By Jorge Casuso

October 17, 2025 -- A more than five-hour standoff with police at a homeless housing facility in the Pico Neighbor ended with the suspect's arrest shortly after midnight Thursday.

Santa Monica police spokesman Lt. Lewis Gilmour said officers responded to an incident in the 1400 block of Michigan Avenue involving a suspect accused of assault.

"As a precaution, nearby units are being evacuated and a perimeter has been established," Gilmour wrote in an email to The Lookout.

"Traffic in the area is impacted, and the public is advised to avoid the area."

Mathew Millen, who lives two blocks from the scene, said squad cars had been stationed since at least 6:47 p.m. outside The Laurel, a 58-unit supportive housing facility at 1413 Michigan Avenue.

At 12:07 a.m. Friday, police reported that "the suspect has been taken into custody and the incident has concluded."

"Officers will remain on scene for several hours as the investigation continues."

According to the website for The the Laurel's developer EAH Housing, the project opened last October and partners with The People Concern "to provide comprehensive resident services."

The services include "case management, mental health support, and assistance with daily living activities, ensuring a holistic approach to supportive housing."

In April 2024, the City Council approved a 122-unit apartment building also developed by EAH housing. The upcoming project is scheduled to be completed in 2030 at the former site of City parking structure 3 Downtown.

The project which will cost more than $1 million per unit, includes 50 permanent supportive units and will be financed with Federal, State and County funding, loans, tax credits and tax-exempt bonds.