Peak Under Investigation for Hit and Run

Malibu Councilman Skylar Peak is being investigated for allegedly leaving the scene after driving erratically and damaging his truck on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on Christmas Day.

A motorist called 911 about 7 a.m. Dec. 25 reporting an erratic driver on eastbound PCH near Guernsey Avenue in western Malibu, according to Det. David Huelsen of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff's Station.

"[The caller] said that the truck collided with several of the delineators around Zuma Beach," Huelsen said.

The detective said the erratic driver plowed through 400 feet of the delineators, which are three-foot-tall reflectors that separate eastbound from westbound traffic on PCH, damaging the front of the truck.

The 911 caller lost sight of the truck and decided, "'I better try to find this car. I’m afraid this person maybe a danger to others on the roadway,'" according to Huelsen.

The truck was found near Westward Beach Road, the detective said.

"The car is abandoned there, partially blocking one of the lanes and leaking fluids," Huelsen said. "The deputies get there and there is nobody there."

The vehicle was identified as belonging to Malibu Councilman Skylar Peak, who was interviewed by detectives at a later date, according to Huelsen.

"[Peak] said he was driving the car. He had his own explanation for what occurred," Huelsen said, adding that the incident is being investigated as a hit and run.

The investigation will likely take a few more weeks before a determination is made if the case should be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, he said.

When contacted, Peak referred all questions about the investigation to his attorney.

Peak's Santa Monica-based attorney Michael Schwimer confirmed Peak would not be speaking about the hit and run allegations.

"Mr. Peak is confident after the investigation is concluded he will be absolved of any wrongdoing," Schwimer said.

Malibu City Attorney Christi Hogin said Peak is accountable to the people who elected him.

"Skylar Peak was elected by the people of Malibu. In a democracy, all our elected officials are accountable to the people. I have no reason to believe that Skylar is not perfectly qualified to serve on the council," Hogin said.

Last year, the D.A.'s Office opted to not file charges against Peak stemming from an investigation into his alleged behavior at a Malibu shopping center.

The investigation began on July 11 following allegations that Peak, wearing a Speedo swimsuit, threatened security guards at the Point Dume Village with part of a pair of scissors.

Peak, who said afterwards he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was checked into a county hospital and underwent a psychological evaluation. 

Due to the investigation, the Malibu City Council voted against appointing Peak as mayor pro tem even though he was the top vote getter in April's election. Instead, Joan House was appointed to the position.

Did you see or hear anything in this neighborhood? Email jessica.davis@patch.com.