A man who is suspected of shooting and wounding a Santa Monica Police Department officer just days after allegedly firing at two teenagers in a Waymo vehicle in that 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.
Hairston was arrested after a roughly three-hour manhunt prompted by the June 25 shooting of a Santa Monica police officer near the Santa Monica Place Mall near Fourth Street and Colorado Avenue.
Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete told reporters the officer sustained a hand wound.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office identified the officer as Lucas Palmeira and said the two teenagers who were wounded June 22 were aged 14 and 16.
The mayor said the officer approached the suspect “because he recognized him from the bulletin” about the shooting at a driver-less Waymo vehicle that injured the two teens inside the car.
The officer identified himself to the suspect, who took off running, according to police, who said Hairston is believed to have been homeless.
“During the brief pursuit, the suspect ambushed the officer and fired multiple rounds, striking him before fleeing the area,” Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista said.
Officers from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, El Segundo and other agencies descended on the area to conduct a search, including assistance from at least one search dog.
Around 4:30 p.m. that day, officers took Hairston into custody in Palisades Park near the California Incline, about a mile from the mall, according to the department.
The arrest and recovery of a gun followed a tip from a local resident who saw photos of the suspect released by police, Batista told reporters.
“This marks the second time in eight months that a Santa Monica officer has been seriously injured in the line of duty — first by stabbing, now by gunfire. The officer injured in the earlier stabbing continues to recover,” according to a statement released by the department.
The Waymo robotaxi shooting occurred about 11:40 p.m. June 22 near the intersection of Second Street and Broadway, according to Santa Monica Police Department spokesman Lt. Lewis Gilmour.
It was believed to have been the result of an earlier argument between the teenage victims and the suspect, Gilmour said.
Those victims also suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
“Our hearts go out to Officer Palmeira and the two young victims and their families who were senselessly targeted during these attacks,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement announcing the charges in June. “Violence in our community — especially against our children and those who risk their lives to protect us — is unacceptable. We are committed to holding the suspect accountable.”
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 District Attorney’s Office.