29-year-old Culver City resident faces murder, DUI charges in connection to August 2 fatal hit and run in front of Santa Monica bar
By Sam Catanzaro
A 29-year-old man faces murder and DUI charges in connection to a fatal hit and run that occurred outside a Santa Monica bar.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), the incident took place around 1:05 a.m on the 3100 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. Officers arrived on the scene and found a man on the street, police say.
The man was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased from his injuries.
In investigating the incident, SMPD officers learned a male subject, later identified as Nicholas Ralph Sloan, was asked by restaurant staff to leave Busby’s West at 3110 Santa Monica Boulevard the evening of the incident.
Sloan, angered by this demand, exited the establishment, and retrieved his vehicle. Based on the witness statements and evidence collected,” said SMPD Lieutenant Rudy Flores. “Investigators believe Sloan intentionally attempted to hit a patron near the front of Busby’s, but instead struck the victim, an individual known to him.”
According to the SMPD, witnesses reported Sloan’s vehicle, a dark colored Porsche Panamera, was last seen traveling eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard. It was later stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for speeding near Ventura Boulevard and Corbin Avenue.
Sloan was initially booked for DUI at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and his vehicle was impounded. He was later taken into custody by SMPD detectives.
On August 4, the he Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Sloan with murder, assault with a deadly weapon, driver under the influence (DUI) and DUI with a BAC at or above .08.
Sloan is currently being held at LA County’s Men’s Central Jail on a $2 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 21, 2021.
