25-year-old Erika Garcia was caught after leaving the scene of an accident at Mercy Lounge on Cannery Row on July 26th. When officers arrived at the scene, they spoke with Kirsten Jose, the victim. She explained that her parked Jeep Cherokee was hit and damaged in the parking lot. Jose found a note on her windshield with the message “Call me” and a phone number. However, when she tried to call, the number appeared to be out of service.
Security at the location provided officers with footage of the incident. The video showed Garcia driving her vehicle, speaking with individuals, and loading equipment into her car the day before. Garcia then got back into her vehicle, made a right turn, and struck Jose’s vehicle while driving down a lane of parking spots before leaving the scene.
Security tried to stop Garcia after witnessing the incident. However, she drove away after handing them a card with a different phone number. Jose also tried calling this number but learned it was fake. Officers obtained Garcia’s vehicle information from security via her license plate. Officers found that Garcia’s personal details and ID photo lined up with her appearance in the security footage. Jose’s Jeep Cherokee had damage assessed to be worth at least $1,500. A warrant was issued for Garcia’s arrest that day. Garcia was later taken into custody for leaving the scene of an accident on August 7th.