Chaos unfolded on the streets of Santa Monica this past Sunday, when a white Ford F-550 work truck, complete with a trailer, was reported stolen near 3rd Street and Arizona Avenue. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the incident occurred around 2:30 PM, sparking a series of events that would lead to multiple collisions and an eventual arrest in Los Angeles County.
The suspect, now identified as 40-year-old Walter Albert Fernandez from Santa Clarita, didn't stop at Grand Theft Auto but reportedly continued to escalate the situation with a series of non-injury traffic mishaps, as he barreled northbound on Pacific Coast Highway. Despite initial rumors, it was later confirmed that Fernandez was not armed during the spree.
Law enforcement's pursuit of the stolen vehicle culminated near Big Rock Drive, where Fernandez crashed and then chose to abandon his unwieldy chariot, attempting to continue his escape on foot. His run toward the shoreline was cut short, as Santa Monica Police Officers, backed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, swiftly detained him without further commotion.
With Fernandez in custody, the investigation turns to the question of impairment, which authorities suspect to have played a role in Sunday's events. The Santa Monica Police Department is calling for any witnesses, especially those with dash cam or cell phone footage, to come forward and offer their accounts. Lieutenant Lewis Gilmour, the media contact for the case, urges those with information to reach out to Traffic Investigator Lantz Lewis or the Watch Commander available around the clock.
For those in possession of potentially valuable evidence or additional details regarding this incident, contact information has been provided by the SMPD. Reach out to Investigator Lewis at (310) 458-2201 ext. 5311 or to the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427. As this remains an active investigation, such contributions from the public may prove critical in piecing together the circumstances of this startling occurrence.
