On June 20, at about 8:08 p.m.
Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Officers responded to investigate a shooting that occurred in the 1900 block Main Street. When officers arrived on scene they met with the victim, who told them that he was walking with his stepson in the area when he saw the suspect, who he knows, and the suspect followed the victim as they exchanged words.
The victim was attempting to express his displeasure of Willis having any contact with his stepson when the suspect retrieved a handgun from his waistband and struck the victim on the top of the head with it. The suspect then pointed the firearm at the victim and fired one round at him. The victim was not struck and was able to run into Star Liquor (1929 Main St), to summon for help, while suspect fled eastbound on foot. A SMPD Officer observed the suspect at 3rd and Pico. He failed to comply to the officer’s commands and ran into El Texate Restaurant (316 Pico Blvd). Officers quickly made entry into the establishment, and safely took him into custody. Officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun on his person with one spent casing lodged in the chamber.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Harold Dwayne Willis, a 29-year-old male, for his involvement in the shooting.
On June 22, the Los Angeles County’s District Attorney’s Office charged Willis with the following:
- 664/187(a) PC – Attempt Murder (with gun enhancement)
- 245(a)(2) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon (with gun enhancement)
- 29800(a)(1) PC – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- 30305(a)(1) PC – Unlawful Possession of Ammo
- 25400(a)(2) PC – Concealed Unregistered Firearm
- 25850(a) PC – Carrying Loaded Firearm Unregistered
- 2 counts – 148(a)(1) PC Resist, Delay, Obstruct Arrest
Anyone with any additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Murphy with the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) at (310) 458-8941 or by email at nicole.murphy@smgov.net.
