D.A. Files Misdemeanor Charges Against Malibu Councilman Skylar Peak

Three misdemeanor charges were filed Thursday against Malibu Councilman Skylar Peak stemming from a Christmas Day hit and run on Pacific Coast Highway.

Peak, 28, faces charges of hit-and-run driving, reckless driving and vandalism causing more than $400 in damages, according to a complaint filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Peak is due in court on March 27.

The investigation was handed over to the D.A.'s Office on Feb. 7, according to Det. David Huelsen of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff's Station.

Peak is accused of leaving the scene on Christmas Day after driving erractically and plowing through 400 feet of delineators, which are three-foot-tall reflectors that separate eastbound from westbound traffic on PCH, damaging the front of the truck.

A motorist called 911 about 7 a.m. Dec. 25 reporting an erratic driver on eastbound PCH near Guernsey Avenue in western Malibu, Huelsen said.

The 911 caller lost sight of the truck and decided, "'I better try to find this car. I’m afraid this person maybe a danger to others on the roadway,'" according to Huelsen.

The truck was found near Westward Beach Road, but the driver had left the area, the detective said.

The vehicle was identified as belonging to Malibu Councilman Skylar Peak, who was interviewed by detectives, according to Huelsen. The detective said Peak had an explanation of what occurred.

When contacted last month, Peak referred all questions about the investigation to his attorney, Michael Schwimer. Schwimer said he believed his client would be absolved of any wrongdoing.

Last year, the D.A.'s Office opted to not file charges against Peak stemming from an investigation into his alleged behavior at a Malibu shopping center.

The investigation began on July 11 following allegations that Peak, wearing a Speedo swimsuit, threatened security guards at the Point Dume Village with part of a pair of scissors.

Peak, who said afterwards he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was checked into a county hospital and underwent a psychological evaluation. 

Due to the investigation, the Malibu City Council voted against appointing Peak as mayor pro tem even though he was the top vote getter in April's election. Instead, Joan House was appointed to the position.

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