Police shoot and kill man armed with knife near busy Santa Monica Pier, department says

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man accused of charging at officers with a knife was shot and killed by Santa Monica police on Saturday.

Santa Monica police officers were called to Palisades Park, near the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue, shortly before 1 p.m. for a reported domestic violence incident. The location is not far from the busy Santa Monica Pier.

While officers spoke to a witness at the scene, a man who was not involved in the original call charged toward the officers with a knife, according to the police department.

Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob said the suspect ignored repeated commands to drop the knife and continued to advance toward the officers.

That's when an officer discharged their firearm, shooting the man, Jacob said.

Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures, and Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene to continue emergency medical care. The man was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:49 p.m.

The man was described as a man in his mid-40s. His name will be released after formal identification has been completed and his next of kin have been notified.

Santa Monica PD said the officer who fired the shots and no members of the public were injured. A knife was recovered at the scene.

The public is being asked to avoid the area as the investigation into the shooting continues.

The investigation will include a review of body-worn camera footage.

The horrifying scene played out in front of hundreds of families at the Santa Monica Pier. The man's body remained on scene as residents and tourists watched on in horror.

"I literally came out, and I could see them doing chest compressions," said witness Caroline Iwanchuk. "Scary and sad... I don't like to see people getting killed."

Jonathan Wiers from West Hollywood visited Santa Monica for an afternoon at the beach but couldn't leave. After 6 p.m., his vehicle was still surrounded by yellow tape.

"It's frustrating. We have a dog at home, trying to get home to our dog. We had dinner plans in Highland Park. We can't do that anymore," Wiers said.

"I can only imagine how traumatic it could be for the officer," said Santa Monica resident Jesse Gualt. "I'm appreciative of people who have to engage with that kind of energy and that level of danger."