Fatal Hit-And-Run On SR-74 Linked To Lake Elsinore Woman: CHP

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A 42-year-old Lake Elsinore motorist was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of hitting a man while driving under the influence and leaving the victim to die.

According to a preliminary report from the California Highway Patrol, Mitzi Christina Reagers was heading west on state Route 74 in Lake Elsinore, east of Interstate 15, just west of Ardenwood Way.

It was about 9:27 p.m. when she hit a man who was pushing a shopping cart on the highway's shoulder, the CHP reported.

Just prior to the impact, Reagers was driving her 2018 Nissan Versa at about 45-50 mph and made "an unsafe turning movement" toward the victim, according to the CHP.

Reager's struck the man from behind and fled, the agency said.

When first responders arrived, they pronounced the victim dead at the scene. His identity was not released pending notification of next of kin. The CHP listed him as a John Doe.

Based on evidence and assistance from the sheriff's department, Reagers was found at a home in Lake Elsinore. Jail records show she was arrested just before midnight on Ocotillo Drive.

Reagers was booked into Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run causing death. She posted a $75,000 bail bond and was released from custody on Friday.

As of Friday afternoon, formal charges have not been filed against Reagers.

The CHP Temecula Area office is conducting the crash investigation. Witnesses who may have information about the incident are asked to contact the agency at 951-466-4300.