One Dead, 11 Injured in Venice Boardwalk Hit and Run

A woman on her honeymoon was killed and eleven others injured in a hit and run accident Saturday evening at the Venice Boardwalk.

According to reports from the Los Angeles Police Department, the crash took place at around 6:00 p.m. near the intersection of Dudley Avenue and Ocean Front Walk, where a dark colored sedan drove “purposefully” through tables and pedestrians at approximately 20 miles per hour near the boardwalk before fleeing the scene.

“We [heard] screaming and yelling and [looked] down and there’s hundreds of people just diving out of the way,” said Naqo Habibi, a vendor on the boardwalk, and a witness to the crash. “The next thing we know, I see a blue car coming through with a girl latched onto the hood. He [was] like swerving back and forth and the girl rolls off the side, and he’s like heading straight for us. We [dove] over my booth.”

A dozen pedestrians in total were rushed to nearby hospitals with ages ranging from 19 to 75, including two in critical condition, and two others in serious condition. One of the victims, 32 year old Alice Gruppioni, was pronounced dead as of Saturday evening. She was visiting California from Bologna, Italy, on her honeymoon. Her husband, Christian Casadei, suffered only cuts and bruises.

Following the accident, LAPD Lieutenant Andrew Neiman reported that a person of interest was detaining in Santa Monica in the evening believed to be the driver of the vehicle. His identity was later released as 38 year old Nathan Campbell or Colorado. Sources say that the man may have been living in the car involved in the incident. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held on $1 million bail.

“If this was an intentional act that certainly raises the stakes quite a bit,” says Lt. Neiman. “It’s horrendous no matter what the intent was, but the fact that this individual left the scene of these accidents and did not render aid, as required by law, at minimum is a felony hit and run.”

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident such as this, you should take action, as there are legal protections in place to get you what you need to get back on your feet. With the help of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer, compensation can be received from those at fault to cover the costs of your recovery.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will fight for your rights and get you the full amount that you are rightfully owed. We will not charge you anything for our services until your case is won. If we are unable to collect on your case, then you will not owe us anything. For more information and a free evaluation to discuss your available options, call us right away, any time day or night.