Cody Garcia, a Menifee resident, was riding northbound on Evans Road when he was hit by the suspect’s vehicle.
Menifee, CA –Â The authorities have identified the 13-year-old boy who was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Evans Road in Menifee.
The Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau identified the deceased boy as Cody Garcia, 13, of Menifee.
Garcia was hit by a fleeing burglary suspect at the intersection of Holland Avenue and Evans Road. Garcia was riding an electric bike through the intersection when the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Melody Valdez of Temecula, ran a red light at high speeds and struck him at about 5:22 p.m. on September 15.
Garcia was severely injured and was pronounced dead at the scene at about 5:51 p.m.
Original Story
Menifee, CA – A 13-year-old boy riding an electric bike was killed Monday afternoon when a fleeing burglary suspect ran a red light and struck him during a police pursuit in Menifee, authorities said.
The boy, a Menifee resident, was riding northbound on Evans Road when he was hit by the suspect’s vehicle. Authorities did not release his name.
Around 4:54 p.m., on September 14, Menifee officers were dispatched to the 27000 block of Hemingway Court after receiving a report of a burglary in progress. When an officer arrived, they spotted a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident leaving the area
The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect did not stop, leading to a brief pursuit. Police said the vehicle traveled westbound on Holland Avenue at a high rate of speed before reaching Evans Road and running a red light.
The fleeing vehicle then struck the teenager, who was riding his e-bike through the intersection. Officers immediately provided emergency medical aid before CAL Fire personnel arrived and continued lifesaving efforts. The boy later died from his injuries.
The driver continued fleeing after the collision until the vehicle became disabled and stopped. Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Melody Valdez of Temecula.
Valdez was arrested and booked at the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center on multiple felony charges, including homicide.
The California Highway Patrol’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team is investigating the fatal collision.
The investigations remain ongoing