A Nov. 8 hit-and-run in this area, the 6000 block of West Valley Green Road in Flourtown, took the life of one man as his brother saw the impact. (Image courtesy of Google StreetView)
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, Whitmarsh Township Police Chief Christopher Ward, and Springfield Township Police Chief Michael E. Pitkow announced the arrest of Shakim Elias Mendez, 18, from Flourtown, for Homicide by Vehicle and related charges stemming from a crash on Nov. 8, 2024, that killed 35-year-old Artemio De La Rosa Martinez of Norristown. Mendez was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Wilmington, Del., on Feb. 20, 2025.
The incident occurred when Mendez, driving a dark-colored Chevy Malibu at high speed, struck Martinez while he was working on landscaping along West Valley Green Road. The impact was so severe that Martinez was thrown 168 feet, and one of his shoes was found lodged in a tree 36 feet above the ground. Mendez fled the scene on foot, abandoning the vehicle, which was later linked to him through documents found inside. The vehicle, which was not insured, was traveling at 68-70 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone at the time of the crash.
Further investigation revealed that Mendez had been driving recklessly, with his seat reclined at a 49-degree angle, severely obstructing his view. After fleeing the scene, Mendez was later spotted by police and attempted to elude capture. He was arrested on December 2, 2024, for the fatal crash. Mendez faces multiple charges, including Homicide by Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Render Aid, and is currently in the process of being extradited to Montgomery County for arraignment.