By Lookout Staff

August 27, 2024 -- A man threatening hotel workers with a hammer Tuesday afternoon was subdued with rubber bullets and a Taser after fleeing towards Santa Monica High School, according to an SMPD post on X.

The incident began around noon at the Hilton Santa Monica on 4th Street and Civic Center Drive where officers responded to a call for service.

Police arrest assault suspect (Courtesy SMPD)

The suspect "was threatening hotel staff with a hammer," before fleeing towards the Samohi 4th Street Breezeway, police officials said.

The suspect did not enter the campus, the post said, adding that "thankfully, no students were nearby."

"Despite repeated commands, the suspect refused to drop the hammer and continued making threats," according to the post. "Officers used a taser and 40mm projectiles to safely take the suspect into custody."

According to the TASER website, the device fires two small barbed darts that puncture the skin and deliver an electric current through an attached wire.

The "electrical pulses temporarily interfere with the command and control systems of the body," causing "neuromuscular incapacitation," according to the website.

The 40mm projectiles used in the incident are non-lethal rubber bullets typically used to disperse crowds and subdue aggressive subjects.

"Impact of a low-density projectile with the body inflicts blunt
trauma, causing pain compliance in the subject to alter behavior," according to the website Defense Technology.

The Santa Monica Fire Department evaluated the suspect and, following department policy, transported him to a local hospital for further evaluation, police said.

Assault with a deadly weapon charges are pending, according to the post.

Police officials note that SMPD is in "continuous contact" with the School District and that the Samohi gate is locked during the school day.