The man wanted in connection with a Monday shooting at Santa Monica College was found dead Tuesday afternoon in Hawthorne.
Santa Monica College (SMC) was closed Tuesday after an employee was shot and seriously injured on Monday Night in what authorities called an act of workplace violence.
The shooting occurred at the Center for Media & Design (CMD) at approximately 9:50pm. The center, located at 1660 Stewart Street is not the main campus but is one of several satellite facilities owned by the college. The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is investigating the incident and confirmed that one employee was shot saying it was an isolated incident.
“SMPD believes the shooting is an isolated incident and there is no information suggesting there is a threat to the community. We will be providing extra patrols around our schools to further our connection with our students and their parents,” said a statement from SMPD.
The search for the suspect concluded in Hawthorne where multiple law enforcement agencies found the alleged shooter and surrounded his vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot before police opened the car doors. When officers did breach the vehicle they found the suspect dead inside.
Kathryn E. Jeffery, Superintendent & President of Santa Monica College issued a statement prior to officials locating the suspect. She said the investigation was ongoing and police responded promptly.
"Here at SMC, we frequently refer to each other as family. At this heartbreaking time, I urge us all to come together in kindness and compassion as we navigate this unspeakable tragedy," she said.
No information has been released about the suspect or their connection to the victim at this time.
The college lockdown impacted some SMMUSD students who take classes on SMC’s main campus. SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton issued a statement saying students all SMMUSD schools were operating as normal, except for Olympic High School, housed on the SMC main campus, which was on distance learning.
“Our thoughts are with those affected. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with law enforcement as their investigation continues,” he said.
SMC's main campus was the location of June 7, 2013 shooting. In that case, a pair of police officers confronted 23-year old John Zawahri in the SMC Library. Zawahri shot and killed his father and brother, set his house on fire and went on a shooting spree that left five innocent victims dead.
He was attempting to breach the room where several people had barricaded themselves to safety when he was confronted by the officers. Zawari, armed with an assault weapon was shot after he fired at the officers.
matt@smdp.com
