By Lookout Staff

March 31, 2026 -- Police are investigating a fatal shooting involving the occupants of two cars that took place near Santa Monica's Public Safety building Saturday night.

"Preliminary information indicates the incident involved an altercation between occupants of two vehicles prior to the shooting," police officials said.

"During the confrontation, a suspect produced a firearm and discharged at least one round, striking the victim. The suspect or suspects fled the area prior to officers’ arrival."

Officers responded at around 10:30 p.m. to a report of a shooting near the intersection of 4th Street and Olympic Drive.

The officers found an adult male at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound, officials said.

They rendered aid until Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The victim’s identification is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and confirmation by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, officials said.

Anyone with information related to the incident should contact SMPD's Criminal Investigations Division Sergeant Shaun Cooney at Shaun.Cooney@santamonica.gov or 310-458-8401 ext 2249 or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.