SAN JACINTO: Officials investigating fatal vehicle vs pedestrian accident
SAN JACINTO — A pedestrian crossing a busy street died after being struck by a car late Friday evening, Dec. 15. The deadly accident happened at the intersection of W. Ramona Expressway and Eagle Road, east of N. State Street, in San Jacinto.
A Mini Cooper sustained heavy front-end damage when it struck and killed a pedestrian crossing Ramona Expressway against a “Do not walk” signal. John Strangis photo
Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s San Jacinto Police Station and other emergency first responders were dispatched to the scene about 11 p.m., after several motorists and witnesses called 911 to report the accident, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Robert Himmelberg explained after the deadly collision.
When they arrived, officials found a Mini Cooper with heavy front-end damage and a pedestrian down in the roadway. The pedestrian was unresponsive and had sustained major, traumatic injuries.
Paramedics immediately began life-saving efforts; however, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s name has not been released pending further investigation and notification of the person’s family.
Deputies investigating the fatal collision determined that just before the collision the Mini Cooper was traveling westbound on Ramona Expressway approaching Eagle Road. At the same time the pedestrian was walking northbound across Ramona Expressway against the Do not walk signal, according to Himmelberg.
As the pedestrian stepped into the path of the oncoming Mini Cooper they abruptly stopped and were hit by the vehicle.
Sheriff’s officials work to photograph and document the scene after the deadly crash. John Strangis photo
The driver of the Mini Cooper reportedly remained at the scene and was cooperating with the collision investigation.
Alcohol and/or dug intoxication have not been ruled out as contributing factors in the accident.
During their investigation deputies called for the temporary closure of Ramona Expressway in both directions. The roadway was reopened after officials concluded their investigation and the damaged vehicle was removed from the scene.
The San Jacinto Police Department requests anyone having additional information regarding this incident to contact Deputy Bechtold at 951-654-2702. Callers can refer to incident file number I173490118 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.
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Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 27 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and has 13 children and 14 grandchildren.