Santa Monica College shooting suspect dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound after manhunt

An hours-long manhunt for the man who shot and killed a Santa Monica College employee late Monday night ended Tuesday afternoon when police found him dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The shooting happened at the Santa Monica College Center for Media & Design at 1660 Stewart Street around 9:50 p.m. Santa Monica police confirmed the shooting was a “workplace violence incident and not a random act.”

Police continued to search for the suspect and said the victim was in critical condition in the hospital.

Santa Monica police are leading the criminal investigation, assisted by college and campus police

“The college is cooperating fully with authorities and all Santa Monica College campuses will be closed on Tuesday to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community,” the Santa Monica Police Department said in a statement.

Investigators announced Tuesday that they have been tracking the suspect since Monday night’s shooting. They described the man as an employee of the university.

On Tuesday afternoon, El Segundo police surrounded a black sedan after a short chase near Aviation Boulevard and 120th Street.

SWAT teams stopped the vehicle on the side of the road, but the driver refused to cooperate with police and exit the car. The standoff began around 3 p.m. and officers advised motorists to stay away from the area.

The suspect died by suicide during the altercation.

After his death, investigators identified the suspect as 39-year-old Davon Durell Dean. Police said he was previously arrested for attempted murder in 2011 and for assault with a deadly weapon in 2019. Officials added that he had been convicted of negligent property crimes in the past.

All campus operations at Santa Monica College were suspended Tuesday due to the incident.

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Suicide Prevention and Crisis Resources:

Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network

California Coalition of Youth Crisis Line: (800) 843-5200

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline