Man arrested on suspicion of DUI, gross vehicular manslaughter in Santa Monica

A person believed to be unhoused was hit and killed by an SUV on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Police said Friday. 

The motorist was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, reckless driving, and gross vehicular manslaughter, according to police. Santa Monica Harbor Officers were flagged down regarding "a vehicle stuck in the sand” when they were patrolling near the 1400 block of the Beach about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, according to police. 

"Officers located an unconscious female, believed to be homeless, wedged beneath the vehicle," the police statement said. "Despite their efforts to reach the victim and provide aid, the Santa Monica Fire Department determined the victim was deceased at the scene. Using SMFD resources, the vehicle was lifted and the victim was extricated."

The identity of the fatally injured woman was not immediately available.

"The driver, a 21-year-old male operating a 2015 Infiniti SUV, who remained on scene, was reported to be driving in circles at high speeds on the sand when he ran over the victim," the police statement said.

Police said YuYang Sun, of Arcadia, was booked and arrested on reckless driving, driving under the influence, and gross vehicular manslaughter. 

The Santa Monica Police Department Major Accident Response Team remained on scene to investigate the incident, according to the statement. 

Anybody with information about the case was urged to call the police watch commander at 310-458-8427.