Hit and Run Driver Kills, Flees, Returns

April 25, 2009

Los Angeles – The 19-year-old driver of a vehicle that killed a pedestrian in the Athens district was arrested after he was chased by onlookers Friday night, the California Highway Patrol said.

Julio Santa Cruz was reportedly driving along the westbound lane Imperial Highway in his silver BMW when he hit and killed a crossing pedestrian at around 10pm.

Cruz then tried to flee but witnesses chased his vehicle which prompted him to return.

The 51-year-old pedestrian, Lazaro Miranda, was said to be crossing near New Hampshire Avenue when he was hit by Cruz. He died at the scene.