DUI Arrest - Beach Fatality

Santa Monica - On Thursday , October 17^th 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.

###