Person of Interest in Fatal Modjeska Canyon Motorcycle Accident Found

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA—The Orange County Sheriff’s Department released that the person of interest in the fatal Santiago Canyon Road and Modjeska Canyon Road accident has been found.

"Traffic Bureau investigators arrested Damon Ellery Block, 41, following an investigation of a fatal traffic collision that occurred on Santiago Canyon Road in Modjeska Canyon," OCSD public information officer Lt. Mark Stichter said.

Investigators located Block hiding in a residence in the 12500 Block of Vista Panorama in the unincorporated area of Santa Ana, according to release.

"Block was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail for multiple arrest warrants unrelated to the hit and run fatality traffic accident," Stichter stated.

On August 1, 2016, a fatal vehicle vs. motorcycle accident occurred on Santiago Canyon Road in Modjeska Canyon.

"The driver of the motorcycle died, and the female passenger on the motorcycle was severely injured," Stichter stated. "The driver of the vehicle (Honda) fled the scene and was not located after an extensive search of the area."

Investigators quickly discovered the Honda was a reported stolen vehicle from a tow yard in Santa Ana on the same day as the accident.

"Investigators also viewed surveillance video from the tow yard which showed a male walking around the Honda several times before getting in the vehicle and driving it off the tow yard lot," Stichter stated.

Evidence collected at the scene of the fatal traffic accident and the surveillance video from the tow yard led investigators to search for Damon Block as a person of interest.

"Investigators conducted surveillance in multiple cities in an attempt to locate Block, but were unsuccessful," Stichter stated.

On August, 9, 2016, the Sheriff’s Department asked for the public’s assistance to locate Block, and released pictures of Block, pictures of the damaged Honda and interviews with the deceased motorcycle rider’s family.

"As a result of the extensive media coverage, investigators began receiving anonymous leads as to the possible whereabouts of Block," Stichter said.

Though Block has been charged with multiple other crimes, the investigation into the fatal traffic accident investigation is ongoing.

"Witnesses to the traffic accident as well as the theft of the Honda are encouraged to call the OCSD with any information," Stichter said.

Block is being held on $35,000 bail and is scheduled for his first court appearance on August 19.

Image Courtesy Orange County Fire Authority