The Santa Monica Police Department is seeking the public's help with two violent crime investigations.
Both incidents occurred on July 14, and witnesses of either crime are encouraged to contact SMPD.
During the early morning hours of July 14 officers responded to a call for a possible assault on the 900 block of Olympic Drive. The victim was found unconscious and bleeding from head wounds.
The Santa Monica Fire Department responded and transported the victim to UCLA Medical Center in Westwood for treatment. The victim died from his injuries on the evening of July 15. The victimwas identified as John Christopher Footman, 46, of Santa Monica. The SMPD Robbery-Homicide Unit is currently handling the investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8942, Sergeant Maury Sumlin at (310) 458-8437, or call the Watch Commander desk, open 24 hours a day, at (310) 458-8427.
Another violent crime occurred on July 14 at approximately 10:30 a.m. in which a woman and her mother were walking eastbound on Pico Boulevard across Main Street, when the victims noticed a suspect standing on the 200 block of Pico Boulevard.
The suspect took a shooting stance and pointed a small black semi-automatic handgun at the victims. The women fled southbound on Main Street, where they flagged down a police car.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 30sof average build and unknown color hair. He is said to have been wearing a baggy, black, zippered and hooded sweatshirt with empty drawstring holes, as well as black pants or jeans and black shoes.
Callers can contact Crime Stoppers by either calling or texting (800) 222-TIPS or by visitingwww.lacrimestoppers.org. Callers can remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive a $1,000 reward.
