Off-duty security guard in Monterey arrested after hit-and-run of minor, police said

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV)- On Thursday morning, the Monterey Police Department said they arrested a 28-year-old Salinas man after allegedly hitting a minor with his vehicle in February.

In a press release, officers said the incident took place in the Del Monte Shopping Center parking lot on Feb. 9, 2024 around 8:22 p.m.

Investigators said a juvenile was on a bicycle when they were hit by a vehicle. Witnesses at the scene were able to provide a suspect and vehicle description to police.

Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Stephen Hermida of Salinas.

During the course of their investigation, Monterey Police said that Hermida was working as a security guard at the shopping center.

Officers said Hermida was not on-duty at the time of the crash and hit the victim with his vehicle because the juvenile and their friends would not leave the parking lot.

Police said the juvenile suffered serious but non life-threatening injuries.

Investigators said Hermida was contacted on Feb. 13, 2024 and was arrested on multiple charges.

Hermida was booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges including assault with a deadly weapon, hit and run resulting in injury and child endangerment charges.

Hermida's bail was set at $50,000 per Monterey Police.