Introduction to the Incident
An 38-year-old man was arrested in Chicago in a hit-and-run crash that killed two people walking on a sidewalk last month in Santa Monica, police announced Wednesday.
The tragic Oct. 24 crash killed Brad Lipshy, a father and an event company CEO, and 61-year-old Maura Cohen.
Lipshy was walking from a sushi restaurant on Wilshire Boulevard when he was hit by an orange Dodger Charger. The driver, who was traveling the wrong way before swerving onto the sidewalk, got out of the car and left the scene.
The crash injured two people.
"A devastating incident that took two lives and injured two others," said Interim Police Chief Darrick Jacob.
Arrest and Investigation
Santa Monica police said the suspect, who "took deliberate" steps to avoid arrest, was arrested at or near a transit station in Chicago. He was identified by police as 38-year-old Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey, who left California in the days following the deadly crash, police said.
It was not immediately clear when he was arrested.
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.…
Santa Monica police said the hit-and-run vehicle was registered to a rental company, but it was not rented by the suspect. The woman who rented the car visited the scene of the crash and asked for information about what happened, police said.
She later helped Kirksey leave California, police said.
"The extent of that individual’s involvement remains under investigation and will be evaluated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office," Santa Monica police said in a statement.
Charges and Reaction
Kirksey was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in injury, and one count of reckless driving.
"We look forward to bringing justice, and it is just a measure of justice to the victim’s families and the community," said District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Details about Kirksey’s hometown were not immediately available. Police said he was "transient in nature."
“This arrest reflects the persistence and professionalism of our investigators, who worked tirelessly to identify and locate those responsible for this senseless act,” Jacob said. “While nothing can undo the pain this tragedy caused, this marks an important step toward justice for the victims and their families.”
Conclusion
The arrest of Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey brings a measure of relief to the families of the victims and the community affected by the tragic hit-and-run incident in Santa Monica. The incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the cooperation of law enforcement agencies across states. As the case proceeds, it is hoped that justice will be served, and the community can begin to heal from the devastating loss.
FAQs
- Q: Who was arrested in connection with the Santa Monica hit-and-run crash?
A: Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey, a 38-year-old man, was arrested in Chicago. - Q: How many people were killed in the crash?
A: Two people, Brad Lipshy and Maura Cohen, were killed in the crash. - Q: What charges was the suspect facing?
A: Kirksey was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in injury, and one count of reckless driving. - Q: Where was the suspect arrested?
A: The suspect was arrested at or near a transit station in Chicago. - Q: What is the status of the investigation into the woman who rented the car?
A: The extent of her involvement remains under investigation and will be evaluated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
