Santa Monica shooting suspect David John Hairston II arrested after police officer ambush near mall

Find out how Santa Monica police captured David John Hairston II after a brazen ambush left an officer wounded near a busy outdoor mall on June 25, 2025.

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A police officer was ambushed and shot during an attempted arrest in downtown Santa Monica, California, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in what officials described as a targeted act of violence. The incident occurred near Santa Monica Place, a high-traffic outdoor shopping center, and led to an intense manhunt that concluded with the arrest of the suspect, David John Hairston II.

Authorities confirmed that Hairston, 31, was wanted in connection with a separate shooting earlier in the week that left two teenagers injured inside a Waymo self-driving taxi. After spotting the suspect, the officer attempted to make contact, prompting a short foot pursuit that ended with Hairston allegedly opening fire.

The officer was seriously wounded but is in stable condition and expected to recover. Fellow officers rendered immediate aid and transported him to a nearby hospital. Police Chief Ramon Batista said the ambush was sudden and deliberate, stating that the officer was “ambushed” shortly after identifying himself.

Hairston was taken into custody approximately three hours later, following a public tip. Police confirmed the recovery of a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. He is being held at the Santa Monica Jail with bail set at $1 million. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 27.

What law enforcement strategies enabled the quick arrest of the shooting suspect in Santa Monica?

The incident triggered a coordinated multi-agency response, involving ground units, tactical teams, and helicopters to canvass the area. A photo of Hairston was distributed by the Santa Monica Police Department across local networks and social media. A member of the public recognized Hairston in Palisades Park, leading to a second foot pursuit and his arrest around 4:20 p.m.

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Authorities credited community awareness, interagency communication, and pre-existing alert systems with the quick identification and apprehension. The wanted bulletin, released following the Waymo shooting on June 22, played a critical role in helping the officer recognize Hairston near Santa Monica Place just before the ambush occurred.

What charges is David John Hairston II facing following the Santa Monica ambush and Waymo shooting?

Police said Hairston will face multiple felony charges, including attempted murder of a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted murder related to the earlier shooting involving two juveniles. The district attorney’s office is expected to confirm and file formal charges following Hairston’s scheduled court appearance on June 27.

Law enforcement officials also confirmed that Hairston was homeless and had no known fixed address at the time of arrest. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether he has legal representation. The handgun recovered will undergo ballistic testing to link it to both incidents.

How are Santa Monica officials and institutions responding to the recent wave of violence?

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete called the quick arrest “fortunate” and praised the collaborative effort between officers and the public. Police Chief Ramon Batista described the shooting as an “ambush” and highlighted the bravery of the wounded officer. Both officials emphasized the importance of continued community engagement and interagency cooperation.

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City officials indicated that public safety protocols are under review, especially in light of the incident occurring in a major pedestrian and retail area. Tactical readiness around high-density zones, officer safety measures, and alert systems may be enhanced based on findings from this event.

What does the Santa Monica ambush reveal about policing risks and community readiness in 2025?

The ambush illustrates the evolving nature of urban law enforcement, where routine suspect engagements can escalate quickly into high-risk scenarios. Santa Monica’s immediate deployment of resources, coupled with community awareness, served as a case study in balancing public alert systems and tactical response in real-time.

Institutional experts noted that such incidents reinforce the necessity of equipping officers with situational intelligence and ensuring cross-departmental readiness for active shooter or armed suspect scenarios.

How did the Waymo shooting earlier this week connect to the June 25 ambush near Santa Monica Place?

The ambush followed an earlier incident on June 22, in which Hairston allegedly shot into a Waymo vehicle carrying two teenagers. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries. That case triggered the creation of a suspect bulletin, which the ambushed officer had seen prior to encountering Hairston near the mall.

While Waymo has not commented publicly on the case, the shooting has drawn broader attention to how autonomous vehicle platforms intersect with public safety incidents, especially when involved in active criminal investigations.

What future legal proceedings and safety changes are expected after the Santa Monica police ambush?

Hairston’s arraignment is expected to be followed by pre-trial hearings and formal charge announcements. Santa Monica officials have indicated that new safety measures—particularly around pedestrian malls, parks, and public transportation hubs—may be introduced in the coming months.

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Police departments in surrounding jurisdictions are also watching the case closely, as the resolution of this incident could influence regional law enforcement training and community policing models.

What is the public sentiment after the officer’s recovery and suspect’s arrest in Santa Monica?

Local residents and city leaders expressed relief that the officer is recovering and the suspect is no longer at large. On social media, tributes and messages of support for the Santa Monica Police Department poured in, highlighting appreciation for the speed of the response and community cooperation.

While the events shocked the region, the peaceful conclusion to the manhunt has been viewed as an example of how public vigilance and structured response protocols can yield swift justice without further violence.


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