Police Name Suspect in Pico Shooting

A Colton resident has been booked into Santa Monica Jail on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the shooting of a woman Saturday evening on Pico Boulevard.

The police on Monday identified the suspected gunman as Waiverly Thomas, 31, of Colton, a city near Loma Linda. Charges have not yet been filed by the District Attorney's office.

The 18-year-old victim was seriously wounded but is expected to survive, according to police Sgt. Richard Lewis.

Police said she was shot about 5 p.m. after running away from a memorial fundraiser at a car wash and into the intersection at 18th Street and Pico. She flagged down a car saying she needed help leaving the area, but before the driver could help her escape, police said the gunman ran up on the sidewalk and fired several rounds from a handgun, striking the woman multiple times.

With the victim inside his car, the driver sped off. He called 911 upon reaching the corner of Lincoln and Pico boulevards, according to the police.

Thomas was apprehended near Delaware Avenue at 16th Street about an hour after the shooting as he attempted to drive out of a police perimeter. A handgun believed to be the one used in the shooting was recovered from the car.

Lewis said the suspect and the victim are not cooperating with the investigation. He said it was still unclear what the motive was or whether they knew each other.

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