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Santa Monica Police Investigate Officer Shooting of Michael Rodriguez

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 2:51 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Santa Monica Police Department officers shot and killed Michael Rodriguez, 44, in Palisades Park.
The shooting occurred on Aug. 22, 2026 at about 12:50 p.m. during a domestic-violence response.
Officers said Rodriguez brandished a large serrated knife and moved toward them.
After shouting “Put that down!”, an officer fired a single round into his chest.
Internal affairs, the District Attorney’s Office and a criminal probe are investigating the shooting.

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Story summary

Santa Monica Police Department officers shot and killed Michael Rodriguez, 44, in Palisades Park.
The shooting occurred on Aug. 22, 2026 at about 12:50 p.m. during a domestic-violence response.
Officers said Rodriguez brandished a large serrated knife and moved toward them.
After shouting “Put that down!”, an officer fired a single round into his chest.
Internal affairs, the District Attorney’s Office and a criminal probe are investigating the shooting.