A Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) advisory alert was sent out at 9:47 a.m. this morning warning residents to avoid 15th Street between Santa Monica Blvd and Broadway due to SMPD activity.
A body could be seen lying on the sidewalk on the west side of the Lexus dealership parking lot, opposite 15th Street Liquor. Most of the north half of 15th Street was taped off by SMPD and a forensics team could been seen collecting evidence and gathering information.
Additional unmarked police units appeared on the scene shortly afterwards as a number of plain clothed detectives arrived.
No official statement has been issued yet, but SMPD told the Daily Press that currently there are no definitive answers about what happened and nothing will be known for sure until camera footage from nearby retail outlets and residential buildings is viewed and a coroner examines the body.
More information will be posted pending confirmation.
scott.snowden@smdp.com