A 72-year-old man was struck and killed by an unlicensed driver in Riverside on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024.
According to Riverside police Sgt. Tim Jensen, the incident occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. when the victim was walking in one of the eastbound lanes of Magnolia Avenue.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Leonicio C., was allegedly operating a Dodge Charger at an unconfirmed speed when he hit the pedestrian and fled the scene.
Emergency responders arrived at the location and rushed the gravely injured victim to Riverside Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Officers, using evidence collected at the scene, were able to track the vehicle driver to a residence on Cocopah Lane, just over a mile away, where he was arrested.
The driver was booked into the Robert Presley Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death and driving without a license. He is being held on $75,000 bail.
The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.