City of Santa Monica, CA

10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 09:12

DUI Arrest - Beach Fatality

October 18, 2024 7:49 AM

Santa Monica- On Thursday , October 17th at approximately 11:30pm, Santa Monica Harbor Officers were flagged down near the 1400 Block of the Beach for a vehicle stuck in the sand. Officers located an unconscious female, believed to be homeless, wedged beneath the vehicle. Despite their efforts to reach the victim and provide aid, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) determined the victim was deceased at the scene. Using SMFD resources, the vehicle was lifted and the victim was extricated.

The SMPD Major Accident Response Team (MART) remain on scene, actively investigating the incident. The LA County Coroner's Office has been notified and will be responding. As this investigation is ongoing, the victim has not been identified.

The driver, a 21- year-old male operating a 2015 Infiniti SUV, who remained on scene, was reported to be driving in circles at high speeds on the sand when he ran over the victim. Following a DUI investigation, the suspect was arrested and preliminarily charged with the following:

· 23152(a) VC- Driving under the influence · 23105 VC - Reckless Driving· 191.5(a) PC - Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

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General Information:

Date of Incident: Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:30PM

Type of Incident: DUI, Vehicular Manslaughter

Location: 1400 Block of the Beach

Suspect: 21-year-old male, arrested at the scene

Victim:Female, potentially unhoused

Media Contact

Jose Rodriguez
Santa Monica Police Sergeant
[email protected]

Myesha Morrison
Public Information Coordinator
[email protected]

Departments

Police