ESCONDIDO, CA (June 27, 2022) – Anthony Lopez, 14, was killed while crossing the street by Jon Edwin Kiesel, 70, in a hit-and-run crash according to NBC 7 San Diego.
The accident occurred on Saturday, June 25, at around 9:27 p.m. when Escondido Police received a 911 call to report a struck pedestrian at Bear Valley Parkway and Grand Avenue. Police arrived very shortly and found Anthony Lopez lying on the street as Kiesel fled the scene.
Emergency response began performing CPR on Lopez, and paramedics ended up taking him to Palomar Medical Center where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant Scott Walters of the Escondido Police Department said that Lopez was crossing the street headed east across Bear Valley Parkway at Grand Avenue when Kiesel, who was driving northbound on Bear Valley Parkway, struck Lopez while he was in the crosswalk.
EPD arrested Jon Edwin Kiesel the following day, Sunday, and booked him into the Vista Detention facility for hit-and-run.
Officers’ early investigation shows that Anthony Lopez was crossing the street in the crosswalk against a red no walk signal, while Kiesel had the green light. However, Kiesel did not remain on the scene or make any attempts to render aid and instead fled the accident scene.
Liability In Escondido Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Anthony Lopez’s Pedestrian Accident in Escondido
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of Anthony Lopez. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.