SANTA MONICA—Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that they are searching for the hit-and-run driver responsible for killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run.
The incident was reported on Sunday, December 22 at 6:40 p.m., when officers responded to the scene of a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue. The victim was crossing Wilshire southbound when she was struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Wilshire.
The vehicle, a white Toyota Rav4 (photo above), was seen by witnesses fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. The victim, a Vietnam War veteran and Santa Monica resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.
SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team responded to start their investigation. Investigators have located video footage of the suspect and vehicle and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual.
Anyone with details related to this incident is asked to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov , our non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.
By Trevor
