The pedestrian was walking outside of the crosswalk when he was hit by a vehicle in the 1700 block of Mission Street at about 9 p.m. January 9
Santa Cruz, CA – A 30-year-old pedestrian was killed and a driver arrested after a hit-and-run collision that took place in Santa Cruz on Friday night, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department.
The pedestrian was walking outside of the crosswalk when he was hit by a vehicle in the 1700 block of Mission Street at about 9 p.m. January 9.
According to police, the vehicle was traveling northbound on Mission Street when the accident occurred. The involved motorist fled the scene after hitting the pedestrian.
The victim was rushed to a hospital with major injuries and was pronounced deceased on Sunday January 11. The pedestrian was not immediately identified pending notification of the next-of-kin.
Police said the driver returned to the scene shortly after and was cooperative with the investigators. The suspect, identified as a 39-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run and being in possession of a controlled substance.
Santa Cruz police are investigating the hit-and-run incident.
Santa Cruz County is one of the smaller counties in California in terms of both population and land area, yet its ongoing development has coincided with a rise in traffic-related incidents in recent years. As daily travel increases among residents and commuters, local roads have become more congested, which in turn elevates the risk of crashes. Statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) show that Santa Cruz County recorded 1315 traffic-related injuries and fatalities in 2023, a modest decline from the 1429 incidents reported the previous year. Despite this overall improvement, speeding and impairment continue to be major safety concerns across the county. OTS data indicates that impairment was identified as a contributing factor in 17% of traffic accidents in 2023. While this represents a reduction from the 22% reported in the prior year, the figure remains notably high. Encouraging greater driver attentiveness, promoting awareness of road risks, and ensuring strict compliance with traffic laws could significantly help reduce collisions on Santa Cruz County’s busiest streets.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, speaking with a skilled car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights. An attorney can guide you through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.