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Source: Driver in minor crash before fatal run
SANTA MONICA, California (CNN) -- The 86-year-old driver who plowed his car through a crowded street market in Santa Monica was involved in a minor crash just minutes before Wednesday's run that killed 10 people, a source told CNN Saturday. The source said Russell Weller was involved in a minor collision with a Mercedes-Benz within yards of the farmers' market, but indicated it "would be speculative" to say he had been fleeing the scene of the first crash. "We have thousands of statements to go through," the source said. The farmers' market reopened Saturday and a memorial service was held for those who died. Eight people died at the scene of the crash. A seriously injured man died in hospital Wednesday night and a 7-month-old boy died the following day. More than 50 people were hurt. Twelve people, including a child under the age 2, were taken to hospitals with critical injuries after the crash. Weller told police he tried to stop his midsize Buick LeSabre but was unable to do so as the car barreled more than three city blocks into the market. More than 100 witnesses interviewed by the police gave conflicting reports about Weller's demeanor at the time of the incident. According to one witness, "it was like a Sherman barreling through, hitting everything, just going right over people. "He was not only speeding, he was accelerating." Joe Crisman, another witness, works in a building along the street where the market is held. He saw the crash and said the driver appeared befuddled. "He looked very, very confused," Crisman said. "I think he was mentally out of touch. He seemed very confused when he stepped out of the car. He definitely shouldn't have been behind the wheel. He was definitely not quite with it." After the crash, police escorted Weller to a local hospital where he was found to have no alcohol or psychiatric medications in his system. Santa Monica Police Chief James Butts Jr. said Weller could be charged with manslaughter once police turn the case over to the district attorney's office when the police investigation is complete in two to three weeks.
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