Following a fatal hit-and-run in Santa Monica, police have apprehended 38-year-old suspect Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey in Chicago, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The collision, which left two pedestrians dead and two seriously injured, occurred last month on October 24 on Wilshire Boulevard. Santa Monica police announced Wednesday that through collaborative efforts, they traced and arrested Kirksey near a Chicago transit center, he was attempting to evade further capture. Officials described the suspect as having taken "deliberate" steps to avoid detection, which included abandoning the state following the calamity.
According to a Santa Monica Police Department post, the vehicle involved in the crash was rented from an online platform, though not by Kirksey himself. Detectives gathered crucial evidence such as contact information and electronic records, which led to the issuance of search warrants that ultimately pinpointed Kirksey's location. The suspect has been formally charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in injury, and one count of reckless driving.
The Santa Monica Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred on Friday, October 24, 2025, in the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard, which resulted in the deaths of two pedestrians and serious injuries to two others.… pic.twitter.com/LXY0IVX2rX
— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) November 5, 2025
The individual who had originally rented the hit-and-run vehicle is also under investigation for her potential involvement in aiding Kirksey's flight from California. She had reportedly visited the crash site to inquire about the incident before assisting the suspect in his departure. "The extent of that individual’s involvement remains under investigation and will be evaluated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office," stated Santa Monica police. Both sources revealed that the crash claimed the lives of Brad Lipshy, an event company CEO, and 61-year-old Maura Cohen, leaving the community and the victims' families reeling from the tragedy.
Interim Police Chief Darrick Jacob commented on the arrest, emphasizing the tenacity and professionalism of the investigative team. He stated, “While nothing can undo the pain this tragedy caused, this marks an important step toward justice for the victims and their families,” according to NBC Los Angeles. The Santa Monica Police Department extends its condolences and urges those with additional information regarding the case to come forward. Kirksey is currently under custody in Santa Monica, following extradition from Illinois.
