Rod Sharif Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Run By SMPD

December 30, 2024 ·

201 3rd Street Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94103

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, December 27, Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that a suspect involved in a fatal hit-and-run has been arrested.

On December 22, the SMPD reported that at approximately 6:40 p.m., officers responded to the scene of a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue. The victim was crossing Wilshire southbound when she was struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Wilshire.

Rod Sharif.
Photo courtesy of the SMPD.

The vehicle, a white Toyota Rav4, was seen by witnesses fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. The victim, a Vietnam War veteran and Santa Monica resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The name of the victim has not been disclosed to the public.

SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team responded to begin their investigation and located video footage of the suspect and vehicle. In the course of their thorough and diligent work on this case, the Traffic Investigations Unit identified the driver as Rod Sharif, 30, of Los Angeles.

On December 27, SMPD’s Traffic Unit, along with SWAT and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, served search and arrest warrants for Sharif and his residence in Santa Monica Canyon.

Several items of evidence were recovered from the home along with the white Toyota Rav4 that had significant front-end damage that appeared to have been caused during the accident.

Sharif was arrested and booked for 187(a) PC – Murder and 20001(a) VC – Felony Hit and Run. Sharif has prior arrests for 23152(a) VC – Driving Under the Influence, and 23103 VC – Reckless Driving.

Anyone who has details related to this incident or the individual is asked to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov , our non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

Next Post

Holiday Tree Collection In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica posted on its Facebook page details for residents who need to get rid of their Christmas tree. There is no 3-1-1- request required. Residents must remove all decorations, stand and lights. The tree should…
Read
Previous Post

LA County Recycling Options For Live Christmas Trees

BEVERLY HILLS—On December 26, the Los Angeles Public Works, and the City of Beverly Hills posted reminders on their websites on how and when to safely recycle Christmas trees. The City of Beverly Hills posted the following information on their…
Read
Random Post

Search For Attempted Robbery Suspect

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—An attempted strong-armed robbery occurred at 5007 West Sunset Boulevard, near Kaiser Permanente, on Thursday, May 25. Canyon News spoke with Los Angeles Police Department’s Officer Moore who confirmed that authorities are still searching for the suspect.  According to…
Read
Random Post

Public Comment Wanted For Northern Extension Of The Metro K Line

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood reported in a news release that the city is getting the word out that Metro is beginning its formal public comment period for the Northern Extension of the Metro K line (K Line North),…
Read
Random Post

Songwriter Jerry Fuller Dies At 85

SHERMAN OAKS—It was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter that songwriter Jerry Fuller died at the age of 85 on July 18. Fuller died at his Sherman Oaks home and the cause of death was a battle with lung cancer,…
Read
Random Post

Topanga Canyon Boulevard Closed Because Of Rockslide

TOPANGA CANYON—Part of Topanga Canyon Boulevard near Grand View Drive was closed on Monday, March 11 near the Santa Monica Mountains. Boulders and debris in the road was a result of the closure because of heavy rains in the region…
Read