Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Man Riding Scooter In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance with any information related to a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision.

On Friday, March 15, at about 8:30 p.m., SMPD Officers responded to a radio call for service at the 2700 block of 3rd Street regarding a hit-and-run traffic collision involving a motorized scooter and car, the SMPD press release said.

When officers arrived, they found the Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics treating a 41-year-old male victim with significant head and body trauma. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, but a short time later he succumbed to his injuries.

"A preliminary investigation by SMPD revealed that the male victim was riding a personally-owned electric scooter (“City Hopper”) southbound on 3rd Street when, for unknown reasons, he fell onto the roadway," SMPD said. "As the victim remained on the roadway, he was hit by a vehicle traveling southbound on 3rd Street."

The driver stopped and got out of his car, but fled the scene before first responders arrived. The suspect vehicle is as an older model off-white or tan four-door sedan, with possible damage to the front passenger side of the car. Authorities said the car may be a Toyota Camry.

The suspect driver is a man, 30-40 years old, 6’2” tall, with a medium build, shaved head or short hair and prescription glasses, SMPD said.

The investigation is ongoing and investigators are interested in speaking with anyone who was in the area near the time of the crash. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Scott Pace at (310) 458-8954 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8495.