A 13-year-old Menifee boy died from his injuries after being struck by a vehicle fleeing police on Tuesday, authorities said.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Holland Avenue and Evans Road late Tuesday afternoon, according to a Menifee Police Department news release. Police were in pursuit of the suspect vehicle in a burglary when the vehicle, driven by 21-year-old Melody Valdez of Temecula, ran a red light and struck the juvenile riding an e-bike northbound on Evans Road.
Officers rendered medical aid until CAL FIRE personnel arrived and continued lifesaving efforts. The juvenile succumbed to his injuries.
Following the collision, the suspect continued fleeing until the vehicle became disabled and came to a stop. Valdez, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken into custody and booked on multiple felony charges, including homicide. Valdez is being held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta with a court date scheduled for Sept. 18.
The original call to officers came at 4:54 p.m. regarding a burglary in progress in the 27000 block of Hemingway Court, near La Piedra Road and Bradley Road. As an officer arrived, the suspect vehicle was seen leaving the location and a vehicle pursuit occurred. The suspect vehicle began driving westbound on Holland Road at a high rate of speed.
The California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded at the request of MPD and assumed responsibility for the fatal traffic collision investigation. The Menifee Police Department, in coordination with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, is conducting the associated criminal investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has surveillance footage, dash-camera video, or other recordings that may have captured any portion of the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Garcia of the Menifee Police Department at Ogarcia@menifeepolice.org or 951-723-1641. Menifee PD offers its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident.
