Man Who Yelled 'RIP' While Fleeing South Bay Crash Scene Arrested: Police

TORRANCE, CA — A man who yelled "RIP" while fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash last year in the South Bay has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, according to authorities.

Police say Inglewood resident Sergio Martinez Jr. intentionally crashed his car into a pedestrian in the 18400 block of Elgar Avenue in Torrance on March 25, 2024, describing the incident as a "violent assault."

Witnesses told officers that Martinez Jr. could be heard yelling "RIP" as he fled the scene, which indicated a "clear intent to cause serious harm," according to the Torrance Police Department.

Detectives eventually secured a warrant for the Inglewood resident's arrest, and he was taken into custody last week in connection with the crash, the Torrance Police Department said.

In addition to the crash, Martinez Jr. had outstanding warrants out of Joshua Tree for assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and possessing stolen property, authorities said.

Arrest records show he remains jailed in lieu of $1.35 million bail and is due in court on Sept. 16.

The Torrance Police Department asks that any witnesses or anyone with additional information related to the crash contact them at 310-328-3456.