PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY — A Santa Monica man on Friday was charged with trying to hire someone to kill a former business partner, police said.
Paul Harwood, 54, was charged with two counts of solicitation of murder and for possession of and manufacturing cocaine, said SMPD Sgt. Jay Trisler.
The intended victim was not injured and there are no additional suspects, police said.
Officers received a tip that Harwood was looking to hire someone to kill his former business partner. Police would not release the name of the intended victim or provide any information on Harwood’s business dealings because the case is still under investigation.
Officers served a search warrant at Harwood’s residence on Dec. 16. Officers found a small amount of cocaine.
Harwood is expected to be arraigned on Dec. 31. He is being held on $1 million bail.
Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact the SMPD at (310) 458-8426.
