025, Hairston fired shots through the window of a Waymo self-driving taxi, injuring two children who were passengers inside the vehicle[1].
- Hairston, a 31-year-old believed to be homeless, was identified as the suspect in the shooting incident when he later attacked a Santa Monica police officer on Wednesday, June 25, 2025[2].
- The police officer who was shot had recently joined the department and sustained a non-life-threatening hand wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment[2].
- Hairston was apprehended near the Santa Monica Place Mall shortly after 1 p.m. on June 25, after a police officer recognized him from a bulletin related to the Waymo shooting. During the brief pursuit, Hairston ambushed the officer, firing multiple rounds, and injuring him before fleeing. He was arrested following this encounter[2].
- Hairston has been booked on at least one count of attempted murder and is currently being held on $1 million bail[2].
- The underlined suspect in the shooting incident at Santa Monica Place mall and downtown Santa Monica, David John Hairston II, is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder of a peace officer.
- This case will be reviewed by the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, and Hairston's court hearing is scheduled for Friday.
- The incident at Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade caused nearby businesses to close and prompted the police to advise people to avoid the popular tourist destination.
- The shooting at Santa Monica Place mall and downtown Santa Monica is one of several instances of crime-and-justice incidents in the area, making general-news headlines and underscoring the need for community safety and unity.
