On December 26, 2006, Detectives from the Santa Monica Police Department were investigating an attempted armed robbery of the Budget Market located at 2331 4th street. A follow up investigation led Detectives to an apartment complex in the 2900 block of 4th street where the suspect was residing with other family members. Family members allowed the Detectives to search the apartment for the suspect, Martin Schmidt (M/W 33). Schmidt was located hiding inside one of the bedrooms. As the Detectives were giving Schmidt verbal commands to surrender, Schmidt suddenly turned, ran through the bedroom, crashed through a closed window, and fell from the third floor apartment to the ground below.
Schmidt sustained major injuries from the fall. Paramedics treated Schmidt at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.
Anyone having additional information regarding the attempted armed robbery is encouraged to contact the Robbery/Homicide Detail of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310.458.8451 or the Watch Commander’s Office at 310.458.8427.
