Road Rage Victim Hospitalized

By Gene Williams
Staff Writer

May 26 -- A man was taken to a local hospital and his unknown assailant is wanted for attempted murder following an apparent case of road rage in Sunset Park Wednesday night.

Santa Monica police responded to the incident near 11th Street and Ashland Avenue at approximately 8:10 p.m. The unidentified victim sustained serious, but non life-threatening injuries.

The apparent attack seems to have stemmed from a driving dispute that quickly turned violent, according to a preliminary investigation by police.

The incident seems to have started near 14th and Pearl streets, as parents and students were leaving open house at Will Rogers Elementary School, a grandparent of one of the students said.

The victim pulled over and tried to let the suspect pass on the congested street, the witness said. But the suspect refused the opportunity, choosing instead to follow the victim as he continued to lean on his horn.

A few blocks later, the victim reportedly stopped and got out of his car to confront the driver, according to police investigators. The suspect reportedly ran the victim down with his SUV before driving away.

The suspect is described as a White male, 40 to 50 years of age, with a thin to medium build and short gray hair.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a late 1980s to early 1990s Toyota 4-Runner, dark or forest green in color, in good condition with a tinted rear window and pronounced roof racks that can accommodate luggage, surf boards or bikes.

The suspect’s vehicle may have minor front hood damage.

Anyone having additional information is encouraged to contact the Robbery-Homicide Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8451 or the Watch Commander’s Office at 310-458-8426.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).