Suspect In Main Street Shooting Faces Attempted Homicide Charges

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office this week filed charges against a 29-year-old man accused of assaulting and attempting to shoot a man on Main Street, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

The shooting happened Sunday about 8:08 p.m. in the 1900 block of Main Street, near Pico Boulevard, police said.

The victim told officers that he was walking with his stepson in the area when he saw the suspect, who is known to him, police said. The suspect followed the victim as they exchanged words.

The victim was attempting to express his displeasure of the suspect having any contact with his stepson when the suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband and struck the victim on the top of the head with it, police said.

The suspect then pointed the gun at the victim and fired at him, police said. The victim was not struck and ran into Star Liquor at 1929 Main St., where he called for help. The suspect ran eastbound and an officer observed the suspect near 3rd Street and Pico Boulevard.

The suspect did not comply when the officer called for him and he ran inside El Texate Restaurant, 316 Pico Blvd., police said. Officers entered the restaurant and safely took him into custody. Officers also recovered a loaded handgun.

Harold Dwayne Willis, 29, was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammo, concealed unregistered firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm, and resisting, delaying or obstructing arrest.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Santa Monica Police Detective Murphy with the Criminal Investigations Division at (310) 458-8941 or by email at nicole.murphy@smgov.net.

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