Man Who Shot At Waymo-Riding Teens, Santa Monica Officer Enters Plea After Competency Ruling: DA

SANTA MONICA , CA — A man accused of shooting a Santa Monica police officer just days after firing at two teens riding a driverless taxi in the city pleaded not guilty Friday to attempted murder and other charges.

David John Hairston, 31, is charged with three counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and one count each of assault with a semiautomatic firearm on a peace officer and shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The charges include allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm.

Hairston's arraignment had been postponed June 27 after a defense attorney questioned his mental competency, prompting a judge to suspend criminal proceedings pending an evaluation.

About two months later, he was found competent to stand trial.

The string of crimes began on June 22 near Second Street and Broadway, where two teens were riding in a Waymo driverless taxi.

"At the time of the shooting, the victims were passengers in an autonomous rideshare vehicle when the suspect approached on foot and fired multiple rounds into the vehicle before fleeing the scene," Lt. Lewis Gilmour said at the time. "Preliminary information indicates the shooting was a targeted and isolated incident that followed a verbal altercation earlier in the evening between the victims and the suspect."

Hairston was arrested later that week after an ordeal that shut down streets in Santa Monica and prompted a large police response.

A police officer approached him after recognizing him from a bulletin about the person wanted in connection to the shooting of two youths who were riding in a Waymo driverless taxi on Sunday, according to Mayor Lana Negrete.

He began running as the officer approached him in or near the Santa Monica Place Mall shortly after 1 p.m., police said.

"During the brief pursuit, the suspect ambushed the officer and fired multiple rounds, striking him before fleeing the area," Chief Ramon Batista said at the time.

The officer suffered from a non-life threatening hand wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, Negrete said.

Officers from several agencies descended on the area to search for the suspect. About an hour later, officers took Hairston into custody in Palisades Park near the California Incline, about a mile from the mall, according to the department.

He was later arrested followed a tip from a local resident who saw photos of the suspect released by police, Batista said.

Hairston remains jailed in lieu of $4 million bail pending his next appearance Sept. 30 at the Airport Courthouse.

He could face up to 104 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the DA's office.

City News Service contributed to this report.