Homeless Man Pulls a Knife, Barricades Himself at T-Mobile Store on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica

10/26/22: A homeless man with a knife barricaded himself after threatening customers and staff at the T-Mobile store on the Third Street Promenade.

The following description of the incident from an anonymous source: "A man came in and shortly after the cops showed up which is when the man pulled a fishing size knife out. The cops pulled their guns out and Customers and employees evacuated for a couple hours while negotiations took place between the suspect and the police", said the anonymous source.

The T-Mobile store was taped off, and Santa Monica Blvd was closed at Third Street on Wednesday at around 2:30 pm.

@santamonicapd, the official twitter account of the SMPD tweeted about the incident at 6:09 pm PST:

"This afternoon at 12:50 PM, SMPD Officers were dispatched to what originally was reported as an armed robbery @ 332 #SantaMonica Blvd. #SMPD officers arrived within less than 2 minutes. Witnesses reported a male armed w/ a sharp object went into the store acting hysterical and asking for help."

"The male ran out before police arrived. SMPD personnel observed the described male go into the T Mobile store in the 1400 block of 3rd Street Promenade. When they attempted to make contact with him, he pulled out two knives."

"Officers were able to safely evacuate all the store's employees and customers. Members of the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded and talked to the male as he barricaded himself in the back of the store. At approx. 120pm, personnel successfully negotiate with him."

"He safely surrendered the knives & was transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at http://988lifeline.org."