A Los Angeles man was charged with attempted murder in connection with two separate shootings in Santa Monica last week. This includes attacks on police officers and previous shootings in which two teenage boys were injured in a ride-sharing vehicle, prosecutors announced Friday.
David John Hairston faces a total of seven felony counts, including three attempted murders and multiple firearms-related charges, after authorities described it as two unprovoked acts of violence on June 22 and June 25.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the June 25th shooting unfolded after detectives, working on a lawsuit involving a teenage victim and found Hairston near Santa Monica Place. Officer Palmeira arrives to support him, but is said to have been shot by Hairston during the encounter. The officer was hit by his hand and was treated for a life-threatening injury. The suspect fled on foot and was arrested in Parisades Park several hours later.
Sky5 captured the moment when law enforcement officials detained a Santa Monica man following a search of the suspect’s entire neighborhood in two separate shootings in the city. June 25th, 2025 (KTLA)
The shooting came days after Hairston shot and killed two minors, ages 14 and 16, who were passengers in WOYMO’s autonomous vehicle. The incident occurred around 11:30pm on the evening of June 22nd, near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Broadway in downtown Santa Monica. The teens also suffered life-threatening injuries.
“Our minds are directed at two young victims and two young victims and their families who were pointlessly targeted during these attacks,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “Violence in our community – especially against our children and those who risk their lives to protect us, is unacceptable. We are committed to keeping suspects accountable.”
Prosecutors allege Hairston acted with planned and intentionality in all three shootings. In addition to attempted murder, he faces one assault on a peace officer with a semi-automatic firearm, two counts of assault on a semi-automatic firearm, and one shooting in an occupied vehicle. The charges include special allegations that he personally and intentionally drained the handgun.
During Hairston’s arrest Friday in Hollywood Court, the defense attorney raised concerns about his mental abilities. The judge suspended criminal proceedings awaiting the court’s ordered psychiatric evaluation. A competency hearing is scheduled for July 14th. The bail is set at $4 million.
The case has been charged by Assistant District Attorney Stephen Ronces of Crimes against the Officer’s Division and is under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department.
If convicted in all respects, Hairston faces a maximum sentence of 104 years until he lives in a state prison.
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