A person was shot in the leg Sunday evening near the Santa Monica Pier after an attempted robbery escalated into a shooting, authorities said. The incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. as a group of individuals approached the victim and attempted to rob them, Santa Monica Police Department officials confirmed in a statement.
The altercation turned violent when one of the suspects fired a weapon, striking the victim in the leg. The victim was treated at the scene by officers before being transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The suspects fled the area immediately after the shooting, and officers are actively searching for them.
The Santa Monica Police Department has not identified the victim or released further details about their condition. Investigators are reviewing footage from the area and appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating the suspects.
Police Response and Closures
The shooting prompted a heavy police response, with several intersections near the pier temporarily closed as officers conducted a search. The Santa Monica Police Department confirmed that the incident remains under active investigation, with detectives working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Crime Trends in Santa Monica
The incident comes amid a broader decline in violent crime in Santa Monica. According to the department’s 2025 annual report, released in March 2026, the city saw a 12% overall reduction in violent crime and burglaries compared to 2024. Specifically, robberies fell by 24% year over year, reflecting a downward trend in such incidents.
The Santa Monica Pier, a popular tourist destination, was not locked down but experienced temporary disruptions as law enforcement secured the area. No further details about the suspects, including descriptions or possible motives, have been released.