Hit and Run Driver Arrested for Killing a Pedestrian
Los Angeles: An elderly pedestrian was struck and killed by a speeding car that failed to stop for a red phase traffic signal.
On Thursday, May 24, 2007, at 10:50 AM, Mr. Jose Ortiz, 70, of Sylmar, was walking westbound on Polk Street, crossing Glenoaks Boulevard in the north crosswalk when he was struck by a blue 1997 Acura, which was northbound on Glenoaks Boulevard. The Acura was travelling at a high rate of speed and failed to stop for the red light. Due to his injuries, Mr. Ortiz died at the scene.
The Acura did not stop and continued northbound on Glenoaks Boulevard for about one mile. Witnesses who observed the collision gave chase and stopped the Acura at Glenoaks Boulevard and Roxford Street. The driver was detained at the scene by the witnesses and taken into custody by responding police officers.
The driver has been identified as Julia Elena O'Connor, 24, of Canyon Country. She was booked for Felony Vehicular Manslaughter and Felony Hit & Run at Van Nuys Jail. Her bail was set at $100,000.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Valley Traffic Detectives at 818-374-1930.
2007 archives 
