Police have confirmed that a woman has died after being run over by sports utility vehicle on the 1400 block of Santa Monica beach.
On Thursday, October 17 at approximately 11:30pm, Santa Monica Harbor Officers were flagged down not far from Parking Lot 1 North 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 determined the victim was deceased at the scene. Using specialized equipment, the vehicle was lifted and the victim was extricated.
The Major Accident Response Team has remained 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. The suspect has been identified as YuYang Sun (DOB 02/14/2003) from Arcadia, CA. Following a DUI investigation, Sun 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
More news on this breaking story to follow as additional details become available. Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact the Watch Commander desk, 24 hours, at (310) 458-8427.
+++UPDATE+++
Authorities have released the identity and cause of death of the victim. Sherese Allen, 34, died from traumatic asphyxia. Police said they believe Allen was homeless.
scott.snowden@smdp.com
