Man charged with attempted murder of Santa Monica officer and two teens in separate shootings

A Los Angeles man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with two separate shootings in Santa Monica last week, including an attack on a police officer and an earlier shooting that injured two teenage boys riding in a rideshare vehicle, prosecutors announced Friday.

David John Hairston faces a total of seven felony counts, including three counts of attempted murder and multiple firearm-related charges, after what authorities described as two unprovoked acts of violence on June 22 and June 25.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the June 25 shooting unfolded after a detective, working on the case involving the teenage victims, spotted Hairston near Santa Monica Place. Officer Palmeira arrived to assist but was allegedly shot by Hairston during the encounter.  The officer was struck in the hand and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. While the suspect fled on foot and was arrested several hours later in Palisades Park after a search by responding officers.

The shooting occurred just days after Hairston allegedly shot two minors, ages 14 and 16, while they were passengers in a Waymo autonomous vehicle. That incident took place approximately around 11:30 p.m. on the night of June 22 near the intersection of 2nd Street and Broadway in downtown Santa Monica. The teens also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

“Our hearts go out to Officer Palmeira and the two young victims and their families who were senselessly 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 holding the suspect accountable.”

Prosecutors allege that Hairston acted with premeditation and intent in all three shootings. In addition to the attempted murder charges, he is facing one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm on a peace officer, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and one count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle. The charges include special allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a handgun.

During Hairston’s arraignment Friday at the Hollywood Courthouse, defense attorneys raised concerns over his mental competency. The judge suspended criminal proceedings pending a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. A competency hearing has been scheduled for July 14. Bail has been set at $4 million.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Stephen Lonseth of the Crimes Against Police Officers Section and remains under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department.

If convicted on all counts, Hairston faces a maximum sentence of 104 years to life in state prison.