Oficers apprehended the suspect a mile away along Cocopah Lane, near Collett Avenue
RIVERSIDE, CA, (September 25, 2024) - A 72-year-old Riverside man was fatally struck by an unlicensed driver Wednesday evening in the eastbound lanes of Magnolia Avenue, according to authorities.
Leonicio Gonzalez Cruz faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that happened Wednesday evening on a Riverside street, according to police.
Tragically, the senior died from injuries at Riverside Community Hospital.
Investigators say a Dodge Charger driven by Leonicio Gonzalez Cruz, 21, slammed into the elderly man shortly after 7 p.m. Cruz reportedly fled the scene after the crash; however, he was tracked down by law enforcement officials just over a mile away on Cocopah Lane, near Collett Avenue.
The 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death and driving without a license.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Failure to remain on the collision site can attract criminal charges, and the victim can also pursue a case against the driver.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
Added Bond, the national analyst for Newsline, “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the pedestrian may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica today
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).