PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY — A 76-year-old man from Los Angeles was questioned by Santa Monica police Thursday in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision at the corner of Lincoln and Santa Monica boulevards, authorities said.
The suspect was brought in for questioning after a family member notified police, believing the senior may have been involved in the collision that took the life of a 73-year-old homeless man on Wednesday morning, said SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said.
Officers responded to the location of the suspected driver and met with the family member, who cooperated in the investigation. Damage to the suspect’s vehicle, along with witness information obtained by investigators, “confirmed that the vehicle at the location had been involved in the collision,” Lewis said.
The vehicle was impounded and the driver released following the interview with investigators.
“The driver is not under arrest at this time,” Lewis said.
Police did order the suspect to be re-examined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to see if he is fit to drive.
The name of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
The collision occurred around 5:50 a.m. Wednesday. Police said the victim was walking against a red light when he was struck.
The investigation into the hit-and-run is still ongoing.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Investigator Chris Dawson at (310) 458-8954 or Sgt. Jeff Wiles at (310) 458-8950 or the watch commander at (310) 458-8495.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME (1-800-78-27643), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com; those providing information will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000 if information provided leads to an arrest and conviction.
Or, anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. If the information leads to an arrest, the tipster is eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
