A suspect has been arrested following a shocking shooting incident that left a Santa Monica police officer injured in broad daylight. The chaos erupted in the bustling heart of Santa Monica, where a manhunt was launched after the officer was ambushed while responding to a call about a suspect linked to the shooting of two teenagers in an autonomous rideshare vehicle.

Witnesses described the scene as frantic and terrifying, with gunfire ringing out around 1:15 PM near the Santa Monica Mall. One officer was shot, reportedly in the abdomen, and was quickly rushed to the hospital as fellow officers scrambled to secure the area and locate the shooter. “We heard three to four gunshots,” recounted a diner who was having lunch nearby, visibly shaken by the violence.

The incident began when the officer recognized the suspect, who had been previously identified in the shooting of two teens. As the officer approached, the suspect fled, leading to a brief foot pursuit before the officer was ambushed and shot. Police from Santa Monica and surrounding areas quickly mobilized, launching an intense search for the assailant.

Thanks to a tip from a vigilant witness, law enforcement tracked down the suspect, apprehending him and recovering a handgun believed to be used in the shooting. Although the suspect has not been publicly identified, authorities suspect he may be homeless.

The injured officer, a newer member of the force currently in field training, is expected to recover. Police Chief expressed gratitude to the community for their assistance during the manhunt, emphasizing the officer’s positive outlook despite the ordeal. As residents and tourists alike were left rattled by the violence, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement.