Traffic Collision Takes Life of Newport Beach Man, Injures Pedestrian

March 27, 2007

Los Angeles: A man involved in a traffic accident Monday afternoon caused multiple additional collisions when he tried to get away. A Newport Beach man lost his life as a result.

On March 26, 2007, around 4:45 p.m., a two-vehicle collision occurred when the driver of a 1999 GMC Yukon, Alfredo Cesar Ramirez, 33, of Los Angeles, struck the rear of a 1999 Honda Civic, near the intersection of Central Avenue and 6th Street. Ramirez fled the scene without identifying himself or rendering aid to the other driver.

Ramirez sped west on 8th Street at a high rate of speed, then north on San Pedro Street. At the intersection of San Pedro and 7th Street, Ramirez ran a red light, striking a vehicle driven by Stephen Howard Anthony, 48, of Newport Beach. The force of the impact caused Mr. Anthony’s vehicle to veer 80 feet north on San Pedro Street. A pedestrian crossing San Pedro Street westbound in the crosswalk was struck by Mr. Anthony’s vehicle.

Ramirez’s Yukon continued out of control and collided with a 1956 Chevrolet in the southbound #2 lane on San Pedro Street. The Chevrolet in turn careened backward and struck a 2005 Toyota Camry parked on San Pedro Street.

Mr. Anthony died of his injuries at the scene. The pedestrian was hospitalized at a local hospital with a fractured pelvis. The driver of the Chevrolet complained of pain but did not require medical attention.

Ramirez who also sustained injuries in the accidents, was arrested for murder 187 PC and taken by paramedics to the University of Southern California Medical Center Jail Ward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michael Kaden, Central Traffic Division, at 213-972-1825. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-972-1853.