In a truly alarming development in a liberal-run city, a young police officer was ambushed by a wanted thug involved in a prior shooting.
Read the tweet further down this post.
The brave officer, currently in field training, was shot multiple times while attempting to detain a suspect wanted for shooting two teenagers days earlier.
The shooting occurred near Santa Monica Place, a popular outdoor shopping mall in the coastal city.
The officer, described as a new addition to the force, recognized the suspect from a wanted bulletin related to a June 22 shooting that injured two teenagers in a Waymo vehicle.
When he attempted to detain the suspect, the situation quickly escalated.
According to police reports, “As the officer attempted to detain him, the suspect fled on foot. During the brief pursuit, the suspect ambushed the officer and fired multiple rounds, striking him before fleeing the area.”
The cowardly ambush left the officer with multiple gunshot wounds, though thankfully, his injuries were non-life-threatening.
Despite being rushed to a local hospital, the injured officer displayed remarkable courage and resilience that has become characteristic of America’s thin blue line.
“He’s enthusiastic. He’s in field training. He’s got a great attitude. I saw him in the hospital this afternoon. He is in good spirits. I feel hopeful that he will recover,” Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista remarked.
Following the shooting, a massive multi-agency manhunt was launched to capture the dangerous suspect.
Law enforcement described the shooter as a man in his 30s, wearing a dark jacket and black jeans, and likely homeless.
This is a growing problem in California cities where liberal policies have allowed the homeless population to explode while hamstringing police efforts to maintain order.
Thanks to community tips and witness information, officers were able to track down and arrest the suspect at Palisades Park.
Upon capture, the criminal was found with a handgun believed to be used in both the officer shooting and the previous Waymo vehicle attack that injured two innocent teenagers.
The suspect who shot a Santa Monica police officer near Santa Monica Place today is now in custody. Police confirm he is the same individual wanted for the Sunday night shooting that injured two teens inside a driverless Waymo vehicle near 2nd & Broadway. https://t.co/s9YZkvKNe8 pic.twitter.com/VPLWOiKAZG
— Westside Current (@WestsideCurrent) June 26, 2025
Chief Batista expressed confidence that they had captured the right individual in both shootings.
“We are almost 100% accurate in believing that it’s the same individual,” he said.
This connected the dots between the officer ambush and the earlier shooting of teenagers.
In addition, this latest attack on law enforcement comes as police departments nationwide struggle with recruitment, retention, and morale amid anti-police rhetoric and defunding efforts pushed by leftist politicians.
The Santa Monica incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers officers face daily while protecting communities from violent criminals who show no regard for the law.
Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete expressed relief at the suspect’s quick apprehension.
Still, the incident raises serious questions about why a dangerous criminal, already wanted for shooting teenagers, was free to roam the streets and target a police officer in a busy shopping district in broad daylight.
As the wounded officer recovers, this case underscores the urgent need for stronger support for law enforcement.
Also, stricter penalties for those who attack the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe are needed.
