Teen Cyclist Critically Injured In Hit-And-Run; Suspect Arrested

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 16-year-old cyclist was critically injured in a hit-and-run this weekend in Santa Monica and police have arrested a 29-year-old Los Angeles man in connection with the incident, authorities said Monday.

The hit-and-run crash happened about 2:08 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Chelsea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, according to Lt. Rudy Flores of the Santa Monica Police Department.

A person reported that the vehicle involved fled the collision and was last seen driving north on 23rd Street from Santa Monica Boulevard, Flores said.

When officers arrived they found the bicyclist suffering from severe injuries. She was taken to a hospital and is currently in critical condition.

The SMPD Major Accident and Response Team responded to investigate the hit-and-run, Flores said.

Detectives took Maximiliano Ramos Santiago, 29, into custody Monday at his home in Los Angeles. Santiago was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving without a license.

Investigators also towed his vehicle, a black Chevrolet sedan to be processed for evidence, Flores said.

Anyone with any additional information can contact SMPD Investigator Evan Raleigh at 310-458-8954 or the watch commander at 310-458-8426.