SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Two juvenile passengers sustained injuries when an autonomous Waymo vehicle they were occupying was targeted in a shooting incident late Sunday night in Santa Monica. The rare attack, which police are investigating as a targeted, isolated event stemming from a prior altercation, occurred just before midnight.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting took place around 11:38 p.m. on Sunday, June 22nd. The location was specifically near the intersection of 2nd Street and Broadway, a busy area within the coastal city known for its shopping, dining, and proximity to the beach.
Incident Details Unfold
According to preliminary findings released by the Santa Monica Police Department, the incident appears to have been precipitated by a verbal altercation earlier in the evening. The victims were reportedly involved in this dispute before entering the Waymo vehicle.
Police investigators indicate that after the initial confrontation, the suspect approached the Waymo vehicle on foot. The assailant then fired multiple rounds into the vehicle before fleeing the scene. The precise caliber of the weapon used and the exact number of shots fired have not been publicly disclosed beyond the description of “multiple rounds.”
The presence of an autonomous vehicle like the Waymo in this context adds an unusual dimension to the incident, though police findings emphasize the targeted nature of the attack on the occupants, rather than the vehicle technology itself being the primary motive.
Victims Hospitalized
The two juveniles inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting sustained non-life-threatening injuries. One of the victims suffered an injury to the arm, while the other was injured in the torso. Emergency responders transported both individuals to a local hospital.
Officials reported that both juveniles were in stable condition upon arrival at the hospital and receiving medical treatment for their injuries. The prompt medical attention appears to have been critical in ensuring their injuries remained non-life-threatening.
Police Investigation Underway
The Santa Monica Police Department has launched an active investigation into the shooting. Their initial assessment points towards the incident being a targeted attack directly related to the earlier verbal dispute, classifying it as an isolated event rather than random violence impacting the broader community.
Detectives are currently reviewing video footage from various sources, including potentially from the Waymo vehicle itself, nearby surveillance cameras, and any private security systems in the vicinity of 2nd Street and Broadway. The analysis of this footage is expected to be crucial in identifying the suspect and reconstructing the exact sequence of events.
In addition to video analysis, police are actively pursuing leads gathered from initial witness statements and forensic evidence collected at the scene. The police department has stressed its commitment to thoroughly investigating the crime and apprehending the person responsible.
Waymo Responds to Incident
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company operating the car involved, issued a statement following the incident. The company expressed sadness regarding the shooting and the injuries sustained by the juvenile passengers. Waymo confirmed that it is fully coordinating with local authorities, providing information and any assistance necessary for the police investigation.
The involvement of an autonomous vehicle in a serious crime like this is a noteworthy event, potentially raising questions for some about the safety and security implications of driverless technology. However, in this specific case, police have indicated the motive was personal, arising from a prior interaction involving the victims, and the Waymo vehicle was merely the location where the attack occurred.
Call for Public Assistance
As the investigation continues, the Santa Monica Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any information related to the earlier verbal altercation to come forward. Public assistance is often vital in solving cases, particularly when a suspect remains at large.
Individuals with potentially relevant information are encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department’s Watch Commander. The specific contact number provided for this purpose is 310-458-8427. Police are asking for any details, no matter how seemingly insignificant, that could aid in identifying the suspect and bringing the investigation to a swift conclusion.
No suspect has been identified by authorities as of the latest updates on this active investigation. Police continue to work diligently to piece together the circumstances leading to the shooting and locate the individual responsible for the injuries to the two juvenile passengers. The community remains hopeful for a rapid resolution to this concerning incident.
