SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a hit and run driver who is responsible for the death of a pedestrian that occurred during the early morning hours on July 16.  The collision occurred between 21st Street and Wilshire Blvd.

The victim was a 30 year-old, female, Santa Monica resident who was walking northbound on 21st Street when she was struck by the vehicle.  She was transported to the hospital, but later died from her injuries.  Canyon News spoke with Sergeant Richard Lewis of the SMPD about the incident via email. 

“The victim’s name is Claire Pauline Rudd from Santa Monica,” said Sgt. Lewis.  He was unable to disclose any further information regarding the suspect or any new witnesses to the case.   

Police indicate the suspect continued driving westbound on Wilshire Blvd. to northbound 15th Street and then eastbound on California Avenue.  The SMPD stated in a press release from their website on Tuesday, July 24 that they now have a description for the vehicle that was involved in the accident.

Description of the vehicle involved in the deadly hit and run accident that occurred on July 16. Photo courtesy of the Santa Monica Police Department.

“The suspect vehicle is described as a black 2009 or 2010 Toyota Corolla S.  As a result of the traffic collision, the suspect’s vehicle should have damage to the left front grill, hood, and driver side headlight or fog lamp assembly.  There is no information on the driver at this time,” stated the press release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigators Chris Dawson or Jason Olson at (310) 458-8954 or Sergeant Phillbo Rubish at (310) 458-8950 or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WE Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27643), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com; you will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000.00 if your information 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.  To text an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers, please view their webpage for detailed instructions.  If the information leads to an arrest, the tipster is eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000.00.