Santa Monica, CA (September 22, 2023) A man was arrested for a hit-and-run, among other things, on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The Santa Monica Police Department said the man first stole a vehicle and was also suspected of DUI.
The Santa Monica Police Department officers were in the area of the 700 block of Montana Avenue near Seventh Street around 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday. There, they witnessed a vehicle that ran a red light and then committed several other traffic violations. They told City News Service that the suspect was driving recklessly before they crashed into another vehicle at Seventh Street and Wilshire Boulevard.
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Officers attempted to pull over the suspect but instead of stopping, the vehicle sped away. The driver headed, erratically, down the Santa Monica Pier ramp into Newcomb Lot. Eventually, the vehicle was trapped near the Carousel building at the Pier.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Nehemias Rivera-Menjivar of Wilmington, got out of the vehicle and attempted to run on foot. Officers shot him with a stun gun, but it didn’t slow him down. Rivera-Menjivar was eventually taken into custody.
He admitted to officers that he was under the influence of marijuana, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of hit-and-run, reckless driving, evading law enforcement, DUI, and resisting and obstructing an arrest.
Liability In Santa Monica DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Santa Monica DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to anyone injured in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Santa Monica? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
