Driver Who Died in Drag-Racing Crash Had Alcohol in His System

The Santa Monica man who died in a on Wilshire Blvd. last month had a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit, according to a toxicology report obtained by Santa Monica Patch.

Anupam Sanyal, who was 23 years old, had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent, according to the report. The legal limit in California is 0.08 percent.

The crash occurred Feb. 12 around 3:15 a.m. after the Honda Accord driven by Sanyal struck an orange Camaro he had been racing. After the collision, Sanyal lost control of his car, which hit a palm tree in front of Poquito Más. The store is located a few hundred feet east of the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and 20th St., on the north side of the street.

Sanyal was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coroner's report, which was obtained by Santa Monica Patch, lists the cause of death as cranial cerebral trauma.

Police found the Camaro abandoned farther away from the scene of the crash; it was subsequently impounded. The driver of the vehicle allegedly fled following the incident, according to City News Service.

Later, police said they had the driver of the Camaro, and that he had been "cooperative with the investigation," spokesman Sgt. Jay Trisler said.

However, police are still trying to identify a passenger who was in the Camaro.

No arrests have been made. Potential charges against the driver of the car would be decided by prosecutors, who will handle the case after traffic detectives finish investigating the incident.

Police are asking the public for information regarding the incident, as the investigation is still ongoing. The SMPD is asking those who have information to contact Det. Chris Dawson at 310.458.8954, Sgt. Jeff Wiles or 310.458.8895; those who wish to remain anonymous can also call 1-800-78-CRIME or use WeTip.com to submit the information. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered, if the information leads to an arrest and conviction.