Woman Killed By DUI Truck Driver On 91 Freeway In Corona: CHP

CORONA, CA — A woman suffered fatal injuries Monday when she was struck by a red pickup truck on the shoulder of the Riverside (91) Freeway in Corona and the man accused of striking her is also accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, authorities said.

The hit-and-run crash was reported at 2:06 a.m. on the eastbound Riverside Freeway at Green River Road, the California Highway Patrol said.

A woman told the CHP she pulled her car over because her dogs were jumping around and that her friend pulled over behind her, got out of her Nissan Altima, was struck by a pickup truck and the driver fled the scene, the CHP said.

The victim, who has been identified as 33-year-old Desiree Taitano of Riverside, died less than an hour later at the hospital, according to CHP and coroner's reports.

"The suspect vehicle, a red 2007 Ford F-150 was located, approximately 500 feet east of the location of the collision," the CHP said in a news release. "An extensive search of the surrounding area was conducted with the assistance of [the] Corona PD K9."

By 5:25 a.m., authorities had 48-year-old Jose Hidalgo in custody and arrested him on suspicion of hit-and-run, DUI and other charges, records show. He was released the same day on $75,000 bail.

"Alcohol is a factor in this incident," the CHP said.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call the CHP at 951-637-8000.

— City News Service contributed to this report.