Felony Hit & Run / Pursuit- IN CUSTODY
September 21, 2023 7:00 PM
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 11:20 pm, Santa Monica Police officers observed a vehicle run a red light near the 700 block of Montana Avenue. The driver of the vehicle failed to yield to police officers and committed additional traffic violations while driving recklessly for several blocks before colliding with a vehicle at 7th and Wilshire Blvd. The driver failed to stop after the collision, continuing to drive without regard to public safety down the Pier ramp and into the Newcomb Lot. The vehicle pursuit terminated when the driver was boxed in near the Carousel building on the Pier.
The driver, later identified as 21- year-old Nehemias Rivera-Menjivar (DOB: 9-21-2001) from Wilmington, CA, exited the stopped vehicle, and attempted to flee on foot. An officer deployed a taser which had no effect on Rivera-Menjivar. After continued demands, Riveria-Menjivar was finally taken into custody without further incident.
During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the vehicle driven by Rivera-Menjivar had been stolen from an address in Long Beach, CA. The driver admitted to using marijuana.
Riveria-Menjivar was booked for multiple violations including: 20001(a) CVC - Felony Hit and Run; 23104(a) CVC - Reckless Driving; 2800.2(a) CVC - Felony Evading Police; 23153 (f) CVC- Felony DUI (Marijuana); and 148(a)(1) PC - Resisting and Obstructing Arrest
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Krueger at nick.krueger@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.
Media Contact
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
Erika.Aklufi@santamonica.gov