Arrested: Nancy Diana Flores, female Hispanic, 21-year-old resident of Paramount, California
At approximately 1:10 a.m., the Newport Beach Police Department's Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a hit-and-run traffic collision at the intersection of Newport Boulevard and 30th Street. The collision involved a pedestrian and a grey 2007 Nissan 350z. At the time of the collision, the pedestrian was crossing the intersection and the vehicle was travelling southbound on Newport Boulevard.
The driver of the involved vehicle fled the area without stopping to render aid to the injured party. The pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries during the collision and was transported to a local trauma center for medical treatment. The man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital less than an hour after the collision occurred. At this time, the man is being identified only as a 24-year-old resident of Cypress, pending notification of next of kin.
Officers searched the area and located the involved vehicle, which had been abandoned near the intersection of 19th Street and Court Street, about 0.5 miles away from the collision site. After additional investigation, the driver was identified as Nancy Diana Flores. Ms. Flores was contacted in the city of Paramount and has been arrested for Manslaughter and Hit & Run Resulting in Death. We would like to thank the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for their assistance in this case.
The circumstances of the collision are still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Investigator Dave Darling at 949-644-3746 or [email protected].
Unfortunately, tragedies like this collision are far too common. In the next two hours (on average) another pedestrian will die from injuries sustained in a traffic collision, according to data from the Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Walking is good for your health, and good for the environment, but pedestrians are among the most vulnerable users of the road. Take steps to be safe when walking on roadways:
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Whenever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.
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Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing.
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It is safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if one is not available, walk on the shoulder and face traffic.
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Walking in traffic requires the same critical-thinking skills as riding a bicycle or driving a car. Apply the same advice that you learned as a child: stop, look both ways for approaching traffic, be safe, and be seen.
