Rod Sharif’s booking photo.
Courtesy: Santa Monica Police Department
The Santa Monica Police Department released a December 27 update of a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on December 22 around 6:40 p.m.
The victim, a Vietnam War veteran and Santa Monica resident, was hit as she crossed Wilshire Boulevard southbound at Chelsea Avenue.
She was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Wilshire. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The vehicle, a white Toyota Rav4, was seen by witnesses fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed.
A 39-second video obtained by police shows the speeding vehicle striking the victim and tossing her across the sidewalk, leaving only her shoes in the middle of the street. Using the video footage of the suspect in the vehicle, SMPD were able to identify the driver as Santa Monica Canyon resident Rod Sharif, 30.
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 information related to this incident or individual is encouraged to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov – the non-emergency dispatch line is 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.
With more than one vehicular offense on his record, it’s troubling that he’s out on bail bond.