A man suspected of fatally shooting another man Friday in Santa Monica was wounded in a shootout with police.
The first shooting occurred about 6:30 p.m. in the area of Main and Strand streets, according to Santa Monica police.
The suspected gunman fled east on Strand Street and officers spotted him in the area of Second Street and Hollister Avenue, police said.
He had a firearm and pointed it at one of the responding officers, according to Santa Monica police Lt. Saul Rodriguez.
Additional officers responded and attempted to engage the suspect who fired several rounds at officers, prompting two officers to fire back, Rodriguez said.
Witnesses described a stampede a terrified bystanders after the man was shot.
"'Bang bang,' the other guy was on the floor," said Lerato Bambo. "People came running in the store. I locked the door."
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The gunman, who is believed to be in his 40s, was wounded and taken to a hospital with moderate injuries and is expected to survive, according to Rodriguez.
"The first thing I hear is, 'why did you do it?'" Lucas Yancey said. "That's what the cop said to the guy after he shot him. Guys on the ground, blood everywhere."
No officers were struck by the suspect's gunfire, he added.
A gun was recovered at the scene.
