Driver In Fatal Hit & Run Arrested, Police Say

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with a fatal hit and run outside a local bar and restaurant, the Santa Monica Police Department announced Wednesday.

A hit-and-run was reported about 1:05 a.m. Monday in the 3100 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, police said. Officers found a victim who was taken to a hospital and later died from his injuries.

Nicolas Ralph Sloan, 29, of Culver City, was charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence and driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration at/above .08.

Investigators say that staff at Busby's West, located at 3110 Santa Monica Boulevard, asked Sloan to leave.

Sloan was angry and left, then got into his car, police said.

"Based on the witness statements and evidence collected, investigators believe Sloan intentionally attempted to hit a patron near the front of Busby’s, but instead struck the victim, an individual known to him,"police said.

According to witnesses, Sloan’s vehicle, a dark-colored Porsche Panamera, was last seen traveling eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard.

He was later stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for speeding near Ventura Boulevard and Corbin Avenue, police said.

Sloan was booked on suspicion of DUI at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and his vehicle was impounded. He was later taken into custody by Santa Monica PD detectives.

Anyone with additional information was urged to contact SMPD Detective Tavera with the Criminal Investigations Division at 310-458-2201 ext. 2256, by email at ismael.tavera@smgov.net or Santa Monica Police Department’s Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

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