California Injury Blog
Police have arrested a driver in connection with a Pasadena hit-and-run collision that killed 27-year-old Jessica Torres Oct. 21. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, police have arrested 24-year-old Francisco Javier Soto-Cedillo on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and hit and run. He also had an outstanding DUI warrant, police said. But it is not known whether the fatal hit and run involved driving under the influence.
Suspect Arrested
Torres was crossing on North Fair Oaks Avenue near Claremont Street outside of a crosswalk when a white SUV struck her, police said. Several drivers and a person sitting at a nearby bus stop saw the incident and helped police with their investigation. Police looked for a white SUV matching witnesses’ description and finally found it.
The SUV was apparently registered under the name of the suspect’s family member. However, the man had access to the SUV and is suspected of being the driver of the vehicle, which ultimately struck and killed Torres.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Jessica Torres for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. We are also relieved that the authorities were able to rely on assistance from witnesses and other civilians to apprehend the hit and run suspect. Please keep Torres’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims
Based on this news report, officials say Torres was crossing the street outside of a marked crosswalk when she was struck. The driver, however, fled the scene of the crash without stopping to render aid to the victim. Under California law, it is a felony crime to leave the scene of an injury crash, regardless of whose fault the accident was. Drivers are required to stop immediately, wait for authorities to arrive and most importantly assist the victim. This could be something as simple as calling 911 and getting the injured victim prompt medical assistance, which could make the difference between life and death in these cases.
If you have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, it might be in your best interest to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who will be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable and help you secure fair compensation for your losses. A knowledgeable attorney can also advise you regarding how your own auto insurance policy might compensate you if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2018/10/23/man-arrested-in-hit-and-run-that-killed-a-woman-in-pasadena/