Police Name Man Who Allegedly Shot Woman Attending Memorial Car Wash
SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — Officials have identified the man who allegedly chased a woman in Santa Monica Sunday and shot her after she flagged down a car for help.
Waiverly Thomas, 31, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, according to Sgt. Richard Lewis of the Santa Monica Police Department.
The incident occurred near Santa Monica College at around 5 p.m. Saturday.
The 18-year-old victim was attending a memorial car wash at Pico Boulevard and 19th Street when, for reasons unknown, the woman ran from the parking lot and onto the 1800 block of Pico.
"A car stopped, she gets in and, just as the vehicle is driving away, a gunman walks up and fires several shots into the car. The woman was wounded, but the motorist escaped injury," Lewis said.
The driver took her to Pico and Lincoln boulevards, where they called for help.
"Other calls came in, when the shooting occurred," Lewis said. "We did a perimeter and the suspect was caught about an hour and a half later, trying to leave the crime in a vehicle."
Officials surrounded the area and found Thomas driving on Delaware Avenue at 16th Street an hour and a half later. Investigators also recovered the gun allegedly used in the attack.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8495. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27463).
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