Santa Monica shooting injures officer, person in custody following manhunt: Police

A person is in custody following an hourslong manhunt in a shooting that injured a police officer in Santa Monica, California, authorities said.

The man appears to be the suspect wanted in the shooting, though officers are now trying to confirm his identity, the Santa Monica Police Department told ABC News.

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon near Santa Monica Place, an outdoor shopping mall in Los Angeles County, police said.

An officer recognized the alleged shooter from a wanted bulletin for a separate shooting incident that occurred earlier this week, the Santa Monica Police Department said.

“As the officer approached that individual to make contact, the individual produced a handgun and fired a single round at one of our officers,” Santa Monica Police Department spokesperson Lt. Lewis Gilmour said at a press briefing Wednesday.

The alleged shooter fled the scene, according to Gilmour, who did not release the suspect’s name.

The suspect is believed to be connected to the shooting of two teens in a Waymo autonomous taxi in Santa Monica, police said. The teens suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Police released a photo of the suspect while asking anyone who recognizes or sees him to immediately call 911. He was believed to be armed and dangerous, Gilmour said.

The officer sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to an area hospital for medical care, where he remains in stable condition, Gilmour said.

Santa Monica Place has been cleared, and a large police presence remains in the area, the department said.

“This remains an evolving situation,” the Santa Monica Police Department said. “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

Santa Monica Place is located in downtown Santa Monica near the 3rd Street Promenade.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.