Felony investigation underway after short pursuit in Ocean Park

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) attempted to pull over a vehicle wanted by the LAPD in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2025. The driver led SMPD on a pursuit before pulling over on Strand Street, where SMPD discovered the driver was injured and was transported to a hospital. SMPD reports the injuries are believed to have occurred before the traffic stop and were not caused by the police’s actions. (Jake Crandall | The Corsair)

Crime scene tape hangs in front of Hotchkiss Park in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2025, after the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) attempted to pull over a vehicle wanted by the LAPD, the driver led SMPD on a pursuit before pulling over on Strand Street, where SMPD discovered the driver was injured and was transported to a hospital. SMPD reports the injuries are believed to have occurred before the traffic stop and were not caused by the police’s actions. (Jake Crandall | The Corsair)

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) attempted to pull over a vehicle wanted by the LAPD in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2025. The driver led SMPD on a pursuit before pulling over on Strand Street, where SMPD discovered the driver was injured and was transported to a hospital. SMPD reports the injuries are believed to have occurred before the traffic stop and were not caused by the police’s actions. (Jake Crandall | The Corsair)

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) attempted to pull over a vehicle wanted by the LAPD in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2025. The driver led SMPD on a pursuit before pulling over on Strand Street, where SMPD discovered the driver was injured and was transported to a hospital. SMPD reports the injuries are believed to have occurred before the traffic stop and were not caused by the police’s actions. (Jake Crandall | The Corsair)

The entrance sign to Hotchkiss Park in Santa Monica, Calif., was wrapped in police tape, blocking off Strand Street after a traffic stop turned into a felony investigation. Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) spokesman Lt. Lewis Gilmour reported that the department identified a vehicle wanted by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Monday, Sept. 8, at 3:19 p.m.

Police attempted a traffic stop, leading to a small pursuit before the driver eventually yielded on Strand Street. Officers found the driver of the vehicle injured. The Santa Monica Fire Department was called to the scene and transported the driver to the hospital. 

According to SMPD, the driver’s injuries were believed to be sustained before the traffic stop and not caused by the police department’s actions.  

Detectives combed for evidence at the scene, with the vehicle's doors and trunk open. A blood red stain could be seen splattered on Strand Street, as well as several personal belongings scattered outside the subject’s car, strewn haphazardly about.  

Children were peeking out from strollers as they rode past crime scene tape. Concerned community members huddled together, trying to find out what had unfolded in their community.

According to SMPD, the LAPD will oversee the investigation, and further updates on the case will come from them. SMPD additionally reported, “There is no ongoing threat to the community related to this incident.”