DRIVER FLEEING ANOTHER CRASH? OFFICERS PROBE REPORT OF INITIAL COLLISION.

Byline: Staff and Wire Services

Police are investigating the possibility that the driver who plowed through Santa Monica's farmers market was speeding from a collision with a Mercedes-Benz before crashing through the market, killing 10 people and injuring dozens of others.

Investigators have not yet determined whether Russell Weller, 86, hit the Mercedes, California Highway Patrol spokesman Tom Marshall said Friday. But he said officers are looking into the possibility that Weller hit the vehicle after leaving a post office, then sped toward the market Wednesday.

``We're trying to do two things: determine first of all that he hit the Mercedes, and two, what his motivation was for leaving if he did hit it,'' Marshall said. ``He could have been confused, he could have been scared and tried to get away - we just don't know at this point.''

Weller's attorney, Jim Bianco, released a statement Wednesday saying that the farmers market crash was an accident. He and another attorney for Weller did not return calls seeking comment Friday.

Weller reportedly told police that he didn't realize the street was closed for Santa Monica's popular farmers market until it was too late. Police believe Weller might have hit the gas instead of the brake as he tried to stop.

Marshall said the CHP is working with Santa Monica authorities on the investigation, which could take weeks.

At least 13 people remained hospitalized Friday, three of them in critical condition.

Those killed include Lynne Ann Weaver, 47, of Woodland Hills; Gloria Olivera Gonzalez, 35, of Venice; 3-year-old Cindy Palacios Valladeres of Los Angeles; Molok Ghoulian, 62, of Los Angeles, and her 7-month-old grandson, Brendon Esfahani; Movsha Hoffman, 78, of Santa Monica; husband and wife Kevin McCarthy, 50, and Diana Y. McCarthy, 41, of Los Angeles; and Leroy Burnett Lattier, 55.

One victim's name was still being withheld Friday pending notification of relatives.

Also on Friday, Los Angeles city officials called for a review of safety measures at farmers markets. Councilman Jack Weiss said the city must make sure the public is protected.

``Farmers markets and other community events draw crowds of people who enjoy these outdoor activities every week,'' Weiss said. ``The city has a responsibility to make sure that safety precautions are in place.''

Weiss asked city agencies to review procedures that are in place now and decide whether additional security measures are needed.

Councilman Dennis Zine asked that the Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles Police Department review the type of equipment and personnel used in rerouting and closing off traffic flow in and around city events.

``The tragedy at the Santa Monica farmers market points up the urgent need for the city of Los Angeles to be absolutely sure that it is providing the proper level of service and security when it comes to street closures,'' said Zine.

Community leaders and residents, meanwhile, announced a memorial procession for the victims for today. The Santa Monica Bay Interfaith Council will host the noontime procession from the dolphin sculpture at Second Street and Arizona Avenue to St. Augustine's Church, 1227 4th St., where a service will be held.

``Santa Monica religious leaders will join together in prayer this weekend,'' organizer Bob Jimenez said. ``The tightly knit community is in mourning over the tragic deaths and injuries at the farmers market.''

Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson, pastor of St. Monica's Catholic Church, will join the procession.

Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom has designated Wednesday as a ``day of community remembrance and reflection.'' A Mass will be celebrated at noon that day at St. Monica's Catholic Church, 725 California Ave.