Suspect, Victim in Santa Monica Shooting May Have Been Homeless, Police Say

By Jorge Casuso

August 7, 2017 -- Santa Monica police have identified the suspect in Friday's fatal shooting on Main Street as Christopher Charles Davis, a 46-year-old homeless man.

Davis was booked for murder, attempted murder and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, said Lt. Saul Rodriguez, the Police Department spokesman. Police are still investigating the case, he said ("Santa Monica Police Shoot, Arrest Suspect in Year's Second Homicide," August 6, 2017).

Rodriguez said the victim, who died of a gunshot wound shortly after being transported to a local hospital, also may have been homeless.

Asked whether the shooting resulted from an argument that erupted when the suspect saw the victim with his girlfriend, who also may be homeless, Rodriguez responded, "That may be pretty close to what we're looking at."

After the shooting, officers searching the area for the suspect spotted Davis near 3rd Street and Hollister Avenue, Rodriguez said. He was "holding a firearm and pointed the weapon at officers.

Additional officers arrived and confronted the suspect, he said.

"The officers and suspect exchanged gunfire. The suspect was struck by the gunfire and taken into custody."

Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics treated Davis at the scene and transported him to a local hospital for treatment, Rodriguez said.

Davis is being held in the custody of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on $2 million bail.

The case will be presented to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s–Airport Division for filing Tuesday, Rodriguez said.