At 1:47 P.M. the Santa Monica Police Department received a call of an accident at 2^nd St. and Arizona Ave.  Officers arrived approximately 20 seconds later and discovered a devastating accident scene. 

A 1992 Buick traveling westbound on Arizona Ave. from 4^th St. drove through the two blocks of the Farmer’s Market striking dozens of people and demolishing several stands.  A total of 8 people were killed including a 3-year-old child.  15 other people were critically injured and another 20 sustained minor to moderate injuries. 

Over 100 public safety and emergency personnel responded to the scene to care for and transport the injured to local area hospitals and to open a potential criminal investigation. 

The driver of the vehicle, a male white, 86 years of age, and a Santa Monica resident, was transported to a local hospital where a preliminary toxicology screening of his blood was conducted.  This preliminary screening did not establish the presence of alcohol and / or other medications.

The California Highway Patrol and the Santa Monica Police Department are engaged in a joint investigation to determine whether or not manslaughter charges will be filed in connection with this incident. 

Anyone who requires crisis counseling relating to this tragedy at the Farmer’s Market can call, Barbara Cienfugo at (800) 854-7771 (24 hours 7 days a week).  The Red Cross Chapter – Santa Monica is compiling a list of people injured.  Please contact the Santa Monica Red Cross at (310) 394-3773.

For more information, please contact:
Lieutenant Frank Fabrega
(310) 458-8418