A Culver City man has been arrested for murder following a fatal hit-and-run incident at Busby’s Restaurant/Bar on Monday.
Nicholas Ralph Sloan has been charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon and DUI after he killed a man at about 1:05 a.m. on August 2.
According to SMPD, Sloan was asked by restaurant staff to leave Busby’s on Santa Monica Blvd. before the incident. Sloan, angered by this demand, exited the establishment, and retrieved his vehicle. He then drove through the parking lot in an aggressive manner before attempting to intentionally hit a customer standing in front of the business. However, Sloan only ran over the foot of his intended target and instead struck the victim.
Lieutenant Rudy Flores said the victim knew the suspect and the two had been in the bar together.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and later died of his injuries.
The Los Angeles Coroner’s office said identification of the victim is being withheld pending notification to the family.
According to witnesses, Sloan’s vehicle, a dark colored Porsche Panamera, was last seen traveling eastbound on Santa Monica Blvd. and was later stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for speeding near Ventura Blvd. and Corbin Ave. Sloane was originally booked for DUI at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and his vehicle was impounded. He was later taken into custody by Santa Monica detectives.
Anyone with additional information pertaining to this incident is strongly encouraged to contact 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 (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.
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