𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: Robbery Attempt at Sole & Laces Ends in Suspect’s Death on Santa Monica Promenade

SANTA MONICA, CA — Sunday night, May 18, 2025 — A suspected attempted robbery at a sneaker boutique on the 1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade ended in a fatal shooting, prompting renewed concerns about public safety and retail crime in the city’s core shopping district. Santa Monica Police responded around 9:30 p.m. to a call for an assault with a deadly weapon at Sole & Laces, a boutique shoe store located at 1331 3rd Street Promenade. Officers arrived within minutes. According to the preliminary investigation, the store owner had agreed to conduct a private, after-hours sale with a known associate. During the meeting, a second man—allegedly conspiring with the associate—entered the store through the back and sprayed the owner with a chemical irritant. The owner, who was in legal possession of a firearm, fired at the intruder in what investigators describe as self-defense. The suspect was struck and later died at a local hospital. The associate, identified as 41-year-old Karen Melikyan of Los Angeles, was detained at the scene and has since been charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy. Though Melikyan did not pull the trigger, the homicide charge reflects California’s felony murder rule, which holds accomplices liable when a death occurs during the commission of a violent felony such as robbery. On Monday, the day after the incident, Santa Monica Closeup toured the store with John Alle, the property owner and longtime advocate for revitalizing the Promenade. “I feel very lucky to have a tenant who came here from San Francisco, having already experienced rampant theft and crime,” Alle said. “But he’s been disappointed. He’s dealing with walk-in thefts several times a week. Clothing is wired down. Shoes are locked up. His staff won’t stay past sundown.” Alle confirmed that the robbery suspect entered through the store’s rear entrance, a design vulnerability shared by many Promenade tenants. “They stormed in wearing masks and using mace,” he explained. “My tenant responded in self-defense. He aimed for the leg but struck the suspect in the backside. Tragically, that suspect later died.” Still visible at the scene Monday were bloodstains on the concrete and remnants of forensic tape. “This alley has become one of the most dangerous in the area since they removed access to Parking Garage 3,” Alle added. Alle noted that many storefronts have suffered repeated break-ins, and businesses are struggling to stay afloat amid persistent theft, homelessness, and safety concerns. “We’re seeing unreported crime skyrocket,” he said. “By the time police arrive, the suspect is gone. Many incidents go unreported to avoid insurance hikes that could put businesses out entirely.” According to Alle, the store’s owner sometimes sleeps in the building to guard his merchandise, which includes thousands of dollars in footwear and apparel. “He came to Santa Monica expecting it to be safer than San Francisco,” Alle said. “Now he believes the opposite.” The incident adds to broader concerns from tenants, workers, and landlords in the area. “Staff from restaurants and retail stores are afraid to walk to their cars after dark. Needles, defecation, harassment—this is the environment they’re facing,” Alle said. “We need leadership from city officials and police. Residents and businesses deserve better.” SMPD detectives emphasized that the shooting appears to have been a targeted crime among individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the general public. The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Martin Jauregui at (310) 458-4852 or Martin.Jauregui@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8774 or Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.