Santa Monica Police Hunt Driver After Deadly Wilshire Boulevard Crash
Two people were killed and two others injured Friday night after a car traveling the wrong way on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica jumped the curb and struck a group of pedestrians, police said.
The crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. on October 24 in the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. When officers arrived, they found four victims lying on the south sidewalk. Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was heading westbound in the eastbound lanes when it veered onto the sidewalk and hit the pedestrians. The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot before officers arrived.
Police described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall, last seen wearing a red hat, black sweater, and black shoes.
The Santa Monica Police Department’s Major Accident Response Team (MART) is leading the investigation. Authorities closed Wilshire Boulevard between 14th Street and Euclid Avenue for several hours Friday night while investigators documented the scene.
“We recognize the gravity of this tragedy and the impact it has on our community,” said Interim Chief Darrick Jacob in a statement. “Our investigators are working tirelessly to identify and locate the suspect responsible, and our hearts are with the families of the victims who are experiencing unimaginable loss.”
Anyone with information about the incident, including witnesses who saw the collision or the suspect fleeing, is urged to contact Investigator Lantz Lewis at 310-458-2201 ext. 5311 or Sgt. Jason Olson at 310-458-8367. The Watch Commander can be reached 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.
