SM Pier homeless man arrested after acting ‘angry’

The suspect took a knife and said “I will kill you” several times.

By Zach Armstrong

A homeless man was arrested by authorities near the Santa Monica Pier earlier this week after he behaved dangerously.

Shortly before 11 a.m. on May 7, the Santa Monica Downtown Services Unit lieutenant was stopped at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado. A member of the Legion’s security team and a social worker then approached a homeless man in a wheelchair who was surrounded by his belongings. After being offered resources, the suspect became “angry.” He then took a knife from his belongings and said to officers several times, “I’m going to kill you,” according to an SMPD spokesman.

Additional officers arrived, including officers from the Crisis Negotiation Team, who attempted to “build a relationship.” Still, the suspect refused to drop the knife. After he put the gun back in his jacket, an arresting party approached him from behind, gained control of his arms and took him into custody.

According to the SMPD spokesman, minor violence was used, but no one was injured during the arrest. The incident also caused a brief traffic stop in the northbound lane of Ocean Avenue.

The individual was taken to the Santa Monica Jail and will undergo a psychological evaluation by a mental health clinician. Although charges are pending, “obstruction” and “criminal threats” may be appropriate, he said.