Homeless Man Charges Police After An Unrelated "Domestic Call." Police Shoot Him, Then Give Him CPR

Santa Monica, CA - A Homeless man was fatally shot by a Santa Monica police officer Friday evening August 21, near the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue after he charged at officers with a knife.

Officers had responded to Palisades Park for a reported domestic violence incident. While interviewing witnesses, an unrelated individual armed with a knife charged toward the officers. One officer discharged a firearm, striking the individual, SMPD said in a statement released shortly after 8:40 p.m.

Santa Monica Fire Department personnel provided emergency medical care at the scene. The man was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The involved officer was not injured.

Initial radio traffic and scanner reports around 8:10 p.m. indicated police were investigating a shooting at Ocean Avenue and Broadway, near the Santa Monica Pier, with CPR in progress. Witness accounts later pointed to an officer-involved incident, which aligned with the department's official account placing the event at nearby Palisades Park.

The scene remained active Saturday evening as investigators preserved evidence and conducted a preliminary investigation. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area.

No further details, including the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the domestic violence call, were immediately available. SMPD said additional information would be released as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department.