Man Fatally Shot By Police After Stabbing Santa Monica Officer Is Identified

SANTA MONICA, CA — The man who was fatally shot by police after allegedly stabbing a Santa Monica police officer was identified by authorities on Monday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified the man as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, 28.

The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, when the officer was standing at the front of the police station on the 300 block of Olympic Drive and was confronted by a man, the Santa Monica Police Department said.

The officer, who was speaking with another resident, told the man that he needed to wait his turn and, without warning, the man pulled a knife from his clothing, slashing and stabbing the officer, who armed himself and retreated around the corner of the building, where the shooting occurred, according to police.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the officer was seriously injured but in stable condition, police said.

The officer, who has not been publicly identified, has been released from a hospital and is recovering at home, the SMPD said Monday.

"The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is investigating, and our internal investigation is ongoing and active. Our goal in the coming days is to issue a release identifying the subject, including any criminal history and housing status, as well as providing more information about the incident," reads the release."In the meantime, we want to extend our gratitude to the doctors and nurses who cared for our officer and got him onto the road to recovery.

"We also wish to acknowledge our community’s solidarity and concern they have shown to all the members of our department. Their collective support has been a source of strength for us, and it reinforces the importance of partnership and compassion between public safety and the community as we work to maintain Santa Monica’s safety and vitality."

City News Service contributed to this story.