Aviation Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Boulevard: an officer saw a collision that then spread to his patrol car and a fourth vehicle, and one person died at the scene
MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA (October 9, 2026): One person was killed and several others were injured, including an on-duty Manhattan Beach police officer, in a four-vehicle Manhattan Beach crash on Friday night, October 9, at the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Boulevard, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, as reported by KTLA, Patch and MB News. Police said the crash happened at about 10:12 p.m.
According to the department’s statement, the on-duty officer witnessed the first collision, and the vehicles involved then struck the officer’s marked patrol car and another vehicle nearby. Four vehicles were involved in all. MB News reported that the crash happened in the eastbound lanes of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, near a McDonald’s restaurant.
Manhattan Beach police and firefighters found multiple injured people when they arrived, police said. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. Several others, including the officer, were taken to a local hospital. Police said the officer’s injuries were not life-threatening, and the conditions of the other injured people have not been released. Manhattan Beach Boulevard was closed in both directions while officers investigated, and only one lane in each direction had reopened by Saturday morning, MB News reported.
Police have not released the name, age or hometown of the person who died, and they have not said which vehicles first collided or whether speed or a traffic signal played a role. Anyone with information can contact Manhattan Beach Police Traffic Officer Gaunt at 310-802-5098.
Update (October 13, 2026): Manhattan Beach police said a 35-year-old man was taken into custody on Monday, October 12, after he was released from the hospital, according to a department statement reported by MB News and KTLA. Police said he caused the collision, which killed a passenger in another vehicle and left people in other vehicles with critical and serious injuries. He was booked on suspicion of murder, DUI causing injury, hit-and-run causing death or serious injury, reckless driving, possession of nitrous oxide and driving without a license. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The District Attorney’s Office has not announced whether it will file charges. Under Vehicle Code § 23153, driving under the influence and causing injury is a separate offense, and in civil cases Civil Code § 3294 generally allows punitive damages when a driver acts with conscious disregard for the safety of others.
Liability for the Manhattan Beach Four-Vehicle Crash
Under California Civil Code § 1714, every driver is responsible for harm caused by a failure to use ordinary care. Vehicle Code § 21453 requires drivers facing a red signal to stop, and Vehicle Code § 22350 prohibits speeds that are unsafe for conditions. In a crash with several vehicles, more than one driver can share responsibility under California’s comparative fault rules. Based on what police have released, the questions include:
- The first collision: Police said the officer witnessed an initial crash before it spread to other vehicles. Which two vehicles collided first, and why, is the starting point of any claim.
- Right of way at a busy intersection: Aviation and Manhattan Beach boulevards are two major streets. Signal records, witness accounts and video can show which driver had the right of way.
- Speed and force: The collision was strong enough to push vehicles into a patrol car and a fourth vehicle. Speed is likely to be a focus of the reconstruction.
- Several insurance policies: With four vehicles involved, several auto policies may apply to the people who were hurt and to the family of the person who died.
The family of the person who died may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, and the people who were injured may have personal injury claims against any driver found responsible. These civil claims are separate from the police investigation and from any decision about criminal charges.
Steps to Take After a Manhattan Beach Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes at intersections account for a large share of serious injuries and deaths on U.S. roads. Officer witness statements, patrol car video and nearby cameras can be especially important after a crash like this one.
- Request the collision report: Ask the Manhattan Beach Police Department for the report number and the traffic collision report when it is complete.
- Ask about video: Ask whether the patrol car recorded the crash, and send written requests to nearby businesses to keep their footage.
- Keep medical records: Save every hospital record, bill and follow-up note, even for injuries that seemed minor that night.
- Be careful with insurers: Several insurance companies may call. Avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.
Legal deadlines and notice requirements apply after a crash, injury or death, and they vary with the facts of each case, the location and the parties involved, including any public agency. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Investigating the Manhattan Beach Four-Vehicle Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C., a personal injury and civil rights law firm in Irvine, California, extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost their life at Aviation and Manhattan Beach boulevards, and we hope for the full recovery of everyone who was hurt, including the officer. Important questions remain: What caused the first collision that the officer witnessed? And what will the patrol car’s camera and the intersection’s signal records show?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 12, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 9, 2026. Updated on October 13, 2026 with the arrest of a driver on suspicion of murder and DUI.
