Suspect Now Faces Vehicular Manslaughter Charges
SALINAS—Salinas Police Department has arrested 35-year-old Salinas resident Edward Ramirez, also known as “Fast Eddie”, four days after he was involved in a hit and run accident that occurred on East Lake Street and Soledad Street. The victim, 54-year-old Miguel Angel Lomeli, died of his injuries so Ramirez will face additional charges that include vehicular manslaughter.
The day after Christmas, Ramirez had been driving a white Ford Explorer that was parked on Soledad Street as he talked with an acquaintance. When he got back into the Explorer he left at a high-rate of speed. He continued to accelerate onto East Lake Street and then lost control of the vehicle, barely missing the Copacabana Building.
Victim Miguel Angel Lomeli, image from Legacy.com
54-year-old Miguel Angel Lomeli was sitting next the building visiting with friends when the Ford Explorer struck him, pinning him against the Explorer and a metal fence pole. Ramirez, seeing what just happened, reportedly exited the vehicle, and was seen running east bound on East Lake Street.
Several people were in the area and helped push back the vehicle from the victim before providing aid. The victim was transported to Natividad Medical Center and taken into surgery in very critical condition.
On December 30, police located Ramirez in a motel room on Fairview Avenue. He was arrested and transported to Monterey County Jail. On January 5, Mr. Lomeli died of his injuries.
The Salinas Police will be seeking additional charges that will include vehicular manslaughter.
UPDATE 4/30/15 – District Attorney Dean Flippo announced today that Edward Ramirez pleaded guilty to felony hit and run causing death, and grand theft auto. In the same hearing Ramirez also pleaded guilty to assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury for threatening a hotel manager with a knife and pipe, and vehicle burglary from breaking a car’s window to gain entry while at the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
He is set to receive the maximum penalty for the fatal hit and run, along with the other charges and four prior prison enhancements. He is estimated to serve 10 years, four months when sentencing is finalized in June before Judge Julie Culver.
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