Santa Monica Police Department officers are investigating a shooting near the Santa Monica Pier after an altercation during an attempted robbery left a victim wounded Sunday night.
The incident happened on August 23, 2026, at approximately 7:49 p.m., when officers responded to a report of a shooting near the Pier ramp.
According to the preliminary investigation, the victim was approached by a group of individuals before an altercation broke out. During the confrontation, one person allegedly fired a weapon, striking the victim in the leg.
The victim received emergency medical assistance at the scene and was transported to a local hospital. The injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
The individuals involved fled the area, and police are now working to identify and locate them.
What Happened
Santa Monica police officers responded to the area of the Pier ramp after receiving a report of a shooting at approximately 7:49 p.m. Sunday.
Investigators said the preliminary information indicates that the victim was approached by a group of people and that an attempted robbery occurred.
An altercation followed between the victim and the group.
During the confrontation, one individual allegedly fired a firearm. The victim was struck in the leg.
Officers provided emergency medical aid before the injured person was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Police said the victim's injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening, although additional information about the person's condition was not immediately released.
The individuals involved in the incident fled before officers could take them into custody.
What Authorities Are Saying
Santa Monica police said the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine exactly what happened and identify the people involved.
The department's preliminary account indicates that the shooting occurred during an attempted robbery, but investigators are still working to establish the full sequence of events.
Police have not publicly identified the victim or released descriptions of the individuals who allegedly fled.
Authorities also have not announced any arrests in connection with the shooting.
Additional confirmed information is expected to be released as investigators gather more evidence and determine the identities of those involved.
Why It Matters
The shooting occurred near the Santa Monica Pier, a heavily visited area that can draw large numbers of residents and visitors.
Although the victim's injuries were described as non-life-threatening, the use of a firearm during an alleged robbery highlights the potential for confrontations involving property crimes to quickly become violent.
The incident also demonstrates the challenges investigators can face when suspects flee before officers arrive or before their identities can be established.
Detectives may need to rely on witness statements, surveillance footage and other evidence from the surrounding area to reconstruct what happened and identify the individuals involved.
A Cautious View
The circumstances remain preliminary, and authorities have not released enough information to independently establish every detail of the confrontation. The description of the incident as an attempted robbery comes from the initial police investigation and could be refined as additional evidence is collected. Witness accounts may also differ, so it is important to avoid identifying or accusing anyone publicly until investigators confirm who was involved.
What Happens Next
Santa Monica police are continuing to investigate the shooting and are working to identify and locate the individuals who fled the scene.
Investigators will likely review available evidence and speak with witnesses as they attempt to determine what led to the altercation and who fired the weapon.
Police have not announced whether a specific suspect has been identified.
The department said additional confirmed information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help investigators is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department.
What We Still Don't Know
- Who the individuals involved in the attempted robbery were.
- Who fired the weapon that struck the victim.
- Whether investigators have identified any suspects.
- What led to the confrontation before the shooting.
- Whether surveillance footage or witnesses will help identify the individuals who fled.
- The victim's current medical condition beyond the initial assessment that the injuries were non-life-threatening.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing as Santa Monica police work to determine what happened and locate those responsible.