Santa Monica man shoots himself in head after firing at cab driver, police say

A Santa Monica father of two was in critical condition Thursday after firing shots at his cab driver before shooting himself in the head and will probably be arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, authorities said.

The man and his wife were returning from a date Wednesday when their taxi driver stopped in front of their residence in the 800 block of Bay Street about 11:30 p.m., said Santa Monica police Sgt. Sal Lucio.

An argument ensued over the fare, and the man said he had to go inside to get some cash. Instead, he reappeared with a handgun, which he fired into the air and toward the driver before going back into the home, Lucio said. The driver was not injured.

Officers responding to the scene heard another round of shots and a containment area was set up, Lucio said. The man’s wife came out of the house and said her husband was intoxicated.

SWAT and K-9 teams were deployed and the man was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. The man, whose name was not released, was in the intensive care unit after being taken to a nearby hospital.

The man’s infant daughter and toddler son, who had been at home with a babysitter, were found safe inside the residence.

Lucio said the investigation into the incident was ongoing.

For more California news, follow @corinaknoll. She can also be reached at corina.knoll@latimes.com.

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