Deadly Confrontation: Santa Monica Police Release Video of Officer Stabbing and Fatal Shooting

 Santa Monica Police Release Video Detailing Violent Attack on Officer

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has released a Critical Incident Video documenting the October 5, 2024, attack on an officer and subsequent officer-involved shooting. The video provides a comprehensive overview of the events that unfolded in front of the department's headquarters, showcasing the dangerous split-second decisions officers face.

Key Events Leading to the Attack

The incident began at approximately 5:07 PM when the suspect, later identified as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, entered a Target store on Broadway and stole a set of kitchen knives after assaulting an employee. Surveillance footage shows the suspect fleeing the scene with one knife concealed under his jacket.

Minutes later, Halaibeh arrived at the Santa Monica Police Station, where he summoned an officer by ringing the call button. Body-worn camera footage captured the officer’s attempt to de-escalate the situation before being violently attacked with the stolen 8-inch knife. Despite the officer’s efforts to evade, he was stabbed multiple times in the neck and shoulder before using his firearm to neutralize the threat.

Aftermath and Investigation

Responding officers and Santa Monica Harbor Guards provided immediate medical aid, but the suspect succumbed to his injuries. The wounded officer was rushed to a trauma center for treatment of severe injuries, and forensic evidence later revealed the extent of the attack, including damage to the officer’s protective vest from additional knife strikes.

Investigations are ongoing, with two parallel reviews underway:

1. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review to assess the legality of the officer’s use of deadly force.
2. The SMPD’s Internal Affairs Division is performing a thorough administrative review to ensure departmental policies and procedures were followed.

Authorities are also examining the suspect’s background, including his mental health history and potential motives for targeting law enforcement.

Transparency and Community Engagement

The SMPD emphasized the need for transparency, releasing graphic footage and forensic evidence to provide context for the incident. Viewer discretion is strongly advised due to the violent nature of the content.

For more information, contact the SMPD or visit their official website. Updates will be shared as investigations continue. Anyone with additional details about the suspect or the events leading up to the attack is encouraged to reach out to SMPD detectives.

Live and In Style: Outlandish Unveils the Future of Shopping on the Promenade

Santa Monica, Calif. – Outlandish, a trailblazer in live shopping and social commerce, unveiled its first U.S. flagship store today on Santa Monica's bustling Third Street Promenade. The grand opening marked a pivotal moment in retail innovation, blending the tactile experience of traditional shopping with the interactivity of live-streamed social media commerce.

The store features cutting-edge live-streaming studios, enabling influencers to host real-time shopping events directly from the floor. Customers can interact with influencers in person or virtually through the Outlandish platform, which is already a certified TikTok partner.

“When I founded Outlandish, my vision was to combine the excitement of live, interactive shopping with the personal connection of in-store visits,” said William August, CEO of Outlandish. “This flagship store bridges those worlds, letting customers experience the best of both.”

Outlandish has quickly become a disruptor in the retail space, driving at least 10% of partner brands’ revenues through live shopping sales. Since its founding in 2018, the company has partnered with major global brands, leveraging platforms like TikTok to captivate audiences worldwide.

The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by company leadership, local officials, and influencers, followed by a guided tour of the state-of-the-art space. Attendees witnessed live-streamed events featuring popular products, connecting local shoppers with global audiences.

“We’re thrilled to bring this innovative hybrid model to the U.S.,” said Michael Dodo, CEO of the Dodo Group. “This initiative redefines the retail experience by merging immersive, in-person shopping with the dynamic reach of digital technology.”

In addition to revolutionizing retail, the Santa Monica location will serve as a hub for education. Outlandish plans to host classes designed to empower creators, focusing on live shopping, social media marketing, and content creation.

Looking ahead, Outlandish aims to expand globally, with locations in Mexico and Spain slated for 2025 and beyond.

With its groundbreaking approach, Outlandish is setting a bold new standard for the future of commerce, merging tradition with technology to create a seamless, interactive shopping experience.

For more information about Outlandish, visit outlandishdigital.us.

Homeless Man Killed While Riding Bike in Tragic Collision on Lincoln Boulevard

Santa Monica, CA — A fatal traffic collision claimed the life of a bicyclist early Sunday morning on November 17, 2024, in the 1800 block of Lincoln Boulevard. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. as a male cyclist, believed to be 41 years old and experiencing homelessness, was traveling southbound on Lincoln Boulevard. 

The cyclist was struck by a vehicle and subsequently hit by a second vehicle. Both drivers remained at the scene and are fully cooperating with the investigation. Authorities confirmed that neither driver exhibited signs of impairment. Tragically, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Santa Monica Police Department is actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Lantz Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov or the department's Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24 hours a day.

This heartbreaking event underscores the continued need for vigilance and safety for all roadway users.

CRACKDOWN ON DOG VIOLATIONS: Animal Control, with LAPD Support, Issues Citations at Venice Beach

Venice Beach saw a coordinated enforcement effort on Wednesday, November 20, 2027, as Los Angeles Animal Control officers, accompanied by LAPD officers, issued citations to individuals violating pet-related ordinances. Violations included unlicensed animals, dogs off-leash, and bringing dogs onto the beach, all prohibited under city and state laws. Animal Control Officers play a vital role in enforcing regulations related to the care, treatment, licensing, and impounding of animals. In addition to addressing violations, they are responsible for picking up sick, injured, stray, vicious, or unwanted animals, conducting humane investigations, and performing permit inspections. Officers also issue citations, make arrests, collect fees such as animal licensing costs, and maintain records and reports, which can be used as legal evidence. The enforcement effort focused on key ordinances, including SEC. 53.06.2, which requires dog owners to keep their pets confined to their premises or under control on a leash, and SEC. 17.12.280 and SEC. 17.12.290, which prohibit animals, including dogs and cats, on beaches or in the adjacent waters of the Pacific Ocean. These actions are part of an ongoing effort to ensure public safety, protect the environment, and promote responsible pet ownership at Venice Beach.

Santa Monica Police Apprehend Suspect in September 6th Fatal Stabbing

SANTA MONICA — A 36-year-old Los Angeles resident, identified as Sebastian Emil Gaston, has been arrested in connection with a homicide that occurred on September 6, 2024. The incident took place in an alley off the 1100 Block of 6th Street, where Santa Monica Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program officers initially responded to a report of an individual lying on the ground.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in his 30s with a fatal stab wound to the upper chest. The Criminal Investigations Division promptly launched an investigation, gathering evidence, reviewing video footage, and interviewing witnesses.

Detectives ultimately identified Gaston, a security guard working at a nearby building, as the suspect. Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, and Gaston was taken into custody at the Santa Monica police station on November 7. During interrogation, Gaston allegedly confessed to both the homicide and a previous assault in July. He is currently held by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department awaiting trial.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to reach out to Detective Kayondo at lawrence.kayondo@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24/7.

Police Uncover Booby-Trapped Garage After Shots Fired in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Police officers responded to reports of shots fired at a residence on the 3300 block of Exposition Boulevard on Sunday, November 17, 2024, around 5:50 PM. A neighbor reported hearing gunfire along with a male voice threatening violence from the garage.

Upon arrival, officers found two elderly women inside the residence unharmed. Arthur Hideki Tabuchi, 61, was also found safe inside the property. During their search, officers discovered a shotgun shell mounted on a workbench in the garage, rigged with a spring-loaded firing pin attached to the garage door. The setup was designed to discharge the shell when the door was opened.

A second, similarly rigged shell was found near a pedestrian gate on the north side of the house. This device had been modified to act as a sound diversion and had been recently discharged, likely prompting the initial report of shots fired.

The LA County Bomb Squad was called to clear the property, ensuring no additional traps were present. The garage shell was safely dismantled, and a search warrant revealed more unlawfully obtained ammunition.

Tabuchi was transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. The District Attorney's office will file felony charges related to maintaining a booby trap under California Penal Code 20110.

Detectives encourage anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24/7. 

Reviving the Compass Rose: Santa Monica’s Iconic Mural Restored by Pier Painter Joey Alvarez

On Monday, November 18, 2024, Joey Alvarez, known as the "Santa Monica Pier Painter," completed the repainting of the compass rose mural at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier. This marks the third time the mural has been refurbished since its original creation in 2018 by Santa Monica High School student Mimi Gaudet.

Alvarez, reflecting on the project, shared the challenges faced during the process: “It took two weeks, but weather was a big factor. Some mornings, it was too wet to paint, and I even had to go to jury duty one day,” he explained. Despite delays and the coastal elements, Alvarez pushed through. “The Santa Ana winds helped us out, drying the paint faster,” he added.

The mural, featuring the updated “Another Day in Paradise” in regular lettering, has undergone several revisions to maintain its vibrant look amid foot traffic and environmental wear. “Everyone comes and stands on it for photos, and when they take out the trash, the wheels wear it down,” Alvarez noted. He emphasized that constant moisture and foot traffic contribute to the need for regular upkeep.

With the project complete, Alvarez is set to move on to painting bathroom doors and maintaining other parts of the pier. “There’s always something to do out here,” he said, embodying the dedication he’s shown throughout his career as the pier’s only painter.

Homicide Investigation: Santa Monica Man Arrested After Fatal Stabbing of Mother

Santa Monica, CA – Early on the morning of November 16, 2024, Santa Monica Police responded to an aggravated assault call at an apartment in the 1100 block of 12th Street. According to reports, a male resident informed dispatchers that his brother had stabbed their mother multiple times.

Upon arrival, officers encountered two adult brothers outside the apartment and found an elderly woman inside with severe stab wounds to her upper body. Immediate medical assistance was provided until paramedics from the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived. Tragically, the victim succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Vernon Jeremiah Harris, resided in the apartment with his mother and two older brothers. Harris, who has no known criminal history and may have physical and developmental disabilities, was apprehended at the scene. The brother who reported the incident, who also serves as a caregiver for Harris and their mother, was awakened by the mother’s cries for help. He discovered Harris standing over their mother holding a knife.

The third brother, who was at work during the incident, arrived at the scene while police were investigating. Both brothers provided statements to detectives.

A search warrant led to the recovery of the weapon used in the attack, and forensic teams processed the scene. Harris will be booked and transported to Los Angeles County Jail, where he will await his first court appearance.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Detective Jauregui at martin.jauregui@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or reach the Watch Commander desk 24/7 at (310) 458-8427.

Santa Monica Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Potential Victims of Indecent Exposure

Santa Monica, CA (November 14, 2024) – The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is asking for the public's help in identifying potential victims of a man who allegedly exposed himself to children near the Santa Monica Pier.

According to SMPD, on September 18th, 2024, 46-year-old Benjamin Bush of Rosamond, California displayed a nude photograph of himself to three separate 9-year-old victims while outside Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Investigators believe there may have been an additional unidentified juvenile victim inside Playland Arcade who also witnessed the inappropriate behavior.

Following an investigation, Bush was arrested on October 29th, 2024, on charges of child annoyance and distributing harmful matter to a minor. While Bush has no prior criminal history, police suspect there may be other incidents involving him.

The SMPD is urging anyone with information about this case or who may have been a victim of similar behavior by Bush to contact Detective Baker (Sean.Baker@santamonica.gov), Detective Sergeant Haro (David.Haro@santamonica.gov), or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427 (24 hours a day).

Freightliner Stranded on Venice Canals Bridge, Rescued Without Incident

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to an incident involving a semi-truck stranded over the Venice Canals on Dell Avenue. The vehicle, identified as a Freightliner, bottomed out and became immobile while attempting to cross a bridge not designed to support such weight. A tow truck from All City Tow arrived at the scene and successfully extricated the semi-truck from the bridge. LAPD officers provided an escort as the truck reversed down Dell Avenue, while intersections at Washington Boulevard and Dell Avenue were temporarily blocked to ensure a safe exit. According to the tow truck driver, the semi-truck operator was following GPS navigation and overlooked a posted sign indicating a weight limit of 6,000 pounds on the bridge. No citations were issued for the incident, and traffic resumed smoothly after the vehicle was removed without further complications.