Woman Run Over By Reckless Driver On Santa Monica Beach Is Identified: Police

SANTA MONICA, CA — The woman who was run over by an SUV and killed on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier last week was identified by authorities on Sunday.

The Medical Examiner's office determined the woman, Sherese Allen, 34, died from traumatic asphyxia. Police said they believe Allen was homeless.

Police were flagged down near the 1400 block of the beach at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday regarding a "vehicle stuck in the sand." At the scene, officers found a woman, later identified as Allen, wedged beneath an Infiniti SUV, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

"Despite their efforts to reach the victim and provide aid, the Santa Monica Fire Department determined the victim was deceased at the scene. Using SMFD resources, the vehicle was lifted and the victim was extricated," police said.

Witnesses said the driver of the SUV had been driving in circles at high speeds on the sand when he ran over Allen, according to police.

The driver, Yuyang Sun, 21, of Arcadia was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence, reckless driving and gross vehicular manslaughter, police said.

Sun remains held at the Santa Monica Police Department in lieu of $100,000 bail. He's set to be arraigned on Tuesday, according to county jail records.

City News Service contributed to this report.