Santa Monica Police Search For Gunman at Santa Monica College, But Find None

Santa Monica police and campus officers searched Santa Monica College on Saturday after a report of a man possibly carrying a handgun, but later said they found no suspect and no evidence supporting the claim.

Officers from the Santa Monica Police Department and Santa Monica College Police Department responded at about 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 29 to a report of an individual who might have been armed near the 14th Street side of the campus. They set up a perimeter and searched the grounds and nearby streets as a precaution.

By 6:10 p.m., the departments reported that the search was complete and no suspect had been located. Investigators reviewed available camera footage and found nothing that corroborated the original report of a firearm. Officials said no credible threat to the campus had been identified.

A significant police presence remained in the area out of an abundance of caution. The departments said the report remained unverified and that they would release additional information if any new facts were confirmed. No description of a suspect was issued.