Officials have released the names of the man and woman killed by a hit-and-run driver as they were standing on a sidewalk in Santa Monica.
Brad Lipshy and Maura Cohen, both 61, died of blunt traumatic injuries after being struck by a driver in an orange Dodge Charger on the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard around 9:15 p.m. Friday, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Lipshy and Cohen were among four victims located on the sidewalk by first responders. The other two victims were transported to local hospitals and were expected to survive.
Police said the Dodge was traveling the wrong way on the eastbound lanes of Wilshire Boulevard when it drove onto the sidewalk and struck the four pedestrians. The driver, who remains at large, ditched the vehicle at the scene and fled on foot.
“I look to the right, and I see the orange car going as fast as it can,” an unidentified witness said. “It looked like, flooring it, the gas pedal to the metal. I was thinking it was going to hit us.”
Video released Sunday night appears to show the driver running from the scene after the crash.
The suspect was described by police as a Black man, standing about 6 feet tall, wearing a red hat, black sweater, and black shoes.
“Our investigators are working tirelessly to identify and locate the suspect responsible, and our hearts are with the families of the victims who are experiencing unimaginable loss,” police said following the crash.
Police urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information to contact Investigator Lewis (310-458-2201×5311 or at [email protected]), or Sergeant Jason Olson (310-458-8367 or at [email protected]), or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
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