Armed Suspect Threatens Hotel Staff, Police Near High School: SMPD

SANTA MONICA, CA — An armed suspect created a scare in Santa Monica Tuesday when he threatened staff at the Hilton Santa Monica before fleeing toward the Santa Monica High School 4th Street Breezeway, according to police.

Ultimately, the man was taken into custody after being tasered and shot with 40mm projectiles, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

The incident occurred at about noon Tuesday.

According to police, the man threatened hotel staff with a hammer and then fled toward the high school as police arrived on the scene.

"Thankfully, no students were nearby. Despite repeated commands, the suspect refused to drop the hammer and continued making threats," the Santa Monica Police Department posted on social media. "Officers used a taser and 40mm projectiles to safely take the suspect into custody. The suspect was evaluated by the Santa Monica Fire Department and in accordance with department policy, transported to a local hospital for further evaluation."

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

The police department remained in contact with the high school, which keeps its gate locked and limits access during the day, the police department noted.