Senior Struck, Killed By Suspected Hit-And-Run Driver In Riverside

RIVERSIDE, CA — A 21-year-old unlicensed driver allegedly struck and killed a senior walking on a Riverside street, then fled the scene but was later apprehended, authorities said Thursday.

Leonicio Gonzalez Cruz was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail Wednesday night on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death and driving without a license. Cruz is being held on $75,000 bail.

According to Riverside police Sgt. Tim Jensen, shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday, the victim, identified only as a 72-year-old Riverside man, was walking in one of the eastbound lanes of Magnolia Avenue when Cruz approached at an unconfirmed speed in a Dodge Charger.

Jensen alleged the suspect plowed into the victim, then sped away.

It was unclear whether the man was crossing the roadway or walking along the shoulder of the four-lane corridor.

Witnesses called 911, and paramedics reached the location within minutes, rendering aid to the gravely injured pedestrian until he was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where he died a short time later.

Jensen said based on evidence collected at the scene, officers were able to confirm Cruz's identity, and he was tracked to a residence just over a mile away on Cocopah Lane, near Collett Avenue, where he was taken into custody without incident at 8:30 p.m.

Background information on Cruz was unavailable.

—City News Service