Citizens Join Hunt for Hit-Run Driver
Police and residents in Santa Monica have joined forces to help find the driver responsible for a hit-and-run accident last Sunday that killed a 39-year-old man.
Philip Van Gelderen, manager of a bookstore in Pacific Palisades, was struck by a car as he was crossing Ocean Park Boulevard at 16th Street in Santa Monica’s Sunset Park area.
According to witnesses, the car was traveling 60 mph to 90 mph. Residents say they are tired of the speeding in Sunset Park.
Police have posted bulletins at body shops and in other public places in Santa Monica, describing the car as a 1988 to 1991 silver or charcoal gray BMW 325 Series with extensive damage to the right side of the windshield and lower front end. The driver is described as a cleanshaven man, white or Latino, 20 to 30 years old with medium-length dark, curly hair.
Anyone with information should contact Santa Monica Police Det. Chris Dawson at 310-458-8993.
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