Crime & Safety

Police Still Seeking Suspect Who Threw Handgun From Vehicle

The suspect led police on a multi-city chase on Wednesday.

Santa Monica police officers are still seeking a suspect who led them on a multi-city chase following a routine traffic stop on Wednesday. During the pursuit, the suspect had thrown a handgun out of the vehicle, which was a rental.

The incident occurred after an officer stopped the suspect over a traffic violation.

"During the contact, [the suspect] sped off in an attempt to evade the officer during his investigation," Sgt. Richard Lewis told Santa Monica Patch.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A pursuit ensued, with the suspect and police leaving Santa Monica on the south side of the city and entering Venice.

"During the pursuit, it is believed the suspect threw a handgun from inside the vehicle while on Marine," Lewis said. "The weapon was found by another city employee who called police and stayed with the weapon until officers and forensics arrived."

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After the pursuit, the suspect abandoned the rental vehicle in an alley behind 545 Westminster in Venice. The suspect escaped.

The vehicle was towed to Santa Monica, at which point investigators contacted the renter, who is cooperating with police, Lewis said.

Investigators are continuing with their investigation.


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