A Southern California police officer fatally shot a man who stabbed and slashed him Saturday evening, according to authorities.
The officer was speaking with a woman about an unrelated case in front of the Santa Monica Police Department headquarters, just steps from the city’s famous pier, when he was attacked, cops said.
A man in his 30s walked up to the officer and brandished the knife, the Santa Monica Police Department said in a Facebook post.
“Without warning, the individual attacked the officer while pulling a knife from his clothing,” the department wrote. “The suspect slashed and stabbed the officer.”
The cop, who was described by KCBS as around 35 years old, backed away and around the corner of a building, pulled his gun and shot the attacker dead, according to police.
“Santa Monica officers rendered medical aid to the subject until Santa Monica Fire Department took over life support efforts,” Santa Monica police said. “The subject was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The officer was hospitalized with serious injuries, KNBC reported but is expected to make a full recovery.
The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the incident internally, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office will also probe the police shooting.
With News Wire Services
