Who Is David John Hairston, the Suspect Arrested in the Santa Monica Place Police Officer Shooting?
On June 25, 2025, a Santa Monica police officer was injured during a daylight confrontation near the Santa Monica Place mall, one of Southern California's most popular shopping and tourist destinations. In the hours that followed, authorities launched a citywide manhunt that led to the arrest of David John Hairston, a 31-year-old man linked not only to the attack on the officer but also to an earlier shooting involving a self-driving Waymo taxi.
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| David John Hairston - The Santa Monica Police Officer Shooting Suspect |
Timeline of Events
June 22, 2025: Waymo Taxi Shooting
Two minors were shot inside a self-driving Waymo taxi in Santa Monica near Broadway and 2nd Street. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The motive behind the shooting was unclear, and police began searching for a suspect using security camera footage. That suspect was later identified as David John Hairston.
June 25, 2025: Officer Shot Near Santa Monica Place
Around 1:00 p.m., a Santa Monica police officer patrolling near 4th Street and Colorado Avenue recognized a man matching the Waymo suspect’s description. As the officer approached, the suspect fled. During a foot chase, the suspect allegedly turned and fired, hitting the officer in the hand. The officer was rushed to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police immediately issued a shelter-in-place warning for the area and released a surveillance photo of the suspect to the public.
June 25, 2025, 4:20 p.m.: Suspect Arrested in Palisades Park
Roughly three hours later, a citizen tip led officers to Palisades Park near Idaho Avenue and Ocean Avenue. After a brief foot pursuit, Hairston was arrested. He was reportedly found in possession of a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
Who Is David John Hairston?
Personal Background
David John Hairston is a 31-year-old Black male who is believed to be experiencing homelessness. According to booking records, he listed his occupation as a table busser in the restaurant industry. No fixed address was recorded at the time of his arrest.
Criminal Record and Prior Incidents
Authorities confirmed that Hairston is a convicted felon. While detailed prior convictions have not yet been released, his criminal history includes previous charges related to weapons and substance possession. These records likely played a role in shaping the high-alert police response once he was identified.
Psychological and Behavioral Assessment
Although no official mental health evaluation has been made public, law enforcement sources cited Hairston's erratic behavior during the chase and arrest. Analysts believe untreated mental illness may be a contributing factor in both the Waymo shooting and the officer attack.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Hairston was booked into the Santa Monica jail and is currently held on $1 million bail. He faces multiple felony charges, including:
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Attempted murder of a police officer
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Assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer
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Felon in possession of a firearm
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Possession of a controlled substance while armed
He is scheduled for a court appearance on Friday, June 28, 2025. Prosecutors are expected to pursue an aggressive case due to the seriousness of the charges and Hairston's suspected involvement in the Waymo incident.
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| Santa Monica Place mall shooter's first photo was released |
Officer's Condition
The officer who was shot is a recently assigned field trainee. Police Chief Ramon Batista reported that the officer is in stable condition, recovering well, and in good spirits. The officer is expected to return to duty after completing physical therapy and medical evaluation.
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Response
Public Safety Measures
Following the shooting, the Santa Monica Police Department, with assistance from LAPD, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and other local agencies, initiated a large-scale response. Santa Monica Place and nearby public transportation hubs were shut down temporarily. The public was urged to avoid the downtown area until the suspect was apprehended.
Community Alerts and Tips
The decision to release a suspect photo proved pivotal. Within hours, tips from local residents helped locate Hairston in Palisades Park. Police have since praised the public’s role in the quick resolution of a potentially prolonged manhunt.
Broader Implications
Increase in Assaults on Police Officers
This shooting marks the second serious attack on a Santa Monica police officer within eight months, following an unrelated stabbing at police headquarters in late 2024. Law enforcement leaders are calling for more proactive safety protocols, mental health support, and community policing strategies to prevent future incidents.
Public Safety and Autonomous Vehicles
Hairston’s alleged involvement in the Waymo shooting introduces new concerns about the vulnerability of passengers in autonomous vehicles. As self-driving technology becomes more integrated into public spaces, policymakers and tech companies may be forced to reassess safety standards.
What Happens Next
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Court Proceedings: Hairston’s arraignment will provide more details on the charges and any additional evidence.
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Ballistics and Forensics: Lab tests on the recovered firearm will determine whether it matches shell casings from both the Waymo and officer shootings.
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Mental Health Review: Authorities may request psychiatric evaluation as part of the pre-trial process.
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Community Briefing: Police and city officials are expected to hold a town hall or press conference within the week.
FAQs
Who is David John Hairston?
He is a 31-year-old man suspected of shooting a police officer and two minors in separate incidents in Santa Monica. He has a criminal background and is believed to be homeless.
What is Hairston charged with?
He faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder of a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal firearm possession, and drug charges.
Was the police officer seriously injured?
The officer sustained a non-life-threatening injury to the hand and is recovering in stable condition.
How was Hairston caught?
He was recognized by a local resident from a publicly released photo and arrested after a foot chase in Palisades Park.
Is Hairston connected to the Waymo taxi shooting?
Yes. Authorities believe he is the same suspect who shot two juveniles inside a Waymo self-driving taxi three days earlier.
What happens next legally?
Hairston is scheduled to appear in court on June 28, 2025. Additional forensic and ballistic testing is ongoing.
Conclusion
The arrest of David John Hairston has brought relief to a city shaken by violence in one of its most visible and populated areas. While questions remain about his background and motive, the coordinated response by police and the public demonstrates the effectiveness of real-time alerts and cross-agency cooperation.
As court proceedings begin and more facts come to light, this case will continue to influence local discussions around public safety, technology, mental health, and law enforcement readiness in urban environments like Santa Monica.
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