News Releases

David Hairston, 31, is charged with attempting to murder a Santa Monica police officer on June 25 near the Santa Monica Place mall

SANTA MONICA, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that David John Hairston is charged with attempting to murder Santa Monica police officer Lucas Palmeira during a shooting on June 25 near the Santa Monica Place mall.

Hairston also is accused of shooting and injuring two minors, ages 14 and 16, while they were riding in a Waymo car on June 22 in Santa Monica.

“Our hearts go out to Officer Palmeira and the two young victims and their families who were senselessly targeted during these attacks,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Violence in our community — especially against our children and those who risk their lives to protect us — is unacceptable. We are committed to holding the suspect accountable.”

David Hairston (dob 6/18/94) is charged in case 25ARCF01201 with three counts of attempted murder, one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm upon a peace officer, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and one count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle.

It also is alleged that Hairston committed the attempted murderswillfully, deliberately and with premeditation, and that he personally and intentionally discharged a handgun.

At a scheduled arraignment hearing today, the defense declared a doubt as to competency and criminal proceedings were suspended. A competency hearing is scheduled for July 14 in Dept. 203 of the Hollywood Courthouse. Bail was set by the court at $4 million.

On June 22, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the vehicle where the minor victims were traveling in was stopped at the intersection of 2^nd Street and Broadway when Hairston allegedly ran up to the car and shot both victims. They sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Hairston fled the scene.

On June 25, Hairston was seen near the Santa Monica Place mall by a detective who was investigating the June 22 shooting. Officer Palmeira responded to the scene and was allegedly shot at multiple times by Hairston as he approached him. Officer Palmeira was struck once in the hand.

Hairston fled the scene and was apprehended a couple of hours later in the Palisades Park.

If convicted as charged, Hairston faces a maximum sentence of 104 years to life in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Stephen Lonseth of LADA’s Crimes Against Peace Officers Division and investigated by the Santa Monica Police Department.

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