Orange, CA (March 12, 2024) A pedestrian was killed by an intoxicated driver on Tuesday morning, March 12th. The driver fled the scene, but was later arrested, officers said. Sadly, the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries during the collision on North Tustin Street.
A pedestrian was walking along North Tustin Street and decided to cross outside of a designated crosswalk. As they crossed, a Toyota was driving north on Tustin, officers reported. Orange Police Department Lt. Phil McMullin said that the Toyota struck the pedestrian just before 11:20 a.m. in the 300 block of North Tustin Street. The driver of the Toyota continued driving and didn’t even slow down.
Emergency crews hurried to the scene and found the pedestrian on the ground. Paramedics rushed to try and save them, but they had sustained fatal injuries in the accident. With heavy hearts, emergency personnel pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.
Officers began investigating the scene and one detective with the Orange Police Department found the vehicle that had struck the pedestrian. It had major front-end damage and officers attempted to pull over the vehicle. Their first attempt was at the intersection of Katella Avenue and Glassell Street, but the driver refused to pull over to the shoulder. The Toyota led police officers on a chase through the streets of Orange until he finally stopped at Tustin Street South, Lt. McMullin said.
Officers surrounded the driver and he was identified as 31-year-old Orange resident, Jonathan Lopez. Arresting officers determined that Lopez was intoxicated at the time of the crash. They then learned that Lopez had prior convictions for DUIs. He was placed under arrest and faces multiple charges.
Our team at Accident News Now extends our deepest condolences to the person who was killed in this hit-and-run collision. If you or someone you care about has been affected by this fatal collision, our team of legal professionals is here to help you during this difficult time.
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