Santa Monica, California – The Santa Monica Police Department has announced an arrest in connection to a December 22, 2024 hit-and-run. According to SMPD, officers responded to the scene of a collision at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue around 6:40 p.m.

Police say the victim was crossing Wilshire southbound when she was hit by a vehicle heading east on Wilshire. SMPD says the white Toyota Rav4 was seen by witnesses fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed.

The victim, who was a Vietnam War veteran, was pronounced deceased at the scene. SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team collected video footage of the suspect and vehicle.

The Traffic Investigations Unit allegedly identified the driver as 30-year-old Rod Sharif of Los Angeles. On December 27, 2024, authorities carried out search and arrest warrants for Sharif and his residence in Santa Monica Canyon.

Police say several items of evidence were recovered from the home, including the white Rav4 which had significant front-end damage. Sharif was booked on charges of Murder and Felony Hit and Run.

Police say he had prior arrests for Driving under the Influence and Reckless Driving.