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Pedestrian Killed In Santa Monica Hit-And-Run Accident

SANTA MONICA (CBS) — Police Wednesday searched for the driver involved in a hit-and-run accident that left a pedestrian dead in Santa Monica.

The deadly accident happened at 5:50 a.m. at Santa Monica and Lincoln boulevards in Santa Monica, according to police.

"The suspect vehicle was traveling southbound on Lincoln Boulevard in the number one lane, struck the pedestrian, as he was crossing," said Sgt. Richard Lewis.

A white male in his 50s was killed while walking in a crosswalk during a red light on Santa Monica Boulevard. He was hit by a newer model charcoal gray Toyota Camry with a missing passenger-side mirror, officials said. The car likely has front end damage.

"Terrible thing to see. What a way to start your day, you know," said Jay Kyle, who said he thought he recognized the victim.

"He was definitely a transient. I've seen the guy before at the CVS; he  panhandled there," Kyle said.

The man was declared dead at the scene.

Police have no description of the driver.

There have been five pedestrians struck and killed so far this year in Santa Monica.

"It's a nightmare here. Santa Monica is a very dangerous place and people don't realize it," said Robaire Estel, who walks through the same intersection every day.

He said that he has had a number of close calls as well.

"There have been many times that I've had to hit people's hood and they were just startled, because they're so interested in getting into the traffic, that they don't pay attention to the pedestrians at all," Estel said.

Anyone with information should call the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8495.

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