Santa Ana, CA (April 28,2024) A pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Santa Ana on Thursday, April 25th. The tragic and senseless accident occurred right around 4:30 a.m. near the intersection of Sullivan Street and 1st Street. The driver fled the scene, but was found and arrested on Friday, April 26th, officers reported.
The vehicle was heading west on 1st Street, just west of Clara Street, in the dark hours of early morning. At approximately 4:31 a.m. in Santa Ana, the driver’s headlights suddenly revealed a pedestrian standing in the middle of 1st Street. The driver had no time to avoid the pedestrian and hit them. However, instead of stopping and remaining at the scene, the driver hit the gas and fled, leaving the pedestrian behind with fatal injuries.
The Orange County Fire Authority arrived at the scene and found the pedestrian lying in the middle of the road. They rushed to give life-saving measures to the victim, but unfortunately, they had already succumbed to their injuries. With heavy hearts, fire fighters pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene and called the coroner. The victim’s injuries indicated they had been struck by a vehicle, but there was no vehicle in sight. Officers determined that this accident had been a hit-and-run.
The investigation was taken over by Traffic Detectives and they determined that 51-year-old Luis Duarte Ibarra was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck and killed the pedestrian. The vehicle was seized as evidence and Ibarra was arrested just before 5:00 a.m. on April 26th. Officers said he faces felony hit-and-run charges. Santa Ana Police officers would like to remind drivers that it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury accident, yet hit-and-runs are happening more and more.
Everyone at Accident News Now extends our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian who was struck and killed in this Santa Ana accident. We know this is a difficult time for those closed to the victim as you mourn this sudden loss. Our team of legal experts is here to help you during this difficult time.
Have you or a loved one been injured in this accident? Our team specializes in pedestrian hit-and-run accidents and we are here to help! You can reach us 24/7 at (866) 945-4286 or visit our online contact form at Accident News Now.