By Jorge Casuso

October 15, 2024 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) and Olympic High School were closed Tuesday after a college employee was shot late Monday night at the College's Center for Media and Design.

The suspect in the shooting remains at large, and the wounded employee was taken to a local area hospital in critical condition, said SMC Police Chief Johnnie Adams.

"The College is fully cooperating with authorities, and all Santa Monica College campuses will be closed on Tuesday to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community," Adams wrote in a statement Tuesday morning.

According to School District officials, Olympic High School, which is housed on SMC's Main Campus at 1900 Pico Boulevard, will be closed Tuesday.

The SMC Police Department (SMCPD) and the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) called the shooting "an isolated incident" between two people who knew each other, District officials said.

Although there is "no heightened threat to SMMUSD schools,” District Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton said SMPD "will have additional patrols around our campuses today."

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities," Shelton wrote in a statement Tuesday.

"All SMMUSD schools will operate as normal, except for Olympic High School, housed on the SMC main campus, which will be on distance learning today.

"Our thoughts are with those affected," Shelton said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with law enforcement as their investigation continues."

SMPD is leading the criminal investigation, with assistance from the Santa Monica College Police Department and Santa Monica College, Chief Adams said.

"Santa Monica College remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all employees and students," Adams wrote. "The College has a Workplace Violence Prevention Program, which offers resources and support."

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.