By Jorge Casuso

August 4, 2021 -- A man suspected of a fatal hit-and-run while driving drunk outside a Santa Monica bar early Monday has been charged with murder.

Los Angeles County prosecutors on Wednesday also charged Nicolas Ralph Sloan, a 29-year-old man from Culver City, with assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol level concentration (BAC) of .08.

Nicolas Ralph Sloan (Courtesy SMDP)

The incident took place at around 1 a.m. outside Busby’s Restaurant and Bar, 3110 Santa Monica Boulevard, after Busby was asked by staff to leave, police said. "Sloan, angered by this demand, exited the establishment, and retrieved his vehicle," said Lt. Rudy Flores, the Police Department spokesman. " Based on the witness statements and evidence collected, 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."

Responding officers found the male victim down at the scene, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries, Flores said.

Witnesses said they last saw Sloan’s vehicle -- a dark colored Porsche Panamera -- traveling eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Sloan was stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for speeding near Ventura Boulevard and Corbin Avenue in Tarzana.

Sloan was originally booked for DUI at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and his vehicle was impounded.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, "The average 170 pound male would have to consume more than four 12 oz. cans of beer within 1 hour on an empty stomach to reach .08 BAC."

Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or over "is a criminal offense and the penalties are severe," federal transportation officials said.

Sloan was later taken into custody by SMPD detectives.

"Our detectives worked very hard and long hours to locate the suspect, interview the witnesses and go through the evidence in order to present the case to the District Attorney’s Office," Flores said.

Anyone with additional information concerning the incident should call Detective Tavera with the Criminal Investigations Division at 310-458-2201 ext. 2256, by email at ismael.tavera@smgov.net or the Santa Monica Police Department’s Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.