City Employee Is Suspected in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Man Cycling on PCH

• Father and Son Bicyclists May Have Been DUI Victims

BY BILL KOENEKER

Two bicyclists en route to Malibu while participating in a major annual cycling event were hit by a motorist on Pacific Coast Highway who was allegedly driving under the influence. The man’s vehicle struck the pair, killing one and seriously injuring the other, then the driver reportedly fled the scene of the accident.
The alleged driver, Robert Sanchez, 30, of Oxnard, was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody, according to law enforcement authorities.
Sanchez, 30, who is employed by the City of Malibu as a records clerk, was reportedly driving along the 34000 block of Pacific Coast Highway near Nicholas Canyon at 1:27 a.m. on Sunday when he allegedly crossed over the fog line and struck Rodrigo “Rod” Armas, 45, of Tehachapi, a Los Angeles County deputy probation officer.
Armas died at the scene and his son Christian, 14, suffered leg injuries. The injured boy was transported to UCLA Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition with numerous broken bones.
Armas is survived by his wife Shelly, his son Christian and two daughters, ages 9 and 12, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department press release.
The father and son were competing in an annual 200-mile “Grand Tour” event sponsored by the Los Angeles Wheelman Ride and were on the last leg of the race when the incident happened, according to an LASD report.
Authorities allege that Sanchez left the scene of the accident and continued along PCH for a short distance, before he abandoned his vehicle and hid out in the brush.
The City of Malibu staffer was found about two hours later by deputies, who arrested him and took him into custody. Pending the investigation, the case could involved charges of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence and felony hit and run.
Sanchez was released on $100,000 bail, according to a spokesperson for the Malibu/ Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said on Tuesday morning that charges had not yet been presented, but that would probably take place on Wednesday after the Malibu Surfside News goes to press.
City Manager Jim Thorsen verified that Sanchez is an em[ployee of the City of Malibu, Thorsen described his position as an administrative assistant.
When asked whether the current allegations might have any effect on Sanchez’s employment status, Thorsen replied, “He is still employed by the city.”