2 Killed, 2 Injured In Hit-And-Run Crash In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica authorities are searching for the driver of a car involved in a hit-and-run crash that left two people dead and two others injured.

Around 9:15 p.m. on Friday, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard after receiving reports of a traffic collision involving a car and multiple pedestrians.

When police arrived, officers located four victims on the south sidewalk. The Santa Monica Fire Department responded and took two people to a local hospital with injuries. They are expected to survive.

Two other victims were pronounced deceased at the scene, police said.

A preliminary investigation revealed the involved vehicle was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Wilshire Boulevard when it drove onto the sidewalk and struck the four pedestrians. The involved vehicle remained at the scene; however, the driver fled on foot before officers arrived and remains at large.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing a red hat, a black sweater and black shoes.

Wilshire Boulevard between 14th Street and Euclid Avenue was closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene.

“We recognize the gravity of this tragedy and the impact it has on our community,” said Interim Chief Darrick Jacob. “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 who may have witnessed the collision, saw the suspect fleeing the scene, or has any information about this incident should contact Investigator Lantz Lewis by phone at 310-458-2201, ext. 5311, or by email at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov. Witnesses can also contact Sgt. Jason Olson by phone at 310-458-8367, by email at Jason.Olson@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.