A 13-year-old Menifee boy was killed on Tuesday after being struck by a vehicle fleeing police during a pursuit.
At approximately 4:54 p.m., the Menifee Police Department responded to the 27000 block of Hemingway Court regarding a burglary in progress. As an officer arrived, the suspect vehicle was seen leaving the location. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield, resulting in a brief vehicle pursuit.
During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle traveled westbound on Holland Avenue at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of Holland Avenue and Evans Road, the driver failed to stop for a red traffic light and struck a juvenile riding an electric bike northbound on Evans Road.
The juvenile, identified as a 13-year-old Menifee resident, sustained critical injuries. Despite live-saving measures, the juvenile succumbed to his injuries.
Following the collision, the suspect continued fleeing until the vehicle became disabled and came to a stop. The driver and sole occupant, identified as 21-year-old Melody Valdez of Temecula, was taken into custody and booked on multiple felony charges, including homicide.
The California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team responded at our request and assumed responsibility for the fatal traffic collision investigation. The Menifee Police Department, in coordination with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, is conducting the associated criminal investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has surveillance footage, dash-camera video, or other recordings that may have captured any portion of the incident is asked to contact Detective Garcia of the Menifee Police Department at [email protected] or 951-723-1641.
