Suspect in Santa Monica College Shooting Dies in Standoff with Law Enforcement
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Davon Durell Dean, 39, a former employee at Santa Monica College, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a standoff with law enforcement in El Segundo on Tuesday. He was involved in a shooting that took place at the Santa Monica College Center for Media & Design on Monday night, according to a news release from the Santa Monica Police Department.
Background on the Suspect
Dean was a current employee at the college and was arrested in the past for alleged crimes, including attempted murder in 2011 and assault with a deadly weapon in 2019. However, his only convictions were for misdemeanor property crimes.
Shooting and Standoff
The suspect was located by officers from the Hawthorne Police Department near El Segundo and Aviation boulevards around 3 p.m. Tuesday. A brief pursuit followed, and the suspect’s vehicle was surrounded by law enforcement. Despite efforts by crisis negotiators, Dean was found dead inside his car.
Investigation Ongoing
The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the events leading up to the shooting and shooting itself. No additional suspects are believed to be at large.
College Response
Santa Monica College campuses were closed on Tuesday, and the college’s superintendent and president, Kathryn E. Jeffery, urged community members to take advantage of free counseling resources provided by the school. "As we try to make sense of this horrific act of workplace violence, the safety of our community is our primary focus," said Johnnie Adams, chief of police for the Santa Monica Community College District.
Consequences and Condolences
"We are deeply grateful to SMCPD personnel and all our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspect," said Adams. Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista commented, "I am so proud of our detectives who worked tirelessly throughout the night in collaboration with our partners at the Santa Monica College Police Department to identify and locate the suspect in this tragic incident. Our officers’ commitment to the safety of the Santa Monica community is evident and remains paramount."
FAQs
Q: What happened during the standoff with the suspect?
A: The suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Q: How was the suspect identified?
A: The suspect was identified as Davon Durell Dean, 39, a current employee at Santa Monica College.
Q: What was the suspect’s criminal history?
A: Dean was arrested for attempted murder in 2011 and assault with a deadly weapon in 2019. He was convicted of only misdemeanor property crimes.
Q: Are there any additional suspects?
A: No, the Santa Monica Police Department believes there are no additional suspects.
