A 13-year-old riding an electric bicycle was killed Tuesday afternoon when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a fleeing burglary suspect at a Menifee intersection, authorities said.
The fatal collision occurred after the Menifee Police Department responded to a report of a burglary in progress in the 27000 block of Hemingway Court at approximately 4:54 p.m. on Sept. 15. As an officer arrived, the suspect was seen leaving the location in a vehicle.
The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield, initiating a brief vehicle pursuit. The suspect traveled westbound on Holland Avenue at a high rate of speed before running a red traffic light at the intersection of Evans Road. The vehicle then struck the juvenile, who was riding northbound on Evans Road.
Officers on the scene provided emergency medical aid until CAL Fire personnel arrived to continue lifesaving measures. Despite the efforts of first responders, the juvenile, identified only as a 13-year-old Menifee resident, succumbed to his injuries.
Following the impact, the suspect continued to flee until her vehicle became disabled and stopped. Police identified the driver and sole occupant as Melody Valdez, 21, of Temecula. Valdez was taken into custody and booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center on multiple felony charges, including homicide.
At the request of the Menifee Police Department, the California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) has assumed responsibility for the fatal traffic collision investigation. Menifee police are coordinating the associated criminal investigation with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has surveillance or dash-camera footage to contact Detective Garcia at Ogarcia@menifeepolice.org or (951) 723-1641.
