Santa Monica Police Arrest Suspect in Stabbing of Restaurant Employee Near Pier

On September 3, 2025, the Santa Monica Police Department arrested 24-year-old Malvin Walker in connection with the stabbing of a restaurant employee near the Santa Monica Pier. The incident occurred on August 31, 2025, at approximately 4:58 p.m. near 1615 Ocean Front Walk, outside Pier Pizza & Subs, where the victim, an employee on his lunch break, was attacked.

According to police reports, the victim was eating lunch at the top of a pedestrian staircase connecting Ocean Front Walk to Appian Way when Walker allegedly approached from behind and stabbed him multiple times in the back. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly treated by Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics before being transported to a local hospital. Witnesses described the suspect, believed to be homeless, fleeing east toward Ocean Avenue after the attack.

Following an extensive investigation, SMPD officers on routine patrol recognized Walker in the 1800 block of Ocean Front Walk on September 3 and detained him without incident. Walker was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, felony vandalism, and a $51,000 warrant for battery. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

There have been multiple incidents of violence near the Santa Monica pier recently. Below is a list of reported violent incidents near the Santa Monica Pier within the last 30 days (from August 6, 2025, to September 6, 2025), based on available information from web sources and posts on X. Note that the information is limited to what has been publicly reported and may not capture every incident.Stabbing of Restaurant Employee (August 31, 2025)

Details: A restaurant employee at Pier Pizza & Subs, located near 1615 Ocean Front Walk, was stabbed multiple times in the back while on a lunch break at a pedestrian staircase connecting Ocean Front Walk to Appian Way. The attack occurred around 4:58 p.m. in broad daylight during Labor Day weekend. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Malvin Walker, was arrested on September 3, 2025, and booked for attempted murder, felony vandalism, and a battery warrant. Witnesses described the suspect as possibly homeless. Location: Near Santa Monica Pier, 1615 Ocean Front Walk.

Hate Crime Assault at Palisades Park (August 31, 2025) Details: A violent assault occurred during a clash between pro-Gaza demonstrators and counter-protesters at Palisades Park, near the Santa Monica Pier. The incident involved a man being physically assaulted by a group, with anti-Semitic slurs reported. The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Santa Monica Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime based on witness statements and circumstances. No arrests were reported at the time, as the crowd prevented police from reaching the scene immediately.nLocation: Palisades Park, adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier.