The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) used less-lethal options to subdue and detain a suspect who threatened employees of a local hotel with a hammer today.
According to SMPD, officers responded to a call at the Hilton Santa Monica on 4th Street and Civic Center Drive at about noon for a report of a suspect threatening hotel staff with a hammer.
The hotel is adjacent to Santa Monica High School and SMPD said the suspect fled towards the School 4th Street Breezeway, but did not enter the campus and thankfully, no students were nearby.
“Despite repeated commands, the suspect refused to drop the hammer and continued making threats,” said the statement. “Officers used a taser and 40mm projectiles to safely take the suspect into custody. The suspect was evaluated by the Santa Monica Fire Department and in accordance with department policy, transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Assault with a deadly weapon charges are pending.”
SMPD said they are in continuous contact with the Santa Monica and Malibu Unified School District and the High School gate is locked during the day.
matt@smdp.com
