Santa Monica police released dramatic body camera and surveillance video Thursday of a man with a knife attacking an officer outside the front entrance of the police station.
The incident occurred on the night of Oct. 5, when Deya Abdelhadi Halaibeh, 28, first assaulted an employee at the Target store at 420 Broadway and then fled with a knife, police said.
Haraibeh then walked the short distance to the police station on Olympic Drive, where he pressed the call button to speak with an officer, according to security video.
Target security video shows Deya Abdelhadi Halaibeh attacking an employee before stealing a knife set. October 5, 2024 (Santa Monica Police Department)
As soon as officers opened the door to the courtyard, they encountered Haraibeh with his right hand tucked inside his jacket, near two others who were also waiting to call police.
“What’s in your jacket? I get nervous when someone sticks my hand in my jacket like that,” the officer asked.
Haraibbe looked upset and responded by asking, “Are you nervous?” He then pulled out a knife and attacked the police officer.
Body camera and surveillance footage shows the officer try to flee and run around a corner, but Haraibe catches up to him and they both fall to the ground.
The officer stood up, fired several shots and retreated, pointing the weapon at the attacker.
“Get on the ground!” he yelled, trying to defuse the situation.
Body camera footage of a man attacking a Santa Monica police officer with a knife on October 5, 2024. (Santa Monica Police Department) Officers escaped the knife attack and attempted to de-escalate the situation, but ultimately shot and killed Deya Abdelhadi Halaibeh, 28. (Santa Monica Police Department) Officers escaped the knife attack and tried to de-escalate the situation, but ultimately shot and killed Deya Abdelhadi Halaibeh. 28. (Santa Monica Police Department)
Police said Haraibe got up and walked towards officers holding a knife, which was later determined to be a purple 8-inch Cuisinart blade he had stolen from Target.
The police opened fire, hitting Haraibbe with several bullets, which were fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the officer suffered “multiple severe” stab wounds to the neck and shoulder area.
Investigators determined Haraibe, a New York native, had been in the Santa Monica area for about a week.
The motive for the attack remains unclear.
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