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A man sleeping in an alley way in Venice was fatally struck by an SUV early Thursday, authorities said.

Officers responded to the scene near Ocean Front Walk and Wavecrest Avenue around 1:30 a.m., according the Los Angeles Police Department.

LAPD and L.A. Fire Department officers discovered a man in his 30s who was hit while asleep in a sleeping bag, Sgt. Jeff Lovick said. The victim, who apparently died of blunt force trauma, was declared dead at the scene.

Lovick said after the crash, the driver of a dark colored SUV made a three-point turn and fled in an unknown direction. The vehicle had severe damages, the officer said.

A woman at the scene said she saw two people inside the SUV, and that the driver who hit the man exchanged seats with the passenger before they took off. She said the victim was well-known in the neighborhood.

Officials provided no further information.